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SEVEN CHURCHES TOUR of REVELATION
SEVEN CHURCHES TOUR of REVELATION
Step into a journey unlike any other—an unforgettable experience that takes you deep into the heart of early Christian history. This 10-day tour traces the sacred path of the Seven Churches, as written in the Book of Revelation, all nestled within the borders of modern-day Turkey.
Travel through time as you visit the ancient cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—each with its own profound legacy, captivating ruins, and spiritual echoes. From walking among the monumental columns of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus to standing before the remains of the Church of St. John in İzmir (ancient Smyrna), every site tells a story etched in both scripture and stone.
This immersive journey weaves together the living culture of today with the enduring faith of the past. Alongside these biblical sites, you’ll also witness the natural and historical wonders of Turkey—from the thermal terraces of Pamukkale and the sacred ruins of Hierapolis, to the legendary land of Troy in Çanakkale.
Begin your pilgrimage in vibrant Istanbul, where East meets West, then follow the turquoise Aegean coastline southward, uncovering layers of history, myth, and revelation.
Gallery
Your sacred adventure begins here. Upon arrival in Istanbul, a Majesty UK Travel representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport holding a clearly visible sign and will assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Istanbul, where continents meet and empires once rose and fell, offers a remarkable introduction to your journey. With its deep-rooted history and vibrant spirit, the city blends ancient and modern in a way few others can. Formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, Istanbul has for centuries been a cultural, spiritual, and commercial crossroads between Europe and Asia.
If time allows before your welcome meeting, feel free to explore the city’s legendary landmarks—perhaps take in the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque or lose yourself among the colors and sounds of the Grand Bazaar. Istanbul's unique position along the old Silk Road shaped it into one of the most important cities in world history.
Turkish cuisine is an experience in itself—rich, comforting, and shaped by a blend of Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Central Asian influences. As you prepare to trace the footsteps of early Christianity through the Seven Churches, Istanbul sets the perfect tone with its layers of tradition and faith.
For guests arriving on time, your Tour Leader plans to gather everyone for a welcome meeting in the hotel reception area around 7:00 PM. Afterwards, you're welcome to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
If you'd like to take advantage of our complimentary arrival transfer, please ensure your flight arrives at either Istanbul Airport (IST)—approximately 1.5 hours from the city center—or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)—which may take up to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions. There are no scheduled activities today, so you are free to arrive in Istanbul at your convenience.
Important Information – Welcome Meeting & Insurance Details
Your safety and preparation are our highest priority. Please ensure you have your travel insurance documents with you upon arrival. Attending the welcome meeting (between 6:00–7:00 PM) is essential, as we will be collecting your insurance details along with emergency contact (next of kin) information at that time.
If you expect to arrive later than the scheduled time, kindly inform your travel agent or notify the hotel reception directly. For details on the exact location of the meeting, please check the hotel lobby notice board or ask reception staff for guidance.
Accommodation
Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar
Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
After breakfast, we set out to explore the enchanting heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula. As we walk through the city’s ancient core, we’ll pause to admire iconic landmarks including the stunning Blue Mosque, the historic Hippodrome, the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia—each a testament to Istanbul’s layered past.
Later in the day, you’ll have the option to join a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. This legendary waterway not only divides two continents—Europe and Asia—but also links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. While gliding between worlds, we’ll take in unforgettable views of waterfront palaces, centuries-old fortresses, and elegant wooden mansions that line the shore.
The evening concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in vibrant Istanbul.
Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Blue Mosque
Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia
Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum
Optional Activities
Bosphorus Boat Cruise – EUR 15
Entrance Fees
Blue Mosque – Free
Hagia Sophia – Free
Topkapi Palace Museum – 200 TL
Rise early for breakfast, then begin a scenic journey southward, passing through fertile farmlands and tracing the southern shores of the Sea of Marmara. Our route leads us toward the historic Dardanelles Strait, the narrow waterway that links the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea—one of the world’s most strategic passages.
