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5 Day MINI Group Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour (Max. 10 Guests)

5 Day MINI Group Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour (Max. 10 Guests)

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tourhub | Curio Travel | 5 Day MINI Group Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour (Max. 10 Guests) | 110295 | Map

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5 Days From

~~$989~~

$958

5 Day MINI Group Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour (Max. 10 Guests)

5 Days Starting and ending in Izmir, Turkey

Visiting: Izmir, Pamukkale, Kusadasi

Tour operator:

Curio Travel

Tour code:

110295

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Ruins-Archaeology

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $989 $958 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$31

NB: Prices correct on 21-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through the Seven Churches of Asia Minor with our MINI Group Tour, limited to a maximum of 10 guests. Explore the ancient wonders of Turkey, from the Acropolis and Temple of Apollo to the healing city of Hierapolis. Walk through history in Pergamum, Thyatira, and Ephesus, marveling at the Basilica of St. John and the Library of Celsus. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site, and experience the therapeutic pools of Pamukkale. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan and enjoy 4-star accommodations in centrally located hotels, with professional Bible-oriented guides enhancing your experience.

Highlights

Watch ancient history take shape before you on this five-day tour, featuring historic churches that date back to Biblical times
Visit an Acropolis and Temple of Apollo
Explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world, and the Asklepion in Pergamum
See the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period in Thyatira
Tour the spectacular ruins of Ephesus, including the Basilica of St. John and the Library of Celsus
Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a place of pilgrimage declared by the Archbishop of Izmir
Experience the healing city of Hierapolis, known for its hot mineral water and therapeutic pools

Itinerary

tourhub | Curio Travel | 5 Day MINI Group Seven Churches of Asia Minor Tour (Max. 10 Guests) | 110295 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Izmir, Adnan Menderes Airport

Location: Izmir

Accommodation Name: Kaya Prestige Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn Bayrakli or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Upon our arrival at Izmir airport our guide will meet you with your name sign and assist and transfer to hotel. If you are staying in Izmir, we will pick you up after 2 p.m. and transfer to our hotel for Dinner and Overnight in Izmir.

Day 2 : Izmir

Location: Izmir

Accommodation Name: Kaya Prestige Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn Bayrakli or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we drive to Pergamum, actually called Bergama. It is one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Here we explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world, the Asklepion, famous medical Centre of classical times, see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the «Throne of Satan» in the book of Revelation, the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan and the Library which was foremost in the world and was long a rival of the equally famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Its wealth of volumes was estimated at over 200,000. It inspired the invention of parchment.

Then we continue our visit to Thyatira, now called Akhisar, another one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. It was a city famous for purple dyes. We visit the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, was from Thyatira.

Drive to Izmir.

Before we check in at the hotel in Izmir, we enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 2:12-17]. Smyrna is a city scarred with a bloody history of trade and warfare. We will also see the Clock Tower. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 : Hierapolis

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we depart early in the morning to one of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], Sardis, presently Sart. This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We also see the last several meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis built by Cyrus the Great and the «golden» river Pactolus.

Then we continue our journey to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], and the only church not censured. There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes.

Continue to visit to Laodicia. The city established in the C3 BCE by the Seleucid Antiochus II, the city was named after his wife Laodicea. Built on the Lycus Tributary of the Meander River, it was surnamed Laodicea on Lycus, to distinguish it from other similarly named cities. Laodicia is the last of the seven churches. As a crossroad of two important roads, this city had an important commercial and logistical position.

We drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually Pamukkale, the white «cotton fortress» where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. In Hierapolis [Col. 4:13] Check in at hotel for dinner and overnight in a Thermal Hotel.

Day 4 : Kusadasi

Location: Kusadasi

Accommodation Name: Carina Hotel or Marina Suits or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive to Ephesus visit to the ancient city of Ephesus including the Basilica of St. John. The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. This church also received an epistle from him. We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great and important city, which was founded in the 10th century BC.

Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. The Temple of Diana of the Ephesians, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built in this city.

The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there.

Drive to St. John’s Basilica, it is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill.

We will stop at Artemission Temple where used to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world as our last stop before drive back to your hotel in Kusadasi

Sightseing tour of this beautiful resort town called Kusadasi. Pass through Marina, Port of Kusadasi, Ceravanserail, Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5 : Izmir, Adnan Menderes Airport

Location: Izmir

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast and transfer to Izmir airport . the end of our services.

