11 days Seven Churches Tour

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we meet our guide in the lobby at 08:30. Today, we set off on a journey to the heart of Constantinople, the imperial capital that bears the traces of Christianity and Rome.

Our first stop is Hagia Sophia. Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianus in the 6th century, this structure served as a church for many years, then was converted into a mosque, and is now open to visitors as a mosque again.

Then we go to the Sultanahmet Mosque. This magnificent structure, which draws attention with its six minarets, is the pinnacle of classical Ottoman architecture.

Afterwards, we walk around the Roman Hippodrome and listen to the stories of the Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the Knitted Column from our guide.

Lunch: At an authentic restaurant near Sultanahmet, serving selections from Ottoman cuisine. The menu includes Sultan's delight, olive oil dishes and semolina helva for dessert.

In the afternoon, we go to Topkapı Palace. In this palace, where the Ottoman sultans lived for centuries, we see sacred relics, sultan's caftans and dazzling treasury sections.

The last stop of our tour is the Basilica Cistern, which we will pass by on a short walk. We complete our day in the coolness of this giant underground water cistern with its mystical atmosphere.

At the end of the tour, we can go to Kabataş to join the Bosphorus tour with the guests who wish (optional).

Dinner: At the hotel

Overnight: Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, our luggage is ready. We meet our guide at the hotel lobby at around 08:30 and set off for Istanbul Airport. After a domestic flight of approximately 1 hour, we arrive at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.

We reach Ephesus Ancient City with our vehicle waiting for us at the airport and a land journey of approximately 1 hour. We explore these lands where St. Paul preached, St. John lived, and where it is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last days.

Our first stop: House of the Virgin Mary. This area, which has great importance in the Christian faith, offers a spiritual atmosphere.

Then we go down to the heart of Ephesus Ancient City. We explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, the Celsus Library, the Great Theater and the marble streets with the narration of our guide.

Lunch: At an open-air garden restaurant in Selçuk, full of local flavors. This restaurant is also a carpet weaving course and you can learn how to make many handmade carpets and shop inside.

Finally, we visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which was once considered one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.”

In the evening, we settle into our hotel in Kuşadası.

Dinner: It is served as an open buffet at the hotel’s restaurant overlooking the Aegean Sea

Overnight: Kuşadası

We leave the hotel early in the morning because a long but fascinating day awaits us. We arrive at Pamukkale on a 3-hour panoramic journey. During this journey, our guide gives information about the ancient city of Laodicea, which is on our route today.

Our first stop: Laodicea Ancient City. This church, which was also mentioned in St. Paul's letters, was known for its wealth at the time. We travel back in time among the agora, theater, church ruins and columned streets.

Lunch:

Then we walk in the white heaven Pamukkale Travertines. Taking off our shoes and walking in the hot spring water purifies the soul as much as the body.

The last excursion point of the day: Hierapolis Ancient City. In this ancient city famous for its healing waters, the Necropolis, theater and the spot where St. Philip was martyred are visited.

(Optional: Swimming break in Cleopatra Ancient Pool)

We return to Kuşadası at the end of the day.

Dinner: At the hotel

Overnight: Kuşadası

After breakfast, we leave the hotel and continue towards Bergama on a 3-hour journey.

Our first stop: Pergamon Acropolis. You can watch the city from above as you go up by cable car. Up there, we visit the area extending from the area where the Zeus Altar is located to the ancient theater. Here, we examine the ruins of the Pergamon Church, which hosted one of the first Christian communities mentioned in St. Paul's letters.

Then we visit Asklepion (an ancient health center). Here, we discover the healing methods of the ancient period.

Lunch: Local Aegean dishes in an authentic stone mansion in the center of Bergama.

At the end of the day, we travel to Izmir on a 2-hour journey. After arriving in Izmir, we check into our hotel and have free time to rest. Those who want can explore the city and take a walk by the sea

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant or in the city (optional)

Overnight: Izmir

After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we set off. Today we will visit two important churches: Izmir and Sardes.

We start the day with Smyrna (Izmir). In the area where this church, praised by St. John in his letters and known for its loyalty, is located, our guide explains the role of Smyrna in the history of Christianity. Although the ruins of this area are limited today, it is definitely worth seeing

Then we set off for the Ancient City of Sardes (approximately 1.5 hours). Sardes was the capital of the Lydian Kingdom and also the place where the first coin was minted. Here we visit the ruins of the Sardes Church, the Temple of Artemis and the ancient synagogue.

