Today we board our motorcoach at CCPC, and make our way to the airport in Miami (MIA). We begin our journey to Turkey, spending the night in-flight.

Today we arrive in Turkey at Izmir Airport (ADB), and transfer to our hotel. Overnight Kusadasi. Charisma De Luxe Hotel or similar. D.

Early breakfast and departure for the port of Kusadasi, where we embark on our charter boat to Patmos. Upon arrival on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9), we will visit the Monastery of Saint John, traditionally associated with his exile and the writing of the Book of Revelation. According to Greek tradition, the island was once called “Letois,” named after Leto, the mother of Artemis, and was believed to have been formed through divine intervention. We will also visit the Grotto of the Revelation (Cave of the Apocalypse). Afterwards, we return to our charter boat and sail back to the port of Kusadasi, followed by transfer to our hotel. Overnight Kusadasi. Charisma De Luxe Hotel or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we depart for Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. We begin with a visit to the House of the Mary, followed by a tour of the ancient ruins, including the Great Theatre, where Paul once preached to the Ephesians. The message to the Church in Ephesus is found in Revelation 2:1–7, where they are commended for their perseverance but also warned to return to their first love: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Afterwards, return to the hotel. Overnight Kusadasi. Charisma De Luxe Hotel or similar. B, D.

We depart for Sardis, once the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom and one of the most important cities of Asia Minor. Here we will visit the impressive remains of the ancient synagogue, one of the largest in the ancient world, as well as the gymnasium and the Temple of Artemis. Sardis is mentioned in Revelation 3:1–6, where the church is called to awaken and strengthen what remains: “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die.” Later, we depart for Philadelphia, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, known for its faithfulness. We will visit the ancient site and see the remains of the early Christian Basilica. The message to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7–13 commends their perseverance and loyalty to Christ: “I have set before you an open door that no one can shut.” Afterwards, we depart for Pamukkale. Overnight Pamukkale. Pam Thermal or similar. B, D.

We visit Hierapolis, an important city renowned for its healing thermal springs and impressive necropolis. Closely associated with the Apostle Philip, who is believed to have been martyred here, Hierapolis became an important center of early Christianity and is also mentioned in connection with the Church at Colossae (Colossians 4:13). As we walk through its remarkably preserved ruins, including the ancient theatre, baths and broad colonnaded streets, we reflect on the spread of the Gospel throughout the Lycus Valley and the enduring witness of the early Church. We will see the site of ancient Colossae, and then depart for Laodicea, an important ancient city known for its wealth and medical school. Here we will explore the archaeological site, including the theatre, temples and ancient streets. Laodicea is mentioned in Revelation 3:14–22, where the church is warned against spiritual lukewarmness: “Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Overnight Izmir. Hilton Garden Inn or similar. B, D.

After breakfast, we travel to Pergamum, where we will explore the Acropolis, the famous Altar of Zeus and the Asclepion. Pergamum is mentioned in Revelation 2:12–17, where the church is praised for holding fast to the name of Christ, even in difficult circumstances: “I know where you live, where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name.” Later, we explore ancient Smyrna, visiting the Roman Agora and the Church of Saint Polycarp. The message to Smyrna in Revelation encourages perseverance in the face of persecution. We depart for Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and the home of Lydia, the seller of purple cloth (Acts 16:14). Although only limited remains survive today, we will visit the ancient site and reflect on the message addressed to the Church of Thyatira in Revelation 2:18–29, where they are commended for their love, faith and service, but also warned against false teachings and compromise. Your flight home may depart late tonight or the following day. If the following day and an overnight is required (if departing after 2am on March 11), Overnight Izmir. Hilton Garden Inn or similar. B, D.

Your flight home may depart either the previous night or today. If today and time allows, breakfast is included today. Either way, later today we will arrive back in Miami, where we will board our coach bus back to CCPC.