Days
12
$3,995
Starting at
per person
Biblical Turkey Expedition
with Tracy Paino | September 4-15, 2026
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Trace the journeys of Paul through the Seven Churches of Revelation.
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Explore Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, and other ancient biblical cities.
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Discover iconic sites like Troy, Hierapolis, and the terraces of Pamukkale.
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Experience Scripture through early church history and apostolic landscapes.
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Enjoy curated travel, cultural immersion, and exceptional accommodations.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
GROUP SIZE
Min 20 - 24 Max
REGISTER BY:
June 17th, 2026
Join us for 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 Itinerary
Day 1: September 4th, 2026
Depart USA. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Day 2: September 5th, 2026
Arrive at Istanbul International Airport no later than 3pm on September 5th to meet our guide and take a group transfer to the hotel in Istanbul. Any participants arriving after 3pm will need to take a private transfer to the hotel, which is not included in trip costs. Later that evening we will enjoy a group buffet dinner and stay overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3: September 6th, 2026
Today we will visit the famous Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and sparkling interior. We will 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 1,000 years, was the largest church in Christendom. Built by Justinian (532-537 AD), the church has 107 columns and beautiful glass mosaics. Finally, we will visit the Underground Cisterns before returning to Istanbul where you will enjoy dinner on your own and stay overnight.
Day 4: September 7th, 2026
This morning we will embark on a leisurely boat tour along the Bosphorus—seeing both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul. We will also visit the Egyptian Spice Market before driving to Çanakkale where we will enjoy dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 5: September 8th, 2026
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 will then drive to our hotel in Edremit for dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 6: September 9th, 2026
Today we will drive to Bergama to visit the Pergamum, one of the Seven Churches. 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 will drive to Thyatira and visit the meager Roman remains in the heart of the modern city. Afterward we will enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant, the Tavacı Recep Usta, and stay overnight in Izmir.
Day 7: September 10th, 2026
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 will visit the few remains of Philadelphia, before continuing to Pamukkale where we will enjoy dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 8: September 11th, 2026
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. At the end of our day we will return to Pamukkale for dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 9: September 12th, 2026
Today we will drive to Aphrodisias, where archaeological excavations led by 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 will visit the ancient site of Magnesia (Tralles) with its forum and large stadium. Afterward we will continue on to Kusadasi, the holiday town on the shores of the Aegean Sea, where we will enjoy dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 10: September 13th, 2026
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. At the end of our day we will return to Kusadasi for dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 11: September 14th, 2026
This morning, we will 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 then return to the hotel in Kusadasi for dinner and stay overnight.
Day 12: September 15th, 2026
We will check out of the hotel as a group at 11:00AM and take a group transfer to the Izmir Airport for departure. Return flights should not be booked any earlier than 2:30PM. Any flights booked with a departure time before 2:30PM will require a private transfer to the airport which is not included in trip costs.
Accommodations
Located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Old City, Hotel Innova offers convenient access to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. This modern hotel blends comfort with city views, featuring well-appointed deluxe rooms, a rooftop restaurant, spa facilities, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay while being immersed in the vibrant culture and history of Istanbul.
Situated in the coastal city of Çanakkale, Parion Hotel provides a comfortable and contemporary retreat near the Dardanelles Strait. The hotel features spacious rooms, an indoor pool, spa, and on-site dining, making it a relaxing stop after a day of exploration. Its central location offers easy access to the waterfront and nearby historical sites, including Troy.
Set along the Aegean coastline in Ayvalık, Grand Temizel Hotel offers a peaceful seaside escape with beautiful ocean views. Guests can enjoy direct beach access, outdoor pools, and a range of leisure amenities. The hotel’s relaxed atmosphere, combined with its coastal setting, provides a refreshing break while traveling through western Turkey.
Located on Izmir’s scenic waterfront promenade, the Mövenpick Hotel offers upscale accommodations in one of Turkey’s most vibrant coastal cities. Known for its refined service and modern elegance, the hotel features stylish rooms, a rooftop fitness center, spa amenities, and excellent dining options. Its prime location places guests within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the Aegean Sea.
