Turkey and the island of Patmos
Eight days to the seven churches John wrote to in Revelation 2 and 3, from Ephesus and Smyrna to Laodicea, with a day on Patmos, reading each letter where it was first received.
Churches traveling with us now. Each group travels on its own dates and its own version of the route.
The seven churches lie on a ring road through the old Roman province of Asia, the order a messenger would have carried the letters. We begin on the coast at Ephesus and Patmos, go inland through Sardis and Philadelphia to the Lycus Valley, and finish at Pergamum, Smyrna and Thyatira.
From Kusadasi inland to Sardis, Philadelphia and the Lycus Valley, then back to Izmir.
From Kusadasi to Ephesus, and from Izmir to Pergamum and Thyatira.
A charter boat from Kusadasi to Patmos and back.
Three nights in Kusadasi, one in Pamukkale and one or two in Izmir.
Days 2 to 4
Three nights in Kusadasi, with a boat day to Patmos and a full day at Ephesus.
Kusadasi, Patmos, Ephesus
Day 5
Inland through the Hermus Valley to the church told to wake up and the church given an open door.
Sardis, Philadelphia
Day 6
Hierapolis and Pamukkale, Colossae, and Laodicea, the lukewarm church.
Hierapolis, Colossae, Laodicea
Days 7 & 8
The last three churches, then the flight home from Izmir.
Pergamum, Izmir, Thyatira
The sites on our standard eight-day route, with the passages your group will read there.
Eight days, day by day. Every group’s version is built around its own dates, its own pace and the places that matter most to its people.
Passports. Turkey requires a passport valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive, and we recommend six months. U.S. citizens do not need a visa.
Days 1 to 3
Day 1
Our journey begins as we depart the United States for our overnight flight to Turkey. Dinner and breakfast will be served during the flight.
Day 2
We arrive at Izmir Airport and transfer to our hotel in Kusadasi, on the Aegean coast.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 3
After an early breakfast we sail by charter boat from Kusadasi to the island of Patmos, where John was exiled and received the Revelation. We visit the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Revelation, the Cave of the Apocalypse, then sail back to Kusadasi.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4
Day 4
We spend the day at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, beginning at the House of Mary and walking the ancient streets to the Great Theater, where Paul preached to the Ephesians. Here we read the message to the church at Ephesus, commended for its perseverance and called to return to its first love.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Days 5 & 6
Day 5
At Sardis, once the capital of the Lydian kingdom, we see one of the largest synagogues of the ancient world, the gymnasium and the Temple of Artemis, and read the call to the church to wake up. At Philadelphia we see the remains of the early Christian basilica and read of the open door that no one can shut, then continue to Pamukkale.
Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 6
We walk the theater, baths and colonnaded streets of Hierapolis, the city associated with the Apostle Philip, and see the site of Colossae, the church Paul wrote to. At Laodicea, a wealthy city known for its medical school, we explore the theater, temples and streets, and read the warning to the lukewarm church.
Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Days 7 & 8
Day 7
At Pergamum we explore the acropolis, the Altar of Zeus and the Asclepion, and read the message to the church that held fast to Christ’s name. In Izmir, ancient Smyrna, we visit the Roman Agora and the Church of St. Polycarp. At Thyatira, the home of Lydia, we read the message to the church commended for its love, faith and service.
Your flight home may depart late tonight or the following day. If the following day and an overnight is required, overnight in Izmir.
Day 8
Your flight home may depart the previous night or today. If today and time allows, breakfast is included today. Either way, later today we will arrive back home.
Tell us the window you have in mind and we will build the itinerary around it: the time you have, and the places that matter most to your people.
Every inclusion can be tailored to your group.
Not included unless added to your package: travel insurance, lunches, drinks at dinner, personal expenses, and the cost of meeting any national entry requirements.
Our group leader support team guides you every step of the way, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern, at (877) 234-3002 or groups@christianexpedition.com.
Our 24/7 travel emergency team is there for travelers who are abroad and facing a travel-related emergency, at (877) 234-3002 ext. 9.
Start from our standard route, combine it with Greece and the footsteps of Paul, or add Istanbul or Cappadocia, and we shape the days, the pace and the sites around your people.
“Our church has absolutely enjoyed every aspect of planning travel with Christian Expedition! Their team makes the process of taking our church to see incredible locations from the Bible easy and stress free!”
Pastor Josh LuechtCalvary Chapel Palm City
“Trey and his team have done a fabulous job organizing, managing and overseeing our trips to Israel and Greece.”
Pastor Jim GallagherSenior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Vero Beach
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for Turkey for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Turkey requires a passport valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive, and we recommend six months. The day on Patmos is in Greece, so carry your passport that day too. Passport and entry requirements remain the responsibility of each traveler.
Yes. Many groups add Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens and Corinth for a full Footsteps of Paul expedition. See our Greece & Turkey route.
Yes. Every expedition is built for one group, on that group’s dates. The eight-day route on this page is our standard, and groups often add Istanbul, Pisidian Antioch or a few days in Cappadocia.
Most sites are open-air ruins with uneven stone paths and some climbs, especially at Ephesus, Pergamum and Hierapolis. Comfortable shoes, a hat and water make each day easier, and our guide sets the pace for the group.
Travel insurance, lunches, drinks at dinner, personal expenses, and the cost of meeting any national entry requirements. Anything not listed as included can be quoted for your group on request.
Tell us about your group and we will be in touch.