Day 1 – Arrival to İzmir
Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival in İzmir, our representative will warmly greet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the drive as you catch your first glimpses of this vibrant city. Once you arrive at the hotel, check in and settle into your room. Take some time to relax or explore the surroundings at your leisure as you prepare for an unforgettable journey through Turkey.
Day 2 – Pergamon - Thyatira & İzmir Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today we explore remarkable biblical and historical sites:
- Pergamon (Bergama): One of the Seven Churches of Asia. Explore the impressive Acropolis (featuring the steepest theater in the world), Asklepion (a classical medical facility), Trajan's Temple marble columns, the Altar of Zeus (referred to in the Book of Revelation as the "Throne of Satan"), the ancient world's rival library to Alexandria (birthplace of parchment), and the Red Basilica (St. John's Church).
- Thyatira (Akhisar): Another of the Seven Churches of Asia, historically famous for purple dyes. View Roman-era architectural remnants and basilica ruins (noting the connection to Lydia, the seller of purple).
- Smyrna (İzmir): Enjoy a panoramic ride over the third largest city in Turkey, site of the ancient church of Smyrna, steeped in a history of trade and warfare. Return to the hotel. Overnight in İzmir.
Day 3 – İzmir - Sardis - Philadelphia - Laodicea & Hierapolis Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Continue your journey through the ancient Seven Churches and natural wonders:
- Sardis: Capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom (6th century BC), described as dead in scripture. Visit the great Temple of Artemis, Temple of Cybele (later a Byzantine church), the renovated synagogue, gymnasium, and the Pactolus River.
- Philadelphia (Alaşehir): The only un-censured church among the Seven Churches of Asia. View the remains of a brick Byzantine basilica with an arched structure and 11th-century frescoes.
- Hierapolis & Pamukkale: The white "cotton fortress" with thermal mineral water pools. Visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip.
- Laodicea (Denizli): Another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. See the ancient theater, basilicas, stone water pipes, Gate of Domitian, Arcadian Way, Nymphaeum, Temple of Apollo, Plutonium, and Necropolis. Transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 4 – Ephesus - Şirince Village & Kuşadası Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Explore the magnificent ruins of Ephesus and charming local culture:
- Ephesus: Visit the Basilica of St. John, the site where the Apostle Paul preached and lived, and magnificent marble-street ruins including the Baths of Scholastica, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, the Theater, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Şirince Village: A well-preserved 19th-century village featuring religious gems like St. Dimitrios Church and St. John Baptist Church. Explore traditional houses, shops, cafes, and enjoy a fruit wine tasting session. Transfer to Kuşadası and check in. Overnight in Kuşadası.
Day 5 – Departure from İzmir Breakfast Included
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to İzmir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul Airport and connection back home. One of Grandoria's adventures concludes. Wishing you all the best and a pleasant flight!