16 Days (15 Nights)
Land Only$4,890Land & Air$5,990
 Book Now Download Brochure

Western Turkey Aegean Cruise Athens

May 17, 2025 - JUNE 1, 2025

Walk in the footsteps of Paul and John Travel by deluxe motorcoach and by Cruise Ship to sites connected with Paul’s Missionary Journeys and the seven churches at the Book of Revelation.

Dr. Mark Robin FairchildHuntington University
Itinerary Details Hosts & Guide Policies Contact Useful Information

May 17 Sat DEPART NEW YORK – FLY ISTANBUL

May 18 Sun ARRIVE ISTANBUL
Welcome to Turkey! Your tour guide will meet you at the Istanbul Airport after the baggage claim with a “TUTKU” sign. Meet and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. (D)

May 19 Mon ISTANBUL (Old City)
Morning drive to the historic city of Istanbul. Our day in Istanbul begins with Hagia Sophia, the world famous 6th century church. See the Blue Mosque which was built in 17th century. Nearby is located the Hippodrom which once stood in the heart of the Byzantine city of Constantinople and originally held up to 100,000 people. Although little is left of this gigantic stadium, there are number of impressive columns and other structures situated at the site. Afternoon walk to Hagia Irene, considered the first church completed in Constantinopolis. Finish the day in the Archaeological Museums of Istanbul. Back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

May 20 Tue ISTANBUL (Churches of Istanbul)
Morning drive to Kariye (the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora). Explore the beautiful mosaics and frescoes. Then proceed to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the centre of Eastern Orthodox Church. Then visit the Sveti Stephan church (Iron church) which is famous for being made of prefabricated cast iron elements in the Neo-Byzantine style. Finish the day at the Spice Market enjoy your free time. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)

May 21 Wed ISTANBUL – FLY ANTALYA
Early in the morning drive to airport. Domestic flight to Antalya (Attalia). From the Antalya airport we will drive to the city center to see the famous harbor where Paul and Barnabas sailed during the first journey. Then visit the St. Paul’s Cultural center and its church. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

May 22 Thu ANTALYA – PERGE – ANTALYA
Drive to Perge (Perga) which was the port of entry in Asia Minor for Paul, Barnabas and John Mark on their first journey. They landed after sailing from the island of Cyprus. Then back to Antalya to visit the famous award winner Antalya Museum. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. (B,D)

May 23 Fri ANTALYA – COLOSSAE – LAODICEA – HIERAPOLIS
(PAMUKKALE) A morning the scenic drive north over the Taurus Mountains to the Lycus Valley where three important biblical cities are to be found: Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis. First stop will be brief at Colostsae since this site has not yet been excavated. Nevertheless, this is an important site since Paul sent two letters here. Then we proceed to Laodicea, which was a major city in Roman times, as is clear not only from the size of the ancient site but also its two theaters, aqueduct and major street lined with shops. Laodicea is not only the last of the seven churches to whom John directed the book of Revelation, but also had a close relationship with the nearby churches of Colossae and Hierapolis. Then we proceed to Hierapolis (Pamukkale), the third of the three key biblical cities in the Lycus Valley. Hierapolis is best known for its mineral hot springs that have produced white calcareous travertines, where Philip – either the apostle or evangelist was believed to have been killed in AD 80. Overnight in one of the modern resorts of Pamukkale. (B,D)

May 24 Sat PAMUKKALE – PHILADELPHIA – SARDIS – SMYRNA
In the morning drive to Philadelphia where much of this ancient earthquakeprone city has either been destroyed or lies buried under the the modern city. The newest of the cities of the Seven Churches. See the city and the remains of the 6th century Byzantine church. Then proceed to Sardis which was the fifth of the Seven Churches addressed by John in Revelation. See the remains of the magnificent temple of Artemis and beautifully reconstructed gymnasium. Explore the largest known ancient synagogue outside of Israel. Afternoon arrive to Smyrna (modern day Izmir). After a short tour in the city check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B,D)

May 25 Sun SMYRNA – PERGAMUM – THYATIRA – IZMIR
Drive to Pergamum, the famous capital of it’s own kingdom. Pergamum was the third of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelation. Visit the Acropolis to explore the highlights of the ancient city--the Trajan temple, steepest theater of the ancient world, the location of the Altar of Zeus and more... After Pergamum proceed to Thyatira, which was the fourth of the Seven Churches, and its letter is the central and the longest of the seven letters. See some remains of the ancient city and the recently restored Roman colonnaded street. After the short visit back to Izmir for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

May 26 Mon IZMIR – EPHESUS – KUSADASI
From Izmir drive to Ephesus. Visit the most spectacular archaeological site of Turkey. Paul visited this city only briefly during his second missionary journey but returned during his third missionary journey for a much longer period. Some years later Ephesus served as the home base for the apostle John’s ministry. Explore the Bouleterion, marble streets, Terrace Houses, Library of Celsus, Great Theater and more.... Then proceed to the St. John’s Basilica, located nearby Ephesus. Lunch and shopping opportunities at the area. Overnight in the nearby port city of Kuşadası. (B,D)

