7 Churches of Revelation Tour

3 Days Tour of the Biblical sites in Western Turkey 7 Churches of Revelation

​Smyrna (Izmir) - Pergamon (Bergama) - Laodicea - 
​Hierapolis (Pamukkale) - Ephesus - Sardis - Philadephia - Thyatira

For many generations Christians, or those who simply have an interest in Christian history and traditions, have traveled to the western part of Turkey which was known as Asia Minor in the biblical times, filled with the incredible Christian history and background. The Asia Minor is known for the 7 churches of the Book of Revelation. On top of that St. Paul travelled to the area several times. Near Ephesus, there is a possible house where Virgin Mary spent her last years. Ephesus and the surrounding areas had a history of spiritual awakening and Christian revival.
We offer private biblical tours of the 7 Churches of Revelation visiting the Biblical Sites in Western Turkey.

Biblical Tour Review

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, visiting ​seven churches of revelation and beyond.  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.

What are the names of 7 Churches of Revelations today?

The Seven Churches of Revelation are ancient churches that St John wrote about in The book of Revelation of the New Testament. All the 7 churches mentioned are located at the western part of modern Turkey. Biblical sites in Western Turkey:

1. Ephesus - Selcuk, Izmir
2. Smyrna -  Izmir City Center
3. Pergamon - Bergama, Izmir
4. Thyateira - Akhisar, Manisa
5. Sardis - Sart, Salihli, Manisa
6. Philadelphia - Alaşehir, Manisa
7. Laodicea - Denizli

Below please find suggested tour program:

Day 1 - Basilica of St. John, House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus
After meeting your guide at Izmir Airport or at an Izmir airport hotel, 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. Although 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. Drive approximately 3 hours to Pamukkale. Ovenight in Pamukkale.

Tour Timings:
08.00am - Depart Izmir Airport or an Izmir Airport Hotel.
09.00am - Visit Basilica of St. John
10.00am - Visit House of Virgin Mary
11.30pm - Visit Ephesus
2.00pm - Lunch and see the local handcrafts
4.00pm - Depart Selcuk Town
7.00pm - Arrive Pamukkale for overnight.

Day 2 - Laodicea - Hierapolis (Pamukkale) - Sardis - Philadephia - Thyatira
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. After lunch drive 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. Continue to Sardis, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Walk the Royal Avenue and see the site of the Church of Sardis.  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.  Drive to Bergama for overnight.

Tour Timings:
08.00am - Depart your hotel in Pamukkale
8.30am - Visit Laodicea
10.00am, - Visit Hierapolis (Pamukkale)
12.15pm - Lunch
2.00pm - Visit Philadelphia
3.00pm - Visit Sardes
6.00pm - Visit Thyatra
8.00pm - Arive Bergama for overnight.

Day 3 -  Pergamon (Bergama) - Smyrna (Izmir)
Depart from your hotel for 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. After lunch 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. Your tour will end at Izmir airport. 

Tour Timings:
08.00am - Depart your hotel in Bergama
08.30am - Visit Acropolis
11.30am - Visit Asklepion
12.15pm - Lunch
3.00pm - Visit Smyrna
5.00pm - Arrive Izmir Airport

The cost of the above private tour: 760 Euro (Total to be paid for the group of 1-5 people)

The price includes:

• Excellent local licensed Englsih speaking tour guide.
• Mercedes V-Class Minibus
• Transportation costs
• Service charges
• Lunches
• Parking fees to the sites.

The price does not include:

• Hotel Accommodation
• Entrance costs to the sites
• Drinks during lunches​

* We recommend the guests to obltain Museum Pass Turkey or Museum Pass Aegean. This would be a more economical option for the costs of entry to the sites,
* If you need a private transfer from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi, the cost of private transfer 50 Euros.

​For more information, please contact us.

Recommended hotels to stay : 
(booking.com links)
Izmir Airport Hotels:

• Orty Airport Hotel
• Tav Airport Hotel Izmir
• ​DoubleTree By Hilton Izmir Airport

Kusadasi :

• Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel - 4 Stars
• Double Tree by Hilton Hotel - 4 Stars

• Hotel Ilayda - 3 Stars

Selcuk :

• Saint John Hotel​​
• Cella Hotel

• Nea Efesos Hotel

​Pamukkale :

• Venus Suite Hotel​
• Doga Thermal

​Bergama :

• Attalos Suites Hotel
• Berksoy Hotel

7 Churches of Revelation Tour Review

---

Ephesus Biblical History
Christian Heritage Tours of Ephesus
Cave of St. Paul in Ephesus
Private Tours of Ephesus

Private Tours of Pergamon
Private Tours of Laodicea
Private Tours of Sardis