Tentative Tour Itinerary
The tour intends to visit each of the sites listed below. Sites closed because of weather, renovation, or other unforeseen circumstances will not be visited. The tour guide is given the freedom to use their discretion in the order in which sites are visited. They may visit sites in a different order or day than listed.
Saturday, May 22: Istanbul (Arrival)
Arrive in Istanbul. Transport to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Sunday, May 23: Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a guided Istanbul Old City Tour.
First, we visit the pinnacle of Byzantine Christian architecture—Hagia Sophia (the church of “Holy Wisdom”). Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, this church was the center of the Christian Byzantine Empire and is a designated World Heritage site.
We will also visit Hagia Sophia’s sister church—Hagia Irene (Holy Peace). Also rebuilt by Justinian, Hagia Irene is highly significant in Christian history as the location of the Second Ecumenical Council (381 AD).
Located nearby is the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), which once stood in the heart of Constantinople and held up to 100,000 people. At this site, we will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.
After lunch, and time allowing, we will visit the Blue Mosque (built 1609–1616), famous for its blue-and-white interior tile work. In the late afternoon, we will explore one of the famous underground cisterns from the 6th-century Byzantine era. We will finish our day at the Grand Bazaar before returning to our hotel for dinner.
Monday, May 24: Flight to Izmir & Smyrna
After breakfast, transfer to the Istanbul Airport for a domestic flight to Izmir (flight included in tour package). Upon arrival, we begin touring Smyrna (Rev. 1:11; 2:8–11).
We will take a peak inside St. Polycarp Church (if open), dedicated to the bishop and martyr of Smyrna, and ponder John’s words of commendation for the Christians who persevered despite persecution. We will also visit the ancient Agora of Smyrna and the new Polycarp Memorial Site near Kadifekale (Mount Pagus).
Tuesday, May 25: Ephesus
(Acts 18:19–21, 24–26; 19:1–20:1; 20:16–17; 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8; Eph. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:18; 4:12; Rev. 1:11; 2:1–7)
After a traditional Turkish breakfast, your driver and guide will take you to ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This outstanding example of a Roman port city is where the Apostle Paul lived and ministered for 2–3 years. We will visit the Great Theater, marble-paved roads, terrace homes of the elite, and the Celsus Library.
After lunch, we will visit a local Anatolian handmade carpet and kilim production center to learn how Turkish rugs are woven.
In the afternoon, we will tour the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, followed by a visit to the Tomb and Basilica of St. John, where the disciple is said to have lived his final years. Finally, we will see the remaining pillars of the Great Temple of Artemis—one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Izmir Bay and dinner at a local seafood restaurant on the Konak Pier. Overnight in Izmir.
Wednesday, May 26: Pergamum & Thyatira
(Rev. 1:11; 2:12–17) | (Rev. 1:11; 2:18–29)
This morning, we travel north to Pergamum, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Turkey. We will explore the 10,000-seat theater built into the steep hillside of the Acropolis, the restored Temple of Trajan, the remains of the historic library, the base of the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Dionysus, and the Asclepion ancient medical center.
On our way back, we will make a brief stop at the ancient city of Thyatira (modern Akhisar) to view the uncovered archaeological remains and reflect on John’s letters to the church here.
Thursday, May 27: Sardis, Philadelphia, & Hierapolis
(Rev. 1:11; 3:1–6) | (Rev. 1:11; 3:7–13) | (Col. 4:13–16)
Our first stop is Sardis, where we will see the remains of the Temple of Artemis (later converted into a church), the reconstructed gymnasium and public baths, and the largest known ancient synagogue outside Palestine.
Next, we make a brief stop in Philadelphia to view the remains of the city commended by John for patient endurance.
Our day ends in Pamukkale (“the Cotton Castle”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its white calcium travertines and hot springs. We will also visit ancient Hierapolis to see the theater’s reconstructed Roman skene and the newly discovered Tomb and Martyrium of St. Philip.
Friday, May 28: Laodicea, Colossae, & Antalya
(Col. 2:1, 4:13–16; Rev. 1:11; 3:14–22) | (Col. 1:2)
Today we explore the scenic Lycus River Valley. We begin at Laodicea, a major Roman city featuring two theaters, a stadium, an aqueduct, and over 20 excavated Byzantine churches.
Our second stop is Colossae for a brief view of the site where excavations have recently begun, remembering Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Philemon. We then drive to Antalya.
Saturday, May 29: Antalya & Perge
(Acts 14:25–26) | (Acts 14:13–14)
In the morning, we take an Attalia walking tour through modern Antalya, followed by a 2-hour private boat tour and lunch at the St. Paul Cultural Center.
In the afternoon, we visit Perge, where Paul landed during his first missionary journey. This wealthy ancient city features a 15,000-seat theater, a 12,000-seat stadium, a Hellenistic gate with “Twin Towers,” Roman baths, a colonnaded marketplace, and a street featuring an ancient water channel running down the center. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
Sunday, May 30: Departure or Extension
Transfer to Antalya Airport for flights home, or continue on the optional Cappadocia Extension.
Optional 4-Day Cappadocia Extension
Sunday, May 30: Fly to Cappadocia
Fly as a group to Cappadocia, famous for the early Christian communities established by the Cappadocian Church Fathers.
We begin with a full day of sightseeing in Devrent (Imagination) Valley and Monks Valley to view the unique volcanic fairy chimneys. We will visit the Avanos pottery village to see traditional handicrafts and onyx production, followed by lunch. Afterward, we explore Love Valley, Pigeon Valley (with an optional local wine tasting), and take a sunset hike up Uchisar Rock Castle.
Monday, May 31: Cappadocia
After breakfast, we hike through the cathedral-like rock spires of Red and Rose Valleys, exploring rock-hewn churches. We stop for lunch in the historic Greek village of Cavusin.
In the afternoon, we visit the Göreme Open Air Museum to view the monasteries and Bible frescoes inside the famous “Dark Church.” We will see Ortahisar Castle and visit a historic Silk Road Caravanserai to witness a traditional Whirling Dervish ceremony.
Tuesday, June 1: Cappadocia
This morning, we head south to the off-the-beaten-path canyons of Soğanlı, passing through the historic villages of Mustafapaşa and Cemil. In Soğanlı, we will explore cave churches including the Tahtali, Hidden, and Snake Churches.
After resting at a riverside cafe, we will tour an underground city used as an early Christian refuge, extending eight floors downward. Farewell dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Wednesday, June 2: Departure
Morning transfer to Kayseri Airport (ASR) for departing flights home.
