Seven Churches, Istanbul & Cappadocia – 11 Days

Welcome to Turkey. At Istanbul Airport our representative meets you and transfers you by private vehicle to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in after the journey; guided sightseeing begins the following morning, so this day carries no fixed program and leaves room for the arrival time of your international flight. Overnight in Istanbul.

Your guide meets you for a full day in the Old City. Begin at the Hippodrome, the stage of imperial ceremony and chariot races in Byzantine Constantinople, then visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, built in the sixth century as the great cathedral of the Eastern Roman Empire; mosque visits are timed around prayer times. Continue to Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans, and finish in the vaulted lanes of the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

Historical context: Constantinople, capital of the Christian Roman Empire from the fourth century.

After breakfast, walk through the Spice Bazaar, then see Istanbul from the water on a Bosphorus Cruise between the European and Asian shores, past palaces and waterfront mansions; the cruise operates on a shared public boat. Transfer to Istanbul Airport for the domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, depending on the flight schedule. On arrival, a private vehicle takes you to your hotel, with the evening at leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Historical context: the Bosphorus, the strait between Europe and Asia that shaped Constantinople.

Early risers can begin with an optional hot air balloon flight at sunrise, booked separately. After breakfast, your guide opens Cappadocia’s Christian story at the Goreme Open Air Museum, a Byzantine monastic complex of rock-cut churches whose frescoes depict the life of Christ. Continue to Pasabag Valley, where hermit monks lived inside the fairy chimneys, and to the volcanic formations of Devrent Valley. Lunch is included. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Biblical References: Acts 2:9 · 1 Peter 1:1

Descend into the Kaymakli Underground City, a network of tunnels, storerooms, kitchens and chapels used as shelter in times of insecurity. Back above ground, look across Pigeon Valley and its carved dovecotes, then reach Uchisar Castle, Cappadocia’s highest natural viewpoint. After lunch, continue to Avanos on the Kizilirmak River and watch artisans shape clay at a local pottery workshop, an image that recalls the potter’s house in Jeremiah. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Biblical References: Jeremiah 18:1–6

Depending on the domestic flight time, the morning is at leisure. A private transfer takes you to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for the flight to Izmir, where your driver continues with you to Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. The evening is free before the Seven Churches portion of the journey begins, with dinner included at your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, held by Christian tradition as Mary’s last home in the care of the Apostle John. In Ephesus Ancient City, the first of the seven churches and Paul’s base for nearly three years, walk the marble streets past the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Hadrian, and see the Great Theatre where the silversmiths’ riot unfolded. End at the Basilica of St. John, raised over the Apostle’s traditional tomb. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Biblical References: John 19:26–27 · Revelation 2:1–7 · Acts 19 · Acts 20:31

Drive inland to Laodicea, the wealthy banking and textile city rebuked in Revelation for being lukewarm. Its excavated streets, theatres and church remains give a clear picture of the city behind the letter. Continue to Pamukkale for Hierapolis, named in Colossians alongside Laodicea in connection with the ministry of Epaphras, and walk out onto the white Pamukkale Travertines, formed by mineral-rich thermal springs. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Biblical References: Revelation 3:14–22 · Colossians 4:13–16

Leave Pamukkale early for Philadelphia, the church praised for keeping Christ’s word, where later church remains stand in modern Alasehir. At Sardis, once the Lydian capital, see the Temple of Artemis and the city told to wake up and strengthen what remained. Visit the remains of Thyatira in Akhisar, commended for its love, faith and service, then continue to Bergama. Overnight in Bergama.

Biblical References: Revelation 3:7–13 · Revelation 3:1–6 · Revelation 2:18–29

Climb to the Acropolis of Pergamon, the city of the church that held fast “where Satan’s throne is”, with its temple terraces and steep hillside theatre. Continue to Izmir and the Agora of Smyrna, the Roman marketplace of the city whose church was told to be faithful unto death. The guided program ends with the transfer to your hotel; this final night is on a bed and breakfast basis. Overnight in Izmir.

Biblical References: Revelation 2:12–17 · Revelation 2:8–11

After breakfast, transfer to Izmir Airport for the domestic flight back to Istanbul. As on the other two domestic flights, your economy ticket includes 25 kg of checked and 8 kg of cabin luggage. Our services end on arrival at Istanbul Airport, ready for your onward journey.