TURKEY / Seven Letters of Love – Revelation Tour 2025

ISTANBUL Upon arrival to the Istanbul Ataturk Airport, we will meet our guide in the arrivals hall and head to our hotel for Dinner and Overnight in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL / WALLS OF CONSTANTINOPLE/HAGIA SOPHIA / GRAND BAZAAR After enjoying our Turkish breakfast, we will depart from our hotel and begin our tour of the historical highlights of Istanbul. First, we walk to the ancient wall of the famed city of Constantinople. Afterwards, we head to the hill where ancient Byzantium was founded and enjoy a stroll through Hippodrome Square, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted chariot races during the Roman period. Next, we are off to the domed masterpiece of Hagia Sophia, the Orthodox patriarchal basilica-turned Ottoman imperial mosque-turned secular museum commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. We will then end our day with an evening of shopping at the Grand Bazaar, the massive covered market that houses a labyrinth of streets lined with shops selling jewelry, leather products and many other handcrafted souvenirs. Dinner and Overnight in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL / THYATIRA / SMYRNA/  Today, we will eat breakfast early before departing at 07:00 am and head to the town of Akhisar to visit ancient Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches praised for its increasing faith but admonished for its tolerance of Jezebel (Rev. 2:18-28).  In the afternoon we will drive to the thriving modern city of Izmir and visit the ruins of ancient Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John relays the promise from God: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). Here, we will see what remains of the Agora, the ancient market place that was built in the 4th century BC, before continuing on to our hotel. Overnight Izmir.

EPHESUS  Today, we are off to explore Ephesus. Located in the modern town of Selcuk, ancient Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 10th century B.C., Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. Ephesus played a vital role in the spread of Christianity. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is thought to have spent her last years in Ephesus with John, who was entrusted with her care. Today, we will walk on the Marble Road passing numerous historically rich sites including the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the fountain of Trajan, and the Temple of Hadrian. We will also see the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater (the largest surviving from the Roman period). This massive theatre (capable of entertaining up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). Before returning to our Izmir hotel, we will stop at the ruins of St. John’s Basilica. Constructed by Justinian in the 6th century, this basilica stands over the believed burial site of John the Apostle. Overnight in Izmir.

PERGAMOS / SARDIS / PHILADELPHIA Today we head to  Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Although the city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelations, the risen Christ instructs John to convey the message that the people of Pergamum, the site of “Satan’s throne”, needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16). Today, we will tour the Acropolis, which sits atop a 1000- foot windswept mountain, offering a view of the neighboring modern towns, the azure waters of the Aegean, and the ruins of Pergamum that cascade down from the ancient city center. We then head to Sardis, a once powerful city located along an important ancient highway and among the fertile plain of Hermus (Geldiz River). Here, we will explore the white marble royal way, the massive Temple of Artemis, the large gymnasium, and the famous synagogue. Afterwards, we will head to the modern town of Alasehir and visit the site of ancient Philadelphia, the church that received God's highest commendation (Rev. 3:7-13). Here, we will see the remains of a brick-built Byzantine basilica adorned with 11th century frescoes. Overnight in Denizli.

DENIZLI / PAMUKKALE / LAODICEA This morning, we are off to visit Pamukkale, “Cotton Castle”, and dip our feet in the thermal waters that flow down the hilltop’s unique white travertine terraces. At the summit, we explore the archeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here (Colossians 4:13). Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hierapolis became a healing center wherein the site’s thermal pools were used to treat various ailments. Today, we will stroll among a number of important ruins including well-preserved Roman structures like the town theatre and Temple of Apollo before continuing on to Laodicea. This city was one of the Seven Churches that the Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-22). Here, we will see the site’s well-preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theatres, giving us insight into this city’s former prominence. Overnight Denizli.

ANTIOCH / PISIDIA Today, we depart Denizli and head to the modern town of Yalvac to see the ruins of Antioch in Pisidia. Sitting on the southern foothills of the Sultan Mountains, this city was once a major Roman colony that Paul the Apostle visited on his First Missionary Journey with Barnabas. Here we will tour the archeological site and visit the Yalvaç Archaeological Museum to see a display of many of the site’s discovered artifacts. Sleep and overnight in Konya.

GOREME / CAPPADOCIA Today, we depart Konya and head east to Cappadocia, where we will stop at Pigeon Valley to enjoy a panoramic view of this region’s unique rock formations, popularly known as fairy chimneys. Formed over many centuries by wind and water erosion on soft volcanic rock, these rock formations rise high from the valley floor like chimneys. Early inhabitants of this region carved these chimney tops with birdhouses to collect pigeon droppings long used by local farmers as fertilizer. Overnight in Cappadocia.

CAPPADOCIA This morning, we will visit the Kaymakli Underground City, the most impressive of the subterranean settlements due to its ventilation system. Afterwards, we are off to explore the Monastic Center of Goreme. This open-air museum is dotted with quaint carved-from-rock churches and chapels embellished with colorful frescoes. Then, we will visit Ortahisar to see its gorgeous valleys and stop at the Three Beauties, the most famous of the region’s many conic rock formations. Today, we will also hike through the valley of Zelve and see its hundreds of carved-from-rock houses and chapels and we will visit Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley, to explore its tower-shaped hermitages. We will then end our day at the potter’s studio in Avanos, a town established by the Hittites on the banks of the Halys River. This town has carried on the Hittities’ tradition of pottery that uses the river’s famous red clay to make ceramics. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Departure USA. Today, head to the NAV Airport to board your flight back home via Istanbul. (or start Post Extension to Noah´s Ark)