Seven Churches of the Revelations
(The New Testament Book of Revelation) " I John... was on the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spiriton the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of trumpet, saying "Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches "Rev. 1:9-11"
DAY 1: ISTANBUL-IZMIR
Welcome to Izmir to the third biggest city of Turkey which has an importance of being the home of early Christianity and an important center for all tourist attractions. Being the birthplace of Homer Izmir composes a radius position for our special Seven Churches of Revelation tour in Asia Minor. Bravo Tours staff will meet you at Adnan Menderes Airport. Transfer to the hotel located in the center of city. Since you'll be tired we strongly advise to rest. Those who would like to explore the city, why not walking around at the hotel in order to get acquaintance with "Pearl of Aegean"?. At night we'll invite you a traditional Turkish Restaurant in order to welcome you and give some information related to the tour with the specialized professional guides about biblical tours in Turkey. [D]
DAY 2 PERGAMUM (2:12-17) - THYATIRA (2:18-29 Acts 16:14)
Pergamum: first an ancient Kingdom dated back 323 B.C. This Hellenistic city was the center of culture, commerce and medical with its philosophers, scientists and artists like Galen (131-210 AD). Acropolis, remains of celebrated library, an impressive Hellenistic style 10000 spectator capacity theater, marble columned temples of Trajan and the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, library of Pergamum once catered 200.000 volumes, (It's not hard to guess the first parchment paper was invented here) the sanctuary of Demeter, Zeus Altar one of the grandest monuments; Satan's Throne caused the Christian church criticized by St. John and great medical treatment center Asclepion where the symbol of modern medicine came from. After lunch we'll proceed another Christian community mentioned in the book of Revelations. Thyatira (Akhisar), the temple that is dedicated to St. John was converted into a basilica. We'll explore the remains of Basilica. Later we'll proceed for Izmir passing by Manisa reflecting the great architecture from Ottoman Empire time. Dinner will be served at the hotel. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 3 SMYRNA (2:8-11)
This morning our tour will start from Bayrakli which was originally established in the 3rd millenium BC. then we'll proceed for Alexander Great's Velvet Castle & agora, watch the spectacular view of Izmir Bay from here. For lunch, we'll take you a special restaurant then the BRAVO bus drop you off at Ethnography Museum where you can find simply everything related to the Turkish culture as well as the culture of Aegean people. After Ethnography Museum we'll pop in Archaeological Museum. Those who would like to rest will be taken to the hotel since those activities may be tiring for them. Other guests are welcome to explore the city center and the grand Kemeralti bazaar with many historical buildings such as mosques and ancient shops. Later we'll serve you a traditional Turkish coffee or your favorite apple tea in ancient Kizlaragasi Caravenserai. After visiting Hisaronu having an Ottoman Empire time atmosphere we'll take you to the hotel. After a break we'll have a short ride to Kemalpasa for our night entertainment. Kemalpasa is wonderful place to examine the ancestor of Turks with their traditions coming from Middle Asia. You'll explore the little Middle Asia with many ways as well as its own cuisine in a very traditional way. Join us! [B] [L] [D]
DAY 4 SARDIS (3:1-6) - PHILADELPHIA (3:7-13)
In the morning we'll depart for Sardis, capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus, lying on the Sart Cayi (Pactole River). Here you'll face the inventions of mankind. The first coins were minted in Sardis, did you know that? We'll enter from the marble way passing by the old Byzantine shops. Another must to see is old Synagogue (3rd A.D.) with its dazzling decoration and style. Next to that there is a gymnasium restored for the visitors. Further down The Temple of Artemis meets you with a few columns however it's still impressive, next you'll see the Altar that was restored by Alexander the Great and Romans. Odun köfte (wooden grill meat balls) is a special dish in Salihli. Join us to have this delicious lunch. After lunch we'll proceed for Philadelphia (not only in Pennsylvania State but also in Turkey) We'll walk thru the streets of Philadelphia in Alasehir, then we'll arrive at Pamukkale, a magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, that was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Here is a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified castles. Thermal spring waters with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. You'll certainly need this in order recharge your body as ancient people did. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 5 LAODICEA (3:14-22) - HIERAPOLIS - APHRODISIAS
