Join us as we embark on a transformative biblical expedition through Turkey, where ancient history and sacred scriptures come to life. Explore key sites of early Christianity, walk in the footsteps of apostles, and immerse yourself in rich biblical history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures on this unforgettable spiritual journey.
The heart of this expedition is to empower you to become the disciple God is calling you to be. By better understanding the world of the Bible, you will better understand the words of the Bible, transforming your ability to study it, do what it teaches, and share it with others.
Our expeditions, led by an experienced team of expertly trained guides, offer the finest travel experiences, providing you the peace of mind that everything down to the smallest detail has been taken care of so you can immerse yourself in the journey, encounter God, and be empowered to better understand the words of the Bible by exploring its world.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Underground Cisterns, key symbols of Byzantine and Ottoman history.
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Explore the ruins of Troy, made famous by Homer's Iliad, and see the famous "Wooden Horse."
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Discover the best-preserved ancient city in the Meditteranean, including the Celsus Library, Domitian Temple, and Terrace Houses, plus the Temple of Artemis.
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Visit key early Christian sites like Pergamum, Sardis, and Thyatira, each connected to the Seven Churches of Revelation.
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Experience the stunning white thermal terraces of Pamukkale and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its necropolis and the martyrium of St. Phillip.
PRICING INFORMATION
Occupancy | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room | $3,611 |
Single Private Room | $4,721 |
*All trip prices are per person based on double shared room occupancy or single private room occupancy, unless otherwise noted, and do not include airfare. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. Also, please note that, should the group drop below the minimum required number of participants, prices may be subject to change.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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10 overnight stays at the following hotels:
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(2) nights in Istanbul at Swissotel the Bosphorus
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(1) night in Canakkale at Kolin Hotel
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(1) night in Edremit at Allia Thermal & Spa Kazdaglari
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(1) night in Izmir at Movenpick Hotel
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(2) nights in Pamukkale at Doga Thermal Hotel
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(3) nights in Kusadasi at Charisma Deluxe Hotel
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Daily hotel buffet breakfast
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Dinners at the following restaurants:
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First night welcome buffet dinner at Swissotel the Bosphorus
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All dinners at Kolin Hotel, Grand Temizel, Doga Thermal Hotel & Charisma Deluxe Hotel
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Local restaurant dinner on Sept 7th at Tavaci Recep Usta
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All bus transfers upon arrival and departure with an English-speaking assistant
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Private morning Bosphorus cruise on Sept 5th
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Local English-speaking guide
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BE Instructor Marc Turnage
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Deluxe air-conditioned bus and driver
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All entrance fees and activities as per itinerary
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All tips (hotel staff, guides, driver, etc)
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BE devotional and educational materials
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Individual headsets for each participant
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2 bottles of water on the bus per person, per day
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
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Overseas Medical or Travel Insurance
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Airfare to/from Istanbul, Turkey
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Domestic flight from Izmir to Istanbul, Turkey
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Dinner on Sept 4th in Istanbul
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COVID-19 PCR/RAPID testing
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Expenses of a personal nature
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Anything not previously mentioned
TRIP INSTRUCTOR
Marc Turnage
Founder of Biblical Expeditions
Marc holds an MA in Ancient Judaism and the Origins of Christianity from Jerusalem University College. He is currently finishing his PhD in the Land of Israel Studies Department at Bar Ilan University located in Ramat Gan, Israel, under the supervision of Professor Esther Eshel. Marc has taught graduate and undergraduate students at several universities in the United States and abroad. Marc moved to Israel to study because he felt that the issues of spatial, historical, cultural, and spiritual settings played a vital role in how we read the Bible. While studying in Israel, he fell in love with the lands of the Bible. He has been guiding groups through Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy for over twenty years. Marc is a highly sought-after guide and teacher and routinely trains and lectures local tour guides about guiding Christian groups. He is passionate about leading biblical tours that deliver the very finest experience and helping people understand how to read the Bible. Marc has published widely for both academic and popular audiences. His most recent book, Windows Into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine one of its top 100 Christian living resources. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker, and a gifted teacher. He resides in Springfield, MO with his family.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: September 2nd, 2025
Depart USA. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2: September 3rd, 2025
Arrive to Istanbul International Airport. Meet our guide and private luxury motor coach and transfer to our hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy a group buffet dinner and overnight stay in Istanbul at the Swissotel the Bosphorus Hotel.
