Day 1: Istanbul – Ephesus (The First Love) & Laodicea (The Lukewarm Church)
Early this morning, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, we journey to Selçuk to begin our sacred pilgrimage through the Seven Churches of Asia Minor.
Ephesus: We begin where St. Paul preached and where St. John sheltered the early Church. Explore the grand ancient city and reflect on Christ’s letter to Ephesus, praising their endurance but warning them against losing their “first love” (Revelation 2:4).
The House of the Virgin Mary & St. John Basilica: Visit the peaceful hill of Mt. Koressos, where Blessed Mary spent her final days on Earth, and stand at the burial site of St. John the Apostle, the author of Revelation.
Laodicea: Following lunch, we drive to the crossroads of the ancient world. Here, we walk among the ruins of Laodicea, the church famously rebuked for being “neither cold nor hot” (Revelation 3:15-16). Reflect on the spiritual wealth offered by Christ versus the material wealth of this ancient banking center.
Day 2: Hierapolis, Philadelphia (The Faithful), Sardis (The Dying), & Thyatira (The Corrupted)
Today we follow the footsteps of the early saints across the Anatolian heartland, tracing a path of faith, endurance, and correction.
Hierapolis & Pamukkale: Begin the morning where St. Philip the Evangelist was martyred. Walk through the ancient Christian necropolis and marvel at the white calcium terraces, whose thermal waters were famously contrasted with Laodicea’s lukewarm springs.
Philadelphia: We drive to the city of brotherly love. This faithful community received no rebuke from Christ, only the promise of an “open door that no one can shut” (Revelation 3:8).
Sardis: Continue to the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom. We explore the massive gymnasium and the Temple of Artemis—part of which was later sanctified into a Christian church. Here, we ponder the sobering words to a church that had a reputation for being alive but was spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1).
Thyatira: We journey toward Bergama, stopping at Thyatira. Known for its trade guilds, this church was praised for its growing faith and charity, yet warned against tolerating false teachings (Revelation 2:19-20).
Day 3: Pergamon (The Throne of Satan) – Smyrna (The Persecuted) – Istanbul / Izmir
Our final day brings us to the sites of ultimate sacrifice and unwavering devotion.
Pergamon Acropolis: Ascend to the breathtaking heights of the Acropolis. We will view the foundations of the Altar of Zeus, referred to in scripture as the place “where Satan has his throne,” and honor the memory of Antipas, Christ’s faithful martyr (Revelation 2:13).
The Red Basilica (Red Court): Visit this massive Roman temple later converted into a monumental Christian basilica dedicated to St. John.
Smyrna (Modern Izmir): After lunch, we return to Izmir to visit ancient Smyrna. Stand in the home of the early Church father St. Polycarp (a disciple of St. John) who was martyred here. We reflect on the words of comfort given to this suffering but spiritually rich church: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).
Following our time in Smyrna, transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul, or extend your journey with our ongoing tour packages through the Holy Sites of Turkey and Greece.
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)
Price Includes
All boutique & religious heritage accommodations mentioned in the itinerary.
All meals specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
All biblical tours and transfers in private, air-conditioned, non-smoking coaches.
All museum and ancient scriptural site entrance fees.
Services of a professional, licensed English-speaking biblical guide.
Price Excludes
Personal expenses.
All flight tickets (domestic and international flights can be recommended and booked upon request).
Gratuities/Tips for your spiritual guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
