The Seven Churches Trail – Biblical Tour Turkey 10 Day Tour

Welcome to Turkey and Istanbul. 

Your English-speaking transfer consultant will meet you at the gate of the Istanbul International Airport - International Arrivals Terminal.

Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul for some relaxation and refreshments, 

The day ends with your hotel accommodation.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby. Now you can set out to explore the city step by step.

Today’s tour will start first with a visit to the Roman Hippodrome, that used to be one of the Roman World’s largest stadiums, where chariot races, gladiator fights, circuses, parades, etc. took place. 

Next up is the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), a masterpiece of 17th century Ottoman imperial mosque architecture. There are more than 20,000 Iznik tiles in the mosque. These unique handmade tiles, which fascinate the guests with their rich colors, dominated by blue and oriental patterns, have become collective works that are put up for auction in famous houses such as Sotheby’s.

Then, take a historical journey by closely examining the magnificent Topkapi Palace and Imperial Treasures, built by the Ottoman Sultans, who ruled over three continents and seven seas. Today, Topkapi Palace offers its visitors magnificent displays of the 86-carat Spoonmaker's (Kasikci) Diamond, Topkapi Dagger, Golden Throne, Sacred Relics and many more Ottoman Family Dynasty Collections.

After experiencing a delightful lunch filled with local flavors(included), proceed to the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the grandest and most impressive Christian Cathedral constructed by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD.

Before ending the day, hop on your buses and reach Bursa with a pleasant journey over Osmangazi Bridge. End the day with a comfortable stay and dinner at your hotel.

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will start your journey by bus to Kusadasi via Bergama. 

First, step into the historical "City of Thyateira" in Manisa - Akhisar. The city, which was a weaving center in antiquity, is also home to "Thyateira Church", one of the "Seven Churches of the Apocalypse". Thyatira, founded during the reign of Alexander the Great, was a city favored for its trade, especially for its purple dye, which was rare at the time.

Afterwards, visit the Pergamum Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get the opportunity to watch the region from a bird's eye view by reaching the ancient city by cable car. Another of the seven churches mentioned in the Bible, the "Pergamum Church" will be waiting for you here.

Finally, set foot in the Ancient City of Smyrna. Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean Region. It is one of the largest cities of the ancient world, as well as being a city where Homer's house and the Temple of Athena are located. You will also be able to discover one of the famous Seven Churches here.

When you arrive in Kusadasi, the day will end with dinner and comfortable accommodation at your hotel.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, and then set off for the Ancient City of Ephesus.

Ephesus is home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Here, the church founded by St. Paul, is known as the most important church in Anatolia.

Then, visit the Virgin Mary's House. The diminutive house, beautifully situated in the Solmissos Mountains, is considered by the Vatican to be the final resting place of Virgin Mary. Its idyllic garden contains a spring thought to have curative properties, which can be sampled by all. In this location, St. John's Basilica is also a structure worth exploring.

When you arrive in Kusadasi, the day will end with comfortable accommodations and dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Sardis. Sardis, which was the capital of the Lydian Kingdom before the Roman Empire, is located in the Salihli district of Manisa today. The ancient city, which is also known as the first place where money was minted in the world, is also home to the Bin Tepe, known as the largest mound in the world.

Afterwards, explore Philadelphia (Alasehir). Philadelphia is famous for its grapes, textiles and leather goods. As you can imagine, the name of the city of Philadelphia in the United States is also based on this ancient city.

Christianity has taken firmer roots in this city than in other cities. In additional texts in the Bible, the information about the letters declares that they were sent to the first seven churches by Hogios Johannes (Saint Jean), the church of St. Jean, one of the first seven churches in the world.

Later on, your route takes you to Laodicea. Laodicea, located in Denizli and the former capital of Phrygia, is an ancient city with a deep-rooted and ancient past. The Laodicean Church was built during the reign of Constantine the Great, with the liberation of Christianity. You won't have enough of exploring this unique land, filled with natural and cultural treasures.

Next, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and Pamukkale (Cotton Castle). You will begin your visit by walking the marble streets of Hierapolis, which was built as an ancient Greek center of healing and relaxation. The Ancient City of Hierapolis is wonderfully placed on the pure white limestone terraces, formed by the underground natural hot springs. As you enjoy seeing the Great Theatre, Roman Baths, Temples of Apollo and Pluto, and more, your guide will tell you the stories of famous Greek and Roman mythological people believed to have lived here.