Lunch: At a country restaurant in Salihli, right next to the ancient city.

At the end of the day, we set off for Pamukkale (approximately 3 hours). Along the way, our guide gives information about our route tomorrow, accompanied by the nature of the Denizli region.

When we arrive at the hotel, we have free time to rest. Guests who wish can use the thermal pools.

Dinner: At the hotel's open buffet restaurant

Overnight: Pamukkale

After breakfast, we leave our hotel. On our route today, we will visit both the churches mentioned in the Bible and the world-famous Pamukkale travertines.

Our first stop: Philadelphia (Alaşehir)
We arrive after a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Although this region has the fewest ruins among the Seven Churches, it is one of the most spiritually powerful.

Then we go to Laodicea (approximately 45 minutes).
This ancient city is known as one of the richest of the period. We follow the traces of the past by walking among the ancient theater, columned street and church ruins.

Lunch: At a local restaurant near Pamukkale.

After lunch, we start visiting the ancient city of Hierapolis.
This is considered to be the place where St. Philip, one of the apostles, was martyred. It is an impressive stop with its sacred tomb, monumental gates and ancient theater.

And finally: Pamukkale Travertines
We take off our shoes and walk in the snow-white travertine pools, and guests who wish can rest their feet in the hot spring waters. Optionally, there is also the opportunity to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pool (admission is subject to an extra fee).

Dinner: Open buffet dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Pamukkale

Today, we set off for another mystical stop on our journey, Cappadocia.

We check out of the hotel after breakfast.
The journey takes approximately 7 hours by road.

Lunch: We will take a break near Kayseri on the way.

We settle into our hotel in Cappadocia upon arrival.

Dinner: Set menu with local dishes at the hotel

Overnight: Cappadocia (with stone hotel or cave hotel options)

(Optional) Hot Air Balloon Tour
With the sunrise, our guests who wish can join an unforgettable balloon ride over the magical valleys of Cappadocia.

After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our guide at 10:00 and start our full-day tour.

Göreme Panoramic Point
We watch one of the most iconic views of Cappadocia from here.

Göreme Open Air Museum
This unique open-air museum, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is like an open lesson in understanding the churches carved into the rocks, frescoes and the life of monks.

Pottery Workshop (Avanos)
In the town of Avanos, located on the banks of the Kızılırmak, you can watch traditional pottery making and those who want to have the opportunity to try their own pottery.

Lunch: At a traditional stone oven restaurant in Avanos.

Devrent (Dream) Valley
We encounter the creativity of nature in this valley. We discover fairy chimneys that resemble many shapes.

Paşabağ (Valley of Priests)
We tour the region where the three-headed fairy chimneys are most densely populated, and we get information from our guide about the religious life of Cappadocia.

Three Beauties
We complete the day by listening to the legend of these three fairy chimneys, which are the symbolic image of Cappadocia.

Dinner: At the hotel

Overnight: Cappadocia

We depart at 10:00 after breakfast. Today, a day full of valleys, villages and underground cities awaits us.

Red Valley
We start our morning walk with its soft colors, red tones and impressive rock formations. With its silence and view, this valley is the intersection of nature and spirituality.

Cavusin Village & Castle
We visit abandoned cave houses and Cavusin Castle in this village, which is a historical Christian settlement.

Love Valley
This valley, one of the most unique forms of nature, is an unforgettable stop with both a photo break and the legends it tells.

Lunch: At a village restaurant near Goreme.

Underground City (Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu)
These multi-story cities built by early Christians to escape oppression are the symbol of the struggle for survival underground. We walk through narrow corridors with a guide.

Pigeon Valley
This valley, which has thousands of pigeon nests, is our last stop, telling about the agricultural culture of Cappadocia and the importance of pigeon manure.

Dinner: At the hotel

Overnight: Cappadocia

Morning: Check-out after breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Cappadocia Airport with our guide

Cappadocia → Istanbul domestic flight (approximately 1.5 hours)

Welcome at Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotel or airport (approximately 1 hour)

End of Tour – We look forward to welcoming you back to Turkey!