Seven Churches of Asia Minor 9 Days
Tour overview:
Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey’s bustling metropolis located on the crossroads of Asian and European cultures. Take a guided tour of its world renowned attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. Drive to Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Nek and Conk Bair. Visit Troy, the battleground of the legendary Trojan War before departing to the Acropolis. Discover the rich history behind local Turkish handicrafts after visiting Ephesus and Sirince. Travel to the modern town of Akhisor, where Christianity spread rapidly and was one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. From exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis to Sardis – the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, this 9-day tour is the equivalent of a master class in the region’s history of religion.
Day 1 - Arrive Istanbul
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our representative before transfer to your Hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure .
Day 2 - Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, a guided tour to Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Spice Bazaar will commence. The day ends wıth an overnight stay in Istanbul. Optional dinner with a Turkish show is avaliable tonight.(B)
Day 3 - Canakkale
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine and 57th Regiment Memorial, cross the Dardanelles. Overnight stay in Canakkale.(BD)
Day 4 - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi
After breakfast at the hotel drive to legendary Troy; the site where the Trojan War took place. Crossing the mountain Ida, arrival to Pergamum Rev2:12-17 Visit Acropolis, drive through Smirne before chek in to your hotel in Kusadasi (BD)
Day 5 - Ephesus - Kusadasi
After breakfast a short drive to visit Ephesus and Sirince, we will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, tiles. Return to Kusadasi for overnight stay.(BD)
Day 6 - Smirne - Thyateria ***
In the morning, drive to the modern town of Akhisor, on the site of the old Lydian city of Thyateira. This was one of the towns where Christianity spread rapidly and it was one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Return to Kusadasi for overnight. (BD )
Day 7 - Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Laodicea
Morning drive to Pamukkale through the fertile plain of Meander and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis as well as travertine afternoon visit to Laodicea, situated seven kilometres from Pamukkale and the seven churches of Asia Minor. Overnight in Pamukkale. (BD)
Day 8 - Pamukkale - Philadelphia - Sardis
Morning drive to Philadelphia Revelation (3: 7-13) then continue to Sardis In the New Testament (Rev 2; 18-29) In our visit to Sardis, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia, we will see a Roman era Synagogue, a well preserved gymnasium and other ruins(Rev 3: - 6 ). Arrival to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul (B).
Day 9 - Depart Istanbul
After breakfast at your hotel transfer to the airport for your flight.(B)