Join Waterfront Church for a transformative biblical expedition through Turkey, where ancient history and sacred scriptures come to life. Explore key sites of early Christianity, walk in the footsteps of apostles, and immerse yourself in rich biblical history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures on this unforgettable spiritual journey.
The heart of this expedition is to empower you to become the disciple God is calling you to be. By better understanding the world of the Bible, you will better understand the words of the Bible, transforming your ability to study it, do what it teaches, and share it with others.
Our expeditions, led by an experienced team of expertly trained guides, offer the finest travel experiences, providing you the peace of mind that everything down to the smallest detail has been taken care of so you can immerse yourself in the journey, encounter God, and be empowered to better understand the words of the Bible by exploring its world.
HOSTED BY: PASTOR ZACK RANDLES
Pastor Zack was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and calls Lubbock, Texas, his hometown. He attended Oklahoma State University, played a little lacrosse, worked at Red Lobster, and got a degree in sociology. After college, Zack moved back to Lubbock, met his wife Autumn (a Texas Tech grad), and the two married on January 15, 2005. Zack and Autumn attended Southwestern Seminary together, and Zack is two classes shy of having his masters in divinity. Zack and Autumn served on staff at different churches for more than 10 years and in 2014 moved to DC to found Waterfront Church. The Randles are blessed with four amazing kids (2 boys and 2 girls) and four precocious cats. Zack and Autumn also have a deeply personal passion for church planting, the ministry of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the special needs community.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Walk in the footsteps of Paul and the early church in Laodicea, Colossae, and Hierapolis—where scripture, archaeology, and faith come together.
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Explore key early Christian sites like Pergamum, Sardis, and Thyatira—each connected to the Seven Churches of Revelation.
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Discover Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean, including the Celsus Library, Domitian Temple, Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Artemis.
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Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Underground Cisterns—iconic symbols of Byzantine and Ottoman history in the heart of Istanbul.
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Sail the Bosphorus Strait on a scenic boat tour, taking in panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline and the meeting point of Europe and Asia.
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Experience the white thermal terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, featuring Turkey’s largest necropolis and the martyrium of St. Philip.
PRICING INFORMATION
Occupancy | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room | $3,515 |
Single Private Room | $4,533 |
*All trip prices are per person based on double shared room occupancy or single private room occupancy, unless otherwise noted, and do not include airfare. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. Also, please note that, should the group drop below the minimum required number of participants, prices may be subject to change.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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8 overnight stays at the following hotels:
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(2) nights in Istanbul at Swissotel the Bosphorus
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(2) nights in Izmir at Movenpick Hotel
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(2) nights in Pamukkale at Doga Thermal Hotel
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(2) nights in Kusadasi at Charisma Deluxe Hotel
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Daily hotel buffet breakfast
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(5) Dinners at hotels
- (1) Dinner in Izmir at at Tavaci Recep Usta on May 1
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All bus transfers upon arrival and departure with an English-speaking assistant
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Local English-speaking guide
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BE Instructor Marc Turnage
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Deluxe air-conditioned bus with WiFi and driver
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All entrance fees and activities as per itinerary
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All tips (hotel staff, guides, driver, etc)
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BE devotional and educational materials
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Individual headsets for each participant
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One-way domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir on April 30th
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
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Overseas Medical or Travel Insurance
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Airfare to/from Istanbul, Turkey
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Domestic flight from Izmir to Istanbul, Turkey
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All lunches
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Dinner on April 29th in Istanbul
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Expenses of a personal nature
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Anything not previously mentioned
TRIP INSTRUCTOR
Marc Turnage
Founder of Biblical Expeditions
Marc holds an MA in Ancient Judaism and the Origins of Christianity from Jerusalem University College. He is currently finishing his PhD in the Land of Israel Studies Department at Bar Ilan University located in Ramat Gan, Israel, under the supervision of Professor Esther Eshel. Marc has taught graduate and undergraduate students at several universities in the United States and abroad. Marc moved to Israel to study because he felt that the issues of spatial, historical, cultural, and spiritual settings played a vital role in how we read the Bible. While studying in Israel, he fell in love with the lands of the Bible. He has been guiding groups through Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy for over twenty years. Marc is a highly sought-after guide and teacher and routinely trains and lectures local tour guides about guiding Christian groups. He is passionate about leading biblical tours that deliver the very finest experience and helping people understand how to read the Bible. Marc has published widely for both academic and popular audiences. His most recent book, Windows Into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine one of its top 100 Christian living resources. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker, and a gifted teacher. He resides in Springfield, MO with his family.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Mon, April 27th, 2026
Begin your journey as we depart from the United States on an overnight international flight to Turkey. No overnight hotel – in transit.
