9-Day Tour of Turkey
CLERGY FAMILIARIZATION TRIP

Embark on your journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Istanbul. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience and get some rest during the flight. Tomorrow, we will begin exploring the biblical lands of Asia Minor, where the world and culture of the New Testament and the Seven Churches of Revelation will come alive.

Arrive at Istanbul Airport. Meet with our Guide and transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we explore Istanbul and visit the historic Old Town. We will visit the Hippodrome, Istanbul’s ancient sporting and social center, followed by the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Then, we visit the Hagia Sophia and the traditional Spice Market. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we transfer to Istanbul Airport and board our flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, we travel to Pergamum (modern Bergama), 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.” We depart for Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and associated with 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. Afterwards, we return to Izmir. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, 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 Izmir (ancient Smyrna), where we will visit the Roman Agora and the Church of Saint Polycarp. The message to Smyrna in Revelation 2:8–11 encourages perseverance and faithfulness in the face of persecution. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we depart for 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. Afterwards, we depart for Pamukkale. Arrival at our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we 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.” Afterwards, we depart for Kusadasi. Arrival at our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we depart for Ephesus, one of the bestpreserved ancient cities in the world. We begin with a tour of the ancient ruins, including the Great Theatre, where the Apostle Paul’s ministry had a profound impact on the city (Acts 19). 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, time permitting, we will visit St. John’s Basilica before we transfer to Izmir Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After arrival we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast we transfer to Istanbul Airport for our departure flight, carrying with us the best memories of our journey through the lands of the Seven Churches of Revelation.