SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION
& blue voyage in Lycian waters...
DAY 1: Arrival in Dalaman Airport. Transfer to your Hotel. Dinner and
overnight in Fethiye.
DAY 2: Ephesus
An early departure for Selçuk. Visit Ephesus , the most impressive
archaeological site of Turkey, visit Virgin Mary's house and St. John's
Basilica. Driving to Izmir. Overnight in Izmir.
Smyrna
Today's Izmir city (ancient Smyrna) is one of the oldest continuously
inhabited places of the world. There are few remains of the Hellenistic
city. Polycarp, an early member of the Christian church in Smyrna was bishop
there from 115 to 156 AD. He was important to the early church as a
preserver of the purity of the Gospel. He was an accurate transmitter of the
first traditions of Christianity.
Ephesus
Ephesus was one of the most prominent cities of the ancient world, a major
centre of early Christianity. It is known that St. Paul spent time here, as
did the Virgin Mary, whose house is nearby. The remains of the great city
are still impressive. Arcadian Street, Virgin Mary's Church, Grand Theatre,
Marble Street, the Library of Celsius, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of
Trojan, Slope Houses, Curettes Street, Baths, Public toilets, Agora,
Basilica, Odeon, Town hall, Water Palace are among the best preserved
classical ruins in existence. The site of the s Temple of Artemis that waone
of seven wonders of the antiquity, has only half a column left today. Virgin
Mary's House on Bülbüldagi is another place near the ancient site of
Ephesus. It is believed that John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus and she
lived out her days on a hilltop south of the city.
DAY 3: Pergamon and Thyatira
After breakfast driving to ancient city of Pergamon. Visit the acropolis,
Asklepion which was a medical centre of Asia Minor, theatre, Altar of Zeus,
library, and the red basilica, coming from the 2nd AD.
Driving to Thyatira after the lunch. Visit the temple and the church. After
the visits, travel back to Izmir. Overnight in Izmir.
Pergamon
The origin of Pergamon is unknown. In 133 BC. Attalus 3 bequeathed the
kingdom of Pergamon to the Roman government and it became known as the
province of Asia. It was still a principal city of the province when the
Book of Revelation was written. The large theatre built into the hillside
and extending upwards for 78 rows of seats is impressive for its steepness.
North of the theatre is the temple of Athena and between them number of
other temples can be seen. In the lower part of Pergamon, its largest
building of the Roman period is the Red Court. A museum where archaeological
and ethnological items are displayed is located on the main street of the
city.
Thyatira
Thyatira was founded by the Lydians and was called Pelopia. The coins of the
ancient town give us clues to the kind of gods worshipped there. In the
first sentence of the letter in Revelation to the angel of the church in
Thyatira there is reference to "the Son of God, whose eyes flame like fire
and whose feet gleam like burnished brass"(2:18)
Thyatira is now a modern city, remains of its old self to be seen are an
ancient temple, a colonnaded road, and a large church.
DAY 4: Sardis - Philadelphia
After breakfast, driving to Manisa town to visit the ruins of Sardis.
Driving to Philadelphia. Visit the Byzantine walls and basilica. Driving
Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in a thermal Hotel at Karahayit Village.
Sardis
One of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches is the site
of Sardis. Sardis became the centre of one of the greatest kingdoms of the
ancient world, Lydia. The famous temple of Artemis lying along the Pactolus
River dates from the 400 BC. Besides the temple, a small Byzantian church on
one corner, and the acropolis, the last meters of the Royal Road from Susa
to Sardis, a number of shops, and the gymnasium. John told the Christians of
Sardis that the letter in the Revelation was from "the One who holds the
seven spirits of God the seven stars"(3:1)
Philadelphia
It was important as a place for spreading the thought patterns and
activities of Hellenistic civilization and the Christian faith. On the lower
sides of the city are sections of thick Byzantine walls. Philadelphia was a
missionary city from its beginning. First, it witnessed to Hellenistic
culture. In Christian times, it witnessed to non-Christians on the fringe of
the Christian world. The most interesting remains of Christian Philadelphia
consist of part of a Byzantine basilica built of brick with a big high arch.
DAY 5: Hierapolis / Pamukkale - Laodicea
After breakfast visit Hierapolis and it's necropolis, baths, theatre and the
calcium travertines with flowing thermal springs. After lunch visit Laodicea
and driving back to Fethiye. Embarking to your boat in the evening. Dinner
and overnight at Fethiye Harbour.
Laodicea
A large area littered with broken marble, tops of stone masonry walls, and
public buildings: Two theatres, a large stadium, a water tower, and an
Odeon. The city was at the crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis
and Perga, and east-west traffic from the Euphrates to Ephesus, so it
quickly became a rich city in its time.
Possibly John meant the springs of Hierapolis (Pamukkale) which was just
across the valley from Laodicea when he said, "I know all your ways; you are
neither hot nor cold. How I wish you were either hot or cold! But because
you are lukewarm; neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my
mouth!"(3:14).
DAY 6 - Day 12: Blue voyage either on Ekincik (Caunos) or Kekova routes full board.
Day 13: After breakfast disembarking the boat. Transfer to Dalaman Airport.
INCLUDED:
Return airport transfers, harbour formalities and expenses, fuel, fresh water,
crew, full board meals on board, airport / hotel transfers,
transportation for land excursions, english speaking professional official
guide, all entry fees to the ancient sites insurance, tax, transportation by
A/C vehicles, English speaking professional official guide for land tours, all entry fees,
tax, accommodation at 3* and 4* + Hotels in HB basis.
· Single supplement: 70%
· Children (under 12) in the same cabin with parents: 50%
EXCLUDED:
Lunch on land, drinks, personal expences. |
