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Ancient ruins with columns, a stone wall, and a mountainous landscape in the background. 1
A group of people at an archaeological site with ancient ruins and columns in the background. 2
Ancient stone architecture with intricate carvings and columns. 3
An ancient amphitheater with tiered seating and ruins on a hillside. 4
Terraced pools of turquoise water, white travertine formations, and a distant mountain range. 5
By Tour Altinkum Travel

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is £1,258 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 3d
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Overview

  • Embark on a professionally guided tour to explore the historic sites of Pergamum, Philadelphia, Thyatira, Smyrna (Izmir), Sardis, Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Laodicea, Ancient Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and St. John Basilica. This comprehensive journey includes a Bible-oriented guide, premium accommodation, luxury transport, and lunch during tours. Delve into the rich history of the seven churches referenced in the Book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, which correspond to the major early Christian congregations in Anatolia. Experience the enduring legacy of these significant archaeological sites, all of which remain accessible today.

Activity location

  • Agora Open Air Museum
    • Namazgah mah , Tarik Sari SokagI No:29
    • 35240, Izmir, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Agora Open Air Museum
    • Namazgah mah , Tarik Sari SokagI No:29
    • 35240, Izmir, Turkiye

Check availability

Mini Group Tour (max 8 people)

  • Activity duration is 3 days3d
    3d
  • English

Mini Group Tour max 8 people
Lunch
Mercedes Vito or Sprinter
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
£885.72 x 2 Adults£1,771.44
Total
Price is £1,771.44

Private Tour

  • Activity duration is 3 days3d
    3d
  • English

This tour will be private.
Lunch
Mercedes Vito or Sprinter
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
£1,079.23 x 2 Adults£2,158.46
Total
Price is £2,158.46

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    1 night accommodation in Salihli
  • Inclusions
    Dinner
  • Inclusions
    1 night accommodation in Pamukkale
  • Inclusions
    Land transport by air-conditioned non-smoking vehicle
  • Exclusions
    Drinks with meals
  • Exclusions
    Personal Expenses
  • Exclusions
    Entry Tickets to historical sites.

Know before you book

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Specialised infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Entrance fees are excluded (Your guide will have skip-the-line tickets for historical sites, so you will skip long ticket lines)
    • Free entry to historical sites for childrens 8yr and below
    • Some historical sites may be closed during religious or national holidays. Before booking the tour, you can contact our team and confirm whether there will be a closed sites for the dates you want to take the tour.
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up in Izmir / Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira

  • 4 stops
  • Meals: lunch
  • Accommodation: Lidya Sardes Hotel or similar

Agora Open Air Museum

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Today, we begin our exploration in Smyrna (now called İzmir), an ancient and prosperous port city. Important remains include the Agora, aqueducts, and a cistern. The site also contains ship and sailor graffiti, as well as examples of Isopsephism of desire, in which numbers represent names or ideas. The letters to Smyrna and Philadelphia are notable because they contain no criticism of the churches.

Ruins of Pergamum

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket not included
From Smyrna, we continue to Pergamum, now called Bergama. On the acropolis, we will see the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Trajan, and the Library of Pergamon, famous for the development of parchment. We will also visit the ancient theatre, known for its steep seating, and the healing centre dedicated to Asclepius

Red Basilica (Kizil Avlu)

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Afterwards, we will visit the Red Basilica, originally dedicated to Egyptian gods and later converted into a basilica during the early Christian period

Akhisar

  • 1h
Next, we drive to Thyatira, now called Akhisar. Thyatira was a major commercial centre and military post, known for its trade guilds, including wool and linen workers, purple dyers, and bronze and leather craftsmen. It received the longest and central letter from Jesus Christ. We will see the remains of a Basilica, the Colonnaded Street, and other architectural fragments before continuing to Sardis, now called Salihli.

Day 2: Sardis, Philadelphia, Hierapolis, Laodicea

  • 4 stops
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks
  • Accommodation: Kaya Thermal Hotel or similar

Sardis (Sardes)

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Today, we explore Sardis, now known as Salihli. Once the capital of Lydia, it became an important city in the Persian Empire around 546 BCE. Located on the Persian Royal Road, Sardis was a major trade centre known for carpets and woollen products and played an important role in the development of modern currency. We will visit the Gymnasium, Roman Synagogue, Byzantine Shops, 4th-century Church, and Temple of Artemis to discover the city's rich history.

Philadelphia Siesean Kilisesi

  • 1h
Our next stop is the Church of Philadelphia, in modern-day Alaşehir. It was the last established city among the Seven Churches and the smallest in population. Here, we will see the remains of St. John's Basilica, built with bricks. The Church of Philadelphia is remembered for remaining faithful to Jesus Christ.

Laodicea

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket not included
Next, we drive to Denizli and visit the Church of Laodicea, the only church in the Book of Revelation without any positive mention. Laodicea's wealth allowed the city to rebuild itself after the earthquake of 60 AD without imperial support. We will explore Syrian Street, the Laodicean Church, State Agora, the remains of the Basilica, two ancient theatres, and ancient stone water pipes. We will also look for a carved Cross on a Menorah on a column.

Hierapolis & Pamukkale

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket not included
Our final destination for the day is nearby Hierapolis, famous for its hot mineral springs and well-preserved Roman ruins. We will see Pamukkale Travertines and Cleopatra Antique Pool, followed by the ancient city's high streets, ancient gates, ancient theatre, the Temple of Apollo and Ploutonion. We will also visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, commemorating the place where he was martyred during the persecutions in Hierapolis.

Day 3: Ancient Ephesus, St John Basilica, House of Mary

  • 5 stops
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch
  • Accommodation: Not included

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Early in the morning, we depart for Ephesus in Selçuk, Izmir. Our first stop is the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years.

Ancient City of Ephesus

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket not included
We then visit the ancient city of Ephesus, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Located opposite the island of Samos, Ephesus is the closest of the Seven Churches of Revelation to Patmos, where the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation. We will explore its remarkable ruins, including the Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Great Theatre, Public Latrines, and Roman Baths, as well as Arcadian Avenue and the Agora.

The Basilica of Saint John

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Our journey continues to the Church of St. John, associated with the Apostle John, who lived and preached in Ephesus. We will then explore Selcuk archaeological Museum to learn more about the region's history and archaeological heritage.

The Temple of Artemis

  • 1d
Finally, we will stop at the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the most celebrated monuments of the ancient world.

Selcuk (Pass by)

Once the tour ends, we drop you off your hotel ın selcuk, Izmır or Izmır Aırport for your next journey.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Agora Open Air Museum
    • Namazgah mah , Tarik Sari SokagI No:29
    • 35240, Izmir, Turkiye

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Agora Open Air Museum
    • Namazgah mah , Tarik Sari SokagI No:29
    • 35240, Izmir, Turkiye

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