Nestled near the famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, Colossae Thermal Hotel is known for its natural thermal waters and wellness offerings. The property features thermal pools, spa services, and spacious grounds designed for relaxation. It’s an ideal place to unwind while experiencing one of Turkey’s most unique natural and historical regions.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, Korumar Deluxe Hotel offers stunning panoramic views and a resort-style experience in Kuşadası. Guests enjoy seaview rooms, private beach access, multiple pools, and a variety of dining options. Its location near Ephesus and other key sites makes it both a luxurious and convenient base for exploring the region.
Pricing & Registration
Pricing is based on group size and room selection. All 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. Note: should the group drop below the minimum required number of participants, prices may be subject to change.
Title | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room | $3,995 |
Single Private Room | $4,705 |
What's Included:
✓ 10 nights at the following (or similar) accommodations:
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2 nights at Hotel Innova (Deluxe)
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1 night at Parion Hotel
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1 night at Grand Temizel Hotel
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1 night at Izmir Movenpick Hotel
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2 nights at Collosae Thermal Hotel (Standard)
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3 nights at Korumar Deluxe Hotel (Seaview)
✓ Daily buffet-style breakfast at hotels
✓ Hotel buffet dinner - September 5th
✓ Hotel dinners - September 7th-8th, 10th-14th
✓ Group dinner at Tavaci Recep Usta - September 9th
✓ Biblical Expeditions Instructor Tracy Paino
✓ Local English-speaking guide
✓ BE private trip concierge
✓ Deluxe air-conditioned bus with WiFi & driver
✓ Individual headsets throughout the journey
✓ (2) water bottles per person, per day on the bus
✓ All site entrances and activities per itinerary
✓ All tips and gratuities (hotel, guides, driver, etc)
✓ (1) Group airport transfer upon arrival and departure with English speaking assistant
✓ Biblical Expeditions trip participant box
✓ 12-month BibleX Ask Ezra app subscription
What's Not Included:
✘ International airfare to/from Turkey
✘ Travel or overseas medical insurance
✘ All lunches and dinner on September 6th
✘ Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, laundry, etc.)
✘ Optional activities outside the scheduled itinerary
✘ Anything not explicitly listed in "What's Included"
Trip Instructor
Tracy Paino has Fifteen years in pastoral ministry, over twenty years in higher education, a two year stint as a national ministry representative for a missions organization that helps meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in poverty-stricken areas of the world. One of his many passions is to challenge people to go deeper in their faith, to make the Bible come alive, and to serve as a teaching guide for trips to the land of the Bible. He enjoys opening up new paths of insight into the Bible and the Christian faith using the context of biblical history, language, culture, and spirituality. High School students, College students, pastors, church leaders, and people from all walks of life benefit from his unique style of combining these elements with a pastoral approach while using the geographical and archeological realities of the biblical setting. His educational background includes a B.A. from Evangel University (Springfield, MO) in Biblical Studies, a Masters of Divinity from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel University (St. Paul, MN), and post-doctoral work in Biblical Languages, Biblical Geography, and Ancient Judaism.
Travel & Medical Insurance
We want you to feel fully prepared and confident for your journey. To simplify your planning, we now offer Travel and Overseas Medical Insurance through our trusted partner, Faye. This service is offered in-house by our licensed agent to support your peace of mind and protection as you travel.
Get a personalized quote in minutes — no research or emails required.
The Fine Print
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A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at registration.
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Final payment is due 100 days before departure.
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If you cancel more than 100 days before the trip, you will receive a refund of all payments except the $500 deposit.
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If you cancel 50–99 days before departure, 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
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If you cancel 49 days or fewer before departure, 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
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To protect your trip investment and ensure you are covered for unexpected medical needs or travel interruptions, travel insurance and overseas medical coverage are required for all travelers. We will send you a complimentary quote for convenience, but you are not required to purchase from our recommended provider.
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Please see our full Terms & Conditions for more details.