Multi-day journey

The Seven Churches of Revelation Tour in 5 Days from Izmir

Photo: Turkey Your Way

Length: 5 days
Route: Izmir (Smyrna) → Pergamum → Thyatira → Sardis → Philadelphia → Laodicea → Ephesus → Izmir
Style: Private, guided
Best time: All year round. In summer, we visit the ancient cities early in the morning. Many church groups travel around Easter, so plan early.

Best for First-time visitors · Returning visitors

Tour code TR-J05A

Overview

The Book of Revelation opens with letters to seven churches in Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. All seven lie in western Turkey, and our Seven Churches tour visits every one in five days, in a loop from İzmir.

Smyrna and Pergamum on the Seven Churches Tour

We begin in İzmir, ancient Smyrna. At the Agora of Smyrna, on the slope of Kadifekale, most of the remains are Roman. After an earthquake in AD 178, for example, Marcus Aurelius helped to rebuild the city. The next morning, we drive north to Pergamum. There, you see the acropolis, the healing sanctuary of the Asklepion and the Red Basilica, a temple of Serapis from the time of Hadrian that later became a church. The Red Basilica has been closed to visitors since January 2025, so we see it from outside. Since 2014, Pergamon has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia

In the afternoon, we reach Akhisar, the site of ancient Thyatira. Then, on the third day, we visit Sardis, the capital of Lydia, with its gymnasium, its great synagogue and the Temple of Artemis. We drive on to Alaşehir, ancient Philadelphia, where three huge piers remain from the church of St. Jean.

From our guides

Our suggestion In Alaşehir, take a moment by the three huge piers of the church of St. Jean, all that remains of it.

Laodicea and Ephesus on the Seven Churches Tour

On the fourth day, we visit Laodicea, where a church came to light in 2010. Then we drive up to Hierapolis, above the travertines of Pamukkale, and see the church and tomb of St. Philip. On the last day, we walk through Ephesus to the Great Theater. In Selçuk, the Basilica of St. John stands over the burial place of the apostle.

Shape Your Seven Churches Tour

Every journey is private, so we leave time for prayer and readings at each site. Planning the tour around Easter? Read Easter in Turkey. For a longer journey with Istanbul, the road of Saint Paul and Cappadocia, see our biblical Turkey tour in 8 days. For the archaeology of the region, see our İzmir Ephesus Pergamon tour in 3 days.

Would you like to visit the seven churches of Revelation? From Smyrna to Laodicea and Ephesus, the seven churches follow one road; we build your days along it.

Route

Izmir (Smyrna)
Pergamum
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
Laodicea
Ephesus
Izmir

Day by day

Day 1 · Izmir

Smyrna

Arrival in Izmir, then the Agora of Smyrna on the slope of Kadifekale, with its Roman basilica and the Faustina Gate.
- Places: Agora of Smyrna, Kadifekale
- Stay: Izmir
Day 2 · Izmir

Pergamum and Thyatira

The acropolis of Pergamum, the healing sanctuary of the Asklepion and the Red Basilica, then the remains of Thyatira in Akhisar.
- Places: Pergamon, Asklepion of Pergamon, Red Basilica, Bergama, Thyatira
- Stay: Akhisar or Manisa
Day 3 · Manisa

Sardis and Philadelphia

Sardis, with its gymnasium, its great synagogue and the Temple of Artemis, then the piers of the church of St. Jean in Philadelphia.
- Places: Sardis, Philadelphia (Alaşehir)
- Stay: Pamukkale
Day 4 · Pamukkale

Laodicea and Hierapolis

Laodicea and its church, then the church and tomb of St. Philip in Hierapolis, before the drive to Selçuk.
- Places: Laodicea, Pamukkale & Hierapolis
- Stay: Selçuk
Day 5 · Ephesus

Ephesus and home

Ephesus and its Great Theater, then the Basilica of St. John in Selçuk, and the flight home from İzmir.
- Places: Ephesus, Basilica of St. John (St. Jean), Selçuk

What’s included

Included

Private licensed guides on every day, in the language you ask for
A private vehicle and driver for the whole journey
Airport meetings and transfers in Izmir
Time for prayer, readings and services at the sites, if you wish
A 10 GB eSIM for one traveler in your group, our gift, valid for 30 days (data only)

Not included

Flights, unless agreed in your program
Hotels, unless agreed in your program
Entrance tickets, unless agreed in your program
Meals and drinks
Tips

“He answered all my questions, kept me updated and made sure everything went smoothly.”

Zsolt K. · Read our guest reviews

Practical

Best time to go: All year round. In summer, we visit the ancient cities early in the morning. Many church groups travel around Easter, so plan early.
Fitness level: Moderate: ancient sites on uneven ground, and drives of a few hours between them.
Accessibility: Tell us your needs. We can shorten site visits and add rest stops.

Gallery

Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Klaus-Peter Simon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Wolfymoza / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Blcksprt / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Herbert Weber / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Turkey Your Way

Frequently asked questions

Which cities does the Seven Churches tour visit?

Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea, the seven churches named in Revelation 1:11.

How is the Seven Churches tour different from your biblical Turkey tour?

The Seven Churches tour is five days in a loop from Izmir, with only the seven churches. The biblical Turkey tour is eight days and adds Istanbul, the road of Saint Paul and Cappadocia.

Is there time for prayer on the Seven Churches tour?

Yes. We leave time for prayer, readings and services at the sites, if you wish.

Where does it start and end?

It starts and ends at the airport in Izmir.

When is the best time to go?

All year round. In summer, we visit the ancient cities early in the morning; in winter, the days are cool and short.

Is the Seven Churches tour suitable for kids and seniors?

Yes, at a gentle pace. The journey is moderate: ancient sites on uneven ground, and drives of a few hours between them. Tell us your needs. We can shorten site visits and add rest stops.

How much walking is there?

Moderate: ancient sites on uneven ground, and drives of a few hours between them.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes and layers. Cover shoulders and knees for mosques and churches, and bring a scarf for women.

Can we customize the Seven Churches tour?

Yes. Every journey is private, so we can add or remove days and change the route.