May 26th-May 30th
Istanbul Optional Add-On
May 29th-Jun 8th
Package Price Starts at $4,095
Package Includes
- Round Trip Airfare
- Double Occupancy in Luxury Hotels
- Daily Breakfast and Lunch
- 3 Day Cruise
- Licensed Tour Guide with Private Transportation
*Final price will be confirmed by August 1st
Istanbul Optional Add-on
You will depart from the USA to Istanbul. Istanbul is the modern name of the ancient city of Byzantium/Constantinople. Constantine made Byzantium the capital of his empire and renamed it Nova Roma (New Rome). Not long after that, the city was renamed to Constantinople (city of Constantine). Constantinople functioned as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire until 1453. You will soon find yourself immersed in the rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul, ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the luxurious Eresin Hotels Topkapi. After settling into your comfortable accommodations, you will enjoy a delicious dinner, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine. This marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey through one of the world's most historically rich cities.
Your first day of touring starts mid-morning with the Hagia (St.) Sophia Church. You will then visit the Hippodrome, where Byzantine chariot races took place. Next you visit the Byzantine Basilica (Underground) Cisterns, a beautiful, cathedral-sized underground water storage chamber supported by a forest of 336 marble columns. After lunch you will take a ferryboat from the Golden Horn to cruise the magnificent Bosporus.
Your morning starts with the Blue Mosque, an early 17th century Ottoman Mosque, followed with a tour of Topkapi Palace. The palace and grounds are extensive and overlook the Bosporus and the Golden Horn. The final site of the day is the ancient Church of St. Irene. It is the oldest known church (early 4th C) in the city and one of the only Byzantine churches in Istanbul that was never converted into a mosque.
Your morning starts with the Istanbul Archeology Museum founded in 1869. The museum houses over one million objects from nearly all periods and civilizations in world history, including many items from the Old Testament period, Assyrian, Hittite, Babylonian, Egyptian, Judean as well as Greek, Roman and Ottoman. After lunch you will fly to Izmir (approx. 1 hour flight) and transfer to the Izmir Hotel. Izmir (Biblical Smyrna) is the main city of the Aegean region, a major port & third largest city in Turkey.
New Testament Church Tour Begins
Thursday May 29th
Friday May 30th
You will depart from the USA to Izmir, Turkey (the biblical city of Smyrna), marking the beginning of our incredible journey. Soon you will be touring 5 of the 7 Revelation Church sites as well as many other Biblical sites. This initial departure sets the stage for an adventure filled with cultural exploration and historical discovery.
After settling into your comfortable accommodations, you will enjoy a delicious dinner, providing the perfect opportunity to relax, experience a bit of this coastal city, and prepare to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Saturday May 31st
Your day of touring starts with a visit to the Agora (Greco-Roma market) of Biblical Smyrna, the 2nd of the 7 Churches in Revelation 2:8-11. From there your private coach will take you to Sardis, the 5th of the 7 Churches in Revelation 3:1-6 and an important site of an early settlement of Jews. On your way to Pamukkale, you will stop at Alaşehir, the modern town on the site of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13. Your day will end in Pamukkale (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The region is famous for its hot springs and calcium pools. Dinner & overnight is in your thermal hotel with swimming pools using the hot waters of this region.
Sunday June 1st
The first site you will visit in the Pamukkale area will be Hierapolis & the Travertines. Hierapolis is mentioned by Paul in his epistle to the Colossians 4:13. Philip the Evangelist is thought to have been martyred there. Next, you’ll head to Laodicea, the 7th of the 7 Churches in Revelation 3:14-22. Following this there will be a brief stop at the un-excavated site of Colossae on the drive to Kuşadasi near Ephesus, your last stop in Aegean Turkey. Here, we'll spend 2 nights at the luxurious Korumar Hotel Deluxe, offering breathtaking views and exceptional comfort.
Monday June 2nd
Your day begins with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, the most extensive archaeological site in Turkey, and the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. It is the 1st of the 7 Churches in Revelation 2:1-7 and was a site of great significance to the early church. Next, you will explore St. John’s Basilica, and visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. You will then return to Kusadasi, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, soaking in the beauty and charm of this coastal town.
Tuesday June 3rd
We will begin our day with a transfer to Kusadasi Port, where you will board the luxurious Discovery for your cruise adventure. Your first stop will be the enchanting island of Patmos. Here, you will embark on a guided visit to St. John’s Monastery, a revered site with a rich spiritual heritage. Next, you will explore the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the legendary cave where John received his visions documented in the Book of Revelation. This deeply moving experience is included in our itinerary, providing a profound connection to the island’s historical significance.
Wednesday June 4th
In Rhodes, you have the freedom to tailor your day according to your preferences using the included credit or opting for additional experiences at your discretion. Whether you decide to explore the medieval streets of Rhodes Town, visit ancient landmarks, relax on beautiful beaches, or indulge in local cuisine, the choice is yours to make the most of your time on this enchanting island. Enjoy the flexibility and variety of activities available to create memorable moments during your stay in Rhodes.
Thursday June 5th
In Heraklion, known for its biblical connections on the island of Crete, and in Santorini, you have the flexibility to customize your tours using your included credit or opting for additional experiences at your preference. Whether you wish to explore ancient Minoan ruins in Heraklion, delve into the rich history of Crete, or relax amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Santorini, the choice is entirely yours. Embrace the opportunity to curate your day and make the most of your journey through these captivating Greek islands.
Friday June 6th
After your early arrival at Piraeus port, you will be taken by bus to a tour of Ancient Corinth on of the most important places for the spread of Christianity. After lunch you will visit Acrocorinth, the citadel (Acropolis) of Corinth, with views across the peninsula. You will then drive into central Athens to your hotel. Dinner is on your own at your choice of restaurant in central Athens.
Saturday June 7th
The day will start with a tour of the famous Acropolis, Pnyx, Areopagus (Mars Hill) where Paul presented Christ to the people in a compelling way (Acts 17:16-34). After Lunch there will be a city tour of Athens including a visit to the Ancient Agora and the Kallimarmaron, the modern equivalent of the ancient Greek Stadium. Dinner on this last evening of your tour is on your own at your choice of restaurant in central Athens.
Sunday June 8th
You will conclude your unforgettable journey by transferring to Athens Airport for your return flight to the USA. As you bid farewell to Greece, you reflect on the enriching experiences and cherished memories accumulated throughout our travels. This departure marks the end of a remarkable adventure through ancient history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes.