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SEVEN CHURCHES
Day 1:
Fly from Istanbul to Izmir and pick up from airport or overnight bus. We will visit the Pergamon Acropolis, where the ruins of Zeus Altar "Throne of Satan" can still be seen today. Pergamon was a center of Roman authority and a place of persecution for Christians who denied imperial worship. The acropolis is situated high above the plain and has a unique panoramic view. The very narrow and steep theater on the hillside could seat up to 10,000 people. Parchment paper was first produced in Pergamon. We will visit the remains of the Great Library, which rivaled the one of Alexandria in Egypt, the palaces of the kings, and temple of Trajan. Visit the Asclepion, which was known as the first place of medical science. Galen, who originated from Pergamon and became the most famous doctor of his time, treated his patients here. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 2:
Today we will begin to see some more of the Churches of the Revelation. We will make a visit of Izmir and St. Polycarp Church. We will continue to Thyatira (Akhisar), with remains of a temple, colonnaded street and a large church, then to the ancient site of Sardes with its temple of Artemis and ancient Synagogue. It was once the wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire, and was the first place in history that coins were minted. We will also visit Philadelphia, which was a very important place for the spread of the Christian faith. Return to Kusadasi and overnight.
Day 3:
Today we tour Ephesus, which was one of the largest and most interesting ancient cities of Asia Minor. It is considered to be the most fantastic Greco-Roman site in Turkey. You may imagine the Ephesians shouting at the silversmith Demetrius, " Great is Artemis of the Ephesians" in reaction to the preaching of St. Paul against man-made idols. A visit to the house where The Virgin Mary spent her last days, and the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4:
Today we drive through the Meander valley and make a visit to Laodicea, then visit Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis with the Temple of Apollo, the breathtaking Theater, the fascinating Necropolis and the last the great baths of Hierapolis antique city, where St. Philip was martyred. St. Philip is connected with the early church in Hierapolis and played an important role in the history of the city. (Colossians 2; 18,4;13). Finally we visit the calcium terraces and pools. You may have a chance to swim in a thermal pool (extra). Return to Kusadasi for overnight.
Day 5:
Visit three of the most important cities of the antique period: Priene, Miletus and Didyma. Priene is one of the most typical antique cities of the Hellenistic Period. Paulīs visit to Miletus came at the end of his third journey as he was hurrying to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost. The city was very important with its 80 colonies, and philosophers Thales and Anaximander. Apollo Temple situated in Didyma, was the third biggest building in the world at this time and was a most important place for prophecies. Transfer to airport for flight to Istanbul.
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