About The Tour

3 DAYS SEVEN CHURCHES TOUR

Church tradition indicates that St. John moved to Ephesus with many Palestinian Christians around A.D. 65 before the fall of Jerusalem in 70. During Nero’s persecution against Christians in Rome at that time, both St. Peter and St. Paul were martyred in Rome. As the leader of the Asian church St. John was targeted by Roman authorities and exiled to Patmos (Rev. 1:9). While on the island St. John received his apocalyptic vision about the spiritual situation of seven churches in Asia as well as about the future of the church and the world (1:1011, 19). The order of the seven churches Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea follows a route that a messenger would naturally follow in visiting the cities. During St. Pauls ministry in Ephesus, many churches were established in Asia. Hence these seven churches seem to represent many other churches that were in Asia at the time (e.g., Miletos, Troas, Assos, Cyzicus, Magnesia, Tralles, Metropolis, etc.). The style of the seven messages is similar, with the heart of each focused-on commendation and correction concluding with a promise of victory. The historical and spiritual situation of each church aids in interpreting the details of its message.

  • Seven Churches

Itinerary

Day 1: Full Day Ephesus and Laodicea tour (L)

Meet your driver and tour guide at the hotel lobby. The tour starts with The Ephesus. St. Paul’s first visit to Ephesus was brief – during his second missionary tour (Acts 18:19-21). His second visit lasted about three years – during his third missionary tour (Acts 19:1 to 20:31). Luke’s account of the worship of Diana appears in Acts 19:34-35. The Christians of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches, (Rev. 3: 14-22) were chastised for being lukewarm, “You are neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3: 15), and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. In the famous scripture from Revelation (3: 20-21), Jesus says to the Laodicean church: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”. Today, there are many acres of ruins to see, including the stadium and columned streets and a chance to witness the newest excavations in Laodicea. End of the tour return back to your hotel in Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale

 

Day 2: Full Day Sardis, Philadelphia And Thyatira Tour (B, L)

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll depart at approximately around 08:30 AM for your Sardis, Philadelphia, And Thyatira Tour. The tour starts with Thyatira; was once a busy trading center and famous for dyeing purple clothes. Thyatira is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelations tolerated the false prophetess, Jezebel (Rev. 1: 11; 2: 18-29). Travel to Sardis, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Jesus told Sardis, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead”(Rev. 3: 1-6). Coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated in Sardis. You will be impressed by the massive scale of the Temple of Artemis, by the white marble Royal Road, by the gymnasium, and by the synagogue. Visit the site of Philadelphia also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 3: 7-13). Christ told those who overcame that He would write upon them “the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem.” (Rev.3: 12) Today, not much is left to mark the spot. You will see an ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica. Overnight in Kusadasi.

 

Day 3: Full Day Pergamon And Izmir Tour (B,L)

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll depart at approximately around 08:30 AM for your Pergamon and Izmir tour. The tour starts with ancient Smyrna; poor and persecuted, the church at Smyrna suffered amidst prosperity for its refusal to worship the Roman Emperor. This proved to be the last stronghold of Christianity in Asia Minor. Home of the great second-century Bishop Polycarp Pergamum was burned alive at the age of eighty-six. Continue to Pergamum; a most memorable experience will be Pergamum, with its acropolis and Great Theatre, the steepest of the ancient world. Revelation 2:12-16 describes the city as “where Satan’s seat is”, a reference to the altar of Zeus, where we pause for reflection on the fulfillment of Scripture. Nearby, visit the Red Basilica; once a pagan temple, it later converted into a Christian church. Finally, walk through the Asclepion, the famous medical center of antiquity. End of the tour, transfer to the airport, fly to Istanbul and catch your international flight.

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