7 Churches Pilgrimage

Welcome to Istanbul, a city rich with spiritual history, where East meets West. Once known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, this ancient city was central to early Christianity and the spread of the Gospel. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to rest and prepare for the journey ahead. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on the days to come—an unforgettable walk through the lands of Revelation.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin with a half-day tour of Istanbul, starting with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, offering a vibrant shopping experience. Optionally, explore the iconic St. Sophia Mosque (Hagia Sophia), an architectural masterpiece blending Byzantine and Ottoman styles. Then, enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus cruise, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline, palaces, and bridges. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a flight to Cappadocia, famous for its surreal landscape of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and ancient rock formations. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay, preparing for the adventures ahead in this unique region.

Start the day with an optional Hot Air Balloon Ride (one hour), offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia from above. After breakfast, take a scenic drive around Cappadocia to explore Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Göreme, with their unique rock formations and cave dwellings. Visit the Tokalı Church, known for its exceptional frescoes and vibrant colors. Next, enjoy a visit to a local carpet and pottery showroom, where you can learn about the region's traditional craftsmanship. After lunch, drive to Konya, with a stop to explore one of Cappadocia’s underground cities along the way. Upon arrival in Konya, enjoy dinner at the hotel and relax for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya, home to the tomb of the famous Sufi poet and philosopher, Rumi. Then, drive to Pamukkale, with lunch en route. Upon arrival, visit the ancient city of Laodicea and discuss the messages to the Seven Churches of Revelation. Continue to Hierapolis, an ancient spa city, and explore its ruins, including the recently discovered grave of Apostle Philip. Don’t miss the stunning Pool of Cleopatra and the remarkable cotton-shaped terraces of Pamukkale, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountainside. After a full day of exploration, enjoy dinner at the hotel and take advantage of the spa facilities for relaxation before an overnight stay.

After breakfast visit Philadelphia; the St. John Church. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue visit Sardes and via Izmir (Smyrna) drive to Kusadası. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Explore its iconic ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Artemis. Visit the Basilica of St. John, where the apostle is believed to be buried. Then, enjoy a stop at a leather showroom, where you can see and shop for fine leather products made in the region. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Pergamon. Once there, visit the Acropolis of Pergamon, a stunning archaeological site with dramatic views, and discuss the message to the Church of Pergamon in the Book of Revelation. After a full day of exploration, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Istanbul, enjoying the scenic journey. Upon arrival, have lunch at a local restaurant, savoring more traditional Turkish dishes. In the afternoon, visit the famous Spice Market, where you can explore a variety of spices, sweets, teas, and other local products. Afterward, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight, concluding your enriching tour.