May 27 Tue EMBARK CRUISE SHIP IN KUSADASI – PATMOS
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Kuşadası Port to embark the the cruise ship 1:00pm. Sail to Patmos, a small Greek island in the Mediterranean. Arrive to the island around 4:30pm and a short tour over the traditional cave where John received his vision. After this short tour, free time at the island and back to the boat to sail to Rhodes by night. Dinner on board. (B,D)

May 28 Wed RHODES – CRUISE
Morning arrive to Rhodes 07:00am. Drive to the ancient Acropolis of Lindos and see Paul’s bay (Acts 21:1), where the Apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. Then enjoy a walking tour through the medieval walled city of Rhodes and see the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. Free time to enjoy the Street of the Knights. Re-embarkation On board at latest 5:30pm, night sail to Crete. Dinner on board (B,D)

May 29 Thu HERAKLION – SANTORINI – CRUISE
Morning arrive to Heraklion (Crete) 7:00am. Optional visit the island until 11:30. *Optional tour to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to Europe’s oldest civilization and the setting of the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. During this tour we will have the chance to visit the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Re-embarkation on the ship at 11.30am to set sail to Santorini. Lunch on board. Arrive to Santorini at 4:30pm. Free afternoon in Santorini or enjoy an optional* boat tour to the volcanic islands and hot springs. Reembarkation on the ship at latest 9:00pm. Departure for Athens.

May 30 Fri DISEMBARK IN ATHENS – CORINTH TOUR - ATHENS
Arrive to Athens at 6:00 am. Disembark and meet the local guide and head for the excursion to Ancient Corinth. We will drive by the Saronic Gulf via the historic Corinthian Canal (quick stop for photos) and we arrive at Ancient Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). It was in this megalopolis where the Apostle Paul came, worked and established a thriving church. We will see all the sites associated with his ministry: the agora, the Bema, Erasmus inscription and the small archaeological museum. On our return way to Athens, we will pass by Cenchreae, to see the port where Paul and his companions sailed to Ephesus. Afternoon back to Athens for check-in, dinner and overnight in Athens. (B,D)

May 31 Sat ATHENS
Full day Athens tour. Follow your guide to the world renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erectheum. View Mars Hill where the apostle Paul stood and said, “ I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” (Acts 17:23). See the Agora, the ancient market place and center of the Athenian public life, where the apostle Paul preached “Jesus and the resurrection” (Acts 17:18) to the skeptical Athenians. Also see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Afternoon visit to Acropolis Museum and Plaka district. Dinner and overnight in Athens. (B,D)

June 1 Sun DEPARTURE - Transfer to Athens airport. Fly back
home. End of our services.

Flight Details

FLIGHT SCHEDULE 
Date  Dep.City/Arrival City  Dep. Time-Arrv. Time

TK2             17 MAY       JFK-IST            19:25-12:30*
TK2412          21 MAY       IST-AYT            10:10-11:35
TK1846          01 JUN       ATH-IST            10:45-11:45
TK1             01 JUN       IST-JFK            13:45-17:30

*Air schedule can be changed by the airlines.

  

Including
  • International flights between New York-Istanbul, and Athens-New York
  • Domestic flight from Istanbul to Antalya
  • 3 Nights at Moevenpick Golden Horn in Istanbul or similar
  • 2 Nights at Best Western Khan Hotel in Antalya or similar
  • 1 Night at Doga Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale or similar
  • 2 Nights at Moevenpick Hotel in Izmir or similar
  • 1 Night at Korumar Hotel in Kuşadası or similar
  • 3 Nights at Celestyal Cruise Ship – Cabin Category IA (Inside Cabin) – Cabin Upgrade available at extra cost
  • 2 Nights Parthenon Hotel in Athens or similar
  • Daily breakfast at the hotels
  • 14 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches at the Cruise Ship
  • English speaking Licensed Tour Guide in Turkey
  • English speaking Licensed local Tour Guides in Greek islands
  • English speaking Licensed Tour Guide in Greece
  • Shore Excurion: Guided PATMOS
  • Shore Excursion: Guided HERAKLION TOUR – Her-02 Minoan palace of Knossos – 1st European Civilization
  • Shore Excursion: Guided RHODES TOUR – Rho-01 Medieval tour – Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the knights
  • All mentioned transfers with Airconditioned vehicles
  • All Parking fees
  • All Entry fees to the sites and museums
  • Service charges and local taxes
  • TUTKU travel bag, maps, t-shirt
Excluding
  • Turkish Visa fee to be obtained online before arrival www.evisa.gov.tr
  • Tips to Tour Guides – Bus Drivers – Cruise staff
  • Travel and health insurance, all kind of insurances
Hotels
  • May 18, 2025 - May 21, 2025 Mövenpick Istanbul Golden Horn, Istanbul, Turkey
  • May 21, 2025 - May 23, 2025 Best Western Khan Hotel, Antalya, Turkey
  • May 23, 2025 - May 24, 2025 Doga Thermal Otel, Denizli, Turkey
  • May 24, 2025 - May 26, 2025 Mövenpick Hotel, Izmir, Turkey
  • May 26, 2025 - May 27, 2025 Korumar Hotel de Luxe, Aydın, Turkey
  • May 30, 2025 - June 01, 2025 Parthenon Hotel, Athens, Greece

 Locations on the map may include pre program or extension locations with main program.
Flight Details

FLIGHT SCHEDULE 
Date  Dep.City/Arrival City  Dep. Time-Arrv. Time

TK2             17 MAY       JFK-IST            19:25-12:30*
TK2412          21 MAY       IST-AYT            10:10-11:35
TK1846          01 JUN       ATH-IST            10:45-11:45
TK1             01 JUN       IST-JFK            13:45-17:30

*Air schedule can be changed by the airlines.

