Seven Churches & The Biblical Coast

1st Day: You will arrive in Istanbul, the largest city in modern Turkey. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to relax and rest.

2nd Day: We will have an extensive tour of Istanbul. Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents and was the capital of three great empires. Our first visit will be to the legendary Hagia Sophia, built 1,500 years ago and one of the greatest monuments of the Roman Empire. We will then visit the famous Blue Mosque and take a walk around the historic Hippodrome area. After lunch, we will enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and admire the beauty of Istanbul from the water. Overnight in Istanbul.

3rd Day: Today we will visit Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman Sultans ruled the empire for centuries. We will then visit Chora Church, one of the finest examples of Byzantine art, followed by St. Anthony of Padua Church. After lunch, you will have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and most famous shopping areas in the world. Overnight in Istanbul.

4th Day: In the morning, we will fly from Istanbul to Izmir. In Izmir, we will visit the Church of St. Polycarp, one of the early Christian martyrs. We will then drive to Pergamon, where one of the Seven Churches of Revelation was located, and have lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Acropolis of the ancient Kingdom of Pergamon and see the Red Basilica. On our way back to Izmir, we will visit Thyatira, another one of the Seven Churches. Overnight in Izmir.

5th Day: Today we will continue our journey through the Seven Churches of Revelation. We will visit Sardis, the ancient capital of the Lydian Kingdom and one of the Seven Churches. We will then visit Philadelphia, another important Biblical site. Overnight in Izmir.

6th Day: Today will be another highlight of our journey. After about one hour of driving, we will arrive in Ephesus. We will have an extensive tour of this magnificent ancient city. While sitting in the Great Theater, we will read from the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 19, where St. Paul preached to the people of Ephesus. We will also see the Church of Mary, traditionally associated with the Third Ecumenical Council. After leaving Ephesus, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, located on a nearby mountain. After lunch, we will visit the Basilica and Tomb of St. John, where we will read from his Gospel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

7th Day: Today we will take the famous PMD Tour. Our first stop will be Priene, an ancient city dedicated to the goddess Athena. We will then drive to Miletus, one of the most important centers of science, philosophy, and culture in the ancient world. After lunch, we will visit Didyma, home to the famous Temple of Apollo. Didyma means “twins” in Greek and refers to Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. The Temple of Apollo was one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Overnight in Kusadasi.

8th Day: Today we will visit Laodicea, the seventh and final Church of Revelation on our journey. In the afternoon, we will continue to another important Biblical site, Hierapolis, an ancient city famous for its thermal springs and known today as Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.

9th Day: We will drive to the Mediterranean Coast through the beautiful Taurus Mountains. Our first stop will be Perge, where St. Paul began his missionary journey in this region. After lunch, we will visit the remarkably well-preserved theater of Aspendos. Overnight in Antalya.

10th Day: Today we will drive along the beautiful Mediterranean Coast to Myra/Demre, the birthplace of St. Nicholas. Here we will visit the Church of St. Nicholas and the ancient city of Myra, famous for its impressive Lycian rock tombs. Overnight in Antalya.

11th Day: We will visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Turkey. Later, you will have the option to join a walking tour of the Old City of Antalya, followed by free time to explore the area on your own. Overnight in Antalya.

12th Day: Transfer to Antalya Airport for your flight home via Istanbul..