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Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey

Western Turkey is among the most spiritually significant landscapes on earth. Here, within a few days' journey, stand the seven ancient cities whose churches received John's great vision — Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea and Ephesus. This pilgrimage visits each in turn, bringing the words of Revelation alive in the ruins and extraordinary light of the Aegean coast.

We celebrate the Eucharist at the Church of St John the Evangelist in Izmir, at Laodicea and at the House of the Virgin Mary, and encounter two thousand years of Christian witness in a land that shaped the faith we carry today. This pilgrimage is best measured in moments, not miles — please do expect time spent travelling between these remarkable and widely scattered sites, each one worth every mile of the journey.

Itinerary

  1. Fly London to Izmir

    Fly from London to Izmir. On arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Izmir. Welcome dinner and drink included at the hotel this evening.

  2. Smyrna — Agora & St Polycarp

    We begin in ancient Smyrna — the Church that Remains Faithful — visiting the Roman Agora and the Church of St John the Evangelist, where we celebrate the Eucharist, and the Church of St Polycarp, one of Turkey’s finest surviving Christian sites. Dinner at the hotel included.

  3. Pergamum & Thyatira

    We travel to the great Hellenistic city of Pergamum — the Church that Compromises Its Beliefs — exploring the acropolis and the remarkable Asklepion healing sanctuary. We then visit Thyatira — the Church that Follows False Prophets — before continuing to our hotel. Dinner at the hotel included.

  4. Sardis, Philadelphia & Pamukkale

    Sardis — the Church that is Spiritually Dead — visiting the Temple of Artemis and the early Byzantine church. Then Philadelphia — the Church that Patiently Endured. We continue to Hierapolis and the extraordinary thermal terraces of Pamukkale. Dinner at the hotel included.

  5. Laodicea & Aphrodisias

    We celebrate the Eucharist outdoors at Laodicea — the Church with a Lukewarm Faith. We then visit the magnificent ancient city of Aphrodisias before transferring to our hotel in Kusadasi. Dinner at the hotel included.

  6. Priene, Didyma & Miletus

    A full day exploring three extraordinary sites: the beautifully preserved hilltop city of Priene, the great oracle temple at Didyma, and the ancient port city of Miletus, once one of the busiest harbours in the Aegean. Dinner at the hotel included.

  7. Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary

    Ephesus — the Church that Has Abandoned Its Love for Christ. We enjoy lunch and a carpet weaving experience at a local cooperative, before celebrating the Eucharist at the House of the Virgin Mary. We visit the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus. Farewell dinner and drink at a local restaurant in Kusadasi.

  8. Fly Home

    After breakfast, transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight to London, carrying with you the words and witness of the seven churches.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return flights London to Izmir
  • 3 nights in Izmir
  • 1 night in Pamukkale
  • 3 nights in Kusadasi
  • All breakfasts and all dinners included throughout
  • Complimentary lunch on Day 7
  • All entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Tour leader: Revd Canon Dr Gordon Giles
  • Local expert English-speaking guide throughout
  • All transfers and air-conditioned coach
  • Gratuities
  • Eucharist at Izmir, Laodicea & House of the Virgin Mary
  • Welcome & farewell drinks

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also this tour without flights.  For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final 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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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Seven Churches of Revelation - Turkey 2027 - 8 Days Seven Churches of Revelation Turkey - 8 Days Departing From London Prices from £2750 pp The Revd Canon Dr Gordon Giles 19/04/2027 for 8 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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