Day 1, Izmir – Ephesus: Arrive Izmir airport. Drive to Ephesus, the first of John’s seven churches in the book of Revelations. The order of the seven churches - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea - follows a route that a messenger would follow, and represent other churches that were in Asia at the time. The style of the seven messages is similar, with the heart of each focused on commendation and correction concluding with a promise of victory. First, retrace the steps of St. Paul at the church city of Ephesus, including Hadrian’s Temple, library, agora and amphitheater. Visit the small but well displayed archaeological museum at Selcuk, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Then, visit St. John’s Church and tomb, Temple of Artemis, and Mary’s home and chapel. Also visit a carpet weaving center and pottery workshop. Return to Izmir. Stay at Izmir Palas hotel.

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Day 2, Izmir: Morning, visit St. Polycarp Church, the old Jewish Quarter at Asanor and historic elevator, and Ben Israel synagogue. Afternoon, explore some sites of Smyrna, the second church of Revelations. Visit St. Polycarp Church, Roman agora, archaeological museum, ruins at Kadeifekale on Mount Pagos, Temple of Athena, and other ruins at Bayrakli (Tepekule).

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Day 3, Izmir – Pergamum – Thyatira – Izmir: Take a full day excursion to visit the third and fourth churches in St John’s Revelations. At Pergamum, visit the acropolis and Altar of Zeus, remains of the great library, temple of Trajan and Asclepieum medical center. Lunch at a local restaurant. Drive on to Thyatira to see the ruins of an ancient temple, colonnaded road and a large church. Return to Izmir.

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Day 4, Izmir – Sardis – Philadelphia – Pamukkale: Drive to Sardis (fifth church) and see the citadel, Temple of Artemis, a small Byzantine church, acropolis, synagogue, royal road, shops and gymnasium. Lunch. Drive to Philadelphia (sixth church) and see a ruined Byzantine basilica. Continue to Pamukkale. Stay at Richmond Pamukkale Thermal hotel.

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Day 5, Pamukkale: Drive to the ruined site of Laodicea, the last and seventh church.  At Pamukkale, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, theater, necropolis and baths. Also visit Colossae.

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