The day has arrived, and we depart the United States on an overnight journey to Turkey.

Today we arrive in Turkey at Istanbul Airport (IST). We will transfer to our hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner with our fellow travelers. Overnight Istanbul. D.

Today begins with a visit to the Byzantine Hippodrome, the social center of Constantinople, where we will see the obelisk that Theodosius brought from Egypt and the Serpent Column, which Constantine took from Delphi. Next, we proceed to Topkapi Palace, the palace of the Ottoman Sultans. Our tour includes entry to the Treasury, where you will get to see the world’s largest emerald and the famous Topkapi Dagger. In the afternoon, we will visit the Hagia Sophia. For almost one thousand years, the Hagia Sophia was the largest Christian cathedral in the world, and to this day, it is one of the world’s greatest monuments. The original church at this site was conceived of by Constantine and consecrated by his son, Constantius II, in A.D. 360. The present structure was completed in A.D. 537. Overnight Istanbul. B, D.

This morning, we have the opportunity to visit the famous Blue Mosque. Built in the 17th century, the mosque is a stunning architectural feat, known for its 6 minarets and 20,000 tuqoise colored, handmake Iznik tiles. We continue to the Grand Bazaar, which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. We visit the Spice Market, where vendors sell spices along with dried fruits, towels, slippers, baskets, and jewelry. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a private cruise on the Bosphorus (duration: approx. 1-1.5 hours), the strait separating Europe from Asia. Overnight Istanbul. B, D.

Today, we will leave Istanbul behind us, crossing the Gallipoli Peninsula, where the famous World War I campaign planned by Winston Churchill took place, to reach ancient Troy, the site of Homer’s Iliad and Vergil’s Aeneid. We will explore the impressive ruins and see the full-sized model of the Trojan horse. We will also pause to reflect that, in this region, the Apostle Paul received the vision of the Macedonian Man, which prompted him to sail to Neapolis. Overnight Canakkale. B, D.

This morning, we will make our way to Pergamum, the first one of the Seven Churches of Revelation that we will visit on our tour. After experiencing Pergamum’s stunning and magnificent mountaintop Roman ruins, we will proceed to Thyatira. This is not only the site of another one of the Seven Churches of Revelation—it is also the hometown of Lydia, who received the Gospel and was baptized by Paul during his Second Missionary Journey. In Thyatira, we will see the ancient roadway and columns. Overnight Izmir. B, D.

Today, we will enjoy a visit to Sardis, also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Sardis was the capital city of the Lydian Kingdom and one of wealthiest metropolises of Asia Minor. The Lydians minted the first coins in the world. Here you will get to visit the monumental Artemis Temple and the impressive Roman Imperial Hall, which has been newly restored. Next, we will visit the site of Philadelphia, another one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. We will stop to see the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. Afterwards, we will tour Laodicea, “the lukewarm church” from the Book of Revelation. Laodicea was a wealthy city during the Roman period and served as a center for textile production and banking. Overnight Pamukkale. B, D.

We begin the day touring the ruins of Hierapolis, where the Apostle Philip came to spread Christianity and is believed to have been martyred. Hierapolis is mentioned in St. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians (Colossian 4:13). Here you will see the main Domitian Gate, the main avenue, and get to explore one of the richest cemetery grounds of the ancient world. We will also get to admire the white travertine cascades at Pamukkale, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. We will make a special stop at the ancient tell of Colossae. Although the tell itself is currently unexcavated, this is the location of the church Paul wrote to in his Epistle to the Colossians. Overnight Kusadasi. B, D.

We will enjoy a full day exploring Ephesus in depth—the impressive capital of Roman Asia Minor, where Paul preached, taught for over two years, and was eventually imprisoned. Our tour includes a special visit to the Terrace Houses, as well as a tour of the Harbor, the Great Amphitheater, which seated nearly 25,000 people, Marble Street, the Library of Celsius, the Gymnasium, and the Temple of Hadrian. We will also see the location of the remains of the Temple of Diana (or the Temple of Artemis), one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the Basilica of St. John, whose later life and death are associated with Ephesus. We will even have the opportunity to visit the museum of Ephesus with its impressive collection of ancient statues. Overnight Kusadasi. B, D.

This morning, we will tour the ruins of ancient Smyrna, the final one of the Seven Churches in Revelation that we will visit on the tour. Much of this significant city is hidden under modern Izmir, but we will see the memorable archaeological remains of the agora. Afterwards, we will make our way to the airport (ADB) and board our flight for Cappadocia, the Land of the Fairy-Chimneys! Overnight Cappadocia. B, D.

We will spend the entirety of today exploring the history and scenery of Cappadocia. First, we’ll visit Goreme Open Air Museum to see the famous volcanic rock formations and “fairy chimneys.” Many early Christians lived and worshipped deep inside these rocks and crags. We will get to see the frescoes and paintings that still remain centuries later. Next, we’ll visit the underground city of Derinkuyu. To protect themselves from Roman persecution and marauding bandits, local communities dug deep into the earth and built expansive, underground “cities” that reach a depth of an estimated 7 stories below the surface. After our tour of the underground city, we will have the opportunity to see the Natural Citadel of Uchisar and the small, picturesque village of Avanos, famous for its red clay pottery! Overnight Cappadocia. B, D.

At sunrise, you will have the optional choice to pariticipate in a hot air balloon ride high above the spectacular fairy chimneys (subject to weather conditions; additional cost: $315 per person). Then, after breakfast, we will enjoy a walk together in the serene Soganli Valley. Nestled among the rolling hills in the southern part of Cappadocia, the quiet valley of Soganli contains beautiful walking paths, original dovecotes built by monks, and uniquely painted churches. We will gradually make our way to the picturesque Gomeda Valley and visit the old Greek village of Sinasos – now called Mustafapasa. This area was home to many ethnic Greeks prior to the founding of the current Republic of Turkey. The village still retains its ancient Greek architecture, and you will still find many Greek Orthodox churches here. Admire the city’s ornately carved wooden doors, quaint two-story houses with their charming balconies, and the lively village square. Overnight Cappadocia. B, D.

After enjoying a late morning, we will take a short flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. Overnight Istanbul. B, D.

In the morning, we will make our way to Istanbul Airport (IST) and begin our journey home. Later today, we will arrive back in Tampa (TPA), filled with wonderful memories from our tour.