Flight to Cappadocia in the morning. 

Arrive in Cappadocia, an extraordinary region in Turkey known for its unique and breathtaking volcanic landscape, featuring the famous Fairy Chimneys.

During your visit, you'll explore the powerful impact of the Apostle Peter's ministry in this area. We will reflect on his effectiveness in strengthening early Christian communities and his enduring spiritual influence across the region.

Upon arrival, visit one of Cappadocia’s remarkable underground cities, historically used by various communities—including early Christians—for refuge and protection.

Enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia’s stunning landscape with its unique rock formations. 

Check in at the hotel and rest for the evening.

Overnight: Cappadocia   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Explore the fascinating region of Cappadocia, known for its otherworldly landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions from Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan over 3 million years ago.
Visit Uchisar Castle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding terrain, followed by stops at the Avcilar and Güvercinlik Valleys, famous for their spectacular vistas and the iconic Fairy Chimneys.

Overnight: Cappadocia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Optional:  Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia from above with a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Wake-up call: Approximately 4:00 AM 

• Cost: Between $350 – $400 per person (subject to change and availability) 
• Important Note: Balloon rides are weather-dependent and may be canceled due to safety concerns. 

Early booking is highly recommended due to limited availability.

Depart Cappadocia in the morning and travel southwest. Along the way, stop to visit Antioch of Pisidia, an important site in early Christian history where the Apostle Paul preached during his missionary journeys (Acts 13). This rarely visited ancient city holds deep biblical significance and offers a unique glimpse into First Century Christian life.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in route.

In the afternoon, arrive in Pamukkale, famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by the area's rich limestone waters. Visit the breathtaking “Cotton Castle” and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its well-preserved theater, Roman baths, and early Christian sites and more regarding Paul’s fellow workers spreading the good news. 

Overnight: Pamukkale

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, depart from Pamukkale and travel to the ancient city of Laodicea, one of the Seven Congregations mentioned in the book of Revelation. 

As you walk among its impressive ruins—in the city of this early Christian congregation—you’ll reflect on the powerful message delivered to the Laodiceans:
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or else hot.” (Revelation 3:15)

Continue toward Selçuk, the gateway to Ephesus, the most spectacular and best-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor. In the 1st and 2nd centuries, Ephesus was a major metropolis with a population of over 250,000 and was a cultural and commercial center that dominated the region.

Walk through its impressive streets and monuments, including the Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, Celsus Library, Odeon, and the Great Theater where the Apostle Paul faced opposition (Acts 19). Learn about Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, and the lives of his fellow workers Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy and others. 

Ephesus is also deeply connected to the Apostle John, who lived here in his later years and is believed to have written his book  and three letters in this city. It is the second of the Seven Congregations of Revelation we will visit on this journey. ‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance. . . (Revelation 2:2).

Overnight: Kusadasi 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing day at your beautiful seaside hotel in Kusadasi. 

Take time to unwind, enjoy the hotel’s amenities, or join one of our exciting optional excursions.

Overnight: Kusadasi 

Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner (at the hotel)  

Optional Excursions (additional cost applies)

1. "Priene, Miletus & Didyma"
Cost: $120 net per person (minimum 10 participants)
Morning departure.
Visit Priene, once a thriving port city of the Ionian Federation, and Miletus, a cultural and intellectual hub known for its scholars—most notably the mathematician Thales. Continue to Didyma, an important religious center home to the renowned Temple of Apollo. See the head of Medusa, the circular altar, and remains of the sanctuary once overseen by priests under the influence of Delphi.
Return to Kusadasi for hotel transfer and overnight stay.

2. "Chios – A Greek Paradise"
Cost: $180 net per person (minimum 12 participants)
Transfer from your hotel to the port of Çeşme for a ferry crossing to the Greek island of Chios. After clearing immigration, explore this charming island known for its mastic production. Visit Mesta, a Byzantine-era village with labyrinthine alleys, Pyrgi, famous for its striking black-and-white geometric house façades, and the unique Mavra Volia beach, known for its volcanic black pebbles.
Return by ferry to Çeşme, transfer to the hotel.

