Seven Churches of Asia Minor - 9 days
Seven Churches of Asia Minor - 9 days
Seven Churches of Asia Minor - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul
Visiting: Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pamukkale
Tour operator:
Group size:
2 - 28
Age range:
16 years with an accompanying adult
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on a spiritual journey through Turkey, beginning in Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Travel to Canakkale and visit the historic battlegrounds of Gallipoli. Explore the legendary city of Troy and the ancient city of Pergamum. Continue to Kusadasi to visit Ephesus and the charming village of Sirince. Journey to Akhisor, a town with Christian significance, and then visit Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Laodicea. Explore Philadelphia and Sardis before concluding your pilgrimage back in Istanbul.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Saturday. Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, the beginning of your exciting adventure. Upon your arrival, our friendly representative will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast at the hotel, your day in Istanbul begins with a guided tour that will take you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the exterior of St. Sophia, the enchanting Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Day 3: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Istanbul - Canakkale. Today, you'll embark on a journey to Gallipoli, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the legendary landmarks of ANZAC Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine, and the 57th Regiment Memorial.
Afterwards, you'll proceed to cross the Dardanelles, where Asia and Europe meet. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Canakkale, where you can enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: Canakkale
Location: Canakkale
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi/Izmir. Following breakfast, we'll head for the legendary city of Troy, where the renowned Trojan War unfolded. You'll have the opportunity to explore the fascinating archaeological site, delving into its rich history.
Continuing on, we'll cross the picturesque Ida mountain range and arrive in Pergamum. Here, you'll visit the ancient Acropolis. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the charming town of Kusadasi, where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 5: Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi/Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince - Kusadasi/Izmir. Today, a brief drive will take you to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent library, theater, and temples. The day's journey also includes a chance to discover the local craftsmanship of hand-made carpets and leather products.
Continuing on, you'll reach the charming village of Sirince, celebrated as one of Turkey's most beautiful villages. While in Sirince, you can shop unique local crafts and taste the delightful wines produced in the village. We'll end the night in Kusadasi.
Day 6: Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi/Izmir - Smirne - Thyateria - Kusadasi/Izmir. Delve into the Christian history of Akhisor, a modern town built upon the ancient foundations of Thyateira, which holds significance as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse where early Christianity rapidly spread.
You'll spend some time exploring the historical and spiritual significance of this site before returning to Kusadasi for the night.
Day 7: Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi/Izmir - Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Laodicea - Pamukkale. Set off in the morning for a picturesque drive to Pamukkale, passing through the fertile Meander plain, known for its natural beauty.
Your first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you'll have the opportunity to explore its fascinating ruins and the captivating terraces.
In the afternoon, your journey continues with a visit to Laodicea, an ancient city located just seven kilometers from Pamukkale. Laodicea holds historical significance as one of the seven churches of Asia Minor, providing insights into early Christianity.
Day 8: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pamukkale - Philadelphia - Sardis - Istanbul. Begin your day with a drive to Philadelphia, one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, where you can explore its historical and religious significance mentioned in Revelation (3: 7-13).
Your journey continues to the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lydia, Sardis, referred to in the New Testament (Rev 2; 18-29). During your visit to Sardis, you will encounter a Roman-era synagogue, a remarkably well-preserved gymnasium, and various other ancient ruins mentioned in Revelation (3: - 6).
Afterwards, head to Izmir airport for your included flight back to Istanbul.
Day 9: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sunday. Today marks the end of your adventure. Departure transfer to your onward flight is included.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-5 star -
Daily breakfasts & 5 dinners
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8 nights 4-5 star hotels
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9
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Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Sirince, Pamukkale Hierapolis & Sardis
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English-speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide for all included sightseeing
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Transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach
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Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
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Economy class flight from Izmir to Istanbul
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Age Policy
16 years with an accompanying adult
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.