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Seven Churches of Asia Minor

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9 days

Embark on a spiritual journey through Turkey, beginning in Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Travel to Canakkale and visit the historic battlegrounds of Gallipoli. Explore the legendary city of Troy and the ancient city of Pergamum. Continue to Kusadasi to visit Ephesus and the charming village of Sirince. Journey to Akhisor, a town with Christian significance, and then visit Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Laodicea. Explore Philadelphia and Sardis before concluding your pilgrimage back in Istanbul.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

9 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Istanbul

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes, for all included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 28

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

4-5 star

Countries

Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes - from IST or Sabiha

Departure Transfer

Yes, to Istanbul Airport at 9am & 1pm on day 9

Meals included

Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 5
Save 20% today
Per Person From
R 71,635.00
R 57,308.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 104,616.00

Tour Highlights

Istanbul – Visit highlights of the Old City including the beautiful Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and imposing Topkapi Palace
Gallipoli – Pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials and visit ANZAC Cove, a famous WW1 landing site
Troy - See the replica Trojan Horse in the ancient city, the setting of one of Ancient Greece's most famous tales
Pamukkale - Visit the ancient Hierapolis and explore the magnificent Necropolis, graveyard, and the lime cascade
Ephesus - Explore the classic Roman city, one of the best-preserved examples in the whole of Europe
Pergamum – Marvel at the Roman amphitheater which is one of the steepest in the classical world
Akhisor - A modern town on the site of the old Lydian city of Thyateira, and one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse
Laodicea - Explore the ancient city, which was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor and holds great historical and biblical significance
Ancient Cities - Explore the ancient cities of Philadelphia and Sardis, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia; visit a Roman-era synagogue, a preserved gymnasium, and other historic ruins

Included

Daily breakfasts & 5 dinners
8 nights 4-5 star hotels
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9
Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Sirince, Pamukkale Hierapolis & Sardis
English-speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide for all included sightseeing
Transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
Economy class flight from Izmir to Istanbul

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: EUR€50-60pp, paid in EUR
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul

Saturday. Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, the beginning of your exciting adventure. Upon your arrival, our friendly representative will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 - Tour of Istanbul

Following breakfast at the hotel, your day in Istanbul begins with a guided tour that will take you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the exterior of St. Sophia, the enchanting Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Gallipoli & ANZAC Cove

Istanbul - Canakkale. Today, you'll embark on a journey to Gallipoli, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the legendary landmarks of ANZAC Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine, and the 57th Regiment Memorial.

Afterwards, you'll proceed to cross the Dardanelles, where Asia and Europe meet. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Canakkale, where you can enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Legendary Troy

Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi/Izmir. Following breakfast, we'll head for the legendary city of Troy, where the renowned Trojan War unfolded. You'll have the opportunity to explore the fascinating archaeological site, delving into its rich history.

Continuing on, we'll cross the picturesque Ida mountain range and arrive in Pergamum. Here, you'll visit the ancient Acropolis. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the charming town of Kusadasi, where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.

Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Ancient Ephesus & Sirince

Kusadasi/Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince - Kusadasi/Izmir. Today, a brief drive will take you to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent library, theater, and temples. The day's journey also includes a chance to discover the local craftsmanship of hand-made carpets and leather products.

Continuing on, you'll reach the charming village of Sirince, celebrated as one of Turkey's most beautiful villages. While in Sirince, you can shop unique local crafts and taste the delightful wines produced in the village. We'll end the night in Kusadasi.

Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Ancient Foundations of Thyteria

Kusadasi/Izmir - Smirne - Thyateria - Kusadasi/Izmir. Delve into the Christian history of Akhisor, a modern town built upon the ancient foundations of Thyateira, which holds significance as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse where early Christianity rapidly spread.

You'll spend some time exploring the historical and spiritual significance of this site before returning to Kusadasi for the night.

Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Hierapolis & Laodicea

Kusadasi/Izmir - Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Laodicea - Pamukkale. Set off in the morning for a picturesque drive to Pamukkale, passing through the fertile Meander plain, known for its natural beauty.

Your first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you'll have the opportunity to explore its fascinating ruins and the captivating terraces.

In the afternoon, your journey continues with a visit to Laodicea, an ancient city located just seven kilometers from Pamukkale. Laodicea holds historical significance as one of the seven churches of Asia Minor, providing insights into early Christianity.

Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Ancient Cities & Back to Istanbul

Pamukkale - Philadelphia - Sardis - Istanbul. Begin your day with a drive to Philadelphia, one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, where you can explore its historical and religious significance mentioned in Revelation (3: 7-13).

Your journey continues to the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lydia, Sardis, referred to in the New Testament (Rev 2; 18-29). During your visit to Sardis, you will encounter a Roman-era synagogue, a remarkably well-preserved gymnasium, and various other ancient ruins mentioned in Revelation (3: - 6).

Afterwards, head to Izmir airport for your included flight back to Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Goodbye

Sunday. Today marks the end of your adventure. Departure transfer to your onward flight is included.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul (From price)

Double

R 3,105per passenger

Twin

R 3,105per passenger

Single

R 5,645per passenger

Post-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul (From price)

Double

R 3,105per passenger

Twin

R 3,105per passenger

Single

R 5,645per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa
Istanbul

This impressive 5-star hotel is located in the upmarket Beyoglu district of Istanbul and a free shuttle is provided to the city centre, home to the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sofia, amongst other attractions. Rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton are elegant and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a flatscreen TV. Some rooms feature a balcony. There is free Wi-Fi at the property and amenities include an indoor pool with whirlpool, fitness centre and sun terrace. There are two onsite restaurants and a daily breakfast buffet.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Kolin Hotel
Canakkale

Looking out across the Dardanelles, the modern and bright Kolin Hotel offers well appointed rooms with hard wood flooring and tasteful decor. The hotel also boasts a luxury spa, wellness centre and a number of mouth watering restaurants all set within perfectly manicured lawns. Sipping a sundowner on the roof bar, overlooking the beautiful strait, is the perfect way to end the day. The hotel is located on the water’s edge a short drive from the town centre with beautiful views out to sea.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Charisma Hotel
Kusadasi

The Charisma is a modern and elegant hotel with spacious rooms. The rooms are equipped with jacuzzi, LCD screen television, split air conditioning, mini-bar, electronic safe box, hairdryer and free internet connection. Towering over the Aegean Sea's outstanding view, the Hotel is just 15 minutes by walk from Kuşadası's shopping and entertainment area.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel
Pamukkale

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel is ideally located just a short drive from the Pamukkale Travertines surrounded by mountains. Guest rooms are modern and comfortable equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning and satellite tv channels. There is a restaurant and bar onsite offering Turkish and international cuisine. The hotel features a Thermal Pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool, 2 Red Thermal Pools, Turkish bath and sauna as well as an array of luxurious spa treatments to indulge in after a day of sightseeing.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
5 Apr - 13 Apr
Save 20%
R 71,635R 57,308
R 91,185R 72,948
12 Apr - 20 Apr
Save 20%
R 71,635R 57,308
R 91,185R 72,948
26 Apr - 4 May
Save 20%
R 71,635R 57,308
R 91,185R 72,948
3 May - 11 May
Save 20%
R 71,635R 57,308
R 91,185R 72,948
10 May - 18 May
Save 20%
R 71,635R 57,308
R 91,185R 72,948
24 May - 1 Jun
Save 20%
R 71,635R 57,308
R 91,185R 72,948
31 May - 8 Jun
Save 20%
R 71,635R 57,308
R 91,185R 72,948
7 Jun - 15 Jun
Save 20%
R 71,635R 57,308
R 91,185R 72,948

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