 Visiting 3 more of the 7 Congregations of Revelation

Today, we will visit three more of the Seven Congregations mentioned in the book of Revelation: Philadelphia, Sardis, and Thyatira (Revelation 2–3). 

As we explore these ancient sites, we will reflect on the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters in the first century and the challenges they faced to remain faithful under pressure—whether from Roman authorities, false teachings, or moral decay.

Each site offers unique spiritual lessons:

• Philadelphia:  "And I know that you have a little power, and you kept my word and did not prove false to my name." (Revelation 3:8) 
• Sardis:   "Become watchful, and strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, for I have not found your works fully performed before my God. "(Revelation 3:2) 
• Thyatira:  "I know your deeds, and your love and faith and ministry and endurance, and that your deeds of late are more than those you did at first." (Revelation 2:19) 

This day provides rich historical and spiritual insights as we walk through the very places mentioned in the Bible.

Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Optional: Guests may choose to stay and relax at the hotel instead of joining the full-day excursion to the 3 congregations. 

* Photo by  Carole Roddato

 Today, we will visit the final two of the Seven Congregations mentioned in the book of Revelation: Smyrna and Pergamum, completing the circuit of all the messages sent by Jesus. By the end of this day, you will have visited all seven congregations of Revelation!

• Pergamum:   3 ‘I know where you are dwelling, that is, where the throne of Satan is; and yet you keep holding fast to my name...(Revelation 2:13)  You will learn about a spiritually rich congregation and about Antipas, the faithful witness.
• Smyrna:  "I know your tribulation and poverty—but you are rich." (Revelation 2:9) 

Again, this day offers profound historical and spiritual insights as we walk through the very locations highlighted in the Bible.

After our visits, we will travel to our final destination—the great city of Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world!

We will begin our day with a tour of Ottoman Istanbul, including a visit to the magnificent Suleymani  Mosque—one of the most impressive in the city, second only to Hagia Sophia in beauty. It is considered the most important Ottoman structure in Istanbul. As we explore the mosque and its surroundings, we’ll learn about its rich history and architectural significance.

Next, we’ll continue to the historic district of Balat, known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and vibrant cultural mix.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll take part in one of Istanbul’s most iconic experiences: a boat trip along the Bosphorus, the famous strait that separates Europe and Asia. As we cruise, we’ll enjoy views of the Sultans’ palaces, traditional Ottoman wooden mansions, and historic landmarks—experiencing history from a unique perspective.

We’ll conclude our day with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans five centuries ago and still bustling today. Enjoy some free time to explore, shop, and soak in the scents and colors of this historic market.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Visit to the Ancient Hippodrome
We will begin with a visit to the ancient Hippodrome, dating back to the Byzantine era. Once the center of civil life in Constantinople, the Hippodrome hosted chariot races, gladiator fights, and imperial celebrations. Today, it preserves key monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Emperor Wilhelm II.

Blue Mosque

Next, we’ll visit the Blue Mosque, constructed in 1609 during the reign of Sultan Ahmet I. With its six minarets and majestic design, it was built to rival the grandeur of Hagia Sophia.

Topkapi Palace
We will then continue to the Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans until the 19th century. It houses many of the empire’s most treasured artifacts and offers a glimpse into royal life during the Ottoman era.

Hagia Sophia (Panoramic View)

Our tour includes a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, widely regarded as the finest example of Byzantine architecture and one of humanity’s greatest artistic and architectural achievements. (Entrance is not included in the tour, but you may choose to visit it independently for an additional fee.)

Grand Bazaar
Finally, we will visit the world-renowned Grand Bazaar, built in 1660. This covered market is like a city within a city, featuring 4,000 shops, narrow streets, bustling squares, and 18 grand entrances. It's the perfect place to experience local culture, shop for souvenirs, and take in the vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Transfer to the Airport
At the end of your unforgettable journey, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
We hope you leave with lasting memories, renewed faith, and a deeper appreciation for the rich history of first-century Christians—as well as the vibrant cultures you experienced throughout Turkey. 

Meals: Breakfast