ISTANBUL AND SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION - 1 WEEK

Full day tour exploring the heart of ancient Constantinople, the historic Christian capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. St. Sofia Museum: Discover Justinian’s 6th-century architectural masterpiece, its grand cupola, and magnificent 11th/12th-century Christian mosaics. Ancient Hippodrome: Visit the historic center of Byzantine civic life featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Blue Mosque: Tour the majestic 17th-century mosque, famous for its six minarets and beautiful interior decoration of turquoise tiles. Topkapi Palace: Tour the ancient imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans built over the Byzantine Acropolis, including the Treasury section and historic halls. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Morning departure to visit the vibrant Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar. Followed by a private boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, witnessing the beautiful wooden seaside mansions (yalis) between Europe and Asia. Visit the the Church of St. Saviour in Chora, famous for its breathtaking 14th-century Byzantine frescoes and brilliant mosaics illustrating the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Izmir. Drive to Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17), the church rebuked for compromising with paganism. Explore the spectacular Acropolis, the steepest Theater of the ancient world, the Temple of Trajan, and the Altar of Zeus—referred to by St. John as the "Seat of Satan." Visit the Red Basilica (St. John's Church) and the Asclepium healing center. Continue to Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29), the church praised for its charity but warned against false teachings. See the ancient remains of the city and its commercial ruins. Drive to Izmir for overnight.

Morning tour of Izmir, ancient Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11), the faithful church urged to remain "faithful unto death." Visit the ancient Agora and ascend Mount Pagus (Alexander the Great's Castle) for a panoramic view. Depart for Ephesus (Revelation 1:11; 2:1-7), the first of the Seven Churches, praised for its hard work but warned for losing its "first love." Visit the peaceful shrine of the House of Virgin Mary. Explore the breathtaking ruins of Ephesus: the Odeon, Celsus' Library, the Great Theater (site of the Acts 19 riot), and the unique Double Church where the Third Ecumenical Council was held. Visit the Basilica of St. John and his tomb, and the ruins of the Temple of Diana. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Depart toward Pamukkale, stopping en route to explore the beautiful ruins and ancient sculptor workshops of Aphrodisias. Proceed to Pamukkale and walk through the ancient necropolis and streets of Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13), the site of the martyrdom of St. Philip. Continue to Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), the final of the Seven Churches, famously condemned for being "lukewarm." Explore the newly excavated theater, stadium, and structural ruins of this wealthy commercial city. Dinner and overnight at a thermal hotel in Pamukkale.

Morning departure to Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13), the church of brotherly love that received only praise and the promise of an "open door." See the ancient city walls and the monumental remains of the Byzantine Cathedral. After lunch, proceed to Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6), the church with the reputation of being alive but declared "dead." Explore the magnificent Roman Gymnasium, the massive ancient Jewish Synagogue, and the Temple of Artemis. Drive back to Izmir for overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Izmir Airport for departure flights. END OF SERVICES.