DAY 1
Arrival day, followed by a welcome dinner
Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), you will be warmly greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, take some time to unwind and familiarize yourself with the vibrant surroundings. This evening, join us for a welcome dinner, where you can taste local flavors and meet fellow travelers.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
- Includes Dinner.
- Arrival flight.
DAY 2
Full day tour of Istanbul’s historical sites
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby to start off a captivating full-day tour of Istanbul’s Old City.
Begin with a scenic drive across the Galata Bridge to the historic heart of the city. Our first stop is the Hippodrome, the grand square once used for horse racing during Roman and Byzantine times.
Continue to Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel of the Byzantine Empire. Built by Emperor Justinian, its once world-renowned dome and grand pillars from Ephesus remain a testament to its historical grandeur.
Next, visit the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), famed for its striking blue Iznik tiles and unique design featuring six minarets.
The journey proceeds to Topkapi Palace, a sprawling former residence of Ottoman Sultans now housing an impressive museum. Marvel at its vast collection of Chinese porcelain, historical artifacts, and treasures including the celebrated Topkapi Diamond and sacred relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
Following lunch, delve into the bustling Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest and largest covered market. Explore its labyrinthine streets lined with over 4,000 shops offering everything from jewelry and fabrics to spices and local handicrafts. After a day rich in history and culture, return to your hotel to relax.
- Coach tour.
- Sites observed include Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (from the outside), Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
- Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 3
Journey to Izmir and exploration of Pergamon
Early in the morning, we will depart from our hotel in Istanbul aboard our private coach, setting off on a scenic journey to Izmir.
Our first stop along the way is Pergamon (also spelled Pergamum), an ancient city renowned for its significant historical and biblical references. Here, you will explore the famous library, the terrace of the dramatically situated hillside theater, the main palace, and the Altar of Zeus, which is referred to in the Book of Revelations as “the throne of Satan”. The city was once noted for the perseverance and martyrdom of its Christian community, despite the prevalence of false teachings (Rev. 2:12-17).
Continuing our journey, we will visit Asclepion (also spelled Asclepium), known as the birthplace of the influential physician Galen and a major center of medicine in the ancient world, whose teachings dominated European thought from the 2nd century AD until the Renaissance.
Our final destination for the day is Izmir, where we will explore the ancient city of Smyrna, the second of the Seven Churches of Revelation, where the message of endurance in the face of false accusations and impending persecution is highlighted, promising rewards for perseverance of the faithful (Rev. 2:8-11). After a day rich with historical and cultural insights, we will check into our hotel in Izmir for an overnight stay.
- Sites observed include Smyrna, Pergamon and Asclepion
- Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Overnight in Izmir.
DAY 4
Coach tour from Thyatira to Pamukkale via Sardis and Philadelphia
After breakfast at the hotel, our day begins with a coach ride to Thyatira. While walking amidst the ruins, we will reminisce upon what may have driven this otherwise resilient church to become so tolerant towards the immorality of a false, adulterous idol (Rev. 2:18-29).
We will then proceed to Sardis, once the flourishing capital of ancient Lydia and the birthplace of coinage. Despite all its wealth giving it a lively appearance, Jesus Christ deemed the spirit of the church dead, and called upon them to “wake up!” (Rev. 3:1-6). We will explore significant archaeological finds, including the ancient Roman Synagogue and the impressive Gymnasium, showcasing the city’s rich historical and cultural past.
Our journey continues to Philadelphia, celebrated in the scriptures for its perseverance despite having little strength, and promised a pillar in the temple of God for those who stay true (Rev. 3:7-13). The two pillars of the Byzantine basilica that are still standing are like a wonderous testament to this heavenly promise. After immersing ourselves in the profound historical and spiritual legacy of these cities, we will head towards Pamukkale. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel for a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Pamukkale.
- Coach tour.
- Sites observed include Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia
- Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Overnight in Pamukkale.
DAY 5
Exploring Pamukkale, Laodicea and Ephesus
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore Pamukkale, aptly named the ‘Cotton Castle’ for its stunning terraces of white calcium and carbonate deposits formed by its natural hot springs.
We will also tour the ancient Roman Health Spa of Hierapolis, renowned for its therapeutic thermal springs, impressive theatre, Agora, and the vast Necropolis.
Next, we journey to Laodicea, known as the “lukewarm” church, where its blend of pagan and Christian beliefs and deceptive wealth that masks its spiritual poverty are starkly critiqued by Jeuss Christ (Rev. 3:14-20).
Our tour continues to Ephesus, an ancient city of paramount significance in Asia Minor, which predates even Constantinople. This historical gem once housed the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary. Despite its impressive legacy, Ephesus is both praised for its perseverance and admonished for forsaking its “first love” (Rev. 2:1-7). After immersing ourselves in these rich historical sites, we will drive to the Aegean town of Kusadasi for our overnight stay.
- Coach tour.
- Sites observed include Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea, Ephesus
- Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Overnight in Kusadasi.
DAY 6
Departure day
We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning after your breakfast at the hotel. We will then promptly proceed directly towards Istanbul Airport, from where you will catch your homebound flight.
- Return flight.
- Includes Breakfast.
