Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Revelation with Fr Michael

The Seven Churches of Revelation
w/ Fr Michael Burbeck

Dates TBD

$6,395/person*

$200 discount for check/Zelle payment

Fr Michael Burbeck invites you to join him on a spiritual journey to Turkey where you will step into the pages of the Book of Revelation and follow in the footsteps of St. Paul. Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches: Ephesus, Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis, Smyrna, Thyatira, and Pergamon Jesus addressed through the Apostle John in Revelation chapters 2–3. These early Christian communities once thrived amidst a Roman world, and offer timeless messages of faith, endurance, correction, and hope.

Our pilgrimage starts in Istanbul where we will visit iconic sites such as the Hagia Sophia Basilica, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. We then pilgrimage across western Turkey, through ancient cities that once held thriving congregations. Walk the streets where St Paul, St John, and other apostles preached. We will stand among the ruins of early church buildings and reflect on messages that still speak powerfully today.
Each stop reveals a unique message from Christ to His Church—some commending faithfulness, others issuing strong calls to repentance. Together, they paint a full picture of the spiritual challenges and triumphs of the early Church, and indeed, the Church today. Fr Michael hopes you will join him on this incredible journey of faith!

DAYS 1 & 2 : Raleigh > Istanbul

We depart USA en route to Istanbul, with complimentary meals and beverages served aloft. Upon arrival Athens, we will be greeted by our tour escort and transferred via private motor coach to the Melia Hotel. We will have time to relax before a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul. D

DAY 3 : Istanbul

After breakfast, we celebrate Holy Mass at The Church of St. Anthony of Padua, standing as Istanbul's largest active Roman Catholic church and serving as a vital spiritual and community hub with historical ties to Pope John XXIII. After Holy Mass, we visit The Church of Ss Peter and Paul, known for its rich history dating back to the 15th century, its unique architectural integration with the old Genoese ramparts, and its notable possession of a venerated icon of the Virgin Hodegetria. From there we willencounter the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. Originally built in 360 AD as the Byzantine Church's historic seat and a pivotal site in early Christian history, it now functions as a museum, its mosaics, stained glass, and decorated domes creating a truly breathtaking atmosphere that speaks to centuries of faith and artistry. Our adventure continues with a stroll through nearby gardens, leading us to the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built in 1616 and celebrated for its exquisite ceramic tiles. Overnight in Istanbul. B|D

DAY 4: Istanbul > Cappadocia

After breakfast transfer to airport for our short flight to Cappadocia. Lunch at a local restaurant and time to relax at the hotel before dinner. Overnight in Cappadocia. B|D

DAY 5: Cappadocia

Rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise for breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s unique landscapes. Our day starts with a visit to Ozkonak Underground City, holding great importance for Christians, especially in understanding how early Christian communities survived and protected their faith during times of Roman and later Arab persecution. In the afternoon we explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum, one of the most important early Christian sites in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a living testament to early Christian life, monasticism, and faith in the Byzantine era. On our return, time permitting, we stop at Uchisar Castle with its incredible panoramic view of Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. B|D

DAY 6: Cappadocia > Konya

Today begins with a visit to St. John the Baptist Church, carved into the rock, showcasing the region's unique cave architecture in the towns of Cavusin and Avanos. Avanos is renowned for its pottery traditions dating back to the Hittite period. We then, drive to Konya (4 hours), the ancient city of Iconium. St. Paul and St. Barnabas visited the city on St. Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13:51–14:7). Here they preached in the synagogue and then the city. St. Paul visited again on his second mission (Acts 16:2). In the center of the modern city of Konya, directly on the hill on which ancient Iconium was located, stands the Church of St. Paul. It was built in 1910 by the Sultan for the numerous Catholic workers on the Anatolian Railway. Dinner and overnight in Konya. B|D

DAY 7: Konya > Antioch of Pisidia > Pamukkale

Depart early for Antioch of Pisidia, where Paul delivered his first recorded sermon (Acts 13:13-52), marking a pivotal moment in early evangelism, especially in culturally diverse cities. Visit the ancient basilica, colonnaded street, and the Temple of Augustus. Overnight in Pamukkale. B|D

DAY 8: Pamukkale > Hierapolis > Laodicea > Colossae

This morning we explore Hierapolis where we will visit the tomb of St. Philip, the ancient theatre, and the healing thermal springs. Our next stop is Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Revelation 3:14–22). Known as the “lukewarm church”, neither hot nor cold, which Jesus says He will “spit out of His mouth.” Our last stop is a visit to Colossae offering pilgrims a unique opportunity to stand on the ground where an early Christian community received a foundational epistle from St Paul, fostering a deeper connection to the roots of their faith. Our mass may be in the meeting room of our hotel. After a day of exploration, unwind and rejuvenate in the hotel's thermal facilities, offering a perfect opportunity for relaxation and reflection. Overnight in Pamukkale. B|D

DAY 9: Philadelphia > Sardis > Smyrna

After breakfast we visit Philadelphia to see the church ruins and Byzantine walls (Revelation 3:7–13). Christ told those who overcame that He would write upon them “the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem.” We continue to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor, to the Christians there Jesus said, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead”(Rev. 3:1-6). We will see the white marble gymnasium, synagogue, and the Temple of Artemis. And then drive to Izmir (Smyrna) to visit the Ancient Agora, offering Catholic pilgrims a profound connection to early Christian history. Jesus addressed the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11), imploring them, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." Overnight in Izmir. B|D

DAY 10: Pergamon / Thyatira

Today, we journey to Pergamon, located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. The city is praised by Jesus “for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized” (Revelation 2:12-17). Here we will see the Acropolis famous for its Greek & Roman temples as well as the unique Greek theatre built into the steep hillside. We will also visit the Asclepion, the ancient medical center for the Greeks. Continue to Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29), the home of Lydia, seller of purple. Overnight in Izmir. B|D

DAY 11: Ephesus

After breakfast, we depart for Ephesus, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and the most influential capital city of Asia Minor. “Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance” (Revelation 2:1-7). We will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. We then visit the House of the Virgin Mary which was miraculously discovered hidden on a wooded hilltop. A pilgrimage site for many which has also been accepted by the Vatican. Finally visit the Basilica of St. John which stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation). We will also visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Return to Izmir for our Farewell Dinner. B|D