Discover biblical Türkiye with Pastor Tim Richards on this incredible journey. Did you know that Turkey has more than thirty biblical sites? Tour all seven churches of the Book of Revelation and the amazing city of Istanbul where ancient ways still prevail. Explore the amazing other-worldy landscape of the Cappadoccia region and see cave homes and churches where early Christians sought safety and refuge amidst persecution.  

Hotels are as follows or simlar

• Titanic City Hotel in Istanbul, 3 nights. www.titanic.com.tr 

• Utopia Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, 1 night www.utopiacave.com

• Bayır Diamond Hotek in Konya, 1 night. www.bayirhotels.com

• Doga Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale, 1 night. www.dogathermalhotel.com

• Charisma Deluxe hotel in Kusadasi, 2 nights www.charismahotel.com

• Kaya Thermal Hotel in Izmir, 1 night. www.kayahotels.com.tr

• Titanic City Hotel in Istanbul, 1 night www.titanic.com.tr
  

The flights and terms & conditions of the air offered in the air-inclusive package are as follows - please read the terms & conditions prior to reserving this package:

Turkish Airlines - Nonstop Seattle - Istanbul

TK 204     22OCT     SEATTLE – ISTANBUL          7:10 PM     5:05 PM 23OCT

TK 203     02NOV     ISTANBUL – SEATTLE          3:20 PM     6:05 PM

Terms & Conditions - Turkish Group Reservations

-Seats are assigned at the airport.

-Specific seat requests are not guaranteed, and we cannot ensure that spouses, family members, or travel companions will be seated together.

-Due to airline restrictions on group reservations, our office is unable to assist with seat assignments. If you purchase this air package, please do not contact our office for assistance with seat selection, as we do not have access to make those changes.

-Group seats cannot be upgraded in advance and must be requested or purchased directly from the airline at the airport  (extra legroom, preferred location, exit row, etc...)

-Group seats are only offered in Main Cabin Economy.  Premium Economy & Business class upgrades are not available as part of the group.

-Group air includes 1 checked bag up to 50 lbs

-No date or gateway deviations permitted.

Flight Parameters

If you do not plan to purchase the air-inclusive option for this trip, here's what you need to know in order to meet up with the tour in Türkiye:

Day of Arrival:  October 23 - Arrive Istanbul any time 

There is a complimentary airport transfer coordinated with the group flight arrival times at 5:05PM for anyone arriving at the same time as or earlier than the group flight times.    

Day of Departure: November 2  - Depart Istanbul  any time

There is a complimentary airport transfers from the hotel to the Istanbul (IST) airport at in time for flights departing 3:00PM or later. 

Please send us your flight information if you purchase your own air:

emily@stephensgatetours.com

Custom Air Requests 

If you would like assistance purchasing flights for this trip other than that offered in the air-inclusive package, you can obtain personalized quotes here:  

Business class  - these fares price $5000 or higher, serious inquiries only please on the form below.

Premium economy or main cabin economy - please make your request on this form:

https://form.jotform.com/243575958268273 

Let AirConcierge know that you are a member of this group in order to be offered flights that meet the flight parameters for this tour.

Fly nonstop Seattle to Istanbul if you choose the air-inclusive package option. Meals served on board.

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, we will meet our guide in the arrivals hall and transfer to our hotel in Istanbul. 

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Please note: you will need to depart the USA no later than October 22 in order to join the tour on October 23 in Istanbul. Group air from Seattle will be made available approximately 10 months prior to the trip.

After a traditional Turkish breakfast, we will depart from the hotel to explore Istanbul's historical highlights. Starting at Hippodrome Square, the former social and sporting center of Constantinople, we will then visit  the stunning Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and over 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. Across from the  mosque, we will marvel at the architectural  masterpiece of Hagia Sophia, followed by a visit to Topkapi Palace, the  former residence of Ottoman sultans that houses an impressive  collection of royal treasures. We will end the day at the Grand Bazaar, where we can shop for jewelry, leather goods, and  other handcrafted items. 

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

After  breakfast, we will visit the Spice Market, a vibrant 17th-century  market offering a variety of oriental herbs and spices. Next, we will  enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, marveling at historical mansions, palaces, and  Istanbul's iconic skyline adorned with domes and minarets. Following  this, we will ascend Galata Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city.  In the afternoon, we will explore Balat, Istanbul's  historic Jewish quarter, and visit the  Cathedral of St.  George in Fener. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

After  breakfast, we will transfer to Istanbul Airport for a flight to  Kayseri. Upon arrival, we will drive to Ürgüp and visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, featuring rock-carved churches adorned with frescoes. Next, we will visit Ortahisar and Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley, and end the day at a pottery studio in Avanos. Dinner and overnight in  Cappadocia.

In the early morning. After breakfast, we will visit the Ozkonak  Underground City before heading to Sultanhan Caravanserai. Cappadoccia  is the region where early Christians fled to and built underground  churches and houses to escape persecution. We will then  drive to  Konya to visit Iconium and the Mevlana Museum, the resting place of  Rumi. Dinner and overnight in Konya.

Today you will have the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the breath-taking landscape of Cappadocia.

After  breakfast, we will drive to Pamukkale to see its famous white travertine terraces and dip our feet in the thermal waters. We will also  explore Hierapolis and Laodicea, two significant ancient Christian sites. 

Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, we will visit the ancient cities of Philadelphia, Sardis, and Thyatira, each significant for its mention in the Book of Revelation. We will then drive to Kuşadası for dinner and overnight.

After  breakfast, we will visit Priene, known for its Hellenic art and  architecture, followed by Miletus, famous for its philosophers and  architects and a significant meeting between Paul and the elders of Ephesus  Lastly, we will explore Didyma, home to one of the largest temples dedicated to Apollo. 

Dinner and overnight in Selçuk.

We will visit the ancient city of Ephesus, exploring its  well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. We will also visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the  Basilica of St. John. 

Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

After breakfast, we will complete our tour of the Seven Churches with Smyrna (ancient Izmir) and Pergamon, visiting its Acropolis and Asclepion. We will then drive back to Istanbul for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast is included today. We will offer a transfer to the Istanbul Airport for flights departing 3:00PM or later.