Dr. James Merritt 11-Day Journey to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor April 2 - 12, 2025

Questions? Email us at info@signaturetours.com

A Special Invite!

Join us on a special tour to Asia Minor to explore the Seven Churches of Revelation on a tour of Christian sites in Asia Minor. You will travel to the major cities throughout Turkey, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea, Philadelphia, Hierapolis, and Constantinople, with 3000 years of history. You will visit Pamukkale to see ancient temples, including the Hierapolis and magnificent Necropolis, and Canakkale, the site and legend of the Trojan Warhorse. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This tour will sell out quickly, so book now to reserve your spot today.

- Dr. James Merritt

DAILY ITINERARY
11-Day Journey to the Seven Churches of Revelation

DAY 1 (APR 2): BEGINNING OF OUR TOUR- Depart USA for Izmir, Turkey. 

DAY 2 (APR 3): IZMIR- Arrive in Izmir, where you will be met at the airport for transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

DAY 3 (APR 4): PERGAMUM/THYATIRA- This morning, we will drive north through farmlands, low ranges, and along the Aegean Sea onto the town of Bergama to visit Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. The city rose to prominence following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and eventually came under Roman control in 133 BC. Although this city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelation, the risen Christ instructs St. John to convey the message that the people of Pergamum, the site of “Satan’s throne,” needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16). Today, we will tour the Acropolis, which sits atop a 1000-foot windswept mountain, offering a view of the neighboring modern towns, the azure waters of the Aegean, and the ruins of Pergamum that cascade down from the ancient city center. Nearby are the remains of the famous Library of Pergamum. This afternoon, we will drive to Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches praised for its increasing faith but admonished for its tolerance of Jezebel. Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight. Lunch included. 

DAY 4 (APR 5): SMYRNA/SARDIS/PHILADELPHIA- This morning, visit the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Smyrna in ancient Agora. Located in modern-day Izmir, Smyrna was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John relays the promise from God: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). Afterward, we will visit Sardis, a militarily strong ancient city located along an important highway and among the fertile plains of Hermus (Gediz River). Though Sardis was a powerful and wealthy city with a reputation for being alive, God announced that it was actually dead (Rev. 3:1-6). Here, we will explore the white marble Royal Road, the massive Temple of Artemis, the large gymnasium, and the famous synagogue. To end the day, we will drive to the modern town of Alasehir and visit the site of ancient Philadelphia, the church that received God's highest commendation (Rev. 3:7-13). Here, we will see the remains of a brick-built Byzantine Basilica adorned with 11th-century frescoes. Continue to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight. Lunch included. 

DAY 5 (APR 6): PAMUKKALE- Today, we will visit Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle,” and dip our feet in the thermal waters that flow down the hilltop’s unique white travertine terraces. Here, we will also visit the archeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here (Colossians 4:13). Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hierapolis became a healing center wherein the site’s thermal pools were used to treat various ailments.  Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. Lunch included. 

DAY 6 (APR 7): LAODICEA- Today, we will stroll among a number of well-preserved Roman structures, like the town theatre and Temple of Apollo, before continuing on to the ancient city of Laodicea. This city was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-22). Here, we will see the site’s well-preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theatres, giving us insight into this city’s former prominence. Continue to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. Lunch included. 

DAY 7 (APR 8): KUSADASI- Day of leisure. Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful Aegean coastline. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 8 (APR 9): EPHESUS- After breakfast, we will drive to Ephesus. Ancient Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 11th century BC, Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. Here, St. John carried out his mission for two years and was Bishop of the Ephesian Church before he was exiled to the Island of Patmos. Today, we will walk on the Marble Road, passing numerous historically rich sites, including the fountain of Trajan and the Temple of Hadrian. We will also see the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater (the largest surviving from the Roman period). This massive theatre (capable of entertaining up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). Then, we will end our day at The Basilica of St. John, which was constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century at a site where John the Apostle was said to have been buried. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi. Lunch included. 

DAY 9 (APR 10): IZMIR/ISTANBUL- After breakfast, we depart Izmir for Istanbul. Upon arrival, a delight for your senses awaits at Eminönü's Spice Bazaar. Known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this exotic covered market was the international trade center of the Ottoman Empire. We take a special cruise on the Bosporus, a natural waterway that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and serves as the only connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. As we float along the strait, we savor the picturesque views of old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the coast. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. Lunch included. 

DAY 10 (APR 11): CONSTANTINOPLE- Today, we enjoy a day tour of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. We stroll through Hippodrome Square, the social and sporting center of Constantinople, which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. We view the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the “Blue Mosque,” this 17th-century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. We experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece designed to be the major basilica of the Byzantine Empire. Later, we will visit Topkapi Palace, the main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace still houses a legion of treasures. We end the day with an evening of shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. Lunch included. 

DAY 11 (APR 12): ISTANBUL/USA- Transfer to Istanbul airport for our return flight to the USA with our hearts full of memories from unforgettable experiences.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change due to various factors and your tour guide’s discretion. 

PRICING:

• $5,495 per person based on double occupancy. 
• Single room supplement - $1,295
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before October 2, 2024
  
• Balance due on or before January 2, 2025

 

FLIGHT SCHEDULE: Updated 11/05/24

• TK  32    02APR  ATL-IST   2145 1545 03APR
• TK2336  03APR  IST-ADB  1900 2020
• TK  31    12APR   IST-ATL  1445 1950

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

INCLUDED:

AIR: The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the standard tour. Participants who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1000pp will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.

GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.

HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the group leader will make every attempt to pair single participants requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotel daily. Lunch is provided most days as noted in the itinerary. 

SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places of interest listed in the itinerary as well as an expert English-speaking guide.

PORTERAGE: See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Any fees for additional baggage beyond the standard airline allowance will be the responsibility of the individual. 

SERVICE CHARGES AND TAXES: Service charges added to the bill as required by hotel management. Taxes as imposed by national and/or local governments and/or administrations from the date listed on this brochure. Tips, taxes, and airport taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. 

NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.

PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport before the trip, enter "RENEWING" or "APPLIED FOR" when completing registration.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to ninety days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information and rates, please review the product flyer or Click Here to enroll in the plan.
* Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC # 16535).

Signature Tours
PO Box 956817 Duluth, GA 30095
info@signaturetours.com