The Tour Of Seven Churches In Asia Minor (Modern Turkey)

Guaranteed departure everyday, all year-round in 2008 !

Day 1: Istanbul - Izmir - Smyrna (by plane)
Arrive in Izmir. Meet and transfer to hotel. Visit the Church of St. POLICARP which is the oldest church in ancient Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) it symbolized the community of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Then visit Kadifekale (Velvet castle), built by Alexander the Great overlooking the bay of Izmir. Overnight Izmir.

Day 2: Pergamum - Asclepion - Thyatira.
Drive to Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) , and visit to Acropolis and Asklepion. its majestic acropolis was built on a commanding hill above the modern city of Bergama. After lunch visit the grand theater, which has almost perfect acoustics, the Red basilica and the ancient medical center, the Asclepion. This was the home town of Galen, the second century renowned doctor and surgeon and his temple, the asclepium was devoted to healing. Then visit the majestic acropolis in Pergamum . After having lunch, continue to Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29, Acts 16:14) where mentioned in the book of Revelation by St. John, see the ruins of the early Christian basilica, a colonnaded road and a large church. Return to Izmir.

Day 3: Izmir - Sardis - Philadelphia - Pamukkale
After having breakfast drive to Sardis where visit to ancient synagogue, one of the most picturesque area of any of the churches. Visit the Temple of Artemis, a small Byzantine church, a recently restored gymnasium and the great synagogue Lunch and we continue, proceed to Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13 ).  Then, continue to Pamukkale to visit Laodicea. Afternoon drive through beautiful country side to Laodicea, which in St. Paul's days became a rich city being on the cross roads of travel between Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) and Hierapolis. Continue to Alasehir ancient (Philadelphia) the city of brotherly love, another of the cities of Seven Churches. Afternoon drive to Hierapolis. Have a tour of the spectacular natural site of Pamukkale. Its hot thermal springs of calcium spill over the plateau's edge creating dazzling white formations called Cotton Castles. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis which also was the home of Papias and Epicitus, early Christian writers and Philip the Evangelist. The Martyrium of St. Philip, an octagonal chamber has recently been discovered. Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 4: Pamukkale - Laodicea - Aphrodisias - Kusadasi
Morning visit to Eskihisar, the ancient Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22, Colossians 2:1, 4:13-16), then drive to Aphrodisias, the city of the Goddess of Love, see the well preserved Stadium, The Temple of Aphrodite, the Odeon, the theater, Agora and Hadrian Bath.
Overnight Kusadasi.  

Day 5: Kusadasi – Ephesus - Kusadasi
Ephesus (Revelation 1:11, 2:1-7, Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41, Ephesians) the city dedicated to Artemis, the best preserved ancient city of Asia Minor with its majestic theater, marble road, Temple of Artemis, the Church of the Virgin Mary or the Double Church, the library of Celsus, the stadium, the lecture hall Tyrannus where St. Paul held daily discussions (Acts 19.9). For two years St. Paul taught here from eleven to four during the hottest hours of the day when the hall was empty. Then visit the Church of St. John and his Tomb in Selcuk before driving to the Last Home of the Virgin Mary, who was brought to Ephesus by John, the beloved disciple of Jesus. The home of Virgin Mary on a hill top, where she lived out her days is now visited by over a hundred thousand pilgrims each year. The pilgrims drink the water of the sacred spring, meditate and pray for health at this ancient spot of worship. Both Pope Paul VI in 1967 and Pope John Paul II in 1979 have celebrated mass here.
Overnight Kusadasi.  
 
Day 6: Transfer to Izmir airport for your flight.

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