Day 1: Depart USA – Fly to Istanbul

Depart from the USA and board your flight to Istanbul, Turkey.

Day 2: Arrive in Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet your guide after customs and baggage claim. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, enjoy a short orientation tour of the city, followed by a private boat cruise along the Bosphorus. This scenic waterway divides Europe and Asia, and the cruise offers a unique view of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 3: Istanbul Highlights – Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul

Begin a full-day tour of Istanbul with visits to the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı) and the Hippodrome, where chariot races were once held. Marvel at the stunning Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, both architectural wonders of Istanbul. Continue to the Archaeological Museum, home to the Siloam Inscription and artifacts from the ancient world. Conclude the day at the Spice Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices and Turkish delicacies. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 4: Istanbul – Fly to Antalya – Perga and Aspendos

Transfer to Istanbul Airport for a morning flight to Antalya. Upon arrival, explore Kaleiçi, Antalya's old city, and visit Hadrian’s Gate and the ancient harbor from where Paul and Barnabas set sail. Visit Perga, a city central to Paul’s first journey, and Aspendos, home to Turkey’s best-preserved Roman theater. Return to Antalya for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 5: Myra, Andriake, and Phaselis

Travel to Demre to visit Myra, renowned for its Lycian tombs and Roman theater. Explore Andriake, the ancient port where Paul changed ships en route to Rome. Continue to Phaselis, an ancient harbor city surrounded by scenic landscapes. Return to Antalya for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 6: Pisidian Antioch and Pamukkale

Drive to Yalvaç to visit Pisidian Antioch, where Paul preached his first sermon in Acts. Discover the imperial cult temple and the church dedicated to Paul. Continue to Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can relax in the natural hot springs. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B, D)

Day 7: Hierapolis, Laodicea, and Colossae

Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its necropolis and the newly excavated Martyrium of Philip. Explore Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches, and learn about its significance in Revelation. End the day with a visit to Colossae, an unexcavated site associated with Paul’s letters. Return to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 8: Aphrodisias and Magnesia – Arrive in Kusadasi

Drive to Aphrodisias, famous for its well-preserved stadium and the Temple of Aphrodite. Visit the museum showcasing artifacts from the Sebasteion. Continue to Magnesia on the Meander before reaching Kusadasi, a vibrant town by the Aegean Sea. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B, D)

Day 9: Miletus, Didyma, and Priene

Explore Miletus, where Paul delivered his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders. Visit Didyma and its impressive Temple of Apollo. Conclude the day in Priene, home to a well-preserved Hellenistic theater and a synagogue. Return to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 10: Ephesus

Spend the day at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world. Visit the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the terrace houses. Learn about Paul’s ministry in the city and visit the Temple of Artemis. End the day with a tour of the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B, D)

Day 11: Kusadasi – Smyrna – Izmir

Travel to Izmir, formerly Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches. Visit the Agora and the city’s acropolis. Enjoy a walk along Alsancak and Kordon Street in the modern part of Izmir. Dinner at a local outdoor restaurant. Overnight in Izmir. (B, D)

Day 12: Pergamum and Asclepion

Drive to Bergama to visit Pergamum, another of the Seven Churches. Explore its ancient library, the Trajan Temple, the steep theater, and the Altar of Zeus. Visit the Asclepion, a famed ancient healing center where Galen practiced medicine. Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 13: Depart Izmir – Fly Home

Transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight back to the USA. Arrive home on the same day. (B)