Turkey and Greece Biblical Tour - 13 Days - 12 Nights

Arrival at Istanbul Airport. Our assistant will be waiting for you at the exit point. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. You’ll have the rest of the day free. Take your time to rest or discover Istanbul in your free time. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, you will meet your tour guide and start your Istanbul tour at 08.45 am.
Topkapı Palace, home to many Ottoman sultans (15th-19th century AD). Here, you will see the legacy of the Ottoman sultans, which includes the Imperial Treasury, gold objects, the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond, swords, vases, the sultans' clothing, and war tools decorated with precious stones and diamonds.
Note: The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday; instead, visit the Archaeology Museum.
Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Saint Sophia), was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century A.D. Beautiful mosaics and frescoes depicting Christian icons and Byzantine Emperors will be on display.
Take a lunch break in a local restaurant.
Blue Mosque, which features six beautiful minarets. Built in the 17th century, it takes its name from more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles used for interior decoration.
Then, we will stroll the historic Hippodrome Square, which was used as a meeting place for chariot races during the Byzantine period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column from Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Next, we will visit the Grand Bazaar, which boasts over 4,000 shops filled with hidden treasures and authentic items. Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays; instead, consider visiting the Egypt Bazaar or spending some free time.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.  (Breakfast)   

After breakfast, we will depart early for Akhisar (approximately 390 km, 5 hours). Upon arrival, we will have a lunch break in a local restaurant.
Thyatira Church, known as “The Corrupt Church” (Rev 2:18-29) in the Bible, is mentioned in the Book of Revelation. While exploring the ancient ruins in Akhisar, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the provincial Christian community's struggles and preservation of their faith. [Rev. 1:11; 2:18 - 24; Acts 16:14]. Paul's sermons in Philippi, Macedonia, mention Akhisar (Thyatira) and the church there.   Afterwards, we will visit Smyrna Church. ( 110 Km )
Smyrna Church, one of the Seven Churches where the Apostle John relays God's promise: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). Smyrna is the second city of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation to receive a message from St. John, which was specifically addressed to Smyrna. (Rev. 1:11;2:8), and known in the Bible as “The Persecuted Church” (Rev 2:8-11), mentioned as one of the Seven Churches in Asia Minor in the Book of Revelation.
Overnight stay in Kuşadası (Breakfast - Dinner) 

After breakfast, visit the famous ancient Ephesus.
Ephesus is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Roman Empire. The ancient city of Ephesus is an extraordinary archaeological heritage that brings together the centres of faith, culture, education, and life of the ancient world. Offering diversity in architecture, history, and faith, Ephesus presents a timeless journey that spans from the Temple of Artemis to the Library of Celsus, along ancient roads and sacred sites.
Terrace Houses, with their rich mosaics and frescoes, are living proof of the elite lifestyle of the period. (Entrance fee is extra)
The Church of Ephesus is the most important of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. It is thought that the Gospel of John was written here. (Acts 18: 19-24; 19: 1-35) Moreover, Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived there for three years.
The House of the Virgin Mary is a small, modest stone house situated in the forest on the side of a mountain, approximately 9 km from Ephesus.  St. John brought Mary to Ephesus, following Jesus Christ's advice to his mother (John 19:27). And she spent her last years in this house.
Lunch break in a local restaurant.
The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
St. John's Church was built on the site of the tomb of Saint John by Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his wife, Theodora, in 565 A.D.
A short shopping break for souvenirs and Turkish delight. On request, visit the leather clothing factory outlet centre with a fashion show.
Overnight in Kuşadası. (Breakfast - Dinner) 

After breakfast, we depart for Pamukkale early in the morning (210 km—3,5 hrs). Upon arrival, we will visit Hierapolis. Here, we will visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by the Roman Emperor Domitian. We will also see the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Street, the ancient 2nd-century Roman Theatre, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, and the Necropolis.
Walk around the grave monuments built to honour heroes. Each tomb is a miniature work of art telling a different story. We will finish our tour here by relaxing on the travertine terraces. Afterwards, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. Then visit Laodicea.
Laodicea, which hosted the Laodicean Church, is another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. We will see the ancient theatre, the remains of a basilica, and a glorious ancient city. Laodicea thrived as a major centre of worship for the pagan goddess Aphrodite for about 500 years after Christ. The Christians of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches (Rev. 3: 14-22), were chastised for being lukewarm, "You are neither cold nor hot" (Rev. 3: 15), and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs.
Overnight in a Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale  (Breakfast - Dinner) 

After breakfast in our hotel, we will continue our journey to Philadelphia, now called Alaşehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], and the only church that wasn’t censored. There, we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit high arch and some 11th-century frescoes.  We will continue to Salihli  (Sardis). This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We will visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which was turned into a Byzantine Church. We will also see the restored Sardis Gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. The church at Sardes had a few devoted members, but it was essentially a dead church (Revelation 3: 1,4).
The Christian community of Smyrna, mentioned in the Book of Revelation by the Apostle John, was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor.
Smyrna is the second city in the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation to receive messages from St. John (Rev. 1:11;2:8). We will observe the remains of basilicas and architectural works from the Roman period.
Visit the oldest church in Izmir, the Saint Polycarp Church, where the bishop of Smyrna and a student of St. John was martyred in the 2nd century.
Overnight in Izmir (Breakfast - Dinner) 

