Türkiye and the Early Church

March 31 - April 11, 2025

$3,300 (Land-only)

Our purpose

Curiosity and faith propel us to interesting corners of the world. We are curious to learn about how people lived in the past as well as in the present. We are fascinated by expressions of faith, and, in the case of Türkiye, want to experience places connected with the early Christian movement. Türkiye, or ancient Asia Minor, was a home and destination for Paul, John, Timothy, and others. Ultimately, we seek to identify with the perspective and values of these early believers.

OUR program

March 31 (Monday) Travel Day

Depart USA on a transatlantic flight.

April 1 (Tuesday) Arrival Day

Arrive in Istanbul, collect your belongings, and transfer as a group to your hotel. Relax there, and, as time and energy permit, go for an orientation walk in the charming downtown district. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul (Hotel Armada or similar).

April 2 (Wednesday) The Wonders of Istanbul (part 1)

Begin your exploration of the timeless wonders of Istanbul. Tour the Blue Mosque, an iconic monument of Ottoman architecture. Visit the nearby hippodrome, a chariot race-track in the Roman period, today a popular plaza. Continue to the Basilica Cistern, an amazing underground water storage facility from the 6th c AD. Finally, tantalize the senses with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, a market of spices, sweets, fruits, nuts, and Turkish delight. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul (Hotel Armada or similar).

April 3 (Thursday) The Wonders of Istanbul (part 2)

Plunge into Istanbul again with a visit to Topkapi Palace. This exquisite palace was a home to Ottoman sultans, state officials, and the harem. After visiting palace courtyards and collections, enter Hagia Sophia, built as a cathedral and perhaps the grandest example of Byzantine architecture in the world. Gaze upwards at its columns and mosaics. After lunch, wander the Grand Bazaar, a covered market with more than 4,000 shops. Relax on the water with a Bosphorus cruise and appreciate the geographic situation of Istanbul between the continents of Europe and Asia. Savor dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul (Hotel Armada or similar). 

April 4 (Friday) Istanbul to Çanakkale

Get an early start on this day for a drive south. Travel by coach to Çanakkale a site that gave its name to the Dardanelles. Pass by Gallipoli, a battlefield from the First World War. Enjoy lunch along this historic strait before visiting legendary Troy and the newly opened Troy Museum. Climb the ancient mound and dream of Achilles, Hector, and a hollow wooden horse. Continue for dinner and overnight in Hotel Double Hilton.

April 5 (Saturday) Çanakkale to Assos

Rise to the site of Alexandria Troas, an important port city from the Roman period. Here, the Apostle Paul raised Eutychus and sailed for Macedonia. After a seafood lunch on the Aegean, continue to Assos. Appreciate its ruins and its renowned resident: Aristotle! Dinner and overnight by the Aegean Sea (at the Spa Hotel or similar). 

April 6 (Sunday) Assos to Izmir

Leave the sea breezes behind and venture into rugged hills. Come face to face with Pergamum and its dramatic acropolis. Consider mentions of this region and this site connected with John’s vision in the book of Revelation (“the Seven Churches”). After lunch, visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing. This “hospital” was once home to Galen, the most famous physician of the Roman world. Continue to Izmir (or Smyrna). In the late afternoon/evening, enjoy a walking tour of this modern city with ancient roots. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

April 7 (Monday) Sart to Pamukkale

Explore two more sites associated with John’s “Seven Churches.” Start at Sart or Sardis, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lydia. Walk its streets and stand in the shadow of the famous temple of Artemis. Continue to Philadelphia, a place remembered as “little Athens” because of its ancient festivals and temples. Overnight, dinner, and spa at Pamukkale. 

April 8 (Tuesday) Pamukkale

Enjoy the fertile Lycus Valley (especially beautiful in the Spring!). It is famous for sheep, wool, and spas. Two sites anchor our travel this day. In the morning hours, visit the incredible excavations at Laodicea, forever remembered by John as “lukewarm.”  In the afternoon, visit Hierapolis (“sacred city”) and marvel at its graveyard and temples. You won’t forget the white cliffs around Hierapolis, formed by the hot springs that flow out of the ground. Return to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.

April 9 (Wednesday)

Begin this day driving in the direction of Ephesus. Stop at a weaving center, remember Paul’s vocation as a weaver and “tentmaker,” and learn how modern artisans make Turkish carpets. After lunch, visit Ephesus, one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Walk its streets, enjoy the spectacular ruins, and consider afresh the biblical ministries of John and Paul. Both of these men called Ephesus home for a time. Continue to the Aegean coast for dinner and overnight at Kusadasi.

April 10 (Thursday)

On this last day, rise and travel to Miletus. Sit in an enormous Roman theater and contemplate Paul’s visit here at the close of his third missionary journey. Continue to nearby Didyma and walk in the shadows of ancient temples and churches. Conclude this relaxing day with a visit to St John’s Basilica. Stand above the tomb of John the Apostle and contemplate the narrative of Jesus that he offered to this region and to the world. Return to your hotel in Kusadasi for a gala dinner and overnight. 

April 11 (Friday)

Board your plane from Izmir to Istanbul, and from there, back home to the USA. Carry memories of Türkiye that will last a lifetime!

our teaching team

OUR FINE PRINT

TOTAL COST FOR LAND-ONLY TOUR: $3,300

Here comes the fine print . . .

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Double-room occupancy for 10 nights in premium hotels

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinners)

Lunches and some dinners in special local restaurants (something new everyday!)

All site entrance fees, program fees, and administrative fees

Arrival and departure group transfer (and counsel for individual arrivals)

Turkish airline flight from Izmir to Istanbul (at the end of the tour)

Comfortable deluxe motorcoach travel, A/C equipped

2 bottles of water each day on the bus

2 hour Bosphorus sunset cruise on private boat with wine and drinks

Terrace house ticket while touring Ephesus

All tips/gratuities for drivers and hotel porters

Guide services of Adnan Düvenci for the duration of the journey

Biblical teaching by Dr Mark Ziese for the duration of the journey

. . .  and much more!

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Round-trip international airfare

Optional travel protection program

Miscellaneous fee such as individual transfers

Passports, laundry, beverages at meals, baggage fees

Upcharge of $575 for a single-room occupancy

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT

Total cost for land-only tour: $3,300

A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required to hold your seat (seats are limited, so register early!)

Passport and registration information must be submitted no later than January 1, 2025.

Balance due no later than January 1, 2025 .

Please inform us of your flight arrangements at first opportunity. This will assist us as we seek the best arrangement for transfers. Unless you are doing a pre-tour, target April 1, 2025 as your arrival day in Istanbul. We will do an easy walkabout that evening. Our program will begin on the morning of April 2, 2025.

Please make check payable to “Bible Land Explorer” and mail to 13 Levassor Avenue, Covington, KY  41014.

TRANSFERS

A single group transfer from the airport to the first hotel, and from the last hotel back to the airport is included in the stated price. We will try to accommodate as many travelers as possible in this transfer. Travelers moving outside of this window of time (either because of purposive scheduling or delays on the part of the airlines) will need to make their own transfer arrangements. We can help. Contact Mark or Adnan.

FIT TO TRAVEL

Passengers must accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Because many of the sites are not accessible to the physically challenged, those needing oxygen, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory assistance will find the tour extremely limiting to their experiences. Bible Land Explorer reserves the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of Bible Land Explorer, incapable of group travel without causing undue demands upon the staff or other tour participants.

NON-LIABILITY

Passenger agrees that Bible Land Explorer assumes no liability for injury, death, damage, loss, theft, accident, delay, any lost or damaged luggage, or irregularity which may occur by reason of any negligent or willful act or omission of any supplier of service.

ITINERARY CHANGES

While Bible Land Explorer will make every effort to ensure you will see all sites listed in this brochure (and perhaps some unlisted bonus sites!), the availability of sites, order of sites and/or number of days may be altered to accommodate changes due to airline, hotel schedules, and local conditions outside of our control.

CANCELLATION

If a passenger cancels his/her tour for any reason prior to the day of departure, a refund will be issued (less the $200 deposit). On or after the day of departure, refunds must be requested through the optional trip insurance plan purchased by the traveler.

TRIP INSURANCE

It is recommended that all travelers purchase a travel protection plan to protect their investment.. This plan is optional and is helpful in the case of medical emergencies, flight delays, lost baggage, etc. Ideally, insurance should cover the cost of the land and air portions of travel and include a “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) clause. Insurers who offer these kinds of programs include World Nomads, Trip Mate, Faye, and others.

TRIP EXTENSIONS

For those would wish to have a pre/post trip extension to visit Cappadocia, contact Adnan for private arrangements. Cappadocia, located in the center of the country, is an amazing landscape of history and geography. Fairy chimneys, early Christian churches and monasteries cut from bedrock, underground cities, and balloon rides beckon!

COMMUNICATION 

Mark Ziese may be reached by email at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com or by phone at (859) 486-7132.

Adnan Düvenci may be reached by email at turkishguide@superonline.com.

Find other helps at www.BibleLandExplorer.com or YouTube @BibleLandExplorer.

To register, click the link here.