When you arrive in Pamukkale, the day will end with a comfortable stay and dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, today's travel will be from Konya to Cappadocia.

When you arrive in Konya, explore the ancient city after lunch at a local restaurant(included). Konya has been an area of interest for many researchers and travelers since the early times. The region located in the north of the Taurus Mountains, and between Cappadocia, Pisidia, Phrygia and Galatia is called Lykaonia (Konya).

Afterwards, you will continue your journey to Sultanhani Caravanserai, which is located on the ancient Silk Road. You will visit this wonderfully restored 13th century Seljuk Caravanserai, which was used as a luxury hotel by merchants for nearly 500 years.

The day ends with your accommodation and dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your tour in the fascinating “Land of Beautiful Horses”.

Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where towering fairy chimneys are on display. We will step inside the rock-cut churches and chapels, to admire fresco decorations from early Christian and Byzantine eras. 

Cappadocia's glamorous Underground Cities will amaze you. In these huge underground caves, you will discover how the ancient Christian people survived the persecution of the Arabs and Sassanids.

After tasting local delicacies at a local restaurant for lunch(included), you will discover Pigeons' (Guvercinlik) Valley. The 2-mile-long Pigeons' (Guvercinlik) Valley stretching from Uchisar to Goreme, takes its name from the pigeon nests carved into the rocks. The local people fed these pigeons until the 9th century and used their manure in the vineyards, and their eggs in the plaster of the frescos.

Afterwards, you will visit Uchisar Castle and Avanos. Uchisar is the highest point of the region that draws the magnificent borders of the volcanic landscape and cave houses. Next will be a great learning experience of another major art of the Turks, Turkish Ceramic and world famous Iznik Tiles’ making, at one of the world’s celebrated master potters’ workshops in Avanos Village.

Finally, you will learn about the making of unique carpets in the place where Turkish Weaving Art was born. You will admire the artistic creations which include; flying international award-winning carpets, rugs, strings and more, which will all take your breath away.

Upon your return to Cappadocia, the day ends with your dinner and accommodation at your hotel.

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the capital city of Turkey, Ankara. After a smooth drive of two hours, you will arrive at the shores of the Salt Lake, the second largest lake of Turkey, occupying a huge area in the arid central plateau of the country. Especially during dry summer months, the water evaporates in huge quantities, leaving a thick salt crust on the surface, creating awesome sceneries. 

Afterwards, you will visit Anitkabir (Ataturk’s mausoleum), where we will pay our respects to the esteemed founder of modern Turkey, and learn about the recent history of the modern Turkish Republic.

As the day turns to evening, you will be transfered to the hotel. After preparation, the journey to Istanbul will begin.

Wake up to a wonderful day in Istanbul. After breakfast at the hotel, go down to Ortakoy, on the edge of the Bosphorus, which connects Asia and Europe. Stroll the local vendors and streets. Jump on the docked ships and join the fascinating Bosphorus Cruise.

Then, discover step by step the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi), the famous Taksim and Istiklal Street, which welcomes thousands of guests every day.

The Grand Bazaar, the mother of all bazaars, was a monument to the “Rise of Istanbul”- the great master plan of the Turks for the rejuvenation and reanimation of an old imperial capital. It contains, 4,000 shops, employing more than 20,000 people all under one roof. Everything imaginable is for sale, including gold and silver jewelry, rugs, carpets, antiques, tiles, leather and, souvenirs, but just seeing and experiencing this mother of all bazaars is worth the trip.

Finally, experience a memorable Pera promenade (famous Istiklal Street, Beyoglu). Istiklal pedestrian avenue, is in the very heart of Istanbul, starting from Taksim Square to Galata Tower. This popular street hosts hundreds of cafes, restaurants, shops and bookstores, old churches, and also the main consulates of many countries. Imagine yourself in the old Pera times as you enjoy the crowded nostalgic trams passing by the street.

After topping off your busy day with a farewell dinner(included) accompanied by your “traveling family”, transfer to your hotel and enjoy your last night on this tour.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to airport. Afterwards, your journey will begin for your final destination. We wave goodbye and hope to see you again!