The Seven Churches Turkey - 6 Full Sightseeing Days- 7 Nights

Tour Includes:

• Escorted by Professional Tour Director
• Choice of Deluxe, Superior First-Class or First Class Hotels
• Comprehensive Sightseeing
• Transfers, Porterage and Entrance Fees
• Deluxe Document Case
• USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - En Route to Turkey

Depart the U.S.A. on your overnight flight. Enjoy complimentary meals and beverages en route to Turkey.

Day 2 - Ataturk International Airport - Istanbul

Upon our afternoon arrival to Ataturk International Airport, meet your guide and driver and get your first glimpse of Turkey! Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest historic cities. Formerly Byzantium, and later Constantinople, it was once the center of the Eastern Roman Empire. This once-walled city is built on seven hills and situated astride two continents; here East meets West in every way. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 - Cruise on the Bosphorus - Topkapi Palace Museum- Blue Mosque- Grand Bazaar

Today begins with a cruise on the Bosphorus by private boat. Zigzag along the shores as you enjoy the old wooden villas, marble palaces and ancient fortresses. Disembark at the charming town of Yenikoy, on the Asian coast. This afternoon visit the Topkapi Palace Museum to enjoy the dazzling displays of the Treasures of Ottoman Sultans - robes worn by the sultans and their families, famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury and a most unique porcelain collection. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the Blue Mosque, famous for its magnificent interior created with blue Iznik tiles and its 6 minarets. Then, its off to the famous Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets - each having its own specialty ― and over 4,000 shops in all, where there is something for every shopper’s taste ― carpets, leather goods, copper and brass goods, spices and gold jewelry. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4 - Dolmabache Palace- St. Sophia Museum- Hippodrome- Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent- Kariye Museum- St. Savior in Chora

This morning depart the hotel for sightseeing in the heart of Istanbul. Your first stop is the Dolmabache Palace, a 19th century masterpiece built in the Renaissance style, located along the Bosphorus. You'll marvel at the rich interior with the world's largest crystal chandelier - 750 bulbs and weighing 4.5 tons! Drive to St. Sophia Museum which was once the religious center during the Christian era. Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, it was known as the Church of Divine Wisdom. In fact, it was so fantastic that the 6th century historians remarked "(Such a church) Had not been since Adam and never would be again". Your next stop is the Hippodrome, scene of ancient chariot races and athletic events. This afternoon visit the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent where he and his wife are buried. Built by Sinan, whose wish it was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia, it's considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul. Conclude your day at the Kariye Museum and the old church of St. Savior in Chora. Here, find a treasure of marvelous Byzantine mosaics and frescoes on a gold background which represent scenes drawn from the lives of Mary and Jesus. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 5 - Istanbul- Ataturk Airport- Izmir- Akhisar (Thyatira)- Bergama (Pergamon)- Izmir

This morning transfer to the Ataturk Airport for your flight to Izmir. This begins your visit to the Seven Churches which hold a unique place in historical sites of Asia Minor and are rich in Biblical significance. First drive north to Akhisar - ancient Thyatira - mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 2:18) by Apostle John. See the ruins of the early Christian Basilica and a colonnaded road. Next, continue to the modern city of Bergama - the Hellenistic city of Pergamon (Rev. 2:12). This afternoon, visit the grand theater with its almost perfect acoustics, the Red basilica and the Asclepion - ancient medical center. Conclude your day on top of the majestic acropolis which has a commanding view of the entire city. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 6 - Izmir (Smyrna)- Salihli (Sardis)- Alasehir (Philadelphia)- Pamukkale (Hierapolis)- Denizli (Laodicia)- Pamukkale

Today, in Izmir ascend Mt. Pagus, known as the Velvet Castle, for a commanding panoramic view of this ancient, biblical city of Smyrna (Rev. 2:8). Then travel to Salihli - ancient Sardis (Rev. 2:1-3:22) - one of the most picturesque areas. Visit the Temple of Artemis before continuing on to Alasehir - the location of ancient Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7)- and noted as the city of brotherly love. This afternoon, drive to Pamukkale where its thermal hot springs spill over the plateau’s edge creating dazzling while formations called Cotton Castles. While here visit ancient Hierapolis - which is also the home of Papias and Epicitus, early Christian writers and Philip the Evangelist. See the recently discovered Martyrium of St. Philip. Continue to Denizli - and nearby Laodicia (Rev. 3:14-21). In Apostle Paul’s day, this city became rich - one of the most important and flourishing cities of Asia Minor - due to its location on the cross roads of travel between Sardis and Perge, the Euphrates and Ephesus. And, at a very early period, it became one of the chief seats of Christianity. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 7 - Pamukkale- Basilica of St. John- Ephesus- Kusadasi

This morning travel to the traditional "last home" of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Tradition holds that John the Apostle brought Mary here to enjoy peace in her final years. Nearby, visit the Bascilica of St. John erected over his grave by Emperor Justinian. Next a special treat awaits you - explore the ancient city of Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8), for here Biblical history truly comes to life. Not only was it one of the Seven Churches spoken of in Revelation (Rev. 2:1), it was also home to the Apostle Paul for at least three years during his third missionary journey (Acts 19). Ephesus was the most important port and cultural center of the Eastern World during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today it remains as the most impressive and best-preserved archaeological site in Asia Minor. First, view one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Roman Temple of Diana, known to the Greeks as the Temple of Artemis. Throughout this ancient city you'll find yourself face to face with innumerable monuments - witnesses of the past. Stroll down the marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots where Paul would have walked towards the ancient harbor. Visit the Odeon, the Forum, Arcadian Way, the Library of Celsus and the Thermal Bath of Scolastika. Before leaving, take time to enter the Grand Theater, capable of seating 24,000. It was here that Paul's ministry ended with a great riot (Acts 19:23-41). Overnight in the coastal town of Kusadasi.

Day 8 - Kusadasi- Ataturk Airport- Istanbul

Today enjoy browsing the many small shops and lovely bazaar in Kusadasi. Drive to Izmir for your return flight to Ataturk Airport. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 9 - En Route

Departure transfer to Ataturk Airport for your flight(s) home. Enjoy complimentary meals and beverages while en route. Treasure your experiences in Turkey - Memories that will last a lifetime!