Day 3: September 4th, 2025
We will visit the famous Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and sparkling interior. We will also visit the Archaeological Museum and nearby Museum of the Ancient Orient - two world class museums where artifacts from all over the Near East have been collected, including the famous Jerusalem Temple Inscription and the inscription from Hezekiah’s Tunnel (also from Jerusalem). Walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) that, for 1000 years, was the largest church in Christendom. Built by Justinian (532-537 AD), the church has 107 columns and beautiful glass mosaics. We will visit the Underground Cisterns. Enjoy dinner on your own and an overnight stay in Istanbul at Swissotel the Bosphorus Hotel.
Day 4: September 5th, 2025
Enjoy a leisurely boat tour along the Bosphorus, seeing both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul. Visit the Spice (Egyptian) Market. Drive to Çanakkale. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and stay overnight in Çanakkale at Kolin Hotel.
Day 5: September 6th, 2025
Our morning begins with visiting the legendary site of Troy. Made famous by Homer in the Iliad, we visit the ruins of Troy and see a replica of the famous “Wooden Horse.” From Troy, we travel to Alexandria Troas (Acts 16:6-10; 20:13-16) to visit the harbor and the new excavation area. Our day concludes visiting the site of Assos (where Paul stopped on his third missionary journey; Acts 20:13-14). We drive to our hotel in Edremit for dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay at Allia Thermal & Spa Kazdaglari.
Day 6: September 7th, 2025
Drive to Bergama to visit the Pergamum, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Its acropolis is set on a hill high above the modern town of Bergama. The site boasts its famous ancient library, the Trajan imperial cult temple, the steepest theater in Turkey, and the foundation of the altar of Zeus. We will also see the healing center at the Asclepium. The famous doctor Galen lived and practiced at the Asclepium for many years. After Pergamum, we drive to Thyatira and visit the meager Roman remains in the heart of the modern city. We will enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant Tavacı Recep Usta and stay overnight in Izmir at Izmir Movenpick Hotel.
Day 7: September 8th, 2025
Our morning begins by visiting the ongoing excavations at the Smyrna agora and the ancient acropolis. We then drive to Sardis (Sart), one of the most picturesque sites of the Seven Churches of Asia (Revelation 1:11; 3:1-4) and the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom of the 6th century BC. We visit the restored gymnasium and reconstructed synagogue. We will also see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis, and the ‘golden’ river Pactolos. On our way to the Lychus Valley, we visit the few remains of Philadelphia, before continuing to Pamukkale. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel and stay overnight Pamukkale at Doga Thermal Hotel.
Day 8: September 9th, 2025
We begin the morning visiting Hierapolis that features the largest necropolis in Turkey. Near its theater in Hierapolis, we will always see the newly excavated martyrium of Philip. Paul mentions Hierapolis in his letter to the Colossians. Next, we will visit the new excavations at Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches. Then we will drive to Colossae in the Lycus Valley to see the location of the unexcavated site. Paul wrote two letters to this city – Colossians and Philemon. Return to Pamukkale for dinner and an overnight stay at Doga Thermal Hotel.
Day 9: September 10th, 2025
Drive to Aphrodisias, where archaeological excavations led by the New York University have unearthed numerous fine marble statues. We will see the best-preserved stadium in Turkey as well as the temple of Aphrodite. We will also visit the newly opened museum that features statues from the Sebasteion. On our way to Kusadasi, we visit the ancient site of Magnesia (Tralles) with its forum and large stadium. Continue to Kusadasi, the holiday town on the shores of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Kusadasi at Charisma Deluxe Hotel.
Day 10: September 11th, 2025
This morning, we drive to Miletus to see the well-preserved theater. At Miletus Paul delivered his speech to the Ephesian elders near one of its four harbors. As we approach Didyma, we will visit the remains of the Sacred Way that linked Miletus to this ancient oracle site at the Temple of Apollo. The Temple to Apollo at Didyma is the finest temple in the Aegean region. At Priene, we will see the best-preserved Hellenistic theater in Turkey. We will also view the remains of a synagogue in the west residential district and the city’s bouleterion. Return to Kusadasi for dinner and an overnight stay at Charisma Deluxe Hotel.