We arrive in the coastal city of Çanakkale, a vibrant port town set along the edge of the Dardanelles. Take time to enjoy lunch at your own pace before we continue to one of the most solemn and significant sites of the 20th century: the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Here, we explore the battle-scarred grounds of the ANZAC landings, where one of World War I’s most tragic Allied campaigns unfolded in 1915. Each year, thousands from around the globe journey to Gallipoli to honor the lives lost on these rugged shores.
As we walk the former front lines, you’ll see remnants of trenches once used by Turkish soldiers, and visit key memorial sites such as Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. With your guide’s insight, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the immense human cost and emotional legacy of this historic campaign. Gaze out over the wild, unforgiving hills that claimed so many young lives—both Turkish and Allied.
We conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Çanakkale.
Accommodation
After breakfast, we journey south toward Selçuk, tracing a route steeped in myth, scripture, and empire. Our first stop is the legendary city of Troy, where history and mythology intertwine. Immortalized in Homer’s Iliad, Troy stirs the imagination with tales of epic battles and cunning heroes. Your guide will walk you through the remains of its ancient city walls, and you’ll have a chance to snap a photo with a replica of the famous Trojan Horse.
Next, we continue to Alexandria Troas, an ancient port town referenced in Acts 16:13 and 20:7, where Paul raised Eutychus from the dead. Though often overlooked, this site holds profound biblical importance and offers a quiet moment of reflection on the path of early Christian missions.
From here, we travel through rich farmlands and gentle coastal hills, arriving in Bergama, modern-day Pergamum—once one of the most powerful cultural and spiritual centers in the ancient world. After the death of Alexander the Great, Pergamum rose in prominence and came under Roman control by 133 B.C. Despite its wealth and prestige, Revelation 2:13–16 records a stern warning from the risen Christ, calling Pergamum the location of “Satan’s throne” and urging repentance.
We ascend to the city’s Acropolis, perched high atop a windswept mountain. From here, you’ll take in panoramic views of modern villages, the glistening Aegean Sea, and the cascading ruins of Pergamum itself. Highlights include the Temple of Trajan, Temple of Athena, and the Altar of Zeus—though today only its foundation remains. The altar’s grand frieze, once among the most spectacular in antiquity, was removed stone by stone and taken to Berlin, where it resides in a museum.
Fortunately, Pergamum’s dramatic Great Theatre has endured the centuries. Built into the steep slope of the hill, this architectural marvel could seat up to 10,000 people and remains an acoustic wonder. Nearby lie the ruins of the Library of Pergamum, which once rivaled even Alexandria’s famed library with its collection of over 200,000 scrolls—many of which were later gifted to Cleopatra by Mark Antony.
We end the day with a visit to the Asklepion, the ancient world’s answer to a wellness retreat. Known as one of the earliest holistic healing centers, the Asklepion welcomed patients from across the Roman Empire—including Emperors Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. It was here that the renowned physician Galen studied and laid the foundations of Western medicine.
This rich and reflective day concludes with dinner and overnight in Selçuk (near Izmir), at the doorstep of Ephesus and the continuing journey through the Seven Churches.
Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Troy - Archaeological site visit Selcuk
Pergamum – Archaeological site
The Acropolis, Asclepion and the Red Basilica
Temple of Trajan, The Temple of Athena, and the Altar of Zeus.
Admission Fee: (per person)
Troy - Archaeological site visit TRY 75
Pergamum Archaeological site – 100 TRY
Cable Car – 35 TRY
After breakfast, our morning begins with a visit to the archaeological remains of ancient Smyrna, nestled within the heart of modern-day Izmir. Once a thriving port city of the Roman Empire, Smyrna holds a sacred place among the Seven Churches of Revelation. It was here that the Apostle John delivered the divine message: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). As we explore the remnants of this once-magnificent city, we reflect on the resilience and faith of its early Christian community.
Later, we journey inland to Akhisar, the modern town that now stands where ancient Thyatira once flourished. Known for its industrious spirit and vibrant trade, Thyatira was commended in the Book of Revelation for its growing faith and service—but also warned against the influence of false teachings: “I know your deeds, your love and faith... yet I have this against you: you tolerate that woman Jezebel” (Revelation 2:18–28).
Our day concludes with dinner and overnight accommodation back in Izmir, leaving us with powerful reflections from two of the most spiritually significant sites in early Christianity.
