Biblical Sites in Turkey : In the book of Revelation of the Bible are written messages to seven of the most prominent churches of the Roman Province of Asia, which are located in western Turkey. When we use the word “ church ” we mean a group of Christians, not a building.
Therefore on a tour of the seven churches we are not looking for remnants of church structures. However, a visit to the impressive excavations of the sites of the ancient Roman cities where these seven churches existed can be quite fascinating, informative and moving. These sites show Marks of the passing empires and cultures of the Greeks, Roman, Byzantines, Selcuk Turks, Ottomans and the modern Turkish Republic. A visitor to these ancient places find remains of massive pagan temples, beautiful Muslim mosques, as well as many Christian church buildings, which were of course built much later in history. The seven cities mentioned in Revelation form what the Rev. John Stott “ an irregular circle ” and “ are listed in the order in which a Messenger might visit them if commissioned to deliver the letters ”.
Sailing from the island of Patmos to which John had been banished, he would arrive at Ephesus. He would then travel north to Smyrna and Pergamum, southeast to Thyatira, Sardes and Philadelphia and finish his journey at Laodicea. He would need only to keep to what Professor William Ramsey calls “ the great circular road that bound together the most populous, wealthy and influential part of the Province, the west - central region.” Though the book of Revelation was penned by the hand of the Apostle John, it is claimed that these letters emanate directly emanate from the lips of the ascended and glorified Jesus Christ. Stott notes that “ in them, by praise and censure, warning and exhortation. He makes plain much of His will for His people. The seven churches of Asia, though historical, represent the local churches of all ages and of all lands ”. The onslaught on the Church was physical through a persecuting emperor and his deputies, intellectual through false cults and moral through sub - Christian ethical standards. As we look around the world today, the same pressures harassing different churches and the messages in these letters are also fort he Church in the world. Stott says “ it’s a call to Christians to endure tribulation to hold fast to the truth,to resist the deceptions of the devil and to obey the commandments of God.” In each of the seven letters, which follow, the risen Christ lays emphasis, either in rebuke or in commendation of one particular characteristic of an ideal church. Put together, these characteristic constitute the seven Marks of a true and living church.
Seven Churches Tour 3 Tour Code : SCT103
Travel Time : 5 Nights 6 Days
Prices :
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Tour Plan :
Day 01 - Izmir
Greeted by our guide in Izmir and visit the Alexander the Great Castle from 4th century BC on the Mt.Pagos overlooking the whole city. Drive to the oldest church in ancient Smyrna St.Policarp, which sembolizedthe community of the seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Overnight in Izmir.
Day 02 - Izmir - Pergamon - Thyatira - Izmir
After Breakfast drive to Pergamon, which was a great center of culture and thye capital of East-Empire. On the Acropolis there are numerous remains including the celebrated Library, the steepest Theatre of Anatolia, the Temple of Trajan and Dionysos, the place of monumental Altar of Zeus famous with the releif of Gods and Devils, the Gymnasium situated on the terraces, the lower Agora. After a delicious lunch with Turkish specialities you will visit the madical center of the ancient world, Asclepion, the pyschological treatment hospital dedicated to the God of Health. Then drive to Akhisar to visit the chruch of ancient Thyatira. Return and overnight in Izmir.
Day 3- Izmir - Sardes - Philadelphia - Pamukkale
Drive to Sardes capital of the ancient Lydia, see the Temples of Cybele and Diana, which later became a chruch. Continue to Philadelphia in Alasehir, visit the scanty remains of the Cathedral. After lunch drive to the combination of history and nature, Pamukkale. You will visit the Roman city Hierapolis with Apollo Temple competing with Delphi, Monumental Nympheum a 4 th century Basilica and the Theatre. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 04 - Pamukkale - Laodicea - Aphrodisias - Kusadasi
Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches, and remains of the Cathedral still exist. Then drive to Aphrodisias, the city of of the Goddess of Love see the Temple of Aphrodite, the Odeon, the Theatre, Agora and Hadrian Bath. Drive to Kusadasi and overnight.
Day 05 - Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi
You will visit the best preserved and restored ancient city in Turkey, wihcih is known to be the commercial, the Religious and the Social Center of Antiquity, and one of thr highlights of any visit in Turkey Ephesus. After visit the the ancient city, drive to the Hourse of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her last days. After enjoying the Turkish cuisine at lunch, visit the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 06 - Kusadasi - Izmir
Transfer to Izmir airport by our representative.Take a flight. Overnight Istanbul.
Tours will be provided by experienced guides in religious subjects !
4 star Hotel breakfast and dinner 5 x Included Pick-up :09:00 a.m. Drop off 06:00 p.m. Miles 400 miles.
Included :
| • Transfer from airport or hotel and back | |
| • Transportation by a comfortable AC non smoking Luxurious car / Van with professional driver. | |
| • Professional and experienced licensed guide during the tours. | |
| • Entry fees to the museums and sites. ( Including Terraces House in Ephesus ) | |
| • Parking fees. | |