Private journey · Aegean
Seven Churches of Revelation
The seven communities addressed in the opening chapters of the Book of Revelation, visited at a pace that leaves time for reading, reflection and the archaeology itself.
Revelation 2–3 contains letters to seven Christian communities in the Roman province of Asia, in what is now western Türkiye. Today their sites range from major excavations to a few columns in the middle of a modern town, and each rewards a different kind of visit.
We arrange the route as a private journey around your group: the order of the cities, the time at each site, readings on location and the pace between them.
On the route
The sites
Opening times and visitor rules change, so we confirm access to every site before your programme.
near Selçuk · Revelation 2:1–7
Ephesus
One of the great cities of the Roman East, with extensive excavations. The Apostle Paul spent time here (Acts 19).
Access confirmed before travelİzmir · Revelation 2:8–11
Smyrna
Today's İzmir; the Roman agora survives as an archaeological park in the modern city.
Access confirmed before travelBergama · Revelation 2:12–17
Pergamum
A hilltop acropolis above the town and, below it, the vast brick ruin known as the Red Basilica.
Access confirmed before travelAkhisar · Revelation 2:18–29
Thyatira
A small excavated area in the centre of modern Akhisar.
Access confirmed before travelSart, near Salihli · Revelation 3:1–6
Sardis
The Temple of Artemis, a later church beside it and a large ancient synagogue.
Access confirmed before travelAlaşehir · Revelation 3:7–13
Philadelphia
Massive piers of a Byzantine church stand within the town.
Access confirmed before travelnear Denizli · Revelation 3:14–22
Laodicea
An extensively excavated city, a short drive from Pamukkale.
Access confirmed before travel
Sample journey
How the journey can unfold
- 1
Arrive in İzmir
Airport meeting and transfer. Smyrna's agora can open the journey or close it.
- 2
North to Pergamum
The acropolis and the Red Basilica, then on towards Thyatira.
- 3
Inland: Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia
Three sites in the Hermus and Cogamus valleys, with time on the road planned around the group.
- 4
Laodicea
The excavations near Denizli, with Pamukkale nearby for an overnight stay.
- 5
Ephesus
A full visit to the ancient city, often combined with the Basilica of St John in Selçuk.
A sample order of visits, not a fixed departure. Length, pace and route are tailored to your group.
Questions
How many days does the journey take?
It depends on your pace and where you start and finish. We propose a length when we know your group, dates and interests.
Can we hold readings or prayers at the sites?
Many groups read the relevant passage on location. Anything beyond that depends on each site's rules, and we ask in advance where an arrangement is needed.
Do you arrange group travel?
Yes. We plan private journeys for individuals and families as well as church and study groups, and work with tour operators as their ground handler.
Quotation-based · No instant booking
Plan your Seven Churches of Revelation journey.
Tell us your dates, the size of your group and anything that matters to you. We will reply with a tailored proposal within one business day.
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