7 Churches of Revelation Tour

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Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Unravel the Secrets of the Ancient World with John!

The messages sent to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation date back to the years 80-100 AD. During this period, John was exiled to the island of Patmos by the Roman Empire. While on Patmos, he received revelations from God and delivered messages to the seven churches in Asia. These messages contained advice, warnings, commendations, and promises for the Christian communities. The seven churches align with ancient cities located in modern-day western Turkey and represent the Christian communities of that time. We will guide you through how the messages and teachings of Jesus spread and the development of the churches, with our expert guides. In 81 AD, John was exiled to Patmos, and in 95 AD, he returned to Ephesus. He spent his final years in Ephesus (on Ayasuluk Hill), where he wrote the Gospel and epistles bearing his name. He passed away at nearly 100 years old and, according to his will, was buried on Ayasuluk Hill.

REVELATION 1:10-11
10 On the Lord’s Day, I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet,
11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Izmir - Transfer to Hotel - Seminar

Our guides will meet you at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and transfer you to Kuşadası.

	After checking into the hotel and enjoying a welcome meal, we will hold a seminar on the Book of Revelation by Saint John.
	We hope you will enjoy the hotel and your rooms. Overnight stay will be in Kuşadası.

Day 2: Ephesus and Smyrna

After breakfast, we will head to Ephesus, the first of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, which played an important role in the early days of Christianity. Ephesus, with its churches, is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

	Revelation 2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write…”
	This ancient city will take you on an unforgettable journey through the early history of Christianity. In Ephesus, we will explore important ancient ruins such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Domitian, the Temple of Serapis, the Upper Agora and Basilica, Odeon, Terrace Houses, the City Hall, Baths, Celsus Library, and the Ancient Public Toilets.
	The Ancient Theater is also one of the places to visit, showcasing the immense size of Ephesus. This massive theater (which could hold up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of a riot stirred by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul and his teachings. We will visit this place mentioned in Acts 19:23-34 and experience those times.
	Acts 19:28-30 "When they heard this, they were enraged and cried out, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!' The city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. Paul wanted to go in among the crowd, but the disciples would not let him…”
	After lunch, we will visit the St. John Basilica, which was built at the site where St. John is said to have been buried, by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. St. John Theologos lived here, wrote the Gospel here, and even died here. It is known that St. John came to Ephesus around 37-38 AD and worked to spread Christianity, adding new believers to his
	Revelation 2:8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again…” We continue our journey to Smyrna (modern-day Izmir), the second church mentioned in the Book of Revelation. We will then visit the Ancient Agora Market and have a discussion about the Church of Faith and Nonviolent Resistance.
	Overnight stay will be in Bergama.

Day 3: Bergama – Thyatira

After breakfast, we will visit the 3rd Church in Bergama and reach Pergamon. The city rose to prominence after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and came under Roman control in 133 BC. However, in the Book of Revelation, Christ tells Saint John to deliver a message to the people of Pergamum, the place of "Satan's throne," that they must repent (Revelation 2:13-16).

	Revelation 2:12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword…”
	After touring the Acropolis, we will visit the Red Basilica.
	After lunch, we depart from Pergamon and head to the district of Akhisar, where Thyatira, the 4th Church, is located. Thyatira was praised for its growing faith but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel. Revelation 2:18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze…” The city is known as the ancient Greek city of Thyatira, founded by Seleucus I Nicator in 290 BC. The city was an important settlement for the Kingdom of Lydia and the Pergamon Kingdom.
	In the evening, we reach Sardis, the 5th Church mentioned, and spend the night here.

Day 4: Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea

Revelation 3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”

	After breakfast, we visit Sardis, the 5th Church.
	Here, we will explore the White Marble Royal Road, the massive Temple of Artemis, the large gymnasium, and the largest ancient synagogue in history. Despite being a powerful and wealthy city in ancient times, God declares the city of Sardis to be "dead" in Revelation 3:1-6.
	Revelation 3:7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open…” After lunch, we continue to Philadelphia (modern-day Alaşehir), the 6th Church, which received great praise from God. We will visit the ruins of St. John’s Church here and have a discussion about the perseverance of the congregation.
	Then, we continue to Pamukkale, where the ancient 7th Church, Laodicea, is located. Revelation 3:14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation…” Here, we will discuss the church that the Apostle John rebuked for being lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22). We will also visit the well-preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theaters of the site.
	We will spend the night at a thermal hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 5: Hierapolis – Colossae

	After breakfast, we head to Hierapolis. Thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here, Hierapolis became an important center of early Christianity, and we will visit its archaeological remains (Colossians 4:13).
	Then, we proceed to Colossae. Philemon was one of the important figures of the Christian community in Colossae. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul offers advice to the community, and through his letter to Philemon, he emphasizes Christian brotherhood. Here, we will have a discussion about Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Philemon.

After lunch, we will transfer you to Adnan Menderes Airport to bid you farewell. Guests who wish to continue their tours can combine the Seven Churches Tour with a visit to the Hagia Sophia in Iznik, Istanbul, and the Istanbul tour, or the Cappadocia tour via Konya.