This itinerary follows the apostle Paul’s early missionary routes, beginning in the ancient port of Smyrna—modern Izmir—one of the Seven Churches addressed in Revelation. Guests will walk the historic waterfront, taste local cuisine and settle into the hotel before setting out on a pilgrimage through the heart of early Christianity.
The second day takes travelers to the lofty acropolis of Pergamum, where the famed library once housed 200,000 scrolls, and onward to Thyatira, the famed “purple‑seller” of the apostolic letters. The journey continues across the Anatolian plateau to Sardis, the once‑prosperous mint city, and the modest remains of Philadelphia’s Byzantine basilica. A night in Pamukkale offers a chance to bathe beside the white travertine terraces of Hierapolis, while Laodicea’s stadium and sophisticated water system reveal the city condemned for its lukewarm faith. A stop at a carpet weaving workshop shows how traditional rugs are made.
Day five immerses visitors in the grand ruins of Ephesus, where the Library of Celsus, the marble theatre, and the Basilica of St. John stand as testaments to a bustling Roman port and early Christian worship. The final leg transports the group to Istanbul, a metropolis that bridges continents and epochs. Guided highlights include the Hippodrome, the soaring domes of the Blue Mosque, the historic façade of Hagia Sophia, the opulent Topkapi Palace, and, time permitting, the bustling Grand Bazaar.
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Days 6 Nights |
| Price | From €2,165 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 7 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours · TÜRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
Upon landing in Izmir, the group is transferred to the hotel for the next two nights. The rest of the day is free to walk along the waterfront or relax. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
After breakfast, the tour heads north to the ancient city of Pergamum. On the acropolis you enter through the royal gateway, stand where the Great Altar of Zeus once rose and walk among the remains of a library said to have held 200,000 volumes; Pergamum is also addressed in Revelation (Rev. 2:12-17). The journey continues east to Thyatira, where the historic roadway and ancient columns illustrate its past as a bustling trade hub. The day ends in Izmir, ancient Smyrna, another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
After breakfast, visit Polycarp's Church and the Roman agora of Smyrna before leaving Izmir for Sardis, the former capital of Lydia, to see its gymnasium, synagogue and the ancient mint. The itinerary then moves to Philadelphia, where the remaining city wall and Byzantine basilica are highlighted. In the afternoon the party arrives at Pamukkale, where a spa‑style hotel provides a night’s rest beside the iconic white terraces of Hierapolis.
Morning exploration of Hierapolis, the 'Sacred City' with its hot springs, traditionally linked to the Apostle Philip. The route proceeds to Laodicea, where the stadium and sophisticated water system are examined, followed by a brief stop at the ancient site of Colossae. Afterward, the group travels to the coastal town of Kusadasi, stopping at a carpet weaving cooperative on the way, before settling into a comfortable hotel.
After breakfast, the day is devoted to the monumental ruins of Ephesus. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the marble theatre, the agora, and the intricate mosaics of aristocratic terrace houses. The tour proceeds to the Basilica of St. John, famed for its baptismal pool and as the traditional burial place of the apostle. The evening concludes with dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Early morning transfer to the airport leads to a short flight to Istanbul. A guided city tour begins at the historic Hippodrome, followed by visits to the Blue Mosque and the exterior of Hagia Sophia, reflecting the city’s layered Christian and Islamic heritage. The itinerary continues to Topkapi Palace, the former seat of Ottoman sultans, and, time permitting, a stroll through the Grand Bazaar’s maze of stalls.
Following breakfast, guests are transferred to Istanbul Airport for their onward flights, concluding the biblical pilgrimage.
Arrival in Izmir – welcome dinner → Pergamum, Thyatira and Izmir → Sardis, Philadelphia and Pamukkale → Hierapolis, Laodicea, Colossae & Kusadasi → Ephesus (Selçuk) exploration → Istanbul city highlights → Transfer to Istanbul airport for departure
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Arrival in Izmir – welcome dinner, Pergamum, Thyatira and Izmir, Sardis, Philadelphia and Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea, Colossae & Kusadasi, Ephesus (Selçuk) exploration, Istanbul city highlights, Transfer to Istanbul airport for departure.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!