What's Included

Accommodation

4 nights accommodation in 4-star centrally located hotels.
Tour Guide

Professional Bible-Oriented Licensed Tour guide.
Meals

4 Dinners and 4 Breakfasts.
Transport

Transport by air-conditioned Minivan/Minibus.
Entrance Fees

Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line).
Hotels in Izmir

Kaya Prestige Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn Bayrakli or similar.
Hotels in Pamukkale

Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel or similar.
Hotels in Kusadasi

Carina Hotel or Marina Suits or similar.
Transport Description

Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan/minibus, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation Description

Enjoy 4 nights in centrally located 4-star hotels, including Kaya Prestige Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn Bayrakli in Izmir, Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale, and Carina Hotel or Marina Suits in Kusadasi.

What's Not Included

Drinks

Drinks are not included.
Lunch

Lunch is not included.
Gratuities

Gratuities are not included.
Flight Tickets

Flight tickets are not included.

Know Before You Go

Stroller Or Pram AccessibleInfant Seats AvailablePassport Required

Requirements

This tour involves some walking, we highly recommend that you wear comfortable low-heeled shoes and casual clothes.
Sun glasses and hats are recommended,
Cameras are recommended,
Swimming Suits ( We will have a chance to swim in Thermal Pools in our hotel in Pamukkale )

Please Note

Not recommended for people with heart conditionsVegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if requiredArrival and departure details are requestedVisit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques.A dress code is required to enter places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques synagogues and selected museums. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Shoes are not allowed. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirementsAccommodations can be upgraded to 5 star hotels with extra $135 per person in double roomA minimum of 2 people per booking is requiredNot wheelchair accessibleNot suitable for petsNo public transportation nearbyInfants must not sit on laps• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditionsOur representative will have your name sign at the airport on arrival day

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan/minibus, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4 nights in centrally located 4-star hotels, including Kaya Prestige Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn Bayrakli in Izmir, Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale, and Carina Hotel or Marina Suits in Kusadasi.

Check out our Q&As

What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan/minibus, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey throughout the tour.
What kind of accommodation is included in the tour?

The tour includes 4 nights in centrally located 4-star hotels, such as Kaya Prestige Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn Bayrakli in Izmir, Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale, and Carina Hotel or Marina Suits in Kusadasi.
Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, the tour package includes 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts.
Are entrance fees to the sites included in the tour?

Yes, entrance fees are included. The tour guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line.
Is there a dress code for visiting religious sites during the tour?

Yes, a dress code is required to enter places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues, and selected museums. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. Shoes are not allowed in mosques.

Is the tour suitable for people with heart conditions?

The tour is not recommended for people with heart conditions.
Can the accommodations be upgraded?

Yes, accommodations can be upgraded to 5-star hotels for an extra $135 per person in a double room.
Are there any specific items I should bring for the tour?

It is recommended to wear comfortable low-heeled shoes and casual clothes. Sunglasses, hats, cameras, and swimming suits (for the thermal pools in Pamukkale) are also recommended.
Is the tour stroller or pram accessible?

Yes, the tour is stroller or pram accessible.
Are infant seats available during the tour?

Yes, infant seats are available.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Are there vegetarian meal options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available. Please advise at the time of booking if required.
What is the minimum number of people required for booking the tour?

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
Are drinks included in the tour package?

No, drinks are not included in the tour package.
Are flight tickets included in the tour package?

No, flight tickets are not included in the tour package.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

A reservation can be changed only if provided space is available. An entire reservation that is changed is considered a cancellation and will be subject to cancellation fees.
Should I have travel insurance?

We highly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure
I will be flying to Europe. I know that our aircraft will land in İstanbul. I am not planning to leave the transit lounge. Do I need to get transit visa?

If you will not leave the transit lounge at the airport you are not required to have transit visa. Otherwise, you have to make visa application to the nearest Turkish Representation. Contact information of the said missions can be reached through www.mfa.gov.tr (Ministry/Turkish Representations).
I am taking a Mediterranean boat cruise with my family. Our ship will also visit Kuşadası. Do we need visas to enter Turkey?

Foreigners who are travelling to Turkey by cruises are allowed to enter Turkey without visa for a maximum period of 72 hours, with the permission given by the local security authorities.
I would like to visit Turkey, where can I find information about visas and application requirements?

Please visit https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/ekonsolosluk/ internet address to find out about visa application formalities. You can also obtain information from the Ministry’s internet site; http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.en.mfa?cc4e437c-6769-4d79-9017-10b63c651224 or contact the Turkish missions in your country (please follow the link: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa)

Reviews of this operator

Shereen Tan (Google Reviewer)

At the last minute, we...

