Izmir Trip Overview
Anatolia, where the sun rises earlier, is also where Christianity was grown and spread out. Paul came from Antioch and talked to the earliest churches of Asia Minor writing letters to them, as well. Hundreds of people were converted to Christianity getting witnessed to the miracles of saints in this land. The seven Ecumenical Councils were gathered at the various cities of Anatolia. Almost after each, the Elders made significant decisions, such as the 3rd one which was at Ephesus; they decided that Virgin Mary was to be called as “Theotokos” which means mother of God.
This historical,culturel and Biblical tour gives us information of the time period and this helps us while reading Bible to understand the life back in those days
Additional Info
Duration: 6 days
Starts: Izmir, Turkey
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Izmir Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Izmir, Turkish Aegean Coast, Turkey
Anatolia, where the sun rises earlier, is also where Christianity was grown and spread out. Paul came from Antioch and talked to the earliest churches of Asia Minor writing letters to them, as well. Hundreds of people were converted to Christianity getting witnessed to the miracles of saints in this land. The seven Ecumenical Councils were gathered at the various cities of Anatolia. Almost after each, the Elders made significant decisions, such as the 3rd one which was at Ephesus; they decided that Virgin Mary was to be called as “Theotokos” which means mother of God.
This historical,culturel and Biblical tour gives us information of the time period and this helps us while reading Bible to understand the life back in those days
Itinerary
Day 1: Izmir with Old Smyrna Agora and Pergamum Ancient Sites
Stop At: Izmir, Izmir, Izmir Province, Turkish Aegean Coast
We meet at the airport upon your arrival at the Izmir Airport and head to Smyrna, the Suffering Church (Revelation 2:8-11), where you go to see St. Polycarp Church, the first church of Asia Minor. Then, a panoramic drive to Mont Pagus so called “Kadifekale”, which was the castle of Alexander the Great. Proceed to Pergamum, the Comprimising Church (Revelation 2:12-17), where you will see the the basilica”Red Court” and the Acropolis. The people of Pergamum were attracted by the enormity of the pagan temples here and could not be as faithful as Antipas, who was martyred here. The city was called “Satan’s Throne” especially after the Zeus Altar, which was totally built of white marble.
Duration: 6 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia Ancient Sites and Churches
Stop At: Manisa Province, Manisa Province
Second day, proceed to Thyatira in Akhisar, the Adulterous Church (Revelation 2:18-29). A short walk partly in the ruins of Thyatira, once an important trade city remembered with its fabrics; then drive to Sardis the Dead Church (Revelation 3:1-6). This is where the coins were first minted and the dyeing of the wool with special colour would be an art. After the visit to the magnificent sized Artemis Temple and the beautiful streets, drive to Philadelphia; the Faithful Church (Revelation 3:7-13). Built by one of the Pergamon Kings Attalus Philadephos II, the city was called “Little Athens” because of their temples and festivals they had all the time during the Roman Era. The best preserved construction belongs to the Basilica of St. John. End of the day, transfer to the hotel.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Ancient Church of Laodicea, Pamukkale Hot Springs and Hierapolis Ancient City
Stop At: Denizli, Denizli
Third day, drive to Laodecia, the Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22). Lately uncovered, Laodecia presents you the opportunity to see the whole city by all means with its streets, massive sized stadium, theater, market places, baths, temples, fountains, latrinas and so on. Impressed by how much has been revealed, you head to Hierapolis, so called “Golden City” due to the colour of its local travertine stone. Hosting the largest cemetery of Anatolia with 2000 sarcophagi, Hierapolis is where you have a chance to see the best preserved stage buildng of a Greco-Roman theater with beautiful friezes. After touring in the ruins, you arrive at the Pamukkale hot springs which were formed by the thermal water that contains calcium bicarbonate. End of the day, transfer to your hotel.
Duration: 6 minutes
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 4: Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, St. John’s Basilica, Artemis Temple
Stop At: Ancient City of Ephesus, Selcuk 35920 Turkey
Forth day, visit to the largest open air museum of the world, Ephesus, the Loveless Church (Revelation 2:1-7). Once having a population of 250.000 of people as a great maritime city, Ephesus was one of the first cities to light thier marble streets and agoras (market). Ephesus was a part of St. Paul’s missionary journey. When he visited here the last time, he saw people worshipping with the golden or silver idols of Artemis, which was their main Pagan Goddess, called Diana by Romans. He warned them that the idols should not be worshipped as gods. Then, by the leadersip of Demetrius, they gathered at the Ephesus Theater where they made a riot against St. Paul; as they thought their bussiness was threatened by his preachings. This is the Church which lost their devotion to Jesus Christ: “Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” “…repent…” (Revelation2:5)
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 5: Miletus and Priene Ancient Cities, Apollon Temple Didyma
Stop At: Temple of Apollo, Ataturk Boulevard Yenihisar, Didim 07330 Turkey
Once a very large metropolis, Miletus, is now mostly full of water of rain and partly marsh of the River Meander which silted in the city’s harbour throuhg the ages. This is where St. Paul gave a bid farewell to the church at Ephesus after the riot. Then, the best preserved Greek city of Priene will welcome you with all its peace. The oldest oracle center of Anatolia Temple of Apollo at Didyma will be one of the highlights of the day with its two standing original columns. Doganbey village, where the old Greeks used to live, will charm you with its natural beauty and peace as well.
Duration: 6 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 6: Transfer to airport
Stop At: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, Dokuz Eylül, 35410 Gaziemir/İzmir, Turkey
Transfer from Hotel to airport
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
