Early Christianity took shape and was spread in Anatolia. Thus, a journey through this part of the world has something of the quality of a pilgrimage, both a physical and a spiritual search for the origins and realities of one’ s faith.

Day 1: Early morning flight to Smyrna (İzmir) or night bus to Kuşadası. Meet and continue to Ephesos (Efes), visit the old Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, most important of the “Seven Churches of Revelation” in Asia Minor where St. John brought Mary in fulfillment  of his pledge to Jesus to protect her, and last abode of Virgin Mary at Mount Solmissos where she is believed to have taken into heaven.

After lunch, continue to Laodicea (Denizli), a crossroads of the ancient world. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale (Hierapolis).

Day 2: Departure after breakfast and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, home of Philip  the Evangelist. Proceed to Philadelphia (Alaşehir), the youngest of the Seven  Churches of Revelation, visiting the still standing remains of an early church and  the city walls. Lunch on the way.  Afternoon visit to the ruins of the church at Sardis (Salihli), the ancient Lydian capital holding an important place in mythology.

Evening arrival at Thyatira (Akhisar), one of the principal towns where Christianity  was spread from and visit the ruins of the church. Late evening drive to Pergamon. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Departure after breakfast and visit Pergamon (Bergama), the place where St. John  wrote to the church of Pergamon “Satan’ s throne is sited”. The impressive structures dating back to 339 BC. Pergamon was a health center where methods of treatment such as therapy with music and water, meditation and blood transfusion were first  used.

After lunch, drive to Smyrna (İzmir), recipient of a letter from St. Paul praising the  early believers for their faithfulness. Visit to St. Polycarp Church. After a short city tour,  evening flight or night bus from İzmir to İstanbul.