Optional Turkey Extension:
Churches of Revelation Tour
Sunday, July 5 - Smyrna
Begin your Churches of Revelation tour with a quick flight to the modern city of Izmir—site of the ancient city of Smyrna and one of the seven churches in 
the Book of Revelation. In the afternoon visit the agora, the “shopping center” of the ancient city.
Monday, July 6 - Pergamum
Board a motorcoach in the morning for your drive to Pergamum, another of the seven churches of Revelation. Tour the ancient acropolis to view the majestic theater and the foundation for the temple of Zeus, quite possibly the “throne of Satan” named by the Apostle John. Then visit the Asclepion, the healing complex of that ancient city. In the afternoon return to your hotel in Izmir.
Tuesday, July 7 - Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea
In the morning pack your bags for a trip into Turkey’s interior. Our first stop will be at the ancient city of Sardis, the legendary capital of the Lydian empire and home of its final king, the wealthy Croesus. We will look at the temple of Artemis and the magnificent ruins of a Roman gymnasium and Jewish synagogue. Then we will travel to Philadelphia, the city without condemnation that overlooked the ancient Persian Royal Road as it wound its way through the Meander Valley. We then will drive to the site of the once wealthy city of Laodicea—where Christ said He was standing at the door and knocking. Our day will end in Pamukkale at our hotel near the world-famous “cotton castle” mineral formations.
Wednesday, July 8 - Colossae, Tavas, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis, and Istanbul
We begin this morning by driving to the site of ancient Colossae, a city that figured prominently in Paul’s ministry in Asia Minor. Then we will drive to Tavas to visit a rug factory and see the ancient 
art of rug-making skillfully carried on today. In the afternoon we will visit the site of Aphrodisias, perhaps the finest remaining ruins of a city in the central part of Turkey. Here we will see a stadium where ancient athletes “ran the race that was set before them.” We will also stop at Hierapolis to visit the mineral formations and springs that help us understand the “lukewarm water” of Revelation 3. Then it’s off to the airport to board a flight to Istanbul. Then it’s off to the airport to board a flight to Istanbul, here we will check into our hotel for our final evening of this magnificent tour.
Thursday, July 9 - Homeward Bound
Travel day for your return flight from Istanbul back to the United States, arriving home the same day.
See hotel information for the Turkey Extension.