  

Including
  • International flights between New York-Istanbul, and Athens-New York
  • Domestic flight from Istanbul to Antalya
  • 3 Nights at Moevenpick Golden Horn in Istanbul or similar
  • 2 Nights at Best Western Khan Hotel in Antalya or similar
  • 1 Night at Doga Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale or similar
  • 2 Nights at Moevenpick Hotel in Izmir or similar
  • 1 Night at Korumar Hotel in Kuşadası or similar
  • 3 Nights at Celestyal Cruise Ship – Cabin Category IA (Inside Cabin) – Cabin Upgrade available at extra cost
  • 2 Nights Parthenon Hotel in Athens or similar
  • Daily breakfast at the hotels
  • 14 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches at the Cruise Ship
  • English speaking Licensed Tour Guide in Turkey
  • English speaking Licensed local Tour Guides in Greek islands
  • English speaking Licensed Tour Guide in Greece
  • Shore Excurion: Guided PATMOS
  • Shore Excursion: Guided HERAKLION TOUR – Her-02 Minoan palace of Knossos – 1st European Civilization
  • Shore Excursion: Guided RHODES TOUR – Rho-01 Medieval tour – Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the knights
  • All mentioned transfers with Airconditioned vehicles
  • All Parking fees
  • All Entry fees to the sites and museums
  • Service charges and local taxes
  • TUTKU travel bag, maps, t-shirt
Excluding
  • Turkish Visa fee to be obtained online before arrival www.evisa.gov.tr
  • Tips to Tour Guides – Bus Drivers – Cruise staff
  • Travel and health insurance, all kind of insurances
Hotels
  • May 18, 2025 - May 21, 2025 Mövenpick Istanbul Golden Horn, Istanbul, Turkey
  • May 21, 2025 - May 23, 2025 Best Western Khan Hotel, Antalya, Turkey
  • May 23, 2025 - May 24, 2025 Doga Thermal Otel, Denizli, Turkey
  • May 24, 2025 - May 26, 2025 Mövenpick Hotel, Izmir, Turkey
  • May 26, 2025 - May 27, 2025 Korumar Hotel de Luxe, Aydın, Turkey
  • May 30, 2025 - June 01, 2025 Parthenon Hotel, Athens, Greece

Hosts
Dr. Mark Robin Fairchild
Huntington University

Dr. Fairchild received his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Drew University. He also completed Ph.D. coursework at Union Theological Seminary (NY) and Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Fairchild has twice received research grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. In 1992, he collaborated with 11 other scholars at Yeshiva University exploring the Greek encounter with Judaism during the Hellenistic Period. In 2002, he joined 20 other scholars at the University of Chicago to investigate societal transformations and the legitimization of power in the early Islamic states.

Fairchild’s recent discovery of two previously unknown ancient synagogues in Turkey (including the world’s oldest known synagogue) was published in the Biblical Archaeology Review in 2012. Research at this ancient synagogue was also published in the Journal of Ancient Judaism in 2014. The Biblical Archaeology Review also published Fairchild’s research on St. Paul’s first mission from Perga to Antioch (2013) and another article on the biblical city of Laodicea (2017). Fairchild’s book on Christian Origins in Ephesus and Asia Minor (originally published in 2015) has been expanded and a second edition is currently available with Hendrickson Publishers (2017).

Dr. Fairchild is currently the Program Director for the Ephesus Meeting, an academic conference at the ancient site of Ephesus in Turkey. He annually travels to Turkey, Greece, Israel, Egypt and Jordan for research and to conduct study tours.

Guide
Zafer Bozoglu
Tourist Guide – Expert on Culture and Christian Tourism

1st Deposit $200 per person : September 2, 2024
2nd Deposit $400 per person : December 2, 2024
Full (Balance) Payment : February 17, 2025

Land Only Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made before 60 days of departure: Full refund
Cancellations made within 45 days of departure: 90% refund
Cancellations made within 30 days of departure: 75% refund
Cancellations made within 15 days of departure: 50% refund
Cancellations made within 7 days of departure: 25% refund
Cancellations made within 6 days of departure: No refund
In addition to the above cancellation policy, we charge a 5% processing fee
for all refunds, no matter the date of cancellation. This fee is necessary to
cover the costs associated with processing refunds, including bank fees and
administrative expenses.
We understand that sometimes travel plans change, and we appreciate your
understanding of this policy.

Tour brochure covers

We design and print free brochures for you upon request