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Seven Churches of Revelation with The Rt Rev’d Nick Bundock and Rev’d John L. Bell

Prices from £2,640 pp

Single Supplement £580

Next available tour:

Tour leader: Rev'd John Bell and The Rt Rev'd Nick Bundock

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The Rt Rev’d Nick Bundock, Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, and Rev’d John L. Bell of the Iona Community invite you to join them next May on a pilgrimage journey in south West Turkey.

We will visit the sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea - discovering the faith of those churches and asking what we can learn from their lives and the challenges they faced from the culture, religion and politics of their day.  We will also visit other important classical and Christian sites, including the thermal springs and travertine terraces of Pamukkale with its ancient spa city of Hierapolis, and the former port of Miletus where St Paul said farewell to the elders of Ephesus.

John Bell of the Iona Community - musician, theologian and activist - will lead our reflections as we travel. There will be opportunities to worship and celebrate the Eucharist together and to continue the thinking, begun throughout the diocese during Lent 2026, on what makes healthy churches and what can threaten our shared life.  Above all, our pilgrimage will be a shared journey, an opportunity to build community, making new friends as we enjoy the sights and sounds of modern and ancient Turkey.

 

 

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Itinerary

  1. To Turkey

    Gather at  Glasgow Airport for our direct flight to Izmir, where we will meet the local guide who will be with us throughout the tour.  Drive to the hotel for a two-night stay – Park Inn by Radisson.

  2. Pergamon, Thyatira and Smyrna

    An early start to drive to Pergamon, the modern city of Bergama, set dramatically on a mountain above the Aegean Sea. Today, Pergamon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the steepest sloped theatre of the ancient world, the temple of Athena and Altar of Zeus which St. John denounced as a 'Throne of Satan'. We continue to Thyatira the fourth of the seven churches, and then return to Smyrna to visit the agora once the centre of the ancient Greek city. We will celebrate the Eucharist  at the Anglican church of St John.

  3. Sardis, Philadelphia and Pamukkale

    Leaving Smyrna, we drive to Sardis which was one of the wealthiest Roman cities in the area. Sardis today features the remains of the Temple of Artemis, a Jewish synagogue, a Byzantine church and evidence of daily Roman life. We then drive on to Philadelphia and Pamukkale with its unique white terraces and warm calcium pools. Two nights at Adem Pira Hotel.

  4. Laodicea and Hierapolis

    Less travelling today with a short drive to Laodicea, situated between the hot springs and the snowcapped mountains, which was an important city in ancient times. We return to visit Hierapolis, founded during the Hellenistic period as a control point of trading routes connecting East and West. Visit the necropolis, baths, theatre and the site of the Martyrdom of St. Philip.

  5. Aphrodisias

    We leave Pamukkale to drive to Kusadasi, on the way visiting the beautiful Roman city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite. The largely intact remains of its stadium is one of the finest still standing. Three night stay at the Eliteworld Kusadasi Hotel.

  6. Priene, Didyma and Miletus

    We continue with a circular tour of three important religious sites, beginning at Priene, which overlooks the rich farmland of the Meander Valley. We visit the ancient oracle in the Temple of Apollo at Didyma and finally the port of Miletus where much remains intact, including the Lion Harbour and theatre. This is where Paul said farewell to the elders of Ephesus.

  7. Ephesus

    Today, we complete our tour of the Seven Churches with a visit to Ephesus. St Paul lived here for some years and it is one of the most impressive archeological sites in the world. Much has been reconstructed and it is easy to visualise the riot of the silversmiths in the vast theatre. In the afternoon, we drive up into the wooded hills behind Ephesus to visit the traditional house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent the final years of her life. We will share in the Eucharist there.

  8. Home

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

Essential Information

The cost is £2,640 per person sharing a double or twin room.

A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £580.

For booking received by 22 May 2026, we offer a LOWER DEPOSIT* of £300 per person (instead of £500).

This tour includes:
• Two nights in Izmir

• Two nights in Pamukkale

• Three nights in Kusadasi

• Daily breakfast and dinner

• Return flights from Glasgow 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

• Porterage at hotels

• 0,5 liter bottled water per day per person

• Individual headsets

Payments: a non refundable deposit of £500 per person. For booking received by 22 May 2026 we offer a lower deposit payment of £300. *A second deposit payment of £200 per person is due 6 weeks from booking.

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 May 2027 - 8 Days Seven Churches of Revelation with Revd John Bell and Bishop Nick Bundock Departing From Glasgow Prices from £2640 pp Rev'd John Bell and The Rt Rev'd Nick Bundock 03/05/2027 for 8 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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