The seven churches addressed in the first chapters of the Book of Revelation all lie in western Türkiye, within a few hours of each other: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Visiting them together is one of the most rewarding journeys a church group, a parish or a study association can make. This guide explains how we plan it for groups.

The seven sites today

  • Ephesus (near Selçuk): the best-preserved city of the seven, with its great theatre, marble streets and the Library of Celsus. Nearby are the Basilica of St John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

  • Smyrna (İzmir): the Roman agora in the heart of the modern city, and the Church of St Polycarp, named after the bishop of Smyrna.

  • Pergamum (Bergama): the acropolis on its hilltop, the foundations of the Altar of Zeus, the Asklepion healing sanctuary and the Red Basilica.

  • Thyatira (Akhisar): modest remains in the middle of the town, a short stop on the way.

  • Sardis (Sart): the Temple of Artemis, the restored gymnasium and one of the largest ancient synagogues known.

  • Philadelphia (Alaşehir): the massive pillars of a Byzantine basilica, in the town centre.

  • Laodicea (near Denizli): a large, actively excavated city with colonnaded streets and churches, close to Hierapolis and the travertines of Pamukkale.

The route and how many days

The seven sites form a loop of roughly 650 kilometres. The usual route starts in İzmir and runs Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea, then back west to Ephesus and Smyrna. Four days on the ground are the minimum for all seven; five or six give time for readings, devotions and rest. Many groups add Pamukkale and Hierapolis (next to Laodicea) and a few days in Istanbul at the start or end.

Getting there

İzmir Adnan Menderes airport has direct flights from many European cities and connections through Istanbul, which makes it the natural start and end point. Some groups combine the churches with Patmos, the Greek island where John wrote Revelation, through our partners in Greece; see our guide to combining Turkey and Greece.

When to go

April to June and September to October are ideal: mild days for long site visits on foot. July and August are very hot inland, especially at Laodicea and Sardis, where there is little shade. Winter is quiet and mild on the coast but can be wet.

Practical points for church groups

  • Readings and prayer: short readings from Revelation 2 and 3 at each site are part of the experience; we plan the timing so the group has a quiet moment away from the main paths.

  • Services: for a full service or communion, we arrange a suitable place, such as a church in İzmir or a room at the hotel.

  • Guides: a licensed guide with a solid biblical and historical background makes the difference; tell us the language and the depth your group expects.

  • Walking: Ephesus, Pergamum and Laodicea involve a lot of walking on uneven stone; plan comfortable shoes, sun protection and water.

How KAMPA works with church groups

We have run faith and cultural groups in Türkiye since 1996, for churches, associations and the tour operators who serve them. We build the programme around your group, book hotels, coaches, guides and entries, and stay on call throughout the trip. See our faith and cultural groups page, read our guide to the footsteps of Paul, or send us your dates through the form below.