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Istanbul, Nicea, Sardis, Pamukkale,
Ephesus and Pergamon
A Pilgrimage Through the Lands of the Early Church
Walk in the footsteps of apostles, martyrs, and early Christians as you explore the sacred landscapes where the foundations of the Christian faith were shaped. From the splendor of ancient Constantinople to the heart of the Seven Churches of Revelation, this journey brings the world of Scripture to life.
The Package Includes:
Small Group of maximum 20 guests guaranteed.
Domestic Flight from Izmir-Istanbul
8 Nights First Class Accommodation, hotel taxes, fees and porterage
3-night Istanbul,
1-night Bursa
2-night Pamukkale
2-night Izmir
19 meals: 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
Guided sightseeing and Entrance fees per itinerary
Services of local English speaking tour leader throughout the itinerary
Special Features:
Discover Istanbul’s extraordinary sights including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace,
Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar
Embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia.
Overnight stay in Bursa and visit Nicea.
Visit Seven Churches of Revelations
View Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Pamukkale Travertine pools.
Walk through the ancient city of Ephesus and learn about the early Christian history.
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active program covers a good amount of ground each day. You must be able to walk approximately 3 miles unassisted and be comfortable participating in 6-8 hours of physical activity each day. Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. Walking is done over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Expect most of the sightseeing to require 3 to 4 hours of walking as well as a considerable time standing. Many historical cities have specific driving regulations, with set drop-off and pick-up points, that result in extra walking to and from the sights. The bus ride from Bursa to Pamukkale is approximately 6 hours.
DAY 1: Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, a city where two continents meet and centuries of sacred history unfold. You’ll arrive this afternoon or evening and settle into your hotel.
In the evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow pilgrims for a warm welcome, orientation, and devotional time as you begin your spiritual journey together.
DAY 2: The Christian Legacy of Constantinople
Begin your exploration with Hagia Sophia, completed in AD 537 and long considered the greatest church in Christendom for nearly 1,000 years. Descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, a massive underground reservoir built by Emperor Justinian.
Walk the Hippodrome, where early Christians once witnessed imperial processions and pivotal moments in Byzantine history.
End the day with a peaceful Bosphorus cruise, enjoying panoramic views of palaces, mosques, and the skyline of Europe and Asia.
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
View of Bosporus from Topkapi Palace
DAY 3: Istanbul's Palaces & Bazaars
Visit Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years and custodian of sacred relics, including artifacts traditionally associated with Moses, David, and John the Baptist.
Savor the scents and colors of the Spice Bazaar, a centuries-old marketplace bustling with merchants.
Journey into the iconic Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops—a maze of carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and vibrant local crafts.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at your leisure. Consider embracing a true Turkish culinary experience, with recommendations from your Tour Leader.
DAY 4: Drive to Bursa
Travel to Nicaea, where the First Ecumenical Council met in AD 325 and affirmed the deity of Christ through the Nicene Creed. Stand at the very site where bishops gathered to define essential Christian doctrine. See the ancient city walls, the basilica submerged in Iznik Lake, and the remains of early churches.
Continue to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, known for its historic mosques, silk trade, and healing thermal springs.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
DAY 5: Bursa → Thyatira → Sardis → Philadelphia → Pamukkale
Begin your visit to the Seven Churches of Revelation:
Thyatira – Known for its early Christian community and its guilds; mentioned in Revelation for its endurance and challenges.
Sardis – Capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom; home to one of the world’s oldest synagogues and early Christian remains. Sardis was called a “dead” church by John, despite its impressive wealth.
Philadelphia – Praised in Revelation as the “faithful church,” it sat on an important Roman road and was known for its resilient Christian community.
Arrive in Pamukkale, famous for its white “cotton castle” terraces formed by mineral-rich waters flowing for thousands of years.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
DAY 6: Laodicea & Hierapolis
Today, we’ll explore Laodicea, one of the most active archaeological sites in Turkey and known in Revelation as the “lukewarm” church. Its well-preserved theaters, streets, and basilica help us visualize the world of early believers.
Then we’ll head to Hierapolis, a stunning ancient city built above healing hot springs. We’ll visit the Martyrium of Philip, believed to be the site of the apostle’s martyrdom, and walk through ancient streets surrounded by travertine pools.
DAY 7: Pamukkale → Ephesus → Mary’s House → Izmir
Today is one of the highlights of the entire journey. We travel to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and a major center of Paul’s ministry. We’ll walk the marble streets, explore the Library of Celsus, and stand in the Great Theater where Paul once spoke to the crowds. Later, we'll visit Mary’s House, a peaceful hilltop chapel cherished as the final home of the Virgin Mary. We end our day in Izmir, a modern city built on ancient Smyrna—another church from Revelation.
After a day filled with exploration and wonder, we'll return to our hotel for a well-deserved dinner.
DAY 8: Pergamon Excursion → Izmir
We’ll embark on a memorable excursion to Pergamon, a city of soaring hills and deep biblical significance. We’ll explore the Acropolis, home to the famed Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Trajan, and one of the steepest ancient theaters ever built.
In the evening, we’ll return to Izmir and share a joyful farewell dinner, celebrating the new friendships and spiritual memories made throughout this journey.
DAY 9: Izmir → Istanbul → Depart
Today we say goodbye. We’ll fly from Izmir to Istanbul and connect to our international flights home, carrying with us a deeper understanding of Scripture and the bonds formed along the way.
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