The 7 Churches & Istanbul

8 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 9 photos
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
This private group tour will feature some of the high spots of Turkey’s Christian history including the 7 Churches of Revelation, as well as visit the main historic sites and major attractions of Turkey. You’ll first discover Istanbul, a city of business frenzy, entertainment, and a wealth of rich culture. Absorb it’s ancient structures, from its mosques to t...
Inquire for Pricing
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Exploration of Istanbul: Immerse yourself in the bustling city of Istanbul, experiencing its vibrant business districts, entertainment options, and rich cultural heritage. Explore ancient structures such as mosques and Roman-influenced architecture.
    • Visiting the 7 Churches of Revelation: Embark on a spiritual journey as you visit the locations associated with the seven churches mentioned in the biblical book of Revelation. These sites include Laodicea, Pamukkale with its thermal pools, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, Smyrna, and Ephesus. The tour will follow the route described in Revelations 1-3, offering insights into Christian history and devotion.
    • Discovering Western Turkey's Classical Sites: Alongside the religious sites, explore the major classical sites of western Turkey. Marvel at the historical significance and architectural wonders of these locations, gaining a deeper understanding of Turkey's rich heritage.
    • Thermal Pools of Pamukkale: Experience the natural beauty and therapeutic properties of Pamukkale's famous thermal pools, known for their stunning white terraces formed by mineral-rich waters.
    • Personalized Group Experience: Enjoy the tour in the company of a private group, allowing for personalized attention and a shared journey of discovery and reflection.

What's this trip about?

    This private group tour will feature some of the high spots of Turkey’s Christian history including the 7 Churches of Revelation, as well as visit the main historic sites and major attractions of Turkey. You’ll first discover Istanbul, a city of business frenzy, entertainment, and a wealth of rich culture. Absorb it’s ancient structures, from its mosques to the Roman influenced architecture. The next leg of your journey will take you along the major classical sites of western Turkey where the 7 Churches of Revelation are found, including: Laodiciea and Pamukkale with its thermal pools, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, Smyrna, and Ephesus. The route will generally follow the text of Revelations 1-3. This is a trip designed to explore some of the most featured regions of Turkey, while giving time and attention to the devotional journey awaiting you at the 7 Church sites of Revelations.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityIstanbul
End CityDenizli

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Family Friendly
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Turkey

Attractions

  • Bosphorus Strait
  • Ephesus
  • Istanbul
  • Pamukkale
  • Pergamum
  • Philadelphia

Activities

  • Caving
  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Trip includes

    • Accommodation (in Silver class hotels)
    • Breakfast daily, Lunch on Full Day tours
    • Licensed professional English speaking guides with extensive 7 Churches knowledge.
    • Domestic flights (Istanbul – Izmir / Denizli – Istanbul)
    • Airport Transfers
    • Admission tickets to sites and museums
    • Private VIP transportation per tour itinerary
    • Parking, portage, toll roads
    • Coordination and attentive customer service throughout the tour by Sojourn staff

    • Required Association of – Turkish Travel Agencies Foreign Visitors Insurance (a vey basic mandatory policy and not an adequate replacement for purchasing your own travel insurance.)

Itinerary

Day 1 – Istanbul

Your private guide and driver will welcome you at the Istanbul Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Istanbul. You will have free time this evening to explore Sultanahmet on your own!

Day 2

With your guide you will visit Emperor Justinian’s masterpiece the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and its monuments. Following lunch, you will continue your tour by visiting the Basilica Cistern and a visit to the Grand Bazaar. You will return to your hotel that evening for dinner on your own and overnight.

Day 3

Your private guide will be ready in your hotel lobby to take you to your Bosphorus boat tour. Along the shores of the Bosphorus, you will view the Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses, and Ottoman Residenc...

Day 4 – Izmir – Smyrna & Ephesus

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will start your unforgettable journey to the 7 Churches of Revelations (Rev. Ch. 2 & 3) Start with a visit to the Martyr Polycarp’s Church in Izmir and a brief tour of Smyrna’s ancient city. (Rev 2:8-11) Following lun...

