The Pilgrim’s Path:
The Apostle John and the Revelation Journey
Sample Itinerary
Day One: Depart the US to Türkiye.
Overnight: In flight.
Day Two: Arrival Izmir.
Arrive Izmir and meet our teaching team to take our bus to the hotel for dinner and sleep. Overnight: Hotel near Izmir airport, Izmir. D. (1 of 2)
Day Three: The Seven Churches of Revelation: Smyrna, Pergamon and Thyatira
Beginning our day with a brief stop at the agora of Smyrna before we make a trip to the impressive ruin at ancient Pergamon, we open our theme of the letters of the Apostle John to the churches in Asia Minor. Careful attention will be given to the way the letters would have been understood by each of the churches in the first century. From Pergamon we will journey to Thyatira (a city famous for dyes, copper smelting and Jezebel!). Overnight: Izmir. B, D. (2 of 2).
Day Four: The Seven Churches of Revelation: Sardis and Philadelphia.
After breakfast, we will travel inland for an opportunity to visit the ancient and storied city of Sardis with its impressive temple and synagogue, before we make our way to ancient Philadelphia for a brief stop at the ruins of the medieval wall and an ancient basilica. Small town rural Turkey will amaze you with the simplicity and genuine hospitality that is so evident. From Philadelphia, we will continue our journey to the beauty of the Lycus Valley for the spas of Pamukkale. Overnight: Pamukkale. B, D (1 of 2).
Day Five: The Seven Churches: Laodicea and the sister cities at Hierapolis and Colossae.
Departing to Laodicea, we visit Laodicea and Colossae, on our way back to Hierapolis, or "Sacred City," an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the "lukewarm" Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Tonight we will enjoy again the springs at Pamukkale. Overnight: Pamukkale. B, D (2 of 2)
Day Six: The Seven Churches of Revelation: Ephesus
With an early morning departure, we will travel west to the large and impressive ruin at ancient Ephesus. This city is sure to be a highlight as it is a huge excavation with marvelous building facades and streets. After our stay at Ephesus, we will make our way to our hotel by the sea. Overnight: Kusadasi. B, D (1 of 1).
Day Seven: Flight Izmir to Istanbul. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise.
After a leisurely morning for breakfast, we will head to the Izmir airport for our afternoon flight to Istanbul. Tonight, we will have a final dinner aboard a ship on the Bosphorus! Overnight: Istanbul. B, D (1 of 1)
Day Eight: Arrive in the USA.
This morning, we board our Istanbul flight back to the US, arriving later the same day!
Every reasonable effort will be taken to visit all that is on the itinerary, but CTSP reserves the right to make changes based on local conditions and the needs of the group. It seldom happens that we vary from the itinerary as written, but it can happen.