India > Leisure Tour >Turkey >The Seven Churches of Revelation
The Seven Churches of Revelation, also called Seven Churches of the Apocalypse are seven major churches of Early Christianity, as mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation. All of them are located in Asia Minor, present-day Turkey.
According to Revelation 1:11, on the Greek island of Patmos, Jesus Christ instructs John of Patmos to: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, and Smyrna, and Pergamum, and Thyatira, and Sardis, and Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” The churches in this context refer to the community or local congregations of Christians living in each city. (Ref: wikipedia.org)
According to legend, the seven churches were all on a ragged trade route. Each of the Church received a specific message, to be delivered to the worshipers. The first Church was lat Ephesus, the first along this trade route; Next is Smyrna, present Izmir, then the great city of Pergamon, then Thyatira, wealthy Sardis, Philadelphia and lastly Laodicea, near Denizli. The messages were distributed in a pattern, allowing to circulate throughout the Christian community of that age. The letters were intended to correct the churches’ ills in each city and are still a point of interest and pilgrimage for Christian communities.
Note: The tour can be customized further with the interest of the traveller. Please do write to us to know more options and special interest tours.
On arrival at the Izmir airport, you will be received by a local team member or an appointed driver who will take care of your transfer and check-in formality at the hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure or If you want to overcome Jet lag, we suggest a leisurely walk in the surrounding area. It may help you to get used to a different environment and time zone.
Stay: Izmir.
After leisure breakfast, we leave for the Istanbul City Tour. You’ll begin with the traditional Hippodrome, which was the scene of chariot races and after that the three monuments: the bronze Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and after that the Column of Constantine. We’ll then still the Sultanahmet Mosque across from St. Sophia inbuilt the 16th century by the architect Mehmet. It’s also referred to as the Blue Mosque due to its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Then reach our last stop, which is the famous Hagia Sophia. This ancient basilica, constructed by Constantine the great within the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian within the 6th century, is one among the architectural marvels of all time. After the tour, you’ve got the choice to experience The Bosphorus Cruise. You’ll have the prospect to enjoy magnificent views of Bosphorus, which is connecting Asia to Europe. The remaining of the evening is yours to enjoy Istanbul.
Today after breakfast, we leave for Ephesus. Your first halt will be at the Basilica of St. John; It stands over the believed burial site of John the Apostle.
At a short distance, there is a House of the Virgin Mary. It is believed that she had spent her last years.
On 18th August 1961, Pope John XXll announced the House of Virgin Mary at Ephesus to be holy. Pope Benedict XVI stayed and Mass here in Dec 2006. You will have an opportunity to take a phial of Divine Water from the Sacred Spring. Later proceed to Kusadasi and have some time to wander around the city.
After breakfast, we drive to Aphrodisias, a site under excavation. Here we shall visit the Museum, Sebaste, Stadium, the Baths of Hadrian, the Theatre, Tetrapylon and the “Bishop’s Palace”. Post lunch break we travel to Laodicea Ad Lycum. Here the remains are found on a flat-top of the hill. At this place, Christianity was carried by Epaphras of Colossae and became the seat of Bishopric. It was called in the Revelations as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Here the main attractions are Agora, Fountain, Water Tower, Stadium and the Council Chamber. Later, we drive to Pamukkale.
After an early breakfast, We visit calcified terraces of Pamukkale and view the remains of the grave to St. Philip at a distance. We also have a walking tour through the Necropolis of Hierapolis. Later drive to Philadelphia. After one and a half-hour drive, we reach Philadelphia, currently known as Alasehir. Here we see the domed Basilica of St. John was built in the 6th century. The remnants of which are the main archaeological attraction. During the Byzantine period, this place was an important Christian centre. Your next halt shall at Sardi’s, an important position in mythology. This place influences the Seven Churches of Revelation. The main attractions are the 3rd-century Synagogue, House of Bronzes, Gymnasium, Temple of Artemis, and, the Church. Later proceed for Izmir. On arrival, check into the hotel.
After leisurely breakfast, you shall enjoy a short city tour with the brief halt at the Church St. Polycarp. Later leave for the airport to board a flight for Istanbul. On arrival, transfer and check into the hotel. Rest of the day to relax and unwind.
After breakfast, the rest of the day is to explore Istanbul’s old city and visit must-see places. You shall have on your itinerary, the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, and famous Topkapi Palace built on one of the seven hills and has a vast complex, which commands the Bosphorus’s views Golden Horn & the Sea of Marmara. You shall conclude the last day of your tour with the visit to bustling Grand Bazaar.
After breakfast, some free time for last minutes shopping, until your transfer to the airport for your home town journey. Tour concludes.
