The Seven Churches of Revelation

Day by day

Your itinerary

1. Day1

   Smyrna: the faithful church

   Your private guide and driver meet you at İzmir Airport or your hotel. Begin with ancient Smyrna, praised in Revelation for holding firm through persecution and later home to the martyred bishop Polycarp. Walk among the columns and vaulted arcades of the Agora of Smyrna, then, time allowing, take in İzmir's waterfront.

   Overnight in İzmir

2. Day2

   Pergamon and Thyatira

   Drive north to Pergamon, described in Revelation as the place "where Satan's throne is". Climb to the acropolis, then visit the Red Basilica, a vast temple to Egyptian gods later turned into a church. In the afternoon, continue to Thyatira, today's Akhisar, home town of Lydia, the seller of purple cloth in the Book of Acts.

   Overnight in İzmir or Salihli

3. Day3

   Sardis and Philadelphia

   At Sardis, once the capital of the fabulously rich Lydian kings, see the great gymnasium, one of the largest ancient synagogues ever found, and the Temple of Artemis with its small church in one corner. Then on to Philadelphia, modern Alaşehir, the church that received only praise, where the massive pillars of a Byzantine basilica still stand. Continue to Pamukkale.

   Overnight in Pamukkale

4. Day4

   Laodicea and Hierapolis

   Explore Laodicea, the "lukewarm" church of Revelation and one of the richest archaeological sites of early Christianity in Anatolia, with colonnaded streets, theatres and an early church. Then visit Hierapolis above the white terraces of Pamukkale, where tradition places the martyrdom of the apostle Philip, before driving on to Selçuk.

   Overnight in Selçuk or Kuşadası

5. Day5

   Ephesus and the legacy of early Christianity

   End where the story is richest. Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, where Paul preached for more than two years, to the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Visit the Basilica of St John, built over the apostle's traditional tomb, and, if you wish, the House of the Virgin Mary. Then a private transfer to İzmir Airport.