After breakfast, we set off to explore Sardis, once a mighty city of military strength and material wealth, positioned strategically along a major trade route and nestled within the fertile Hermus Valley (modern-day Gediz River). Though outwardly vibrant and influential, the message delivered to the church in Sardis was sobering: “You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1–6).
As we walk the marble-paved Royal Road, we’ll uncover Sardis’s grandeur—visiting the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the monumental gymnasium complex, and one of the most remarkable synagogues of the ancient world. Excavations led by Harvard and Cornell Universities have uncovered more than eighty Greek and seven Hebrew inscriptions, along with intricate mosaic flooring, confirming this synagogue’s exceptional status in antiquity.
In the afternoon, we journey to the town of Alaşehir, ancient Philadelphia—a community praised with no rebuke in Revelation and honored for its enduring faith: “I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:7–13). Here, we explore the remains of a Byzantine basilica, with traces of 11th-century frescoes still clinging to its red-brick walls, whispering stories of devotion across the centuries.
Our day concludes with dinner and overnight in Pamukkale, where natural wonder and ancient spirituality meet.
After breakfast, we begin our day at Pamukkale, famously known as the “Cotton Castle” for its striking white travertine terraces that cascade down the hillside like frozen waterfalls. You’ll have the chance to walk barefoot in the warm mineral-rich waters, just as ancient visitors once did seeking healing and renewal.
We continue to the archaeological site of Hierapolis, a key center of early Christianity and one of the cities where the Apostle Paul’s influence was deeply felt (Colossians 4:13). Perched atop Pamukkale’s natural wonder, Hierapolis was known throughout the Roman world as a therapeutic spa city. Its thermal pools were believed to cure various ailments, attracting pilgrims from far and wide.
Our tour includes some of Hierapolis’s most impressive ruins: the Roman theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and remnants of grand colonnaded streets that hint at the city’s former glory.
Next, we travel to Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, where the message delivered was direct and unforgettable: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot… So, because you are lukewarm... I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16). Laodicea’s rebuke was not for persecution or error, but for indifference—a warning against spiritual complacency and a call to wholehearted commitment.
As we walk through Laodicea, we explore the remains of the stadium, gymnasium, and two impressive theatres, which offer a vivid glimpse into the city's wealth and status during the Roman era.
Our final stop today is Colossae, a once-important city now largely unexcavated, lying quietly in obscurity. Though ruins are faint and scattered, this is the place addressed by Paul in his Letter to the Colossians—a letter filled with wisdom, correction, and encouragement for believers navigating the early church. We end this spiritually rich day with dinner and overnight in Pamukkale, surrounded by both natural beauty and sacred history.
After breakfast, we travel to Aphrodisias, once a radiant city dedicated to Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of beauty, love, and fertility. Nestled in the hills of Anatolia, this site offers one of the most breathtaking examples of Greco-Roman art and architecture. As we walk through the city’s beautifully preserved stadium, temples, and colonnaded streets, we’ll sense the elegance and grandeur that once defined this sacred space.
A highlight of our visit is the Aphrodisias Museum, home to a magnificent collection of sculptures and relief panels, many of which were uncovered from the Sebasteion—a temple complex glorifying both Aphrodite and the Roman emperors. The intricate artistry carved in marble stands as a timeless testament to the city's devotion and artistic mastery.
We then continue our journey to Miletus, an ancient coastal city that played a central role in early Christianity. It was here that Paul the Apostle, on his return to Jerusalem during his Third Missionary Journey, gathered the elders of Ephesus for a deeply emotional farewell (Acts 20:17–38). Among the ruins of Miletus, the echoes of Paul’s words still resonate—words of faith, leadership, and heartfelt parting.
We conclude the day with dinner and overnight in Kuşadası, a peaceful seaside town that now embraces both ancient memory and modern hospitality.
