SEVEN CHURCHES 6 DAYS & 5 NIGHTS

After breakfast drive to Pamukkale. We will stop by Thyteria to see the remains of the church. This was
one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. Then we will drive to Sardis whose history
dates back to 12th century B.C. Sardis felt the influence of Christianity very early and was included in
the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. During the Byzantine times it was the seat of a
bishopric. Highlights will be a Synagogue,
Gymnasium, Byzantine Church and the Temple of Artemis. Next on our itinerary is Philadelphia which
was an important Christian centre during Byzantine times. We will see the ruins of the Basilica. Dinner
and overnight in Pamukkale. (B/L/D)

In the morning we visit Hierapolis, which was founded by Pergamon King Telephus and named after
his wife, Hiera. During the Byzantine period, the city became the seat of diocese with a large Christian
Church dedicated to St Philip, who was martyred there in 80 AD. Highlights include the Roman Baths, ,
the Theatre and the famous white calcium cascades of Pamukkale (the white “Cotton Castles”).
Then we will visit Laodicea, where we will find a Theatre, a large Stadium, a Water Tower and an
Odeon. This city is supposed to have been named by Antiochus II in honour of his wife, Laodicea.
Thereafter, we proceed to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Then drive to Selcuk town, we will visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest
archaeological sites. Our tour will begin with the Basilica of St John “the Evangelist” who came here
with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel in Ephesus. Highlights include the Library of Celcius, the
Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Theatre. We will also stop by the House of Virgin
Mary (on top of Mt Coressos). She was believed to have spent her last years in this area. On 18
August 1961, Pope John XXII proclaimed this place to be sacred. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast drive to Izmir and visit Church of Smyrna. Then we drive to the hauntingly beautiful
Pergamon. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 B.C., we will see the Altar of
Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in
Alexandria at the time. The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health centre where methods of
treatment included blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. Thereafter, we proceed to Istanbul
dinner and overnight

After breakfast visit TOPKAPI PALACE, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a museum
palace with a wide collection of porcelain, antiques, holy relics and other treasures. After lunch,
visit BLUE MOSQUE, also known as Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, which boasts a unique feature of 6
minarets. Admire its glorious interiors and distinctive blue tiles. Next, view the only remains of
Hippodrome of Constantinople, consisting of 3 monumental columns and a fountain. You will also
visit HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE , a must-see attraction due to its religious and architectural
significance.Visit the famous GRAND BAZAAR which is a covered market of the fifteenth century,
consisting of 5000 stores, and is considered one of the first shopping centers in the world. Dinner in
Asian restaurant and then transfer to hotel.