Day 11: September 12th, 2025
This morning, we visit the ancient site of Ephesus. Located near the modern town of Selçuk, Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city of the eastern Mediterranean. Paul spent nearly three years in the city during his third journey. At Ephesus, we will see the Domitian Temple, the Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, and a theater with a seating capacity for 24,000 people. We will also tour the ongoing excavations at the terrace houses where the rich and famous of Ephesus lived. We will also visit the excellent local archaeological museum, and the site of the Temple of Artemis, the largest religious structure of the ancient world. We will enjoy our last dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi at Charisma Deluxe Hotel.
Day 12: September 13th, 2025
This morning, we drive to the airport in Izmir to catch flights to Istanbul and return to the USA challenged and encouraged in our faith!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Swissôtel The Bosphorus is a luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Istanbul, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and the city's skyline. Set in a serene 65-acre park, the hotel blends modern elegance with traditional Turkish hospitality. With world-class amenities, exquisite dining options, and a full-service spa, Swissôtel provides an exceptional experience for both leisure and business travelers. Its central location offers easy access to Istanbul’s top attractions, making it the perfect base to explore the vibrant city.
Kolin Hotel, located in the scenic coastal city of Canakkale, Turkey, offers a luxurious blend of comfort and modern amenities. With its spacious rooms, stunning sea views, and world-class facilities, Kolin Hotel provides a relaxing retreat for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, a full-service spa, and easy access to nearby historical landmarks, including the ancient city of Troy and Gallipoli. Whether for a peaceful getaway or an eventful stay, Kolin Hotel promises an unforgettable experience.
Allia Thermal & Spa Kazdağları is a luxurious wellness retreat nestled in the pristine Kazdağları (Mount Ida) region of Turkey. Surrounded by natural beauty, this upscale resort offers guests a unique blend of thermal spa treatments, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. The hotel features comfortable rooms, rejuvenating thermal pools, a full-service spa, and exquisite dining options. With its serene atmosphere and proximity to lush forests, Allia Thermal & Spa is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquility, health, and a connection to nature.
Mövenpick Hotel is a sophisticated, contemporary hotel offering world-class service and amenities in prime locations across major cities worldwide. Known for its blend of luxury and comfort, each Mövenpick property features stylish accommodations, gourmet dining options, and exceptional facilities, including wellness centers, event spaces, and pool areas. Whether traveling for business or leisure, guests can enjoy a seamless experience, with personalized service and a focus on sustainability and local culture. Perfect for those seeking a refined and memorable stay.
Doga Thermal Hotel, located in the heart of Turkey’s thermal spa region, offers a rejuvenating escape with its luxurious thermal baths and serene natural surroundings. The hotel features modern accommodations, a full-service spa, and therapeutic thermal pools renowned for their healing properties. Guests can enjoy a range of wellness treatments, gourmet dining, and easy access to nearby natural wonders. With its tranquil ambiance and focus on health and relaxation, Doga Thermal Hotel provides the perfect getaway for those seeking rest and rejuvenation.
Charisma Deluxe Hotel, located in the beautiful city of Kusadasi, Turkey, offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. This five-star hotel features elegant rooms, a private beach, a range of dining options, and a full-service spa, ensuring a relaxing and indulgent stay. With its modern amenities, exceptional service, and proximity to top attractions like Ephesus and the Dilek Peninsula, Charisma Deluxe is an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking a high-end experience in a stunning coastal setting.
THE FINE PRINT
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A deposit of $500 per person is due immediately upon booking. The balance is due 100 days before departure.
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Cancellations of confirmed bookings within 7 days of registration will receive a full refund minus a $175 (per person) administrative fee. Cancellations after 7 days of registration but more than 100 days before departure will be subject to loss of their $500 deposit. 50-99 days prior to departure will be subject to loss of 50% of trip price. 49 or fewer days prior to departure will be subject to loss of 100% of trip price.
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Land costs are quoted as a package and credits are not given for services not used.
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Trip pricing does not include airfare to/from the trips starting point unless otherwise noted in the trip itinerary/website.
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If booking group airfare the group must maintain a minimum of 10 flying passengers.
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Availability cannot be guaranteed until registration is complete. We exercise best efforts to book hotels per itinerary, however in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 100 days of tour date, we may be forced to offer substitutes.
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Please be aware that living standards and cultural norms at locations may differ from those in the USA.
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Travel Insurance is not required but highly recommended. Biblical Expeditions does not sell travel Insurance nor is the travel insurance offered by our hosting platform, WeTravel, connected to us in anyway.
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Overseas medical coverage is required, and we must have a copy of your policy prior to departure.
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Please see our full Terms & Conditions for more details.