Joppa, known in modern times as Jaffa or Yafo,  was an ancient seaport mentioned in both the old and new testaments.

Overview

The map below contains markers at select featured tour locations. 

Laodicea, an ancient city, located in modern times near the Turkish city Denizli, was situated in a valley along major trade routes.  The city was very prosperous from its medical and banking industries.  

Philadelphia, known in modern times as the Turkish town of Alaşehir, was established by King Eumenes II of Pergamon, in honor of his brother, Attalus II, who was loyal to him and would be his successor.  Located along a trade route southeast of Sardis, the city stood in a valley at the base of Mount Tmolus.

Sardis, located east of Smyrna and southeast of Thyatira, was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia.  Originally built upon an acropolis at an elevation of 1500 feet for security, then later expanded to the slopes of the hill for easier access along a prime trade route. 

Thyatira was a city of tradespeople, with guilds that included wool-workers, linen-workers, makers of outer garments, dyers, leather-workers, tanners, potters, bakers, slave-dealers, and bronze-smiths. It was known for its rich purple dye for cloth.

Smyrna was a seaport city, about thirty miles north of Ephesus. It had a prominent Jewish community, as well as a strong allegiance to the Roman Empire.

Pergamos, also known as Pergamum or Pergamon,  was a wealthy city established as one of the major cultural centers of the ancient Greek empire during the second century BC.  When Rome took over and Augustus Caesar established the cult of emperor worship close to the turn of the first century, Pergamos was chosen as the headquarters, and a temple was built in honor of Rome and Augustus, approximately 29 BC. 

Located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City lies the historic Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This beautiful church is of tremendous religious importance and still serves as a chief focus for Christian pilgrims since two of the most crucial events of the life of Jesus occurred here, which are discussed below.

The predominantly Arab city, Nazareth, is located in the northern part of Israel. Being a predominantly Arab city, it has a Muslim majority with a Christian minority. This wonderful city has immense Biblical significance and some pretty mesmerizing sights.

Despite its great significance, the city hasn’t been a popular tourist site. However, steps were taken recently to try and make this city a popular tourist spot, among the other tourist spots of Israel.