Details
Tour of Turkey
The Seven Churches and Patmos Tour
Turkey contains more biblical sites, after Israel, than any other country in the world.
The Apostle Paul traveled here on all three of his missionary journeys. The apostle John lived and ministered in Ephesus, Philip the Evangelist evangelized and was martyred in Hierapolis (close to Laodicea). Many first century churches were planted in Asia Minor (Turkey) including the seven churches of Revelation (chapters 2-3). The churches of Galatia and the church of Colossae, were in Turkey. This 12-13 day trip focuses on the seven churches of Revelation sites, the island of Patmos where John wrote Revelation, and the churches at Hierapolis and Colossae.
Group size is small, usually 18 people. This allows for personal attention and greater intimacy. However, based on interest we can increase this number.
Travel can be arranged by bus or car, depending on the group size. Communication between cars is with 2-way radios.
Sailing the Aegean to the Island of Patmos (Greece) is a phenomenal part of this trip.
Tribe of Dan Tours will provide study materials and internet resources for 3 months in advance of the trip. This greatly increases the learning experience.
We view this tour as a pilgrimage. Meaningful Bible studies, teaching sessions and prayer will take place at many sites. The goal is spiritualconnection to God and biblical enrichment.
Interaction with the hospitable Turkish people is a very positive experience. The food is a culinary delight.
A Sample Itinerary of Turkey Tour
Day 1 – Depart USA.
Day 2 – Arrive in Turkey
Day 3-Explore the biblical ruins of Ephesus. These incredible ruins include the 25,000 seat theater mentioned in Acts 19:29-31 and the Library of Celsus. This place that was graced by both the Apostles John and Paul will be the site of our Bible study.
Day 4-Ride 20 minutes to Kusadasi and board the boat to Patmos. Arrive in Patmos late afternoon and settle into a Patmos hotel.
Day 5-Explore the exotic island of Patmos by car or bus. Visit the cave of the Apocalypse. Read passages of Revelation while sitting atop a mountain or cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Day 6-Ride the boat back from Patmos to Turkey and stay overnight in Celcuk.
Day 7-Travel to the city of Izmir and the ruins of Smyrna in the city center. Listen to a lecture about the site which will contain a devotional element (this is the case at all the sites). Travel on to Bergama (Pergamum). In the evening, settle into a comfortable boutique hotel and enjoy an evening meal in an outdoor café on the streets of Bergama.
Day 8-Visit the acropolis of Pergamum with its incredible view; its Great Theater, and the altar of Zeus. Visit the Asclepeion, a famous ancient healing center.
Day 9-On this day, visit Thyatira, experience Sardis with its incredible history, and drink coffee/tea from a high cliff overlooking Philadelphia (modern city of Alasehir). Dine and spend the evening in Pamukkale, close to Hierapolis and Laodicea.
Day 10-Stroll through the ruins of Hierapolis where you will visit the tomb of Philip the Evangelist, swim in the hot mineral springs of the Antique Pool (optional) and walk down the incredible travertines of Pamukkale. Visit the Tel Colssae. In the evening, dine at a street side café.
Day 11-Our last day of touring will be the ruins of Laodicea. In the afternoon, we will drive close to Izmir and stay in a hotel not far from the airport.
Day 12-Depart Izmir for Istanbul and on to the USA.
***With an extra two days we can tour Istanbul for one day and Troas and Troy another day.
NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport before the trip, enter “RENEWING” or “APPLIED FOR” when completing registration.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to sixty days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price.