Experience the glory of Eastern antiquity and consider the rise of early Christianity on this excursion planned exclusively for Bible Land Explorers. Archaeologist Mark Ziese is teaming up with long-time friend, cultural guide, and culinary specialist, Adnan Duvenci, for another foray into Western Turkey. Beginning in Istanbul, a continental crossroads, we will travel south by land and water to explore biblical and classical sites. On the way, we will follow in the footsteps of Paul in Ephesus and Miletus. We'll trace the experience of the Apostle John and consider his message to the seven churches in the region. Our agenda of classical sites include Homer's Troy and beautiful Aphrodisias. 

In Turkey we will travel well, see well, and eat well! 

Dr Ziese retired as Dean of the School of Bible and Theology at Johnson University after 30 years of teaching at the college and seminary level. He is an author, speaker, founder and director of Bible Land Explorer (www.BibleLandExplorer.com), an organization designed to "explore the place where faith begins." 

 

 

ª if desired, airfare can also be arranged from other airports and priced separately

ªª Land only bookings will require private transfer arrangements from airport to hotel upon arrival

 

 

 

Day 1/Oct 2/Mon         ARRIVAL - ATLANTA TO ISTANBUL

Arrive to Istanbul and transfer (as a group) to Levni Hotel. (B, D)

 

Day 2/Oct 3/Tue           ISTANBUL

Full day walking tour. Visits to: Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Serefiye Cistern and Grand Bazaar. (B, D)

 

Day 3/Oct 4/Wed         ISTANBUL

Istanbul tour with a bosphorus cruise on a local ferry. (B, D)

 

Day 4/Oct 5/Thu         ISTANBUL-CANAKKALE

Drive to Canakkale. Visits to Troy and Troy Museum. Check in to the Tusan Hotel. (B, D)

 

Day 5/Oct 6/Fri           CANAKKALE-ASSOS

Drive to Assos and visit. Check in to the Nazlihan Assos Hotel. (B, D)

 

Day 6/Oct 7/Sat            ASSOS-BERGAMA-SARD

Visits to: Pergamon, Akhisar Thyatira. Check in to the Lidya Sardes Thermal Hotel. (B, D)

 

Day 7/Oct 8/Sun           SARD PAMUKKALE

Vistis to: Sardis, Philadelphia. Check in to the Doga Thermal Hotel Pamukkale. (B, D)

 

Day 8/Oct 9/Mon         PAMUKKALE

Visits to: Laodicea, Pamukkale (B, D)

 

Day 9/Oct 10/Tue         PAMUKKALE-KUSADASI

Visits to: Aphrodisias and drive to Kusadasi. Check in to the Lavista Hotel Kusadasi. (B, D)

 

Day 10/Oct 11/Wed      KUSADASI

Visits to: Ephesus, St. John, Virgin Mary House. (B, D) 

 

Day 11/Oct 12/Thu       KUSADASI

Visits to: Miletus (B, D)

 

Day 12/Oct 13/Fri         DEPARTURE - IZMIR TO ISTANBUL, ISTANBUL TO ATLANTA

Transfer to Izmir Airport as a group for a flight to Istanbul connecting with your homebound flight. If booking your own flights out of Istanbul, please do not schedule them before 2pm on 10/13. (B)

 

SELECTED HOTELS:

Levni Hotel Istanbul: https://bit.ly/3IzXsSC

Troia Tusan Hotel Canakkale: https://bit.ly/3ishLGS  

Nazlihan Hotel Assos: https://bit.ly/3NbIGoD

Lidya Sardes Thermal Hotel: https://bit.ly/36mRuYb

Doga Thermal Hotel Pamukkale: https://bit.ly/3LasT7s

Lavista Hotel Kusadasi: https://lavistahotel.net/en/homepage/

 

 

Travelmation, LLC will be processing payments for Flights, Travel Insurance and Private Transfers for Land-only travelers.
Credo Tours will be processing payments for the Land Tour in Turkey and is responsible for all contents of the Land Tour.

 

Payment Schedule: