Arrive in Izmir. Meet and transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Leave hotel for our visit of 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 will visit the Asklepion, an important center of healing in Asia Minor and dedicated to the 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 north for Biblical Thyatira, which is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. St. Paul may have visited on his missionary journeys (Acts 19:10). Drive back to Izmir and 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 the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Drive to Sardes 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 Anemls, 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 for its medicinal pools and hot mineral springs that overflow so as to cover the rocks beneath with while depusits 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. We’ll explore 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. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

From Pamukkale, we’ll journey through the famous Meander River Valley to the seacoast city of Kusadasi. In the morning, we’ll explore the ancient city of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Drive to Ephesus. After lunch, we will tour the ancient city of Ephesus, 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. Drive to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

Transfer to Izmir aiport. End of our services