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Turkey

Seven Churches of Revelation with Revd Jane Beaumont – from Manchester

Prices from £2,220 pp

Single Supplement £340

Next available tour: Call for Details

Tour leader: Call for Details

This pilgrimage will bring the bible alive as we travel from the coastal city of Izmir through the countryside visiting the sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation. These churches were real, physical congregations when the Apostle John wrote this bewildering last book of the Bible around 95 A.D., but many scholars believe the passages have a second, hidden meaning and this will be incorporated into the fascinating commentary. Revelation 1:11 records that the Apostle John received prophetic visions from Christ instructing him to: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea”. The advice in these letters is prophetic, forewarning present-day Christian communities of the snares that can lure us away from our faith whilst also reminding us of the benefits of those who remain faithful to Jesus Christ and His Word. 

We will also visit other important historic sites, including the bright-white terraces of Pamukkale that gleam above the rural town like freshly fallen snow. The warm mineral water that flows through them was the basis for the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, whose extensive remains sprawl out along the hilltop next to the famous travertines. There will also be the opportunity to experience the therapeutic waters of the warm calcium pools!

Each day there will be opportunity to worship and reflect, and on several occasions to celebrate Holy Communion together. We believe that this will be a truly memorable, faith-building pilgrimage.

Join us and stand amidst the ruins and “living stones” as these texts and centuries of history come to life in front of you!

NEW! 4 DAY OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ISTANBUL NOW AVAILABLE. CALL US FOR FURTHER INTORMATION.

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Itinerary

  1. To Turkey

    Meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at Manchester Airport and fly to Izmir. On arrival in Izmir, you will be met by your Local Guide, who will be with you throughout the tour, and directed to your hotel where you will check-in for a two-night stay – Park Inn by Radisson.  Dinner in the hotel (in the event of a late arrival we will be given a cold platter).

  2. Pergamon, Thyatira and Smyrna

    Drive to Pergamon, set on a mountain rising above the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Today, Pergamon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the steepest sloped theatre of the ancient world, temple of Athena and Altar of Zeus which St. John denounced as a 'Throne of Satan' in his letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation. We continue to Thyatira the fourth of the seven churches that received a spiritual evaluation directly from God through Jesus Christ. We then head to Agora, once the ancient Greek city of Smyrna. Dinner in the hotel.

  3. Sardis, Philadelphia and Pamukkale

    Depart Izmir and drive to Sardis, the home of the church that received the fifth letter to the Seven Churches of Revelation. Sardis was one of the wealthiest Roman cities in the area. Today it features the remains of the Temple of Artemis, a Jewish synagogue, a Byzantine church and evidence of daily Roman life. We then drive to Philadelphia and Pamukkale with its unique white terraces and warm calcium pools. Afterwards we continue to Pamukkale for a three night stay at the Adem Pira Thermal & Spa Hotel. Dinner in the hotel.

  4. Hierapolis and Laodicea

    Drive to to Hierapolis, founded during the Hellenistic period as a control point of trading routes connecting East to West. In the Roman Period, Hierapolis became a centre of worship to Hades and Apollo. Here there is also a thermal centre where massive Roman Baths were built. Visit the necropolis, baths, theatre and the site of the Martyrdom of St. Philip. We continue to Laodicea which was one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation and the only one where the exact location has been discovered.  Here you will visit its theatres, the Odeon, the gymnasium and the newly excavated temple. Dinner in the hotel.

  5. Kleopatra Pool

    Enjoy a morning of free time. In the afternoon we will experience the Kleopatra Pool, situated above the Pamukkale white travertine pools,  in a spectacular location fed by warm and clean springs. Here you can bathe in the same waters in which Cleopatra once swam! A professionally run modern spa facility allows you to enjoy these historical healing waters. Dinner in the hotel.

  6. Miletus and Selcuk

    Drive to Miletus, once considered one of the wealthiest of Ancient Greece's cities. The apostle Paul visited the city where, toward the end of his third missionary journey in 58 A.D., he summoned the ephesians elders to warn the church about impending threats (Acts 20:17-35).  The ruins of Miletus represent some of the oldest in Turkey spanning several ages and are truly fascinating. There will be some free time for lunch before driving to Selcuk for a two night stay at the Hitit Hotel. Dinner in the hotel.

  7. Ephesus

    Today we  explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus. This ancient city is believed to have been settled in the 10th century BC by Ionians. Ephesus changed hands many times before becoming a Roman dependency in 133 BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was also a very important city during early Christian times as evidenced by St. Paul's visit and St. John being buried nearby. Heading up the hills behind Ephesus, you will see where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent the last days of her life. Today a  complementary lunch and a demonstration of how Turkish carpets are woven by hand is included at a local cooperative. This is supported by the Turkish State as an act of responsible tourism. Dinner in the hotel.

  8. Home

    We drive to Izmir Airport for our  return flight to Manchester.

Essential Information

The cost for this eight day tour is £2,220 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses. A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £340.

This tour includes:
• Two nights in Izmir

• Three nights in Pamukkale

• Two nights in Selcuk

• Daily breakfast, seven dinners and one lunch on day 7

• Return flights from Manchester to Izmir Airport

• Private air-conditioned coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary

• English-speaking licensed local guides

• Entrance fees as per itinerary

• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally.

4 DAYS OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION

The cost for this 3 nights optional extension is  £1,495 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses. A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £240.

This tour includes:

• Three nights in Istanbul at the Royan Hotel Hagia Sophia (or similar)

• Daily breakfast, dinner and one lunch

• Internal flight from Izmir to Istanbul

• Inbound flights from Istanbul to Manchester

• Private air-conditioned coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary

• English-speaking licensed local guides

• Entrance fees as per itinerary

• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable now with the balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Late bookings
Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do.. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Passports, visas and health
• Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this pilgrimage. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices.
• Visas are not required for British or other EEC passport holders.
• No inoculations are required. We do, however, advise you to consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements.
• Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10%
discount.

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