After breakfast, we set out on a remarkable journey to one of the world’s greatest ancient cities—Ephesus. As we travel by coach, sit back and take in the beautiful Turkish countryside. Rolling hills, quaint villages, and glimpses of daily rural life accompany us en route to one of the most legendary archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Nestled in the modern town of Selçuk, ancient Ephesus dazzles visitors with its remarkably preserved ruins. Once a thriving Greek settlement founded in the 11th century B.C., Ephesus later flourished under Roman rule, becoming the capital of Asia Minor and a center of political power, commerce, and early Christianity.
The city’s spiritual legacy is profound—Paul the Apostle preached here for two years and later became bishop of the Ephesian Church before being exiled to Patmos. As we walk along the Marble Road, we’ll encounter the Fountain of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, and the grand Library of Celsus, a true jewel of Roman architecture. We'll also visit the Great Theatre, where Paul once faced opposition from merchants angered by the growing Christian movement (Acts 19:23). With seating for 26,000, its sheer scale still leaves visitors in awe.
Highlights also include the Terrace Houses, the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, and the nearby Basilica of St. John, believed to be the final resting place of the beloved disciple.
In the afternoon, we journey to Meryemana (The House of the Virgin Mary), a peaceful sanctuary nestled in the hills, revered as the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus. Here, amid the olive trees and candle-lit chapels, many find a quiet moment of reflection.
Our final stop today is the picturesque hilltop village of Şirince, known for its charming stone houses, cobblestone alleys, and locally produced fruit wines. As the sun begins to set, we’ll enjoy a tasting of these unique wines and learn about traditional Turkish rug weaving, a craft kept alive by the skilled hands of local artisans. Whether or not you’re in search of a new rug, the stories, techniques, and hospitality of the weavers—always served with a warm glass of tea—offer a memorable cultural encounter.
We return to Kuşadası in the evening for dinner and overnight stay, carrying with us the echoes of a day steeped in history, faith, and Anatolian charm.
As your unforgettable adventure across the sacred lands of Turkey draws to a close, we at Majesty UK Travel want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us on this meaningful journey.
After breakfast, it will be time to check out from the hotel and say our goodbyes. We are truly honored that you chose us as your travel companion, allowing us to guide you through Turkey’s rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and culture.
We hope that the experiences you’ve had, the stories you’ve heard, and the places you’ve walked—where saints once preached and empires once rose—will stay with you for a lifetime. It has been a joy to share these moments with you.
If you wish to extend your stay in Izmir, please let us know—we’d be happy to assist with additional accommodation arrangements, subject to availability. For those with pre-booked airport transfers, our team will escort you to Izmir Airport at the designated time.
Thank you once again for being a part of the Majesty UK Travel family. Until our paths cross again, we wish you safe travels and endless inspiration.
Services Included
- Complimentary private airport transfers on arrival date (Day 1) of the Tour (between 05:00 - 23:00). Departure airport transfer is also available if you book pre- accommodation with us.
- Accommodation in top-class, authentic, comfortable and ideally located hotels.
- Hotel (9 Nights) 4 – 5 Star hotels.
- 9 Breakfasts
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- Local & Expert Travel Director throughout your trip.
- Tour Guiding Services of experienced Majesty Uk Travel local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Transfer between the destinations mentioned in the included activities of Itinerary.
- 24/7 on-ground support
Services Not Included
- Any flights not mentioned above
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not stated above
- Items of a personal nature
- Tipping Kitty: EUR 20pp
- Optional activities (Almost %90 of Optional Included the Price).
- Entrance fees to the Sights and Museums
- Other services not stated in the itinerary
Note : Prices of Optional Activities and Entrance fees to the sights and museums are subject to change.
Tour Notes
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, what`s included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
Dates / Prices
| Date | Options | Availability | Price | 13.09.2025 - 22.09.2025 | Per Person in (Twin - Double - Triple) Bed Room(s) | Available | 1.490,00 £ | Single (Own Room) | Available | 1.790,00 £ | 11.10.2025 - 20.10.2025 | Per Person in (Twin - Double - Triple) Bed Room(s) | Available | 1.490,00 £ | Single (Own Room) | Available | 1.790,00 £ | 04.04.2026 - 13.04.2026 | Per Person in (Twin - Double - Triple) Bed Room(s) | Available | 1.490,00 £ | Single (Own Room) | Available | 1.790,00 £ |
