Follow in the footsteps of the early Christians on this seven-day pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Revelation, a faith-and-history journey through western Turkey and Istanbul arranged in-house by Inca Tour, a TURSAB-licensed operator since 2007 with your own English-speaking guide. From Smyrna and Ephesus to Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea, it traces the churches of the Book of Revelation before finishing among the great monuments of Istanbul.
Beginning in Izmir, ancient Smyrna, you visit the Church of St Polycarp before heading to Sardis and Philadelphia and on to Pamukkale, where the martyrium of St Philip the Apostle crowns Roman Hierapolis above the white terraces. You then explore Laodicea and Colossae en route to magnificent Ephesus, walking the marble streets where the Apostle Paul preached, past the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the Temple of Artemis, with a stop at Aphrodisias before the harbour town of Kuşadası.
Continuing north you visit Thyatira, smallest of the seven churches, and Pergamum with its Asclepion healing centre and towering Acropolis, before the coast at Ayvalık. The journey then follows the shore to Alexandria Troas, where Paul had his vision of carrying the gospel to Europe, and legendary Troy, with a stop at Bursa of the Ecumenical Councils, ending in Istanbul for a city tour of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and Topkapı Palace. With comfortable hotels, daily breakfasts, guiding and all entrance fees included, it is a moving and richly historical pilgrimage. Prices are per person and fall as your group grows.
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
On arrival at Izmir your local guide transfers you to your hotel. An afternoon tour of Izmir, ancient Smyrna, includes a visit to the Church of St Polycarp, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Overnight in Izmir.
You drive to Sardes to visit the Church of Sardis, then to Alaşehir, home of the ancient Philadelphia church. Continuing to Pamukkale, famous for its lime-cascade Roman spa, you finish the day at Hierapolis to see the martyrium of St Philip the Apostle. Overnight in Pamukkale.
This morning you visit the churches of Laodicea and Colossae en route to Ephesus, walking the excavated city where the Apostle Paul ministered for three years — the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, the thermal baths and the Great Theatre. You stop at Aphrodisias before reaching the harbour town of Kuşadası. Overnight in Kuşadası.
You visit Thyatira, the smallest of the seven churches, then Pergamum to explore the Asclepion ancient healing centre, the Acropolis and the Archaeological Museum, before driving to the coastal town of Ayvalık. Overnight in Ayvalık.
Driving along the coast you reach Alexandria Troas, where the Apostle Paul had his vision of taking the gospel to Europe, then Troy, site of the great legend of the Trojan Horse. You continue to Istanbul with a stop at Bursa, where Ecumenical Councils once met. Overnight in Istanbul.
A morning city tour of Istanbul takes in Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Roman Hippodrome and a brief visit to Topkapı Palace. The afternoon is free to explore the Grand Bazaar or Spice Market at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast you are transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight home, ending your pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Revelation.
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.
Izmir → Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale → Laodicea, Ephesus, Kuşadası → Thyatira, Pergamum, Ayvalık → Troy, Bursa, Istanbul → Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Izmir, Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale, Laodicea, Ephesus, Kuşadası, Thyatira, Pergamum, Ayvalık, Troy, Bursa, Istanbul, Istanbul.
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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!