Day 1: Arrival in the Land of the Apostles & Flight to Cappadocia
Welcome to Turkey, a land deeply rooted in early Christian history. Arrive at Istanbul Airport and catch your domestic flight to Kayseri. Meet your private driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Settle in and prepare your heart for the spiritual journey ahead.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Day 2: The Monastic Heritage of early Christendom (North Tour)
Optional: Holy Sunrise Balloon Tour
After breakfast, embark on a private pilgrimage to discover the breathtaking Devrent Valley and Pasabagi Valley, where early Christians found solace. In the afternoon, depart for Avanos and enter the Goreme Open Air Museum. Here, explore the magnificent cave-churches adorned with beautiful Byzantine frescoes, carved by early Christians as sanctuaries of faith. Continue to Uchisar Castle for a panoramic view of God’s wondrous creation. Conclude the day with a peaceful reflection in Pigeon Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Day 3: Catacombs of Faith & Flight to Istanbul (South Tour)
Today, visit Ortahisar, a natural rock citadel. Descend into the subterranean city of Ozkonak, carved into the earth by 7th-century Christians fleeing religious persecution; a powerful testament to their enduring faith. Drive to Cavusin Valley to uncover ancient troglodyte dwellings. After lunch, visit the Red Valley and a local Wine House to learn about the region’s ancient vineyards, operating since biblical times. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)
Overnight: Istanbul
Day 4: The Glory of Byzantium & Christian Constantinople
This morning, explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, including the Imperial Harem, witnessing the grand history of the Ottoman Empire. Next, enter the breathtaking Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom), once the largest cathedral in Christendom and the spiritual heart of the Byzantine Empire. Visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its sacred architecture and blue Iznik tiles. Later, reflect on antiquity at the ancient Hippodrome, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the awe-inspiring Basilica Cistern.
Optional: Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)
Overnight: Istanbul
Day 5: The Nicene Creed to the Church of Thyatira
Route: Istanbul Iznik (Nicaea) Akhisar (Thyatira) Pergamon
After breakfast, depart for Pergamon with a sacred stop in Iznik (Ancient Nicaea), the historic site where the First and Second Councils of Nicaea were held, shaping the foundational Christian Creed. After lunch, proceed to Thyatira (modern Akhisar), one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Though it was the smallest city, it received the longest and most profound prophetic letter from the Apostle John regarding holiness and endurance. Continue to Pergamon for dinner and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Overnight: Pergamon
Day 6: The Martyrs of Smyrna & The Faithful Remnant
Route: Pergamon Smyrna Sardis Philadelphia Pamukkale
Following breakfast, visit the Church of Pergamon (The Red Basilica) and the soaring Acropolis, noted in Revelation as the place “where Satan has his throne.” Next, journey to Smyrna (Izmir), the recipient of Christ’s letter praising the early believers for their unwavering faithfulness amidst intense persecution. Walk the ancient Agora and honor the martyrdom of St. Polycarp.
After lunch, travel to Sardis, the capital of the ancient Lydian King Croesus, to explore the remnants of the church that was urged to “wake up.” Continue to Philadelphia, the “Church of Brotherly Love,” highly praised for keeping God’s word and enduring patiently. See the standing pillars of the early Byzantine church before arriving in Pamukkale.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Overnight: Pamukkale
Day 7: Hierapolis, St. Philip's Martyrdom & The Lukewarm Church
In the morning, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, a site mentioned by St. Paul in Colossians and the home and martyrdom site of St. Philip the Evangelist. Marvel at the snow-white calcium terraces of Pamukkale and take an optional spiritual dip in the ancient Cleopatra Pools.
In the afternoon, visit Laodicea, the final of the Seven Churches of Revelation, famously admonished for being “lukewarm” due to its worldly wealth. Reflect on this powerful biblical message before transferring to the coastal town of Kusadasi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)
Overnight: Kusadasi
Day 8: The Apostolic Glory of Ephesus & The House of the Virgin Mary
Spend a deeply spiritual day beginning at the Basilica of St. John, built over the burial site of the Beloved Disciple. Next, ascend Mount Solmissos to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final earthly abode. Here, your group will have the sacred opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass in this blessed sanctuary.
After lunch, walk through the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most prominent of the Seven Churches of Revelation and the recipient of St. Paul’s famous epistle. Walk the marble streets where Paul preached and Timothy ministered. Return to Kusadasi for your final evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B, L)
Overnight: Kusadasi
Day 9: Departure Day & Farewell
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend a few final moments in prayerful reflection. Meet your driver in the lobby, check out, and transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul, connecting onward to your home destination carrying the spiritual blessings of the Early Church.
Meals: Breakfast (B)
Price Includes
All boutique & religious heritage accommodations mentioned in the itinerary.
All meals specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
All biblical tours and transfers in private, air-conditioned, non-smoking coaches.
All museum and ancient scriptural site entrance fees.
Services of a professional, licensed English-speaking biblical guide.
Price Excludes
Personal expenses.
All flight tickets (domestic and international flights can be recommended and booked upon request).
Gratuities/Tips for your spiritual guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
