Biblical 10 Day Tour of the Seven Churches in Turkey

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul – Welcome to Turkey

1. Istanbul
   1h
   Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST), meet your Go Epic Tours representative, and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy free time to rest or explore the nearby Sultanahmet Square.

Day 2: Istanbul – Biblical & Byzantine Highlights

1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit iconic sites including Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Blue Mosque. Explore Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans, and discover the Basilica Cistern. Afternoon visit to the Grand Bazaar for local crafts and souvenirs.

Day 3: Fly to Cappadocia

1. Goreme Open Air Museum
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Morning flight to Cappadocia. Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum with its rock-cut churches and frescoes. See Uçhisar Castle for panoramic views and explore the ancient cave dwellings of Zelve Valley.

Day 4: Cappadocia to Mersin

1. Ozkonak Underground City
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Optional hot-air balloon flight at sunrise (extra cost). Discover the fascinating tunnels of Kaymaklı Underground City used by early Christians. Afternoon scenic drive south through the Taurus Mountains to Mersin on the Mediterranean coast.

Day 5: Tarsus & Antioch

1. St. Paul Kuyusu
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Visit St. Paul’s Well and Cleopatra’s Gate in Tarsus. Continue to Antioch (Antakya) to visit the Cave Church of St. Peter, one of the world’s earliest Christian worship sites. Explore the old town of Antakya, rich in Biblical heritage.

Day 6: Fly to Izmir

1. Izmir
   1h 30m
   Morning flight to Izmir. Explore the ancient ruins of Smyrna Agora, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Learn about its early Christian history and significance in the Book of Revelation. Afternoon free to stroll the lively Kordon waterfront or Kemeralti Bazaar.

Day 7: Sardis, Philadelphia, Thyatira & Pergamum

1. Sardis (Sardes)
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Depart from Izmir to visit Sardis, capital of ancient Lydia and site of one of the Seven Churches. Continue to Philadelphia (Alaşehir) and Thyatira (Akhisar) for brief devotional stops. Afternoon visit to Pergamum’s Acropolis and the ancient healing center of Asclepion.

Day 8: Ephesus & Virgin Mary’s House

1. Ephesus Ancient City
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Full-day visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and Marble Street. Visit the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site for Christians.

Day 9: Laodicea & Pamukkale

1. Hierapolis & Pamukkale
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Explore Laodicea, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation, known for its message of spiritual renewal. Continue to Pamukkale to see the white travertine terraces and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including the Theatre and the Martyrium of St. Philip.

Day 10: Tour Ends

1. 1h
   After breakfast, transfer to Denizli Airport for your flight to Istanbul or onward travel. Guests may extend their journey with optional Antalya, Istanbul, Bodrum, or Greek Islands extensions.

Pickup details

Pickup is available from Istanbul Airport (IST) and centrally located Istanbul hotels. Your exact pickup time and location will be confirmed after booking. Please ensure your arrival details are shared with Go Epic Tours at least 48 hours before tour start. Airport pickup includes private transfer to your hotel.

• Service animals allowed
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels