2025 Turkey Study Trip Itinerary

(with optional Cruise + Greece add-on)

We are excited to announce the upcoming Biblical Study Program to Turkey planned for you from September 17-27, 2025. This study program carries you into the world of the New Testament as we travel in the footsteps of Paul and the early disciples when they took the Good News to the Nations. We will engage the history, archaeology, culture, and geography of the Bible visiting carefully selected sites throughout Turkey, including all seven cities mentioned in Revelation. *Cruise + Greece - continue the journey for another 4 nights with a 2 night cruise + 2 nights of continued study in Greece.

We begin our trip exploring a city that spans two continents. Our first site is a visit to the ancient Roman Hippodrome​, largely renovated by Constantine in the early 4th century AD. We will then make our way to the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum before exploring Hagia Sophia, one of the largest and most significant church buildings ever constructed, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, and (time-permitting) the Basilica Cistern​. We will include optional time for visits to experience the markets at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Our travels continue today to the area of the ancient harbor of Magydos, where Paul and Barnabas first landed after leaving Cyprus. Weather-permitting, we view this area by boat, including the spectacular Duden Falls. We will enjoy a beautiful drive through the Taurus Mountains to Colossae, Philemon’s hometown, and then on to the hot springs of Pammukale and the ancient site of Hierapolis, mentioned in the New Testament. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale at the Doga Thermal Hotel (or similar).

Today we explore three churches mentioned specifically in Revelation. Our first stop today is Philadelphia, to whom Jesus gives a new name. We will then explore the ruins of Sardis, which Jesus warns to wake up. After lunch a pleasant drive will take us to Izmir where we will visit the Smyrna Agora Museum, one of only two cities Jesus does not directly criticize in Revelation, and (if available) a special permission access to the Graffiti Gallery. Dinner and overnight in at Movenpick Hotel (or similar) in Izmir.

We will spend the morning visiting first St. John’s Basilica (the traditional location of John’s tomb) to take in the geography of the region. We will then explore what has been called the “crown jewel of Asia Minor” - the ancient city of Ephesus. This huge city is steeped in history and architectural marvels. During our study and time in Ephesus we also plan to visit the Paul & Thecla Cave Church (if possible). Following lunch we will enjoy time at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, where many of the impressive finds from Ephesus reside. We’ll finish our day with a visit to a local Turkish carpet making site, for an educational presentation of the silk, wool, and cotton weaving that goes into every piece of art (carpet). This visit also reminds us how Paul also worked in the textile industry (leather specifically) for the three years of his life and ministry here in Ephesus. We finish our day in nearby Kusadasi for dinner and overnight at the KoruMar Hotel De Luxe (or similar).

We will begin our day in prayer before the group makes two different transfers today. We are thankful to have shared our time together on the entirety of the Turkey Biblical Study Trip. Those heading home will transfer together to the Izmir airport. You’ve walked in the way of the early disciples of Jesus; it’s now time to step back into your own time and place, joining God in the restorative work of the world. Those continuing with us to Greece will transfer with us to the port to travel on for a few more days of study together.

Those who registered for the optional cruise and Greece add-on will enjoy a relaxing morning before we transfer to the port and board our cruise boat together. After a short sailing time we will visit the island of Patmos, where John received the Revelation of Jesus. We will spend the next couple of days taking in the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. All meals and the next two nights will be provided on board.

Today we pull into the port at Heraklion, Crete for a few hours visit allowing us to visit the remains of the Minoan Empire. After returning to the ship, we will continue to nearby Santorini, a gorgeous island with an ancient volcano whose eruption sparked the downfall of the Minoan Empire and forever impacted this islands rugged landscape. Dinner and final night on the cruise ship.

We will accompany you to the airport as you make your way back home. You’ve walked in the way of the early disciples of Jesus; it’s now time to step back into your own time and place, joining God in the restorative work of the world.