Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Welcome to Istanbul, the vibrant metropolis where East meets West. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
- Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul or enjoying a traditional Turkish meal overlooking the Bosphorus.
Day 2: Istanbul Sightseeing
- Embark on a guided tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
- Explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, where you can shop for souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Enjoy an evening cruise along the Bosphorus, admiring the city’s illuminated skyline from the water.
Day 3: Istanbul – Smyrna (Izmir) – Pergamon (Bergama) – Thyatira (Akhisar)
- Depart Istanbul for Izmir, where our pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Revelation begins.
- Visit Smyrna (modern-day Izmir), the first of the Seven Churches, and reflect on Saint John’s message to the persecuted church (Revelation 2:8-11).
- Continue to Pergamon (modern-day Bergama) and Thyatira (modern-day Akhisar), immersing yourself in the biblical history and significance of these sites (Revelation 2:12-29).
- Overnight stay in Akhisar.
Day 4: Akhisar – Sardis (Sart) – Philadelphia (Alaşehir) – Hierapolis (Pamukkale)
- Journey to Sardis (modern-day Sart) and Philadelphia (modern-day Alaşehir), contemplating the lessons learned from the churches of Sardis and Philadelphia (Revelation 3:1-13).
- Visit Hierapolis (modern-day Pamukkale) and reflect on Saint John’s letter to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22).
- Overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Day 5: Pamukkale – Laodicea (Denizli) – Cappadocia
- Explore Laodicea (modern-day Denizli), the final destination of our pilgrimage journey (Revelation 3:14-22).
- Depart for Cappadocia, a land of surreal landscapes and ancient cave dwellings.
- Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 6: Cappadocia Exploration
- Spend the day exploring the highlights of Cappadocia, including the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Ürgüp, and the Fairy Chimneys.
- Optional hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocian landscape at sunrise.
- Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 7: Cappadocia – Istanbul
- Return to Istanbul and spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods or visiting the Spice Bazaar.
- Farewell dinner in Istanbul, reflecting on the spiritual insights gained from our pilgrimage journey.
Day 8: Istanbul Leisure
- Enjoy a full day at leisure in Istanbul, with optional activities such as a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum or a cruise along the Golden Horn.
- Farewell dinner in Istanbul, savoring the flavors of Turkish cuisine and reminiscing about our journey of faith.
Day 9: Departure from Istanbul
- Transfer to Istanbul Airport for departure, carrying with us the memories and spiritual lessons of our pilgrimage journey through the Seven Churches of Revelation and beyond.
- End of the tour, with a renewed sense of faith and purpose in our hearts.