Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” (Rev. 1:11)

Turkey is home to all seven churches mentioned at the beginning of the Book of Revelation. These churches were located in Asia Minor during the time of the Roman Empire, around 100 A.D. In Revelation’s opening chapter, the author John sends his greetings and shares a vision he experienced while on the island of Patmos. This vision includes specific messages directed to seven Christian communities located in what is now modern-day Turkey. Some of these messages are addressed to the "angel" of the church, which may represent the city's spirit or a divine or earthly messenger.

Paul wrote 7 letters addressed to the people and angels of these 7 churches. The aim of these messages was to provide hope and encouragement for the believers who were facing persecution and hardship.

The seven churches referenced in the Book of Revelation—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—hold significant spiritual meaning for Christian communities today. It is possible to visit all of these sacred sites on a single tour. The tour itinerary is as follows:

Private 7 Churches of Revelation Tour (4 Days & 3 Nights)

Day 1 (Flight from Istanbul to Izmir)

We will pick you up directly from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Izmir Airport. Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, our team will greet you at the domestic terminal’s exit gate, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Izmir. Depending on your arrival time, the afternoon will be at your leisure. Overnight stay in Izmir.

Day 2 (Tour of Smyrna, Pergamon, and Thyatira – breakfast & lunch included)

Following breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel at around 08:30 AM to begin the day. Our first stop will be the Ancient City of Smyrna, which contains Hittite remains dating back nearly 4,000 years. Smyrna is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. One of its most famous figures, Polycarp, who served as a bishop from 115–156 A.D., was martyred for his Christian faith. John wrote to the Christians of Smyrna encouraging them to remain strong, saying: “…be faithful till death” (Revelation 2:10–11), which Polycarp exemplified.

We will then travel to the ancient city of Pergamum, where we’ll explore the remains of this once-great city, including the famous Asclepion Health Centre, a significant ancient medical facility. Our journey continues to the Thyatira ruins, now located within the modern city of Akhisar. You’ll spend the night in Akhisar.

Day 3 (Tour of Sardis, Philadelphia, Hierapolis and Laodecia, breakfast & lunch included)

Our day will begin early at around 08:30 AM, starting with a visit to Sardis, a prominent ancient city that once served as the capital of the Lydian Kingdom and held great political and cultural importance in Anatolia. The ruins at Sardis are truly remarkable, featuring structures such as public latrines, a grand gymnasium, the synagogue, and the Temple of Artemis. A small building located at the southern corner of the synagogue, dating back to the 4th century AD, is believed to have been an early Christian church, which is the subject of John’s letter to the church at Sardis in the Book of Revelation.

Next, we’ll head to Philadelphia, famously known as the "City of Brotherly Love." Although not much remains today, you can still see parts of the ancient city walls and several arches from the late Byzantine period.

Following that, we will explore the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea. Laodicea holds a significant place in Christian history and has been recognized as a Holy pilgrimage site since the 4th century CE. Cited in the Bible as one of the seven churches in Revelation, it was added to the UNESCO Tentative List in 2013 due to its historical and cultural value.

Then, we’ll visit Hierapolis Ancient City, famous for its thermal springs and white travertine terraces, offering a breathtaking experience at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site also features the largest necropolis (cemetery) in Anatolia, housing over 1,200 tombs. What sets Hierapolis apart is its monumental limestone and marble tombs, sarcophagi, house-shaped burial structures, and the Martyrium of St. Philip the Evangelist. The city is also referenced in the New Testament by St. Paul, who mentions it alongside Laodicea as part of Epaphras’ ministry. Overnight stay will be in Pamukkale.

Day 4 (Tour of Ephesus, St. John Basilica and House of Mary, breakfast & lunch included)

On our final day, we will head towards Selçuk to explore the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus, once one of the most influential cities in the classical world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, Ephesus holds deep spiritual meaning for Christians. It was from Ephesus that Paul delivered his sermons, Timothy offered his teachings, and John issued a warning to the Ephesian church saying, “…you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4)

As part of the tour, we’ll visit the historic Basilica of St. John, built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. According to tradition, the tomb of the Apostle John lies beneath the main dome of this grand structure. We will conclude the tour with a stop at the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her final years under the care of St. John. Afterward, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul.

The rate list for this private tour will be as:

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