Seven Churches of Revelation via Nicaea: 8-Day Private Tour
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OVERVIEW
A Journey From Istanbul to the Seven Churches via Nicaea
Seven Churches of Revelation via Nicaea is a 8-day, 7-night private guided tour from Istanbul and back, covering Istanbul, Nicaea, Bursa, Pergamon, Thyatira, Izmir, Sardis, Philadelphia, Hierapolis, Laodicea and Ephesus. You travel with your own guide and driver for the whole trip, not as part of a shared group, and pricing starts from 1,450 USD per person for parties of 10 or more.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Duration
Istanbul
Departure
Istanbul
Return
Private, guided
Style
✓ 100% private tour, no joining a group
✓ Licensed local guides
✓ Flexible dates & group sizes
✓ Free, no-obligation quote
FROM
$1,450 per person
For groups of 10 or more. See the full price table below.
Tailored to your dates and group size
WHAT’S INCLUDED
What the Price Covers
Here is what the price includes, and what it does not.
What's Included
7 nights accommodation at selected hotels
8 breakfasts and 5 dinners at hotels, as marked B and D in the itinerary
Admission fees, tax and service charges
Complete program of tours as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
Services of a Professional English-speaking tour guide who is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and an expert on Turkey’s history and culture
Local transportation by a private chauffeur driven deluxe van with A/C
All transfers and touring as per itinerary from arrival to departure
Airfare for the flight from Izmir to Istanbul
Flight for guide from Izmir to Istanbul
Accommodation for guide and driver at a lower category hotel including their meals
VAT
What's Not Included
International airfare and related taxes
Customary end-of-tour gratuities to the guide and drivers
Bottled beverages or alcohol
Travel insurance and visas, laundry and personal items
Final pricing depends on season, group size and hotel category.
DAY BY DAY
8 days and 7 nights from Istanbul.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Arrival Day
Arrival Istanbul airport. Meeting and transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Istanbul
Guided Day
Today will be dedicated to visiting this ancient and exciting city. Our tour will include the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and the Church of St. Sophia with its world famous mosaics and architecture. After lunch at the Topkapi Palace complex, we’ll continue our tour of the palace, one-time residence of the Ottoman emperors and now a world-famous museum housing extraordinary collections of jewellery, armor and imperial costumes. We’ll complete our tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in our hotel.
Day 3: Istanbul, Nicaea and Bursa
Travel + Guided Day
Leave Istanbul and drive along the Sea of Marmara to Nicaea. The city achieved fame as the site of two ecumenical councils during the Byzantine period. During the Ottoman period, it was celebrated for its highest quality tiles and pottery. Our tour includes the well preserved Roman city walls and the Byzantine Church of Holy Wisdom. Continue to Bursa, where some of the finest Ottoman monuments in the Balkans can be seen. Our tour of the city includes the famous Green mosque, the Green Tomb and the Grand Mosque. Arrive hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Bursa, Pergamon, Thyatira and Izmir
Travel + Guided Day
On our drive south from Bursa to Izmir, we will visit the ancient city of Pergamum (modern Bergama), and center of the Attalid dynasty. The oldest portion of the city is the acropolis that rises steeply to a height of nearly 1,300 feet above the plain of the Caicus River. The library on the acropolis became in the second century B.C. one of the great centers of learning of the ancient world. Here are also found the famous temples of Athena, Trajan, the famous Altar of Zeus, as well as the steepest theatre in the ancient world. At the base of the acropolis, we’ll visit the Asklepion, an important center of healing in Asia Minor and dedicated to tho god of healing Asklepios Here the famous physician Galen was not only born but taught medicine early in his career. From Pergamum we continue our trip to Thyatira, which is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. St. Paul may have visited on his missionary journeys (Acts 19:10). Drive to Izmir, after visiting the Church of St. Policarp, the oldest Church in ancient Smyrna and symbolized the community of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, check into hotel in Izmir for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Izmir, Sardis, Philadelphia and Hierapolis
Travel + Guided Day
Drive to Sardis which is one of the ancient cities of Turkey whose true history cannot be separated from myth. It was the capital Of the Lydian Kingdom and known as the richest city of western Asia Minor. Our tour of Sardes includes the famous temple of Artemis, the Byzantine Church, the Synagogue, and the famous Roman Gymnasium with it’s beautiful facade. After lunch, continue to Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love and visit the Church of St. John. Walk the streets of Philadelphia, then proceed to Pamukkale. Pamukkale is famous tor its medicinal pools and hot mineral springs that overflow so as to cover the rocks beneath with white deposits of lime that give the appearance of a frozen cascade. It is to these formations that the Turkish name Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) is probably due. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 6: Hierapolis, Laodicea, Nyssa and Kuşadası
