THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA MINOR Double Occupancy $ 1,495.00 (Code: TY80). Single Occupancy $ 1,695.00 (Code: TY81) Available from April 01 to October 31 for Group of 2-3 Persons. Discount for Large Groups “I john, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the island that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, what you see, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks.” The Revelation 1:9-12
Anatolia ( Asia Minor) has been the center of Christianity ever since St. Paul, St. Peter, St. John, St. Barnabas and their companions John Mark, Silas, Luke came here to preach the Gospel of the teachings of Jesus Christ. This trip will allow you full insight into the achievements of these early Christian missionaries and the Seven Churches of The Revelation. Includes hotel accommodation at below specified hotels, domestic flight from Istanbul-Izmir, all meals specified in the itineraries (B: breakfast L: lunch D: dinner), air-conditioned minibus or bus depending on the size of the group, English or Spanish-speaking guide, baggage handling at hotel and airport, entrance fees to the museums, service charge and V. A. Tax. ITINERARY Day 1: Istanbul. Arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight. (B) Day 2: Istanbul. Following breakfast, we drive to the 'Old City' where we will visit the Hippodrome, The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and Saint Sophia. This church - turned mosque - turned museum, takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome. Next we will visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we will see the extravagant Treasury and the priceless Chinese porcelain. Following our return to the hotel for a quick rest and a change, we will proceed to welcome the evening with dinner. (B, L, D) Day 3: Izmir (Pergamon / Thyateria). We will take an early flight to Izmir and from the airport drive north to the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 B.C., we will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000-volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health centre where methods of treatment included blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. On our way back to Izmir, we will stop by Thyteria to see the remains of the church. This was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. We journey back to Izmir for the night. (B, L, D) Day 4: Izmir /(Sardis-Philadelphia)/ Pamukkale. We leave in the morning for Sardis, which holds a prominent place in mythology. Sardis felt the influence of the Seven Churches of Revelation and highlights include the 3rd century A.D. Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of Bronzes, Temple of Artemis, and, of course, the Church. Next on our itinerary is Philadelphia which was an important Christian center during Byzantine times. We will see the Basilica and several interesting mosques. Overnight at Pamukkale. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Pamukkale (Laodicea-Aphrodisias) Kusadasi. We journey on to Laodicea Ad Lycum where the remains are found on a flat-topped hill. Christianity came to the area during the time of St. Paul, brought by Epaphras of Colossae. Laodicea became the seat of Bishopric and hosted, an important Ecumenical Council in the fourth century A.D., it was named in the Revelations as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Highlights will be the Water Tower, Stadium and the Council Chamber. Our next stop will be Aphrodisias, a site presently under excavation. Highlights will include the Stadium, the Baths of Hadrian, the Theatre and the "Bishop's Palace". Overnight at Kusadasi. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Kusadasi (Ephesus) / Izmir. Leaving Kusadasi behind us we will proceed to Seljuk and the ancient city of Ephesus and first visiting the Basilica of St. John "the Evangelist" who came here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel. Close by is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years. On August 18th, 1961, Pope John XXll proclaimed the House of Virgin Mary at Ephesus to be sacred. You will have a chance to take a phial of Holy Water from the Sacred Spring. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. ( B,L,D) Day 7: Istanbul. We leave Izmir in the morning after a city tour and a glimpse at one of the Churches of Revelation. Catching our plane to Istanbul we settle into the hotel for the night. (B, L, D) Day 8: Istanbul Departure. Free until transfer time. Transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (B). For specifically-interested parties, the program may include one day visit to PATMOS, where St. John wrote the book of Revelation. HOTELS TO BE USED:
Istanbul - Seminal Hotel or similar (4 star), Izmir - Izmir Princess Hotel or similar (5 star)
Pamukkale - Lycus River Hotel or similar (4 star)
Kusadasi - Taksim International Hotel or similar (4 star) Our quotes do not include domestic air fare. Air fare is (per person - one way ) US$ 110.00 for Istanbul / Izmir.
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