Day 5 – Pergamum & Thyatira

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will drive to the 3rd Church - Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17) to see the breathtaking Acropolis where the Temple of Zeus (some claim Satan’s Seat in the Roman Empire) is located. Later learn of the medical history at the Asklepio...

Day 6 – Sardis & Philadelphia

You guide will meet you at your hotel and you will head out to explore the magnificent sites of Sardis, (Rev 3:1-6) known for the golden fleece, dyeing of wool, and the huge temple of Artemis – There is a wonderful restored Synagogue here founded in the 600 BC, likely...

Day 7 – Laodicea

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will visit the last church of Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22), a wonderful site actively being excavated. You'll also explore the meaning of being “lukewarm” from Revelations. Enjoy lunch and a visit to the rarely seen sculpture/s...

Day 8 – Departure

Your private driver will meet you at your hotel to take you to the airport for your international departure flight.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $0
Price per day$0
Last Updated: 4/26/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Sojourn Turkey.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Sojourn Turkey Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
121
Great
2
Average
2
Disappointing
0
Terrible
2
Write a Review

Other Sojourn Turkey Reviews

M

M Abu-Harb

Mar 2024

Provided bySojourn Turkey

Excellent service

Excellent service

undefined-logo

Response from

thank you

S

SH

Mar 2024

Provided bySojourn Turkey

Perfect service, we enjoyed the time in turkey

Perfect service, we enjoyed the time in turkey

undefined-logo

Response from

We are so glad you had a wonderful time in our beautiful country! Thank you for your review and feed...

P

Peter

Feb 2024

Provided bySojourn Turkey

Our visit to Istanbul was all we hoped it would be.

Our visit to Istanbul was all we hoped it would be. My communication with Sojourn was excellent and their itinerary, hotel choice and travel guide made the trip memo...

undefined-logo

Response from

We love to hear this! Thank you for your review

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Sojourn Turkey

preferred
View Profile

Sojourn Turkey is a Turkish-American team creating custom trips for travelers who value personal service. A fully licensed tour operator in Türkiye, it was founded by Americans and Turks who are dedicated to curating custom designed private and small group tours that immerse you in the most beautiful aspects of Turkish culture, history, and cuisine. Sojourn specializes in trips that seamlessly blend classical and special interest sightseeing with experiences of local cuisine, art, and culture. Their niche lies in providing the best of both worlds, a team of Turkish guides and planners who have close local connections, and American owner-operators who intuitively understand your expectations and aim to exceed them.
 
Established by the dynamic duo, Chris and Angela, who have made Turkey their home since 2001, they formed a team of great local guides and tour designers, committed to serving each traveler with high standards. This fusion of American customer service and Turkish hospitality makes Sojourn unique. As Americans working alongside exceptional Turkish staff and the country's best guides, they all take pride in delivering the best quality, customized tours. They have earned a reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness among their travelers, as well as local suppliers.
 
By choosing the finest guides, hotels, and restaurants, they set the stage for an unparalleled travel experience. This commitment is ingrained in every aspect of your journey. Sojourn’s experienced staff, trained by Chris and Angela themselves, work collaboratively to bring every detail to life. With core values of Innovation, Integrity, Fun (because enjoying life fuels what we do), Valuing People, Optimism, and Excellence, they are set apart and it shows in their many 5-star reviews.
 
Plan your travel with Sojourn Turkey, where every trip is designed to give you a wonderful experience of the best the country has to offer!

Why we love this operator
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
What they’re known for
Sojourn is a Turkish-American team working together in the country to plan and operate the best customized private tours

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flight tickets
    • Optional gratuities to guides, drivers, etc.
    • Most dinners
    • Entry Visas
    • Additional drinks at lunch and dinner
    • Optional programs listed in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • Breakfast daily, lunch on all Full Day Tours 
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Pricing based according to group size 

Trip ID
sojour1-sojour1-ThSeChIs

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!