Turkey — Seven Churches

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart from your local airport for your overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey. Meet your fellow pilgrims and spiritual director before check-in and prepare for a remarkable journey through lands that played a vital role in the growth of early Christianity.

As you travel across the Atlantic, reflect on the missionary journeys of St. Paul, the messages to the Seven Churches of Revelation, and the Christian communities that flourished throughout Asia Minor during the first centuries of the Church.

Enjoy in-flight meals and rest as you prepare for the spiritual adventure ahead.

Overnight aboard your flight.

Welcome to Turkey.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by your local guide and driver before transferring to your hotel.

Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire and was one of the most important centers of Christianity for over a thousand years.

After check-in and time to rest, enjoy an orientation tour of the city and learn about its rich religious and cultural heritage.

Celebrate your welcome Mass and entrust your pilgrimage intentions to the Lord.

This evening gather with your fellow pilgrims for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Turkish cuisine.

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast begin a full day exploring the Christian treasures of ancient Constantinople.

Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, originally built in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian. For nearly one thousand years it served as the largest Christian church in the world and remains one of the greatest architectural achievements in history.

Continue to the nearby Blue Mosque and admire its impressive domes and interior decoration while learning about the city's transition from Christian capital to Ottoman center.

Visit the Roman Hippodrome, once the social and political heart of Constantinople, where chariot races and imperial ceremonies were held.

Continue to the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir built during the Byzantine period that demonstrates the engineering genius of the ancient city.

Celebrate Holy Mass before enjoying free time in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Following breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.

Upon arrival begin exploring one of the most fascinating regions in the Christian world.

Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing monasteries, chapels, and cave churches carved directly into volcanic rock.

Admire centuries-old frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints.

Learn about the monks and early Christian communities who sought refuge here during periods of persecution.

Continue to the famous Fairy Chimneys, unique rock formations that have become symbols of Cappadocia.

Celebrate Holy Mass and enjoy time to appreciate the spectacular landscape.

Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Very early this morning, pilgrims may choose to participate in an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia. As the sun rises over the valleys and rock formations, enjoy one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas.

After breakfast continue exploring the region.

Visit one of Cappadocia's underground cities, built by early Christians as a place of refuge during times of persecution. Walk through tunnels, chapels, living quarters, and communal spaces that reveal how entire communities survived underground.

Visit additional cave churches and monasteries where generations of Christians gathered for prayer and worship.

When permitted, celebrate Holy Mass in a historic cave church, creating one of the most memorable spiritual moments of the pilgrimage.

Spend the afternoon exploring Cappadocia's beautiful valleys and learning about the region's deep Christian heritage.

Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast depart Cappadocia and begin the journey toward Konya.

Known in biblical times as Iconium, Konya was one of the cities evangelized by St. Paul during his missionary journeys.

Visit sites associated with the early Christian community and reflect on the courage of the first believers who spread the Gospel throughout Asia Minor.

Celebrate Holy Mass and continue through the Turkish countryside toward Pamukkale.

Upon arrival admire the famous white travertine terraces created by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the mountainside.

Check into your hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

Today is dedicated to several of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

Begin in Hierapolis, where St. Philip is believed to have been martyred. Explore the ancient city and learn about its important Christian history.

Continue to Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches addressed by Christ in the Book of Revelation. Reflect on the message calling believers to renewed faith and commitment.

Travel to Philadelphia, another of the Seven Churches, praised in Revelation for remaining faithful during difficult times.

Continue to Sardis, once a wealthy and powerful city that received a warning in Revelation to remain spiritually vigilant.

Throughout the day, reflect on the messages Christ delivered to these ancient Christian communities and consider their relevance for believers today.

Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

After breakfast depart for Ephesus, one of the most important biblical sites in the world.

Walk along the marble streets of this magnificent ancient city where St. Paul preached, taught, and established one of the earliest Christian communities.

Visit the Great Theater where St. Paul confronted opposition to the Gospel and admire the remarkable Library of Celsus.

Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed by many Christians to be the place where Mary spent the final years of her earthly life under the care of St. John the Apostle.

Celebrate Holy Mass at this sacred shrine and spend time in prayer and reflection.

Continue to the Basilica of St. John, built over the traditional burial place of St. John the Apostle.

Return to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast travel to Pergamon, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation.

Visit the ancient Acropolis and the famous Asclepion, one of the most important healing centers of the ancient world.

Reflect on Christ's message to the Christians of Pergamon, encouraging them to remain faithful despite persecution and challenges.

Continue to Thyatira, known for its Christian community and as the hometown of Lydia, the first recorded European convert of St. Paul.

Spend time reflecting on the growth of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire before returning to Istanbul.

Upon arrival celebrate a farewell Mass and enjoy a special farewell dinner with your fellow pilgrims.

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight home.

As your pilgrimage comes to an end, reflect upon the sacred places visited throughout Turkey, the lands where St. Paul preached, where the Blessed Virgin Mary lived, and where the Seven Churches of Revelation received Christ's message.

Return home strengthened in faith and inspired by the witness of the early Christians who carried the Gospel throughout the world.

May the lessons learned from the Seven Churches, the missionary zeal of St. Paul, and the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to guide your spiritual journey for years to come.