Compare Seven Churches of Revelation - 8 Days by Tour Altinkum Travel vs Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,475 | $ 2,450 |
| Price Per Day | $ 184 | $ 204 |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Description |
Discover seven churches in revelation refer to seven literal churches described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. These churches are all located on the Western part of modern Turkey; Ephesus, Smyrna (Izmir), Laodicea, Sardis, Pergamum, Philadelphia and Thyatira. At the time these were the seven cities with major Christian congregations in Anatolia. The archeological remains of all seven locations still exist today. This is a 8 Days Package combined with Istanbul. Walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey. Discover the meanings of the letters in revelation by observing the actual places. Find out Ancient Christian Tradations of early congregations from your Bible Oriented Guide. Visit treasures of Istanbul and learn history about Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Bible Oriented guide, 4* hotel accommadation, Luxury transportation, Skip-The-Line tickets, lunch at tours provided. |
Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. See Ephesus, an ancient city built in the 10th Century B.C. with an amphitheater that once sat 24,000 people. Drive through the Maender River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the resting place of the country’s first president, in Ankara. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the electric Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops. |
Day 1: Arrival to Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul old city tour
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
-Walking tour-
Upon breakfast at the hotel meet with your guide and depart for İstanbul city tour. Pass by Istanbul city walls, a massive wall of Ancient Constantinople built by the Emperor Theodosius ıı over 1500 years ago. Then visit the blue mosque also known as Mosque of Sultan Ahmet which boasts a unique feature of 6 minarets. View its glorious interiors and distinctive blue tiles and proceed to the only remains of Hippodrome of Constantinople, which consist of 3 monumental columns and fountains. This is where chariot races took place in the past. Visit Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Presently, its a museum palace with a wide collection of porcelain, antiques, holy relics and other treasures. Next; proceed to Hagia Sophia, the church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 2nd century by Emperor Justinian. After the tour transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3: Istanbul - Troy – Canakkale (Gallipoli)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Upon breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and drive to Canakkale. Upon arrival visit the remains of the legendary ancient city of Troy. There you see magnicifant remains of the great walls of Troy as told by Homer and a wooden replica of the wooden horse. Then check in your hotel in Canakkale and overnight in Canakkale.
Day 4: Canakkale - Alexandria Troas - Assos – Pergamum
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Upon breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and drive to Alexandria Troas where Paul preached in his missionary journey. Then continue to the ancient city of Assos, along the way you will have chance to see and walk on the 1st century roman road where Paul actually walked on his missionary journey. Upon arrival to Assos visit the gorgeous ancient remains of the fortification walls and see the only standing doric-ordered temple of Athena. Then we continue driving to Pergamum. Overnight in Pergamum.
Day 5: Pergamum - Thyatira - Smyrna (Izmir)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Upon breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and drive to Pergamum. There you explore the impressive Acropolis, the actual ancient city and see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the throne of Satan’, Temple of Trajan and the third biggest Library of antiquity. Later visit the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church). Then we continue our drive visit to Thyatira, now called Akhisar. There we see the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Upon driving 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. Overnight in Izmir.
Day 6: Hierapolis, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we depart early in the morning to Sardis, There you see the remains of Sardis such as gorgeous restored gymnasium and the Synagogue Then we continue our journey to Philadelphia, today called Alasehir. There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of bricks, with a bit of high arch and some 11th-century frescoes. Afterwards we drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually Pamukkale, where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels, and stalactites, There we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip. Then we drive to Laodicea. There you walk among the ancient streets of the city and see the ancient structures. Overnight in a Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 7: Ancient Ephesus
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive to Ephesus and visit the ancient city of Ephesus. There you walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. Later we drive to the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days and the ascention took place. After that, you visit the Basilica of St. John and Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After the tour drives you to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8: Departure Day
Meals: Breakfast
Upon breakfast at the hotel check out and according to your flight time, transfer to Airport. End of the service.
Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be close to Taksim Square, which is famous for its Republic Monument, dining and shopping options. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Gallipoli and Anzac Cove
Marvel at breathtaking coastal views as you make your way along the shores of the Sea of Marmara to historic Gallipoli. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought in an in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, join your group as you head from Eceabat across the sea to Çanakkale. Home to famous archaeological site, Troy, this historic destination will be your home for the night.
Kolin Hotel, Canakkale.
Breakfast
Day 3: Troy, Pergamon and Izmir
Begin your day of legends with a trip to Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan War and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be seen beside the city’s walls. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Copmadam, a women's co-op turning recycled materials into unique items, and addressing women's employment issues. Continue on to Pergamon, once a powerful ancient Greek city, you’ll find the Asklepion temple here. A famous shrine and healing centre, it was built in honour of Asklepios, the god of medicine. After some time exploring, continue your journey to the coastal city of Izmir.
Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Ancient Ephesus and Kusadasi Relaxed Start
Start your morning with a trip to the nearby town of Selçuk. Home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, you’ll begin with an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Once here, delve into the area’s history as you explore the museum’s exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Later, explore the famous site itself. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins.
Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Kusadasi.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: The Pools of Pamukkale
This morning, following the winding Maender River Valley, with its twists and turns, head to a local organic farm. Once here, you’ll meet the agricultural director who will take you on a walking tour of the eco-friendly lands. You’ll have the satisfying task of picking fruits and vegetables from his fields. Delight in a mouth-watering Farm-to-Table lunch, prepared with fresh produce from the farm. Continue to Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. See the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, founded in 190 B.C. You’ll see the city’s well-preserved theatre and its turquoise travertine pools. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Konya, the Whirling Dervishes and Cappadocia
Today, you’ll travel to Konya. The home of the Whirling Dervish, this city offers tradition in abundance. Noteworthy buildings line its streets, with beautiful mosques and modern buildings providing a delightful contrast. Visit the Mevlana Tekke museum, with its recognisable turquoise dome. See the Karatay Madrasa, built in 1251, before moving on to the Ince Minaret, a 13th century madrasa. Continue your journey to Urgup, an historic town in the heart of Cappadocia. You will recognise this famous area from the bright balloons that decorate its sky and the striking golden, volcanic landscapes that surround it. Your abode for the night is the unique Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia, built in old cave dwellings. Get some rest here before your travels continue in the morning.
Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: The Underground Cities of Cappadocia Experience
Move on to Göreme, a striking town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings before moving on to the Pasabag Valley. Located on the road to Zelve, you’ll find otherworldly earth pillars here, ‘fairy chimneys’ and troglodyte dwellings. Later, visit the underground city of Özkonak, where you’ll have time to explore its tunnels and caves with your Travel Director before joining a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. You’ll learn more about their unique way of living, local traditions and family life. Complementing the day’s events, dinner tonight will be accompanied by a performance of Whirling Dervishes.
Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Ankara
One for art lovers, this morning, you’ll learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. A town based in Cappadocia, it is famous for its earthenware pottery. On your way, stop off at one of the best-preserved Seljuk Caravanserais in Anatolia. Continue your journey to Ankara, where you’ll visit the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk—Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Perhaps relax in the spa and wellness centre at your hotel this evening.
Ankara HiltonSA, Ankara.
Breakfast
Day 9: To Istanbul
It’s time to head to Istanbul. A glorious fusion of east and west, this popular city offers something for everyone, with history, culture, modernity, delicious cuisine and of course, the friendliest of faces. Board a cruise along the Bosphorus. As you make your way from Eminönü to the Black Sea, witness the area’s beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses lining the waterfront. Your evening is at leisure, why not ask your Travel Director for suggestions on places to dine.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Breakfast
Day 10: Istanbul & the Ottoman Empire
Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque with its tiled interiors. See the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it is famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Farewell Istanbul
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
Breakfast
