Embark on a profound spiritual and historical journey through Western Turkey, tracing the footsteps of early Christian history. This comprehensive itinerary visits the seven ancient cities mentioned in the Book of Revelation, providing deep insight into the biblical context and the archaeological legacy of these significant sites. From the bustling metropolis of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Anatolia, you will explore a landscape rich in tradition and cultural heritage.
Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where you will discover the city's Byzantine roots, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the exquisite mosaics of Chora, the Byzantine church of St. Saviour that is now Kariye Mosque. As you travel through the Aegean region, you will visit the archaeological remains of Thyatira, the panoramic heights of Smyrna, and the monumental structures of the Pergamon Acropolis and Asklepion. Each location offers a unique perspective on the challenges and growth of the early church communities in the ancient world.
The tour continues through the Lydian capital of Sardis and the Byzantine remains of Philadelphia before reaching the natural wonders of Pamukkale. You will explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Martyrium of St. Philip, followed by the excavated streets of Laodicea. The journey culminates in the legendary city of Ephesus, where you will walk the marble streets, visit the Library of Celsus, and see the House of the Virgin Mary, concluding an unforgettable exploration of Turkey’s sacred past.
| Tour type | Private · multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days 7 Nights |
| Price | From €2,142 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 11 |
| 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.
Our representative welcomes you at Istanbul Airport and accompanies you to your hotel. The rest of the day is unscheduled, so you can rest after the flight or take a first walk through the neighbourhood around your hotel. If you would like to add an evening programme, a Bosphorus dinner cruise, a whirling dervish ceremony or a Turkish dance show can be arranged at extra cost. No meals are included today. Overnight in Istanbul.
A full day devoted to the Christian monuments of the old city. The morning starts in the Fener quarter at the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its Patriarchal Church of St. George (Aya Yorgi), still the spiritual centre of Orthodox Christianity. Nearby stand the Church of St. Mary Pammakaristos within the Fethiye complex and the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen, a rare cast-iron church on the Golden Horn. After the holy spring of Panagia of Blachernae, the day ends at St. Saviour in Chora, today Kariye Mosque, celebrated for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Access to individual sites depends on services and restoration work. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast you are taken to Istanbul Airport for the short domestic flight to İzmir (ticket not included). Your local guide meets you on arrival and drives you to Akhisar, the site of ancient Thyatira, where the excavated remains recall a busy trading town and Lydia, the dealer in purple cloth mentioned in the Book of Acts. Following lunch you head back to İzmir, ancient Smyrna, to look out over the bay from the Kadifekale hill and stop at the Clock Tower on Konak Square. Dinner and overnight in İzmir.
Today is spent in Bergama, the successor of ancient Pergamon. On the Acropolis you explore the steep hillside theatre, the Temple of Trajan and the other monuments that made this one of the great cities of the Hellenistic world, while your guide explains why Pergamon is named among the churches of Revelation. After lunch the visit continues at the Asklepion, a separate healing sanctuary where patients once came for treatment, giving a vivid picture of medicine in antiquity. Return to İzmir for dinner and overnight.
A long and rewarding day begins at Sardis, capital of the Lydian kings. Here you see the Temple of Artemis, the large ancient synagogue and the reconstructed bath and gymnasium complex, and hear about the wealthy, diverse community addressed in Revelation. After lunch the road leads to Alaşehir, ancient Philadelphia, where massive brick piers of the Byzantine Church of St. John still stand. In the afternoon you reach Pamukkale to see its white travertine terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis, including the Martyrium of St. Philip when time and access allow. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
An early start takes you to Laodicea near Denizli, whose colonnaded streets, public buildings and early church remains bring the last of the seven letters to life. After a lunch stop on the way west, you walk through Ephesus past the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre along its marble-paved avenues. The afternoon includes the scattered remains of the Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site linked by tradition to the final years of Mary. Continue to Kuşadası for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast a transfer takes you from your Kuşadası hotel to İzmir Airport for the flight back to Istanbul (ticket not included). A representative meets you and takes you to your hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure. If your flight time allows, extra visits to the Basilica Cistern, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts or Hagia Sophia can be arranged on request; they are not part of the included programme. Overnight in Istanbul.
Breakfast is served at the hotel before check-out. At the agreed time you are transferred to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight, taking home memories of the early Christian cities of Asia Minor and the sacred heritage of Istanbul.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category — the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul → İzmir → Pamukkale → Kuşadası → Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
👥 54 Seats
👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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👥 37+2 Seats
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👥 16+1 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 12+1 Seats
👥 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route — Istanbul, İzmir, Pamukkale, Kuşadası.
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Other private and group tours that visit the same destination.
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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!