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Price Per person double occupancy

Dates Land Only
No Transfers		 Early
Reservation
Discount
(6 Mo. Adv.)
2025
March 30 - April 5 (waitlist)
April 27 - May 3 		$1,499 $1,399
May 18 - 24 (waitlist)
June 22 - 28
July 13 - 19
August 31 - September 6
September 21 - 27
October 19 - 25
 $1,549 $1,449

Single Supplement:

Year-round 2025: $450

Ask About Special Rates for Pastors, Christian Educators, & Custom Groups of All Sizes. No Obligation Group Quotation - Click Here

Price Includes: First class (4 Star) lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, modern transportation, sightseeing as listed.


Please Note: Turkey gratuities will be paid in advance ($30 per person will be added to your final invoice for gratuities to be paid to driver, guide, and hotel staff while in Turkey).


Not Included: International flights (low cost fares available nationwide), travel/cancellation insurance, Turkey E-Visa fee, if applicable (E-Visa is not required for US passport holders).


Please Note: As of December 23, 2023, US Passport holders are no longer required to obtain a Turkey E-Visa for entry. If traveling from another country, please review entry requirements as Turkey Entry Visas must be completed prior to arrival. Visas can be obtained in advance online using this link: Click Here


Airport transfers are included only when airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours. Taxi service is available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere.


Deposit Required: A $300 per person US Dollar deposit (which includes a $100 non-refundable service fee) is required to secure a reservation.

Day 1: Departure from US

Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!


Day 2: Arrival Izmir

We transfer to our hotel in Izmir, Turkey for the next two evenings. The remainder of your day is free to walk along the scenic waterfront, sightsee on your own and enjoy your hotel facilities.


Day 3: Pergamum, Thyatira & Izmir

Our first visit of the day is Pergamum. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance; (Rev. 2:12-17) it was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). Next we travel east to Thyatira viewing the ancient roadway and period columns. Thyatira was once a busy trading center and famous as a "seller of purple," the most favored of the Seven Churches. We continue south to Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey and a long time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul's day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Our lodging this evening will be in Izmir.


Day 4: Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale

Departing our Hotel in Izmir, we'll see Polycarp's Church and visit the ancient roman agora. Then, we travel to Sardis, which was berated by John for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the "new Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation. Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. Our lodging this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.


Day 5: Hierapolis, Laodicea & Colossae

Hierapolis, meaning "Sacred City," was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the "lukewarm" Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. We spend the remainder of the day traveling through the Turkish countryside arriving in the port city of Kusadasi where we spend two nights. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative.


Day 6: Ephesus

We travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.


Day 7: Depart for Home

This morning we transfer to the Izmir airport for our flight back to the USA.


*The tour itinerary is subject to change or be slightly modified in order to best meet the interests of the group.