Itinerary

Monday, October 6

Depart the U.S.

Our spiritual adventure begins as we depart from the U.S. for our long-awaited destination!

Istanbul

Tuesday, October 7

Arrival in Turkey

Your Day Includes

  • Welcome Dinner - enjoy dinner and fellowship as you rest and prepare for the incredible journey awaiting you!

Overnight

Barcelo Istanbul – Istanbul

Blue Mosque

Wednesday, October 8

Istanbul

Your Day Includes

  • Hagia Sophia - recently re-opened as a mosque, this 1,500 year-old structure has a colorful past as a Byzantine-era basilica, a Roman Catholic Church, an imperial mosque, and museum
  • Blue Mosque - A stunning example of traditional Islamic architecture, known for its six delicate minarets and a striking blue Izanik-tiled interior
  • Hippodrome - The sporting ground of chariots and political riots in the Byzantine Empire capital of Constantinople
  • Yerebatan Underground Cistern - A water storage system built by Emperor Justinian and famous for its hunderds of beautiful marble columns

Overnight

Barcelo Istanbul – Istanbul

Grand Bazaar

Thursday, October 9

Istanbul

Your Day Includes

  • Topkapi Palace - The main residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years
  • Grand Bazaar - One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, encompassing 61 streets and over 3,000 shops with unusual antiques, colorful spices, beautiful jewelry, and richly textured fabrics
  • Fly to Denizli (DNZ)

Overnight

Lycus River Thermal Hotel – Pamukkale

Laodicea

Friday, October 10

Laodicea, Pamukkale, Hierapolis

Your Day Includes

  • Laodicea - “The Self-Sufficient Church” rebuked for being neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm
  • Pamukkale - Calcium-rich hot springs which form white travertine terraces as water deposits minerals along the cliff’s edge
  • Hierapolis - The ruins of an ancient Roman Spa town which helps us further understand John’s lukewarm water reference

Overnight

Lycus River Thermal Hotel – Pamukkale

Aphrodisias

Saturday, October 11

Colossae, Aphrodisias

Your Day Includes

  • Colossae - A city that figured prominently in Paul’s ministry in Asia Minor
  • Aphrodisias - A provincial capital in Asia Minor situated in a lush valley of almond, pomegranate, and poplar trees

Overnight

Lycus River Thermal Hotel – Pamukkale

Sardis

Sunday, October 12

Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira

Your Day Includes

  • Philadelphia - “The Faithful Church” applauded for obeying the Word and not denying Jesus’ name
  • Sardis - “The Dead Church” commanded to wake up and strengthen what remains of their faith
  • Thyatira - “The Tolerant Church” warned that God will repay each one what their deeds deserve

Overnight

Hyatt Regency İzmir İstinyePark – Izmir

Pergamum

Monday, October 13

Izmir, Smyrna, Pergamum

Your Day Includes

  • Smyrna - “The Persecuted Church” encouraged to stay faithful in their suffering, and thus be rewarded with eternal life
  • Pergamum - “The Compromising Church” warned to repent for including false teachings
  • Sanctuary of Asclepius - A temple dedicated to the ancient Roman god of healing

Overnight

Hyatt Regency İzmir İstinyePark – Izmir

Ephesus Theater

Tuesday, October 14

Ephesus

Your Day Includes

  • Ephesus - “The Loveless Church” cautioned to remember their first love and repent
  • Homes of the Elite - The excavated ruins of the Roman elite’s luxurious homes
  • Ephesus Archaeological Museum - A collection of historic treasures from the city’s excavation sites
  • Basilica of St. John - The traditional burial location of John the Apostle

Overnight

Hyatt Regency İzmir İstinyePark – Izmir

Wednesday, October 15

Homeward Bound

With heart-changing memories of our walk in the footsteps of history, we arrive back home. May we never be the same!

*Itinerary is subject to change. To best serve the group, the schedule may be altered or substitutions made at the discretion of your tour leader and guide.