Istanbul & The Seven Churches of Revelation

7 Days | Faith Heritage Journey through Turkey

Walk through the pages of Revelation and the crossroads of history.
This spiritual and cultural journey leads travelers from the vibrant city of Istanbul to the ancient heart of early Christianity — visiting all Seven Churches of Revelation and exploring Turkey’s stunning landscapes, faith landmarks, and timeless hospitality.

Highlights

Discover Istanbul’s historic treasures — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Bosphorus.
Trace the Seven Churches of Revelation — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Reflect and worship at sacred sites central to early Christianity.
Experience Pamukkale’s white terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus — a site of peace and pilgrimage.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2 – Istanbul: Spiritual & Cultural Treasures
Visit St. Anthony of Padua and St. Mary Draperis churches, stroll along lively Istiklal Avenue, and view the Galata Tower. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Bosphorus, explore the Egyptian Bazaar, and end the day with a serene Bosphorus sunset cruise.

Day 3 – Historic Istanbul
Tour Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia — blending Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

Day 4 – Journey to Pamukkale: Thyatira, Sardis & Philadelphia
Begin your exploration of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Visit Thyatira, Sardis, and Philadelphia, each representing messages of faith and perseverance. Arrive in Pamukkale for dinner and rest.

Day 5 – Pamukkale, Hierapolis & Laodicea
Explore Hierapolis, with its thermal springs and Greco-Roman ruins, then visit Laodicea, the “lukewarm church,” known for its striking archaeological remains.

Day 6 – Ephesus & Smyrna (Izmir)
Walk through Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Continue to Smyrna (modern Izmir), symbol of endurance under persecution.

Day 7 – Departure from Izmir
Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll along Izmir’s waterfront before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Included

6 nights in carefully selected hotels
Daily breakfast, plus lunches and dinners as indicated
Professional English-speaking guide
Deluxe air-conditioned coach
All entrance fees per itinerary

Not Included

International flights
Tips, beverages, and personal expenses
Travel insurance

“To journey where faith was first proclaimed is to awaken your own.”

Book Now

Tour FAQ

How many people can I take?

We suggest keeping your numbers between 10 and 50 people. If you have more than that, we can split the group into two.

Is this tour customizable?

We work with you to create the tour you want to take your church, school or organization on. We will provide alternative suggestions if your requests don’t really work with a whole group.

What are the benefits of group tickets?

Depending on the size and type of the group, we will either recommend that all meals be included and provide an all-inclusive price or that it will be cheaper to do half board.

Will someone from Butler Travel lead the tour?

Right now, Butler Travel will just organize the tour. If you need a leader, we use our network of local tour leaders to find you a good option.

Will flights be included in the price?

We usually provide an itinerary that includes flights. However, if your group is coming from different locations, som

Are gratuities included?

We do not include gratuities in our pricing. However, we can give you guidance on what you could tip based on the destination and culture.

Are there additional fees for booking a tour?

All of our service fees are included in the total package price.

How do we book a tour?

Let us know where you want to go! We’ll give you a quote based on your dates. This will be subject to change until we receive a deposit to secure hotels and flights. Once a tour is deposited, we will make the arrangements. All you need is find the people to take on the tour with you.