Turkey

Sept 30Tue US departure from SFO

Oct 1 Wed Arrival in Istanbul — Istanbul
bArrival in Istanbul and transfer to our Hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (D)

Oct 2 Thu Tour Istanbul - Fly to Antalya — Antalya
Today we will visit the Archaeological Museum and nearby Museum of the Ancient Orient (if open) — two world class museums where artifacts from all over the Near East have been collected — including the famous Jerusalem Temple Inscription and the inscription from Hezekiah’s Tunnel (also from Jerusalem). Walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) that, for 1000 years, was the largest church in Christendom. Built by Justinian (532-537 AD), the church has 107 columns and beautiful glass mosaics. Transfer to Istanbul Airport for late afternoon flight to Antalya (THY). Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

Oct 3 Fri Aspendos - Perga - Antalya - Antalya Museum — Antalya
After breakfast drive to Aspendos to see the ancient Theater. We then drive to ancient Perga—a place visited by Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark (Acts 13:13-14). Perga is extensively excavated and we will study life in an ancient Roman city in the time of Paul. In the afternoon, we will visit the award winning Antalya (= Attalia Acts 14:25-26) Archaeological Museum with its amazing statuary. Late afternoon free. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D) 

Oct 4 Sat Antalya
Morning visit to St. Pauls Cultural Center and meet Dr. Mark Wilson. Rest of the day free in Antalya. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

Oct 5 Sun Colossae - Laodicea - Hierapolis — Pamukkale
We will begin our day by traveling northwest through the Taurus Mountains to the unexcavated site of Colossae, a biblical site mentioned in the books of Colossians and Philemon. Then continue on to visit nearby Laodicea. The Christians of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches (Rev 3:14-22), were chastised for being lukewarm, “You are neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3:14) and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. In the famous passage from Revelation (3:20-21), Jesus says to the Laodicean church: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock...” Today, there are many acres of ruins to see, including theaters, a temple, nymphaeum, and columned streets. Then on to Hierapolis that is blessed by hot mineral springs and some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Asia Minor. Christianity came to Hierapolis via Epaphras (Colossians 4:12–13). The ruins cover more than a square mile. We will see the impressive theater with seats still in perfect condition and visit one of thermal pools that still has ancient columns in it! Today, the area is known as Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle.” It is named for the limestone-laden hot springs that cascade from one whiteedged terrace pool to the next. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D) 

Oct 6 Mon Didyma - Miletus - Priene — Kusadasi
In the morning, we will drive to Didyma and visit the Temple of Apollo—one of the best-preserved temples from antiquity. Then visit the excavations at Miletus, where Paul bid farewell to the elders of the church at Ephesus at the end of his Third Missionary Journey (Acts 20).  We will then visit the nearby city of Priene located on the cliffside. The afternoon will be free. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D)

Oct 7 Tue Ephesus (Site, Terrace Houses, Museum, St. John’s Church) — Izmir
Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:11). In ancient days, Ephesus was a bustling port town of 250,000, graced with wide, colonnade-bordered streets. We will stroll the excavated streets of Ephesus visiting the magnificent Terrace Houses, the Library, the Agora, and the huge Theater. And view where the Temple of Artemis used to stand—one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We will visit the Museum of Ephesus for an up-close look at artifacts from the ancient city as well as the Basilica of St. John, the traditional site of the burial place of John. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B,D) 

Oct 8 Wed Smyrna Agora - Sardis - Philadelphia — Izmir
In Izmir (ancient Smyrna) we will visit the Roman Agora, and visit the St. Polycarp Memorial. We then drive to Sardis, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation that was berated by John the Prophet for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Coins were first minted in Sardis. The massive Temple of Artemis, the Royal Road, the gymnasium and the synagogue will impress you.  We continue on to Alasehir, to see where the Church of Philadelphia (Rev 3:7–22) was located. We continue the day by driving to Akhisar ancient Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29) and original home of Lydia (Acts 16:11-5) and then return to Izmir for dinner and overnight in (B,D) 

Oct 9 Thu Pergamum - Thyatira — Izmir
Today we will visit the site of Pergamum where, according to Revelation, the “Throne of Satan” was located (Rev. 2:12- 17). Visit the towering acropolis—1000 feet above the town. We will also visit the healing center (Ascelpion) on the plain below the acropolis. We continue the day by driving to Akhisar ancient Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29) and original home of Lydia (Acts 16:11-5) and then return to Izmir for dinner and overnight in (B,D)

Oct 10 Fri Departure Transfer to Izmir airport for departure. End of services.

• International Air Fare between SFO-Istanbul & Izmir–SFO, flight cost may be adjusted based on 2026 costs
• Domestic one way Istanbul- Antalya flight
• 1 Night at 4 star Shertaon Ataköy Istanbul or similar
• 3 Nights at 4 star Best Western Kaan Antalya or similar
• 1 Night at 5 star Doga Thermal Hotel Pamukkale or similar
• 1 Night at 4 star Korumar Hotel Kusadasi or similar
• 3 Nights at 5 star Mövenpick Hotel Izmir or similar
• Daily breakfast and 9 dinners at the hotels
• All transportation by private AC Bus
• English Speaking, Government Licensed, Bible Oriented guides in Turkey
• All Entry fees to the sites and museums
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Service charges and local taxes

• All Tips to Tour Guide and drivers
• Lunches and Drinks (Bottled Water is included at dinners)
• Personal Expenses (Laundry, phone calls, all kind of insurances, etc)