Izmir to Pergamon is 1 hr drive. Bergama is an ancient Mycenaean city on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit the Acropolis, where the library once held 200,000 books, and the Asklepion, a treatment centre founded in the name of the god of health, Asklepios.  The Acropolis of Pergamum is situated on a hill where some of the most magnificent structures of the Pergamon Kingdom are located, including the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Trajan, the famous Library, the Pergamon Theatre, and palace ruins.
Pergamon Church, referred to in the Bible as “The Compromising Church” (Rev 2:12-17), is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Although the city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelation, the risen Christ instructs John to convey that the people of Pergamon, the site of “Satan’s Throne”, needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16).
Red Basilica, originally built as a massive Roman temple dedicated to Egyptian gods, later became one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, symbolising its transformation into an early Christian site.
We will have a lunch break in a local restaurant and continue to Çanakkale. 
Behramkale Village (3000-1200 BC). The Temple of Athena, built on a hill, offers a magnificent view and a mystical atmosphere. On the last leg of his third missionary journey, St. Paul travelled from Alexandria Troas to Assos (Acts 20:5-6, 13-14) and met his companions advancing by sea. St. Paul and his companions set sail from the port of Assos to the island of Lesbos on their way to Jerusalem.
Then, we continue to ancient Troy.
Troy is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is 27 km away from Çanakkale. We will visit the real-life location of the legendary Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad. Visit the Troy Museum, where ancient ruins, city walls, and the legendary, iconic wooden horse are exhibited, alongside modern and rich ancient artefacts. 
Overnight in Canakkale. (Breakfast – Dinner) 

After breakfast in Çanakkale, we will cross the Dardanelles and arrive at the IIpsala Custom Station (approximately 150 km). Pass to Kipou Custom on the Greek side, change vehicles, and guides.  After customs formalities, we will head to Kavala.
Kavala, also known as the ancient city of Neapolis (Acts 16:11), was where Paul came with his disciples Silas and Timothy from Troas. Since Kavala was the first European city to adopt Christianity, it was named Hristoupolis. We take a lunch break in Kavala, then continue to Thessaloniki.
Philippi: The Apostle Paul visited Philippi around 49-50 AD and founded one of the first Christian communities in Europe there. His Letter to the Philippians in the New Testament is addressed to this community.
Lydia, the first European convert to Christianity, was baptised near Philippi.
Overnight stay in Thessaloniki. (Breakfast - Dinner) 

Breakfast and city tour in Thessaloniki, where Paul preached the gospel on his second and third missionary journeys. He wrote letters known as "The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians" for the first Christians of this city. We see the White Tower, a symbol of Thessaloniki, the Church of Saint Demetrius, and the Church of St. Sofia.
Afterwards, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and head for Vergine.
Vergina, the legendary burial place of Macedonian Kings. The tomb of King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, who significantly contributed to the development of Hellenism in Greek lands, is located here.
Our next place to visit is Veria (Berea), which Paul visited (Acts 17.10-14). On his visit to Veria town in AD 50, St. Paul encountered a more "noble" Jewish community.
He also met his friend Sopatros on his return trip to Asia from his missionary trip, with whom he travelled together for a long time. During our trip, we will visit the ancient synagogue where Saint Paul preached. Finally, we will head for Kalambaka.
Overnight stay in Kalambaka. (Breakfast - Dinner) 

After breakfast in Kalambaka, we will visit the Monasteries built on top of the Giant Rocks, which offer magnificent views of the Meteora region's geography.
Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 14th century, monks built monasteries on high, steep, and gigantic rocks in Meteora to seek an isolated place away from oppression and occupation.
We will admire the old manuscripts, icons, colourful original frescoes, and unique mosaics in these churches, built on rocks, and gather information from the priests in charge.
Access to these Meteora monasteries, most of which lacked stairs, was provided by a manual system utilising a rope and pulley.
At the end of our Meteora tour, we will have a lunch break and continue to Delphi.
Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Greece's major archaeological sites.
Overnight stay in Delphi. (Breakfast - Dinner)  

After breakfast, departure towards Athens.  First visit to Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill). The Apostle St. Paul, who first introduced Christianity to the Athenians, preached here (Acts 17:22-31).
We see a Bronze plaque with Paul's sermon, a view of the Acropolis and Athens.
We explore the Acropolis of Athens, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea.
Walk through the charming historical area under the Acropolis, Plaka and Anafiotika (Old Town). Great for photos, souvenirs and local culture.
Lunch break at one of the local restaurants in Plaka or Monastiraki. Try dishes like moussaka, souvlaki or gemista.
Overnight stay in Athens. (Breakfast)  

We begin the day with breakfast at our hotel in Athens and then depart for Corinth (approximately 90 km).
A short photo break at the Corinth Canal, built in the 19th century and with high walls.
Visit the archaeological site and museum of ancient Corinth, known from two letters of St. Paul in the New Testament, and the places where St. Paul preached (Acts 18.1 - 18). 
The Bema of the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:12-17). The place where Paul was tried before Gallio. A plaque with a biblical passage.  The Agora (Forum) where Paul preached.
Lunch Break in Modern Corinth or Loutraki.   After the day tour, return to Athens and have free time.
Overnight Stay in Athens.  (Breakfast)  

After breakfast, transfer to the Athens Airport for your onward flight to your country. Our tour concludes here and we hope to see you on another tour. ( Breakfast )

Customized Tours
We can create a customised tour program upon your request, offering an itinerary that suits your personal, educational, cultural, and budgetary needs. Please don't hesitate to contact us with your requests.