Seven Churches of Asia Tour: 5-Day Private Biblical Trip with Flights
Overview
Seven Churches of Asia Tour: 5-Day Private Biblical Trip with Flights
The Seven Churches addressed in the Book of Revelation were central to the first Christian communities, and they still hold an important place in the faith. On this trip you visit every one of the Seven Churches of Asia and see how Christianity took root in the ancient world.
Following St. Paul
The route traces the journeys of St. Paul, who carried the faith across Anatolia even under the tight restrictions of the Roman Empire. It is a spiritual journey as much as a historical one.
Your Private Guide
A private guide with deep knowledge of the region, among the best informed you will find there, explains each stop in detail so you get the most from the trip.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Flight to Izmir, Smyrna & Pergamon
At the agreed time we collect you from your Istanbul hotel and drive you to the airport for the flight to Izmir. Your guide is waiting there to start the tour.
Izmir, the ancient Smyrna, is the first stop, and Pergamon comes next. Today's visits:
- St. Polycarp Church and the remains of the ancient Agora
- Bergama, known for the ruins of Pergamon
- The Acropolis
- The Asclepion and its well-preserved theatre
When the tour ends, you are taken to your Bergama hotel. Overnight in Bergama.
Day 2 – Thyatira, Sardis & Philadelphia
After breakfast your guide and driver collect you from the hotel. On today's route:
- Thyatira: an ancient city whose founders were the Lydians.
- Sardis: once the rich capital of the Lydian kingdom.
- Church of Philadelphia: a key centre from which both Hellenistic culture and Christianity spread.
At the end of the day you are transferred to your Pamukkale hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 3 – Pamukkale, Hierapolis & Laodicea
After breakfast your private guide and driver collect you. Today you see:
- The calcium travertine terraces
- Hierapolis Ancient City at Pamukkale
- Laodicea, the church Revelation calls "lukewarm"
- Colossae, a site that is only partly excavated
At the end of the day you are transferred to your Kusadasi hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4 – Kusadasi & Ephesus, Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast your guide and driver collect you from the hotel for a complete tour of Ephesus, which preserves a remarkable picture of ancient Greek and Roman life. The tour also covers:
- Basilica of St. John
- House of the Virgin Mary
Afterwards a transfer takes you to Izmir Airport for the flight to Istanbul. Our representative meets you there with a name sign and drives you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 5 – Departure from Istanbul
A transfer takes you to the airport in good time for your international flight.
Our services end here. Thanks for choosing us, and we hope to see you again.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tours
- ✓Local Tour Guides
- ✓Domestic Flights (Economy Class)
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✓Airport Transfers (Mentioned)
- ✓Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕International Flights
- ✕Hotel Bookings (Available Upon Request)
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
- ✕Personal Expenses
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at no charge until 7 days before your tour and you receive a full refund. If you cancel within the final 7 days before the tour, no refund is given. All times shown are local.
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Private 5-day pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Asia: the essentials
Over five private days you visit every one of the Seven Churches of Asia named in the Book of Revelation, tracing early Christianity from Smyrna to Ephesus: Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea and Ephesus. The route also takes in the Asclepion of Pergamon, Hierapolis and the Pamukkale travertines, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John and the Church of St. Polycarp in Izmir. The price covers economy domestic flights, airport transfers, a private van, local guides and museum entry. Since the cost depends on your dates and your group, we send you a quote on request.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days |
| Price | Quote on request for your dates and group |
| Type | Private, led by local guides |
| Start | Your hotel in Istanbul or the airport |
| Included | Flights within Turkey, airport transfers, private van, local guides, museum and attraction entry |
| Not included | Anything not listed; ask us about hotels and meals |
Who were the Seven Churches of Asia?
They were seven Christian congregations in cities of Roman Asia, a province in what is now western Turkey. Chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation contain letters written to them. Each letter names what its church did well and where it struggled, and standing at the sites makes the text feel real. The journey also passes through the world of St. Paul, who carried the faith across Anatolia.
Where does the tour go?
| Church | Modern name | Also visited |
|---|---|---|
| Smyrna | Izmir | Church of St. Polycarp |
| Pergamon | Bergama | The Acropolis and the Asclepion |
| Thyatira | Akhisar | What is left of the ancient city |
| Sardis | Close to Salihli | The ancient city |
| Philadelphia | Alasehir | Ruins of the church |
| Laodicea | Close to Denizli | Hierapolis and Pamukkale |
| Ephesus | Close to Selcuk | House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John |
Which Seven Churches tour is right for you?
| Faith tour | How it differs | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This tour | Private, 5 days, with flights and museum entry included | On request |
| Revelation's Seven Churches in 5 days | Set-price option with hotels and lunches | $1,800 per person |
| Seven Churches plus Istanbul in 7 days | Includes the Christian sites of Istanbul | $2,050 per person |
| Following St. Paul over 14 days | A long trip through Turkey | On request |
| Ephesus and Pamukkale biblical tour in 2 days | A brief first taste | $720 per person |
Who should go on this pilgrimage?
It suits church groups, pastors travelling with their congregation, families and solo travellers who want to stand at places mentioned in the Bible with a guide who knows what they mean in Scripture. The tour is private, so each stop can include time to read, pray and reflect.
Which season is best?
Travel between the inland sites is most pleasant from March to June and from September to November. Summers are hot, and winters are mild and calm.
What to pack?
Bring comfortable shoes for the rough ground at ancient sites, modest clothes for churches and the House of the Virgin Mary, a hat, sunscreen, a Bible if you like, and your passport for the flights inside Turkey.
How do you make a booking?
Tell us your dates, the size of your group and any special wishes, using the form on this page or WhatsApp. We confirm the price and the plan in writing, and payment comes only after confirmation. Looking for more? Browse our Pergamon tours, Ephesus tours and Turkey tour packages.
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