The essential tour
All seven churches in the order of the text, starting and ending in Izmir. Ideal as an extension or for a group short on time.
Pilgrimage · Tour TQ401
The Seven Churches of Revelation in Türkiye
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea: a guided tour of the seven cities to which St John addressed the letters of Revelation, visited in the order of the biblical text.
- 5 days minimum · 8 to 10 days with St Paul
- English-speaking guide
- Churches, groups and individual travelers
- Ephesus
- Smyrna
- Pergamon
- Thyatira
- Sardis
- Philadelphia
- Laodicea
Chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation contain seven letters addressed to seven Christian communities in the Roman province of Asia. All seven cities lie in today's western Türkiye, a few hours' drive from one another, between Izmir, Manisa and Denizli. Our tour links them in the order of the text, from the Aegean coast to the Maeander valley, with an English-speaking guide who reads and explains each letter on site.
In the order of the text
The seven churches, one by one
Ephesus
The church praised for its perseverance, yet reproached for having “abandoned the love you had at first”.
What to see: The great ancient city (Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Curetes Street), the Basilica of St John where tradition places the apostle's tomb, and nearby the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana).
Smyrna
The poor and afflicted church, encouraged to “be faithful unto death”.
What to see: The ancient agora in the heart of Izmir and the Church of St Polycarp, honouring the bishop of Smyrna martyred in the 2nd century.
Pergamon
The church that dwells “where Satan's throne is”, called to repent.
What to see: The acropolis and its hillside theatre, the site of the Great Altar of Zeus, the Asclepion and the Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu).
Thyatira
The active and loving church, warned against a false prophetess.
What to see: The remains of a basilica and a colonnaded street, preserved in the centre of the town of Akhisar.
Sardis
The church that has “a reputation of being alive” but is asleep, called to wake up.
What to see: The gymnasium and the great ancient synagogue, then the Temple of Artemis, at the foot of which a small Byzantine church still stands.
Philadelphia
The church that stayed faithful despite its weakness, before which an “open door” is set.
What to see: The great pillars of the Byzantine Basilica of St John, in the middle of the modern town.
Laodicea
The rich and “lukewarm” church, neither cold nor hot, called to open the door to Christ who knocks.
What to see: A vast ancient site under excavation, with colonnaded streets, theatres and one of the oldest churches uncovered in the region, a few kilometres from Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
Day-by-day itinerary · 5 days / 4 nights
The essential tour
- Day1Ephesus
Arrival in Izmir and drive to Ephesus
Welcome at Izmir airport and transfer to Selçuk, at the foot of the site of Ephesus. Your guide introduces the theme of the journey: the vision received by the apostle John on the island of Patmos, foretelling the end of time and the return of Christ, and the seven churches you will visit in biblical order.
- Day2Pergamon
Basilica of St John, Ephesus, Smyrna and Pergamon
Ephesus is the first church named, the one reproached for having lost its first love; here you visit the Basilica of St John, where the apostle's tomb lies. On the road, Smyrna, today's Izmir, recalls the church promised persecution. At Pergamon, the church called to repent, you discover the place associated with "Satan's throne," identified with the Altar of Zeus.
- Day3Pamukkale
Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia
Your guide reminds you that the Seven Churches were communities of early Christians, not buildings. You pass through Thyatira, warned against a false prophetess, then Sardis, the sleeping church. Philadelphia, which remained faithful despite its trials, closes the day before your arrival in Pamukkale.
- Day4Ephesus
Laodicea, Pamukkale and Colossae
Each letter responded to the specific situation of its church in order to pass on a teaching. Laodicea, the "lukewarm" church, is the last stop among the Seven Churches. You then discover Pamukkale and Colossae, which is not one of the seven, before returning to Ephesus for the last night.
- Day5Izmir
Departure from Izmir or crossing to Patmos
Transfer to Izmir airport for your return flight. If you are extending your stay, transfer to the port of Kuşadası to reach the island of Patmos.
This itinerary can be adjusted: extra days, time for prayer, hotel category or extensions are tailored to your group.
Three ways to make the journey
Seven Churches and St Paul
The seven churches plus Hierapolis, Colossae, Miletus and the House of the Virgin Mary at Ephesus. The format most requested by churches.
With the island of Patmos
A crossing from the port of Kuşadası to Patmos, where St John received the vision of Revelation (Revelation 1:9).
Included
- Accommodation in 4★ hotels
- Breakfasts
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Private transfers and transportation
Not included
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Entrance fees to sites and museums
- Lunches and dinners
- Tips for guides and drivers
Frequently asked questions
Planning your Seven Churches pilgrimage
What are the Seven Churches of Revelation?
They are the seven Christian communities of Asia Minor addressed by the letters in chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. All of them are in today's western Türkiye, in the provinces of Izmir, Manisa and Denizli.
How many days do you need to visit the seven churches?
Five days are enough for all seven sites in the order of the biblical text. Allow 8 to 10 days to add the places of St Paul and St John, Hierapolis, Colossae or the House of the Virgin Mary, and two to three more days with the island of Patmos.
What remains of the Seven Churches today?
The “churches” of Revelation were communities of believers, not buildings. On site you visit the ancient cities where they lived: Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas and archaeological sites, such as the Basilica of St John at Ephesus or the church of Laodicea.
Can we hold worship services during the trip?
Yes. If your group travels with a pastor or priest, we plan time for worship, Bible reading and prayer in the program and look with you for suitable places, depending on local permissions and the churches open along your route.
What is the best season?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). Summer is very hot in the Maeander valley and at the ancient sites, which have little shade.
Is the tour suitable for seniors?
Yes. Transfers are by private coach and the visits mostly involve walking on uneven ancient paving. We adapt the pace and length of visits for senior groups.
Which airport do we fly into?
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), usually with a connection in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines connects Istanbul with London, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and many other cities.
How much does the tour cost?
The price depends on group size, season, hotel category and the extensions you choose. We send a detailed quote within 48 business hours, with no obligation.