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Walk Where Scripture Comes Alive
With daily teachings by Brother Fred Witzig, experience the transformative power of faith and history on the Seven Churches of Revelation Tour—an extraordinary 8-day journey through the sacred landscapes of ancient Asia Minor. From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the Apostles and explore the very places where early Christianity took root. Each church, uniquely addressed in the Book of Revelation, offers timeless messages of hope, warning, and spiritual insight that still resonate today. Along the way, marvel at iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, soak in Pamukkale’s healing thermal waters, and stand in the shadow of temples and amphitheaters that once echoed with the voices of apostles and emperors.
More Than a Tour—It’s a Pilgrimage of the Heart
As we travel with our Mayflower Tour Manager, we will be enriched with cultural experiences—from savoring authentic Turkish cuisine to witnessing the artistry of traditional rug-making—this tour is a soul-stirring blend of biblical reflection and historical immersion. Whether you're a seeker, a scholar, or someone longing to deepen your spiritual walk, the Seven Churches Tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with scripture in a way that’s personal, powerful, and profoundly moving. Let the stones speak, let the journey transform you—and let your pilgrimage begin.
Day 1: Depart USA – Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Istanbul.
Day 2: Arrival in Istanbul – Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met by a local rep of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to your hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. (Meal: D)
Day 3: Istanbul – City Tour – After breakfast, begin your city tour of Istanbul. Visit Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans, where relics such as what is claimed to be John the Baptist’s arm are displayed. Continue to the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, and the magnificent Basilica of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), originally built in 326. The tour will end with the visit of the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy an included dinner at Galeyan, a famous local Kebap restaurant. (Meals: B, D)
Day 4: Istanbul – Thyatira – Pergamum – Izmir – After breakfast, depart by coach to Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna. Enroute, stop in Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelation (Rev. 1:11; 2:18–29) and a city visited by St. Paul during his missionary journeys (Acts 19:10). Continue to Pergamum (Rev. 2:12–17), where you will explore the Acropolis and its ancient theater. The Cable Car is also included. Arrive in Izmir for dinner at the hotel and overnight accommodations. (Meals: B, D)
Day 5: Izmir – Sardis – Philadelphia – Pamukkale – Begin the day with a visit to Sardis (Rev. 3:1–6), including the Temple of Artemis, the Royal Road, gymnasium, and ancient synagogue. Continue to Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7–13), described as the "New Jerusalem," and then to Pamukkale, famous for its calcium-rich thermal waters that formed white terraces and basis. Dinner and overnight are in Pamukkale. (Meals: B, D)
Day 6: Hierapolis – Laodicea – Colossae - Pamukkle – Begin the day with a visit to Hierapolis, founded during the Hellenistic period. Upon arrival at the site, enjoy the views and use golf carts while discovering the excavations and ruins. Continue to Laodicea,(Rev.3:14-22) one of the Seven Churches known for being “lukewarm in faith”. Afterwards stop at Colossae, where Paul’s Epistle to the Colossian was addressed. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (Meals: B, D)
Day 7: Pamukkale–Ephesus – Izmir – After breakfast, depart for Ephesus, another of the Seven Churches in Revelation (Rev. 1:11). Visit the large amphitheater, gymnasiums, bathhouses, Library of Celsus, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. Then visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Enjoy a traditional Turkish rug demonstration and lecture, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old art of carpet weaving, its symbolism, techniques, and its role in Anatolian Christian and cultural heritage. Before we start our drive back to Izmir we will visit the Basilica of St.John, where a small church was originally built over the tomb of St John the Evangelist. Enjoy dinner at a local fish restaurnat along the Izmir Bay this evening. (Meals: B, D)
Day 8: Izmir – Istanbul – USA – After breakfast, transfer to the Izmir airport for a morning flight to Istanbul and your onward flight to the USA. (Meal: B)
This tour is priced from $4,999 per person based on double occupancy.
Optional travelers protection plan (highly recommended) is $399 per person.
If you would like to travel with us, click on the I Want To Go! button and submit the required information.
No deposit is required at the point of registration (I Want To Go! link).
We will follow up with you as soon as we can regarding deposit / payment options.
TRIP FAQ'S
1) What's Included: Air and taxes as noted (included airfare is out of Chicago O'Hare - additional cities can be quoted upon request); Six nights hotel accommodations; and meals as noted; Destination airport transfers; Professional tour directors; Baggage handling; Local step-on guides. Air from Izmir to Istanbul.
2) Gratuities: Optional gratuities will be collected for our Tour Manager prior to the end of the tour. Any potential step-on guide gratuities will be covered by Indy Travel Group..
3) How much walking: Physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing will all be part of the experience.
4) Shore excursions: Shore excursions include English speaking guides. Onboard Activity Manager will support all Emerald PLUS & ACTIVE excursions and host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment.
5) Time zone: Turkey is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time.
6) Luggage: We recommend that you travel light. To that end, you are allowed 1 checked bag and 1 carry on (back pack, etc.). Most airlines charge for checked luggage today. Luggage handling on tour is generally provided for you.
7) Clothing: We recommend comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes. Layered clothing is best so you can add or take away as temperatures change. Occasionally motor coaches and airplanes can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater is good to include. We will let you know if there are any clothing requirements (such as closed toe shoes for accessing churches, etc.).
8) International Travel: Any tour outside the United States will require a valid passport. Your passport's expiration date must be at least six months after you return from your trip (if it's shorter than that you should renew it now). The name you enter on your reservation form MUST match EXACTLY as it appears on your passport (or you will be subject to denied boarding by an airline and/or incur additional fees.).
9) Cancelling your trip: Refunds are always at the discretion of the vendors providing the service to our company. Airfare is generally non-refundable. Optional travel insurance is available with each tour and is strongly encouraged.
10) Responsibility: Indy Travel Group (Jerald & Doreen Leuthold - Independent Sales Contractors) act only as an intermediary in the arrangements of your travel and vacation plans and are not responsible for any negligence of the various airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, transportation companies, hoteliers, etc. who provide travel, accommodations and other services included in cruise, tour or vacation packages. We accept no responsibility for damage or loss. We reserve the right to modify the cost or the schedule in the unlikely event of changes that would be necessary.
11) Social Media Usage: Indy Travel Group uses Social Media on trips such as Facebook and Instagram. Travelers on our tours usually enjoy sharing their experience with friends and family back home. If, for any reason, you prefer that we not include you on posts, please inform us in advance of the trip. Indy Travel Group will do the best we can to respect those wishes. However, you will be part of a greater group and may inadvertently be included. By traveling with Indy Travel Group you accept our policy of utilizing social media and hold us harmless from any and all damages.
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