Travel + Guided Day
From Pamukkale we’ll journey through the famous Meander River Valley to the seacoast city of Kusadasi. In the morning, we’ll visit the ancient city of Hierapolis overlooking the Lycus river valley with its well-preserved theatre and large necropolis. The Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle is also here. A short drive will take us to Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Our tour includes the stadium, the ancient theatre, and the Church. After lunch drive westward to Kusadasi. En route, we visit the ancient city of Nyssa before we get to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Kuşadası, Ephesus and Izmir
Travel + Guided Day
Morning tour of Fphesus is which is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in Asia Minor. A major center of Paul’s missionary activity, it was also the home of the Temple and cult of the goddess Artemis. During Paul’s day the temple was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Our tour of Ephesus includes the impressive Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre seating over 25,000 people, the Temple of Hadrian, the Marble Street and a special visit to the elegant Roman villas with their famous mosaics and wall painting. Time and circumstances permitting, we’ll also celebrate a liturgy at the site of the ancient Basilica of St. Mary where the Third Ecumenical Council was held. We’ll also visit the House of Virgin Mary, where according to tradition, she spent her last years. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll visit the Museum of Ephesus and the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. Drive to Izmir for our afternoon flight to Istanbul. After arrival, transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Departure from Istanbul
Departure Day
Morning transfer to the international airport for outgoing flights. End of our services.
TOUR MAP
Where This Tour Takes You
The route of the Seven Churches of Revelation via Nicaea on the map.
PHOTO GALLERY
Moments From the Route
A few photographs from the places this tour passes through.
ACCOMMODATION
Where You’ll Stay
The hotels named for this route. Your exact rooms depend on your dates and availability.
Sultanhan Boutique Hotel
Istanbul
A museum hotel in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, built to preserve its historical architecture and texture.
PRICING
Prices
2 Participants
$2,790
4 Participants
$1,990
6 Participants
$1,690
8 Participants
$1,550
10+ Participants · Best Value
$1,450
Prices change with the season and the month of travel. Please ask for the real price valid for the time you are planning to travel.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick answers about what is included, how the days run and how to adjust this trip to you.
What does the price cover?
The price covers: 7 nights accommodation at selected hotels; 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners at hotels, as marked B and D in the itinerary; admission fees, tax and service charges; complete program of tours as specified in the day-by-day itinerary; services of a Professional English-speaking tour guide who is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and an expert on Turkey’s history and culture; local transportation by a private chauffeur driven deluxe van with A/C; all transfers and touring as per itinerary from arrival to departure; airfare for the flight from Izmir to Istanbul; flight for guide from Izmir to Istanbul; accommodation for guide and driver at a lower category hotel including their meals; vAT.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Your own guide and driver travel with just your party for all 8 days, with no joining a shared bus or group itinerary.
Are internal flights included?
Yes. The price includes the flights Izmir to Istanbul. Your guide’s flights are covered too.
How is the price calculated?
Price depends on group size, from 1,450 USD per person for 10 or more travelers up to 2,790 USD per person for a party of 2. Prices vary by season, so ask for the exact rate for your travel dates.
What is not included?
International airfare and related taxes; Customary end-of-tour gratuities to the guide and drivers; Bottled beverages or alcohol; Travel insurance and visas, laundry and personal items.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Istanbul and ends back in Istanbul. Your guide meets you at the airport on arrival.
Which hotels are used on this route?
Named hotels on this route include Sultanhan Boutique Hotel (Istanbul), Almira Hotel (Bursa), Swissotel Izmir (Izmir), Hotel Charisma (Kuşadası), Hotel Colossae (Pamukkale). Your exact rooms depend on your dates and availability.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. This is our standard plan, and dates, pace and stops can be adjusted around your interests. Tell us what you want when you request your quote.
Ready to See Seven Churches of Revelation via Nicaea Your Way?
A private guide and driver, your own pace for all 8 days. Tell us your dates and group size and we’ll send a tailored quote.