Since the book of Genesis, God has been pursuing, not only the Jewish people, but also the nations. He positioned Abraham and his descendants in the Promised Land right along the International Trade Highway, thus bringing the nations to Abraham and his people so the nations could hear about the living God.
In the New Testament Book of Acts, Stephen was stoned and a great persecution broke out against the believers in Jerusalem. They were subsequently scattered far and wide from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, to places located in modern-day Turkey. God used these ordinary men and women to spread the gospel through the Greco-Roman world.
Join us for Turkey: Paul’s Journeys & the Seven Churches of Revelation, as we visit key sites where the Gentile world encountered the living God.
As new Turkey trip dates become available, notification of trip dates and instructions for applying will be sent via email to subscribers of Kristi’s update list. If you have not yet subscribed, Click Here and scroll to the bottom of the page to do so.
*Passport expiration must be at least 6 months beyond your date of date of departure from Turkey.
Preparing for Your Trip
Recommended Reading
– The New Testament in its World by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird
– The New Testament in Antiquity by Burge, Cohick, and Green
– Biblical Turkey: A Guide to the Jewish and Christian Sites of Asia Minor by Mark Wilson
Weather Conditions
A couple weeks prior to travel, check a weather app for forecasts in Istanbul, Antalya, and Kusadasi.
Packing Guidelines
Basics
– Pack a change of clothes, as well as necessary medications and toiletries in your carry-on.
– No more than one 50-pound checked bag per person.
Clothing
Pack clothes that can be washed in the sink and hung to dry overnight. Plan to dress in layers. Travel specific, older clothes are recommended. Modesty is required in this culture; please do not bring low-cut shirts, short shorts, or tightfitting clothes.
– Lightweight Hiking Pants – 3 pairs are sufficient, alternating as needed
– Shirts – 3 long-sleeve, moisture-wicking, lightweight shirts
– T-shirts/undershirts (no tank tops or sleeveless)
– Jacket and/or waterproof Rain Jacket
– Trail Shoes or Hiking Boots – lightweight and non-slippery; break them in well!
Required Documents
– Passport – the expiration date of your passport must be at least 6 months beyond your date of departure from Turkey
– Passport Color Copies – keep these separate from your passport
– Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination
– Alternate Picture ID (ex. Driver’s License)
– Emergency Medical Information – keep a document listing any known medical conditions, allergies, medicines, immunizations, insurance, etc. w/ your passport in case of emergency
Other
– Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
– Sunscreen + Chapstick w/ spf
– Small backpack or waist pack to carry daily items
– Necessary medications + motion sickness prevention such as Sea-Band Acupressure
– Hand Sanitizer or Wet Wipes
– Travel Toilet Paper and/or Kleenex
– Camera w/ extra memory cards, batteries, and/or charging cords
– Cell Phone – check w/ your provider before travel for international plans and rates
– Two or three prong European style 220-volt Adapter
– Sunglasses + back-up pair
– Cushion to sit on at sites
Money
– Debit Cards – ATMs are a convenient way to get money. Check w/ your bank before travel regarding potential international fees.
– Dollar Bills – Many places will accept US dollars. There will be an opportunity to transfer money upon arrival. If you prefer this option, bring $100s or $20s to change.
– Notify your bank and/or credit/debit card companies of your travel dates. Let them know you will be in Turkey.
Study Materials
– Small travel Bible or Bible app on phone
– Notebook/Journal
– Pens/Highlighters
– A Study Guide will be provided in the land
Water & Snacks
– Hydration packs such as Camelbaks or refillable water bottles.
– Electrolyte supplements—such as Nuun Sport—that can be added to water.
– Snacks such as protein bars, trail mixes, dried fruit, nut butters, jerky
– Buffet style breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotels. Lunch options range from sampling local foods to eating the snacks you bring with you, depending on the daily schedule.
***If you have a food allergy or sensitivity such as dairy or gluten, please come prepared to supplement your diet when available options do not meet your needs.
Air Travel
– Instructions for arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST) will be posted as they become available.
– If you do not have a preferred travel agent, we recommend Teena Hunt with Direct Travel in Nashville, TN. Kristi has worked with Teena for over twenty years scheduling international flights. Teena can be reached via email at thunt@dt.com or phone at (615) 277-9698 or (615) 327-2720 ext. 3627.
Hotels
Hotel Arcadia Blue; Old City Istanbul (2 nights)
4-star hotel with incredible views and ideal location for individual exploration in Istanbul’s Old City
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham; Antalya (1 night)
Modern 5-star hotel with outdoor pool and Turkish bath
Doga Thermal Hotel; Pumukkale (2 nights)
5-star hotel with thermal pools and spa
Movenpick Hotel Izmir (2 nights)
5-star hotel near the Aegean Sea with rooftop bar, fitness center, and pool
KoruMar Hotel De Luxe; Kusadasi (2 nights)
5-star seafront hotel with pool and private beaches on the Aegean Sea
***Hotels are subject to change
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart USA
Day 2 – Arrive in Turkey (transfer from Istanbul Airport to hotel for dinner)
Day 3 – Istanbul (Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Archaeological Museum, Grand Bazaar)
Day 4 – Antalya (Ancient harbor, Antalya Museum, Aspendos, Perga, Isparta)
Day 5 – Pamukkale (Pisidion Antioch, Colossae, Laodicea)
Day 6 – Pamukkale (Hierapolis)
Day 7 – Sardis (Aphrodisias, Philadelphia)
Day 8 – Bergama (Sardis, Thyatira)
Day 9 – Kusadasi (Pergamum, Smyrna)
Day 10 – Kusadasi (Ephesus, Didyma, Miletus)
Day 11 – Depart from Kusadasi; Arrive in USA
***Not all sites are included above; itinerary is subject to change