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The Seven Churches of Asia
October 6 - October 13,2024
9 days / 7 nights
PRICE / PERSON:
1699 $
TRAVEL COST 1699 USD Land only FOR ONE PERSON
Istanbul - Ephesus (Seljuk city) - Smyrna (Izmir city) - Pergam (Pergam city) - Philadelphia (Alashehir city) -Sardis (Salihli city) - Fiatiru (Akhisarcity) - Pamukkale - Laodikia (Eskihisar city) - Troy - Istanbul.
All-inclusive PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES:
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Transportation services throughout the route.
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Group transfer from Istanbul airport, group transfer to Istanbul airport.
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7 nights of accommodation in 4-5* hotels according to the excursion program.
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Meals per program – breakfasts and dinners (dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day).
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Services of a English-speaking licensed guide throughout the route.
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Excursions as per the program.
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Entrance tickets according to the program.
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Boat trip on the Bosphorus.
Not included in the cost:
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Airfare.
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Insurance.
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Visa processing.
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Personal expenses.
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Lunches, drinks during dinners.
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Tips for the guide, driver, hotel staff.
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Cost per person for double/twin room accommodation: $1699 USD + airfare
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Solo travelers may be accommodated in triple rooms.
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Single supplement fee: $ 600
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Deposit of $500 – $100 of which are non-refundable administrative fees, not refundable under any circumstances except for group non-formation.
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Full payment – 60 days before the trip.
Proposed Itinerary :
DAY 1
Departure from the USA
DAY 2
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out from the hotel.
Excursion around Istanbul. Ai Sophia. Blue Mosque. Chora Monastery. Grand Bazaar (1 hour). Boat trip on the Bosphorus. Check-in to the hotel. Dinner.
DAY 3
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out from the hotel.
Excursion around Istanbul. Ai Sophia. Blue Mosque. Chora Monastery. Grand Bazaar (1 hour). Boat trip on the Bosphorus. Check-in to the hotel. Dinner.
DAY 4
Early breakfast. Check-out from the hotel. Visit to the ancient city of Troy. Continue our journey to Pergamon. Explore the Acropolis of Bergama (ancient Pergamon) and take the cable car. Admire the Basilica from the outside! "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges; I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells" (Revelation 2:12-13). Pergamon, an ancient Greek city and one of the seven churches (referring to Christian communities in each city, not just buildings for worship). Explore the Archaeological Park (the Great Altar of Pergamon is in the Pergamon Museum). The altar's base remains on the Acropolis. It was dedicated to Zeus, referred to as the "Throne of Satan" by John of Patmos in the mentioned scripture. Visit the Red Church (the great temple of the Egyptian gods Isis, now known as the "Red Basilica," consisting of the main building and two round towers on a vast sacred site, in the first century AD – a Christian church in Pergamon, Acropolis (composed of upper and lower Acropolis and numerous buildings), and the sanctuary of Asclepius (where people with health problems could bathe in the waters of the sacred spring; many gifts and dedications were found on the site, such as small terracotta body parts, undoubtedly representing what was healed). Move to Ayvalik. Check-in at the hotel in the city of Ayvalik. Dinner.
DAY 5
Early breakfast. Check-out from the hotel. Today, we will begin with the ancient ruins in Izmir (Smyrna), rich in history and home to one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. " Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev. 3:20). Transfer to Seljuk. Ancient Ephesus. This morning, we will explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11), which, for many years, was the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, second only to Rome. In Ephesus, we will visit its numerous historically rich landmarks, including the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Trajan Fountain, the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsus Library, and the Grand Theater – which could accommodate 25,000 spectators (initially used for drama but later in Roman times for gladiator contests), where Paul preached and where the silversmiths' riot took place. We will stroll along the Arcadian Way, once traveled by Mark Antony and Cleopatra in procession. Next, we will visit the ancient ruins of Miletus, the hometown of the architect of Hagia Sophia (and inventor of the corbel arch) Isidore of Miletus. We'll then visit the Temple of the Apostle John the Theologian and the traditional burial site of the apostle. Transfer to Kusadasi and check-in at the Kusadasi hotel. Dinner.
DAY 6
Breakfast. Check-out from the hotel.
Free time in Kusadasi. Transfer to Pamukale. Check-in to spa hotel. Dinner. Rest.
DAY 7
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. ... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (Rev. 3:15-16, 19). Today we will visit Laodicea one of the Seven Churches which was rebuked for being lukewarm. Archaeological excavations near Laodicea still testify to its past grandeur: relatively well-preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theaters. We will also stop at the ruins of Hierapolis (another famous site with hot springs), where Paul delivered the good news (Col. 4:13). We'll admire the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and visit Cleopatra's Pool – a remarkable place where, even in Roman times, the pools were frequented by wealthy and noble Romans who believed in the healing properties of the Pamukkale hot springs. Much later, it was confirmed that the water from the springs indeed has therapeutic benefits, treating circulatory diseases, arthritis, and skin conditions. And, of course, there's talk about the instant rejuvenation it offers. Dinner. Rest.
DAY 8
Early breakfast. Check-out from the hotel. “and, What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." (Rev. 1:11). Today, we will start by visiting the church in Philadelphia (Alasehir), another of the Seven Churches of Revelation, to see the ancient Christian church - remnants of a Byzantine basilica built with brick and 11th-century frescoes. Next is Sardis, an ancient city of triple significance: firstly, its military might; secondly, its location on a crucial highway leading from the interior to the Aegean coast; and thirdly, its possession of the wide and fertile Hermus Valley. Despite its importance, Sardis was rebuked by John (Rev. 3:1-6). In Sardis, we'll explore the massive Temple of Artemis, the white marble royal road, an impressive gymnasium, and a synagogue sponsored by Harvard and Cornell Universities in annual archaeological expeditions since 1958. These excavations revealed perhaps the most impressive synagogue in the Western Diaspora from ancient times, with over eighty Greek and seven Hebrew inscriptions, along with numerous mosaic floors. We'll then visit Thyatira and head to the city of Akhisar. Akhisar is mentioned in the Bible as Thyatira (Greek: Θυάτειρα) – one of the Churches in the Apocalypse. Accommodation in a hotel in Istanbul. Late dinner.
DAY 9
Breakfast. Check out from the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Departure from Istanbul.
«Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity» (1 Cor. 16:13-14)
*The route, as well as the sequence of visiting places, may be changed due to quarantine restrictions, for safety reasons, or in connection with road repairs.
Conditions for joining from other countries:
• COVID-19 insurance – You must purchase it independently!
• Transfer is included in the cost if the arrival time of your flights coincides with the group's departure. Transfer is not included in the cost if you need individual transfer – the cost is specified separately and depends on the arrival time.
Visa costs for citizens of different countries:
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/data/KONSOLOSLUK/vize-harc-miktarlari-en.pdf
Entry conditions for citizens of different countries may vary, please verify before making reservations:
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
Check entry conditions for Turkey with your country's border service, as there may be restrictions.
For U.S. citizens, a visa is required, and it can be obtained electronically:
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/what-is-an-e-visa
For U.S. citizens, the cost of obtaining an electronic visa is $60.
The number of places is limited!
The group will take place at the enrollment of 20 people
If you want to have this trip with your family or friends less than 20 people – contact us for quote
*The trip will take place in case of a group of 20 people