14-Nov-2023

At the last minute, we decided to travel over the holiday week from Christmas to New Year of 2022/2023. Stumbled upon this tour company from tripadvisor and sent them a watsapp message if we can join this tour at the last minute. Communication with this travel operator was excellent! Not only they responded immediately, they even helped us arrange for a pre and post tour stay at the hotel. First of all, they sent me a detailed itinerary prior to our trip , with everything arranged from airport transfers, domestic flights, pick up and drop off instructions. All the guides, drivers in every city arrived on time. Our guide ,Tan , who travelled with us for 5 days is very knowledgeable about the history of each place we visited. The itinerary was just right and i was surprise at how much i enjoyed each location. The food in Turkey is amazing! You can eat freshly made doners etc without breaking the bank. The hotels we stayed at each place were centrally located. You can walk to each attractions. And there is a lot of free time to explore on your own. I was truly happy with my experience with this tour company.

Danette van Niekerk (Google Reviewer)

We had the most amazing...

03-Apr-2024

We had the most amazing tour of Ephesus with our guide Melih. The way in which he connected the dots between the history books and the Bible was mind-blowing! This one tour was the highlight of the whole trip to Turkey. I want to return some day and to the tour of all 7 churches.

Anna Coluzzi (Google Reviewer)

Our group of 12 has...

24-Jun-2024

Our group of 12 has experienced the best tour ever with Taz. He is very knowledgeable, personable and professional. We really learned a lot and experienced Turkish hospitality.

John Leckman (Google Reviewer)

We booked the Ephesus 4-6...

05-Sep-2024

We booked the Ephesus 4-6 hour tour. Without a doubt, the best tour I’ve ever taken. Alex picked us up from the cruise port and dropped us off about 5.5 hrs later. We visited a family pottery business, The Virgin Mary house, Ephesus and a hand made carpet business. Alex was a wealth of knowledge everywhere we went. His knowledge of every corner of Ephesus was second to none, he was a walking encyclopedia haha. He was very friendly, professional, not pushy and very accommodating. I can’t say enough about the tour, exceeded all our expectations. We highly recommended this company & Alex.

Christina Waddell (Google Reviewer)

We booked the Ephesus 4-6...

23-Dec-2024

We booked the Ephesus 4-6 hour tour. This was an amazing tour! Alex picked us up from the cruise port and dropped us off about 5 hours later. We visited The Virgin Mary house, Ephesus and a leather distributor. We also stopped at a local supermarket where Alex assisted in picking out local items. Alex was a wealth of knowledge everywhere we went. He was very friendly, professional, not pushy and very accommodating. we cannot say enough about the tour as this exceeded all our expectations. We highly recommended this company & Alex.

Kelsey Fussner (Google Reviewer)

We had a day trip...

15-Jun-2024

We had a day trip to Ephesus from our cruise and it was wonderful! Gurkan was great from start to finish with plenty of history, answering our questions, and being flexible to whatever we wanted to do.

Jen Naylor (Google Reviewer)

We went on a private...

20-Sep-2023

We went on a private tour to Ephesus with Tunc who is an amazing guide who is very knowledgeable, personable and an incredible photographer. Not only did we have an amazing experience we also have some professional quality photos of us at Ephesus to remember the day. We also went to a pottery studio (it was optional) and we really enjoyed it too. I would highly recommend this tour and specifically Tunc our guide⭐

Judy King (Google Reviewer)

Using Curio Travel for our...

17-Oct-2022

Using Curio Travel for our group trip to the 7 churches of Asia was the best decision we could have made for the trip. We lead tours to Bible Lands and I have to say that this travel company has been the best one we have ever dealt with. This trip we had 27 persons on our tour. They handled the group with expertise. Fevzi was a delight to work with in the organization and preparation for the tour. He was so professional with a friendly touch. He is very detail oriented and makes sure everything is taken care of. Melih, our guide, was amazing! Kind, patience, knowledgeable and very accommodating. He worked extremely hard to make sure all our needs and desires were met. We have worked with many guides and he worked harder than any we have ever had. Update: Just completed 2 tour with Curio. Still impressed with them. 38 in our group this year. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Joshua Sinanan (Google Reviewer)

We took 7 excursions on...

11-Apr-2024

We took 7 excursions on our cruise around the Aegean sea a couple weeks ago. Curio Travel was the best excursion guide of all seven. Ozzie was the most knowledgeable, enjoyable and also the most welcoming host. We felt we were with a local celebrity that was known and recognized everywhere. The also added a level of security not experienced with others.

Karissa King (Google Reviewer)

Curio Travel went above and...

18-Oct-2021

Curio Travel went above and beyond for our "Seven Churches of Asia" tour. We stayed in 4 and 5-star hotels, and our tour guide (Melih) was super knowledgeable. We learned a wealth of information, had a ton of fun, and it inspired us to do more study trips. We would 100% recommend this tour company to anyone wanting to book a 7 Churches Study trip!

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~~$989~~ $958 (USD)