In the morning we'll start with Laodicea (Eskihisar) the lukewarm country. It was a commercial city situated in the trade routes. The two theaters, the stadium and the other ruins await for your visit here. The city was established 3rd century BC and the King of Syria Antiochus the Second Theos gave the name of his wife to the city. Roman water arches are still visible. Laodicea unfortunately displays very limited history however it's important to see as it's in the Book of Revelation. The second stop is Hierapolis with its best preserved baths. From East to the West there was a street having shops that lined up as every ancient city. The Basilica (dated back 6th Century AD), The temple of Apollo, the well preserved theater that can cater 14.000 spectator at a time and the carved figures on the interior door must be seen in Hiearapolis. Next we'll see the church was devoted to St. Philip and the Domitian Arch. Necropolis where over 1200 cemeteries were excavated is another important site of Hierapolis. Because of the healthy water of Pamukkale this city once was called as a Sacred city. Time to have lunch and rest a bit. Yörük restaurant is the best place for your entertainment and animation with delicious Turkish food. After lunch, we'll enter Aphrodisias, one of the important religious sites dated back to 2800 BC. Aphrodite the goddess of love was also called Venus by Romans. After 8th century, the city became more popular due to the temple of Aphrodisias a favorite place for the pilgrims for almost 1000 years. The whole city collapses 520 acres. The city walls surround about over 3,5 km that was built at late Roman period. The ruins of Sebasteion; the theater established in late Hellenistic period; the sculptures (mostly displayed in the museum), the ruins of the baths, gymnasium, the Byzantium Stavropolis are the major sights. Along the Acropolis we'll examine the baths with carved gates devoted both Aphrodite and Hadrian; the big pool which was excavated by the archaeologists in the recent years, the most beautiful marble construction the Odeon. The Temple of Aphrodite, the Bishop's church, the two columned Tetraphylon and well preserved stadium for 30000 spectator. Aphrodisias is an important ancient city in terms of art as well as science and philosophy. Later we'll depart for Kusadasi an impressive summer resort where the liners always pop in, en route we'll have our dinner at one of the famous restaurants. At night check-in at the hotel and take your time for the rest of the colorful nights of Kusadasi. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 6 EPHESUS (1:11, 2:1-7 Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41) (Ephesians 19:24-40)
Today we'll invite you to one of the greatest archaeological sites as well as Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation. Ephesus where St. Paul Preached is an ancient city that you'll never get bored to discover with its marble paved streets. The Third Ecumenical Council was held in Ephesus. The east Gymnasium, the state Agora, the remain of the Temple of Isis (Goddess of Egypt), the Heracletes Gate, Curates Street named for the college of priests located here, Scholastic Baths, well preserved two storey Celcus Library, Marble Road, great theater that is still hosting the concerts and festivals, Arcadian way, (Harbor Street) once lined up with shops towards the harbor and the Basilica of St. John are the main places for our informative tour in Ephesus. Time to visit Ephesus museum with its treasure. Later we'll wind up Virgin Mary's House that was visited by Popes and is considered as a pilgrimage site for Catholics as well. You'll get the chance to drink holy water from the sacred spring there. After Ephesus, we'll depart for Selçuk and typical Turkish Village Sirince which is famous for its tasty wine & gozleme cooked in wooden stove in a traditional atmosphere. After Sirince we'll go back to Kusadasi as there are many things to discover. Explore the grand bazaar by yourself or just rest at the hotel. At night, we'll invite you a farewell dinner at one of the famous restaurants in Kusadasi [B] [L] [D]
DAY 7 END OF OUR SERVICE
Well, it was pleasure to share these precious moments with you. Transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport by BRAVO bus for "home sweet home". Time to have your present in order to make this trip memorable. Thanks for choosing the right agency [B]
