Seven Churches of Revelation

Follow in the footsteps of the Apostles on this unforgettable journey to all seven churches of Revelation. This magical trip will enrich your faith and deepen your understanding of the Biblical text. Also includes visits to important Christian and historical sites in Istanbul, Nicea and the Island of Patmos, where the Apostle John received his revelation from the Lord.

Itinerary

Our trip begins and ends in Istanbul. European participants typically depart from their home cities early on the first day of the tour and arrive in time to join the group when it assembles in the late afternoon or early evening. Western Hemisphere participants typically depart the previous day, flying overnight to arrive in Istanbul on the first day for the beginning of the tour.

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Afternoon arrival in Istanbul. Meet your host after baggage claim. Look for the Worker Bee Tours Sign. Transfer to hotel for check in and relaxation. Free time. A cheat sheet is available for orientation to the area around the hotel. Evening mixer and welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 – Old Town Istanbul Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Optional morning worship service at Union Church of Istanbul, meeting in the historic Dutch Chapel, a place of worship since 1857. Group lunch. Afternoon walking tour of Sultanhamet, with stops at Hagia Sofia, still the largest single dome building in the worldBlue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Traditional Turkish dinner.

Day 3 – Explore Istanbul!

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Grand Bazaar. Lunch on your own. Afternoon free time with suggestions and resources for visiting museums, wandering around neighborhoods, and exploring on your own. Group dinner.

Day 4 – Nicea / Bursa / Pergamon

Leave hotel after breakfast and travel by bus to Ancient Nicea, site of the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils. Continue by bus with a lunch stop in Bursa and visit to the Ulu Mosque and the Green Tomb. End the day at Pergamon. Check in and dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 – Nicea / Bursa / Pergamon

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning ascent to the Pergamon Acropolis by cable car or on foot. View the theatre, temples, and remains of the library. Lunch in town. Afternoon visit to the Bergama Asklepion, Red Basilica, and Bergama Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 – Thyatira / Sardis / Philadelphia

Breakfast at the hotel. Bus tour to the ancient churches at Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia. Short stop at the Byzantine church ruins at Thyatira. Lunch. Visit to the archaeological site at Sardis. Brief stop at the ancient church of Philadelphia. Continue to Heiropolis for lodging and group dinner.

Day 7 – Heiropolis / Pamukkale / Laeodicea

Morning tour of Heiropolis and the famous hot springs of Pammukale. Buffet lunch. Afternoon visit to Laeodicea, then continue on to lodging and dinner at Kusadasi.

Day 8 – Ephesus / Selcuk

Visit to the spectacular Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved ancient theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. After lunch visit the Byzantine Basilica of St. John and the Ephesus museum. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 9 – Izmir (Smyrna)

Church in Izmir. Group lunch. Afternoon visit to the Agora and the Izmir Archaeological Museum. Free time in Izmir before heading back to Kusadasi early for a good night’s sleep. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 10 – Island of Patmos

Excursion to Patmos. Depart from hotel around 7:30am for transfer by bus to the port of Kusadasi. Ferry to the Island of Patmos (4 to 5 hours), where the Apostle John was exiled and the place where he received his revelation from the God. Our Patmos tour includes a visit to the St John Monastery, Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery Museum. Late afternoon ferry back to Kusadasi. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Kusadasi.