SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION TOUR

The Seven Churches of Revelation Tour

With our Seven Churches of Revelation Tour, you will visit the seven significant early Christian churches of Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey). Also known as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, these churches are mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament.

According to Revelation 1:11, while on the island of Patmos in the eastern Aegean Sea, Jesus instructed John of Patmos to write down what he saw in his visions and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each church is addressed individually in the Book of Revelation, with messages reflecting its spiritual condition, challenges, and strengths.

The Seven Churches of Revelation

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1–7)
Commended for its hard work, perseverance, and rejection of wickedness, yet admonished for having abandoned its “first love.”

Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11)
Praised for enduring tribulation and poverty, and encouraged to remain faithful despite impending persecution.

Pergamum (Revelation 2:12–17)
Located in a city described as the place “where Satan’s throne is.” The church is admonished for tolerating false teachings, including the consumption of food sacrificed to idols and immoral practices, and is called to repentance.

Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29)
Known for its love, faith, service, and perseverance, with works that increased over time; however, it is rebuked for tolerating the teachings of a false prophetess.

Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6)
Reprimanded for being spiritually dead despite having a reputation for being alive, and urged to awaken, strengthen what remains, and repent.

Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13)
Commended for its steadfast faith, obedience to God’s word, and patient endurance. It is promised protection for its faithfulness.

Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22)
Criticized for being lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—and described as materially wealthy but spiritually impoverished, and called to sincere repentance.

4-Day Seven Churches of Revelation Itinerary

Day 1: Smyrna – Thyatira – Pergamon

After breakfast, we begin our journey in İzmir (ancient Smyrna), one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. We visit the Smyrna Agora, the heart of the ancient city and the area associated with the early Christian community.

We then drive to Akhisar (ancient Thyatira) to explore the remains of the city known for its trade guilds and the church praised for its charity and perseverance.

In the afternoon, we continue to Pergamon (Bergama), once a major cultural and religious center of the ancient world. We visit the Acropolis of Pergamon, where the church addressed in Revelation lived “where Satan’s throne is.”

Overnight in the Pergamon area or İzmir region.

Day 2: Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea

Today we travel inland to Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia. We visit the impressive Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium, and the Synagogue, and reflect on the message to the church admonished for being spiritually asleep.

We then proceed to Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir), the church praised for its steadfast faith and perseverance. Although limited ruins remain, the biblical significance of the site is explained on location.

In the afternoon, we continue to Laodicea, one of the most extensively excavated ancient cities in Turkey. Here we explore its streets, theaters, and churches, and discuss the message condemning the church for being “lukewarm.”

Overnight in Denizli.

Day 3: Pamukkale (Hierapolis) – Colossae

After breakfast, we visit Pamukkale, famous for its white travertine terraces. Above the terraces lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, where we explore the theater, necropolis, and ancient baths.

Later, we visit the site of Colossae, an early Christian city known from Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians and located near Laodicea. Although largely unexcavated, its biblical and historical importance is explained.

Overnight in the Pamukkale / Denizli area.

Day 4: Ephesus – Basilica of St. John – House of the Virgin Mary

We depart for Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean and home to one of the most important churches of Revelation. We visit highlights including the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Marble Road, and ancient residential areas.

Afterwards, we visit the Basilica of St. John, believed to be the burial site of John the Apostle, who authored the Book of Revelation.

We conclude the tour at the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims.

The tour ends in the Selçuk / Kuşadası / İzmir area.