7 Days
Specific Tour
30 people
English
Day 1: Departure from US
Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!
Day 2: Arrival Izmir
We transfer to our hotel in Izmir, Turkey for the next two evenings. The remainder of your day is free to walk along the scenic waterfront, sightsee on your own and enjoy your hotel facilities.
Day 3: Pergamum, Thyatira & Izmir
Our first visit of the day is Pergamum. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance; (Rev. 2:12-17) it was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We’ll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). Next, we travel east to Thyatira viewing the ancient roadway and period columns. Thyatira was once a busy trading center and famous as a “seller of purple,” the most favored of the Seven Churches. We continue south to Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey and a long-time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul’s day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Our lodging this evening will be in Izmir.
Day 4: Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale
Departing our Hotel in Izmir, we’ll see Polycarp’s Church and visit the ancient roman agora. Then, we travel to Sardis, which was berated by John for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We’ll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the “new Jerusalem” (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation. Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. Our lodging this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 5: Hierapolis, Laodicea & Colossae
Hierapolis, meaning “Sacred City,” was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the “lukewarm” Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. We spend the remainder of the day traveling through the Turkish countryside arriving in the port city of Kusadasi where we spend two nights. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative.
Day 6: Ephesus
We travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 7: Depart for Home
This morning, we transferred to the Izmir airport for our flight back to the USA.
Optional Additions:
Troy: Visit the ruins of Troy, a legendary city from the Trojan War.
Optional Istanbul Extension 3 Nights/4 Days
June 14 -17, 2026
$790.00 per person
DAY 9 Wednesday ISTANBUL – ARRIVAL (B/D)
Arrival at Istanbul airport, meet and assist transfer to the hotel for check-in. Balance of the day at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel, Overnight Istanbul,
Day 10 Thursday ISTANBUL – SIGHTSEING TOUR (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
On a full-day tour of Istanbul, you will visit numerous monuments from the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires that reflect the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Hagia Sophia, a great architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire, was completed in 537 AD, adorned with beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, is famous for its six minarets and blue interior tiles. The Roman Hippodrome was a stadium built in the 3rd century AD for chariot racing and other events.
Basilica Cistern is a remarkable site, built in the 6th century with a capacity of 80.000 cubic meters supported by 336 marble columns each 9m high. One of the most striking features of the Basilica Cistern is the two Medusa heads that are used as column bases.
Grand Bazar, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 60 streets and 4.000 shops.
Topkapi Palace, was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years, from the 15th century until the 19th century. Is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate tile work, and stunning views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace contains numerous buildings and rooms, including the Imperial Treasury, which houses an impressive collection of Ottoman jewels, precious stones, and gold objects.
The tour ends with a visit to the Tomb of the Sultan
Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. Overnight Istanbul Mass celebration to be scheduled daily
Day 11 Friday BOSPHORUS CRUISE & TWO CONTINENTS (8-9 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today, we will visit the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar), located in the old historic district of Istanbul and built in the 17th century. We will then continue our tour on a cruise, sailing on Bosporus (a regular boat) across Istanbul’s European and Asian sides along the Sea of Marmara.
During a Bosphorus Cruise, you can enjoy stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, including the historic district, palaces, mosques, and other landmarks such as: the Dolmabahçe, Çıragan, and Feriye Palaces; the Rumeli Hisarı fortress, Bosphorus Bridge etc…
We continue with a visit to the Beylerbeyi Palace built in white marble by Sultan Abdulaziz in the 19th century with a mix of architectural styles, including traditional Ottoman elements and European neoclassical features.
The palace was a summer residence for sultans and a guest house for foreign dignitaries. Climb Çamlica Hill, a scenic hill located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the highest points in Istanbul, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Sea of Marmara.
It is known as Lovers’ Hill, with a beautiful panoramic view.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight Istanbul
Day 12 Saturday DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul airport for the flight back home
