Smyrna (Izmir) - Pergamon (Bergama) - Laodicea - Hierapolis (Pamukkale) - Ephesus
We have a background in sharing the Western Part of Turkey's Christian Heritage with others, having worked with a broad selection of churches and mission organisations over the years. We are always pleased to organise Biblical Tours of Western Turkey. We are sure that you will find them interesting whether you are a Christian or religious person or simply interested.
There are many possibilities for these tours, depending on how long you area able to tour for. A 1 day tour can take you to many sights of Christian interest in Ephesus. If you have 2 or more days there are many more possibilities such as a tour incorporating ancient cities of Pergamon, Laodicea, Hierapolis (Pamukkale) etc. Get in touch for more details.
For travelers who have limited time and interest to Biblical History. Our recommendation would be to visit the best preserved biblical sights at western part of Turkey and do day trips to them out of Selcuk or Kusadasi towns. Tours are leaded by expert licensed tour guides who has excellent biblical knowledge and locals of the areas. | |
Day 1 - Smyrna (Izmir) - Pergamon (Bergama)
Depart from your hotel or Izmir Airport. Drive to Izmir, the third largest city of Turkey. Known as Smyrna in the biblical times. Visit the remains of Ancient Agora in Smyrna. From ancient Smyrna there is not much left. The remains of the ancient city is under the modern buildings. Smyrna is mentioned in the Book of Revelation known as the city of prosecution. Continue to the ancient city of Pergamon. Mentioned in the book of revelation in the new testament among the seven churches of asia minor. The city was known as the city where the throne of satan is located. Visit acropolis and asklepion, the ancient famous hospital Drive to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Tour Timings:
08.30am - Meet at Izmir Airport
09.30am - Visit Smyrna and Izmir city Center
10.30am - Leave Izmir
12.15pm - Lunch
1.30pm - Visit Pergamon Acropolis
3.00pm - Visit Asclepion
7.00pm - Arrive Kusadasi
Day 2 - Laodicea - Hierapolis (Pamukkale)
After leaving your hotel, drive south east through the fertile lands. Your first stop will be Laodicea. Once a trade city which was known with glossy black wool and eye salve trade. Mentioned in the Book of Revelation as the luke warm city. Afterwards visit ancient Hierapolis which is known as Pamukkale today. Natural thermal springs which has high density of chalk inside formed glacier looking terraces on the areas where flowed for thousands of years. Walk on the white terraces of Pamukkale. Drive back to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Tour Timings:
08.00am - Depart Kusadasi
11.00am - Visit Laodicea
12.15pm - Lunch
1.30pm - Visit Hierapolis and Pamukkale
7.30pm - Arrive Kusadasi
Day 3 - Basilica of St. John, House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus
After meeting your guide drive through the fertile lands. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Afterwards proceed to the mountain where Virgin Mary is believed to spent her 9 years. The house is approximately 1000 feet above sea level and running as an active chapel. Roman Catholics believe that Virgin Mary came to Ephesus with Saint. John 5 years after the crucification. At the age of 63 she is assumed to heaven. Altough there is no fact that Virgin Mary lived here approximately 1.5 million people visit the site each year. After 30 minutes visit to the House of Mary, drive to ancient city of Ephesus. You will be dropped at the upper gate of Ephesus with your tour guide. Start exploring the city. You will be walking down the hill approximately 1.5hrs. You will see the Odeon, the basilica, domitian square, fountain of Trajan, Celcus library, Terrace Houses (optional), Marble street, the Grand Theater of Ephesus and the Harbour Street. You will be endng your tour at the bottom gate.
Tour Timings:
08.30am - Depart Kusadasi
09.00am - Visit Basilica of St. John
10.30am - Visit House of Virgin Mary
12.00pm - Visit Ephesus
2.00pm - Lunch and see the local handcrafts
5.00pm - Arrive Kusadasi
Day 4 - Sardis, Philadephia, Thyatira
After departing Kusadasi. Drive 2 hours to Sardis, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Walk the Royal Avenue and see the site of the Church of Sardis. Continue to the ancient Philadelphia Church at Alasehir, the youngest of the Seven Churches of Revelation, visiting the remains of an early church and the city walls. Finally at Akhisar we visit the Church of ancient Thyatira, another one of the 7 churches, set in an ancient commercial town with strong ties to Troy and Sardis. At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to Izmir airport for your next destination.
Tour Timings:
08.00am - Depart Kusadasi
10.00am - Visit Sardes
12.00pm - Visit Philadelphia
2.00pm - Visit Thyatira
6.00pm - Arrive Izmir Airport
The cost of the above private tour: 700 Euro (Total to be paid for the group of 1-6 people) The price includes:
The price does not include:
For more information, please contact us. | Recommended hotels to stay in Kusadasi: (booking.com links) |