Day 2: Tues, April 28th, 2026
Arrive at Istanbul International Airport, where you’ll be met by your guide and private luxury motor coach. Transfer to the Swissotel the Bosphorus and enjoy a welcome buffet dinner as we begin our journey together.
Day 3: Wed, April 29th, 2026
Our day begins with a visit to the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and ornate interior. We’ll explore the Archaeological Museum and Museum of the Ancient Orient, which house remarkable Near Eastern artifacts—including the Jerusalem Temple Inscription and Hezekiah’s Tunnel inscription. Then we’ll tour the magnificent Hagia Sophia, once the largest church in Christendom, and conclude with a walk through the mysterious Underground Cisterns. Dinner is on your own this evening before returning to Swissotel the Bosphorus for the night.
Day 4: Thurs, April 30th, 2026
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, taking in sweeping views of both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul. Visit the vibrant Spice (Egyptian) Market before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy dinner and unwind at the Mövenpick Hotel Izmir.
Day 5: Fri, May 1st, 2026
Travel north to Bergama to explore ancient Pergamum, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Highlights include the acropolis, the ancient library, the Trajan Temple, the steepest theater in Turkey, and the foundation of the Altar of Zeus. Visit the healing center of the Asclepium, where the physician Galen once practiced. Later, continue to Thyatira to see its Roman remains in the heart of the modern city. After a group dinner at the renowned Tavacı Recep Usta, you’ll return to the Mövenpick Hotel Izmir for the night.
Day 6: Sat, May 2nd, 2026
Our morning begins by visiting the ongoing excavations at the Smyrna agora and the ancient acropolis. We then drive to Sardis (Sart), one of the most picturesque sites of the Seven Churches of Asia (Revelation 1:11; 3:1-4) and the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom of the 6th century BC. We visit the restored gymnasium and reconstructed synagogue. We will also see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis, and the ‘golden’ river Pactolos. On our way to the Lychus Valley, we visit the few remains of Philadelphia, before continuing to Pamukkale. At the end of the day, relax and dine at the thermal spa resort, Doga Thermal Hotel.
Day 7: Sun, May 3rd, 2026
We begin the morning visiting Hierapolis that features the largest necropolis in Turkey. Near its theater in Hierapolis, we will always see the newly excavated martyrium of Philip. Paul mentions Hierapolis in his letter to the Colossians. Next, we will visit the new excavations at Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches. Then we will drive to Colossae in the Lycus Valley to see the location of the unexcavated site. Paul wrote two letters to this city – Colossians and Philemon. After a full day of discovery, return to the Doga Thermal Hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 8: Mon, May 4th, 2026
Drive to Aphrodisias, where archaeological excavations led by the New York University have unearthed numerous fine marble statues. We will see the best-preserved stadium in Turkey as well as the temple of Aphrodite. We will also visit the newly opened museum that features statues from the Sebasteion. On our way to Kusadasi, we visit the ancient site of Magnesia (Tralles) with its forum and large stadium. Continue to Kusadasi, the holiday town on the shores of the Aegean Sea. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a peaceful night at Charisma Deluxe Hotel, nestled along the Aegean Sea.
Day 9: Tues, May 5th, 2026
This morning, we visit the ancient site of Ephesus. Located near the modern town of Selçuk, Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city of the eastern Mediterranean. Paul spent nearly three years in the city during his third journey. At Ephesus, we will see the Domitian Temple, the Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, and a theater with a seating capacity for 24,000 people. We will also tour the ongoing excavations at the terrace houses where the rich and famous of Ephesus lived. We will also visit the excellent local archaeological museum, and the site of the Temple of Artemis, the largest religious structure of the ancient world. Return to the Charisma Deluxe Hotel for dinner and overnight.of Hadrian, Celsus Library, and a theater with a seating capacity for 24,000 people. We will also tour the ongoing excavations at the terrace houses where the rich and famous of Ephesus lived. We will also visit the excellent local archaeological museum, and the site of the Temple of Artemis, the largest religious structure of the ancient world. Return to the Charisma Deluxe Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Wed, May 6th, 2026
This morning, transfer to the airport in Izmir for your domestic flight to Istanbul and onward return to the United States, bringing your unforgettable biblical journey through Turkey to a close.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Swissôtel The Bosphorus is a luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Istanbul, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and the city's skyline. Set in a serene 65-acre park, the hotel blends modern elegance with traditional Turkish hospitality. With world-class amenities, exquisite dining options, and a full-service spa, Swissôtel provides an exceptional experience for both leisure and business travelers. Its central location offers easy access to Istanbul’s top attractions, making it the perfect base to explore the vibrant city.
Mövenpick Hotel is a sophisticated, contemporary hotel offering world-class service and amenities in prime locations across major cities worldwide. Known for its blend of luxury and comfort, each Mövenpick property features stylish accommodations, gourmet dining options, and exceptional facilities, including wellness centers, event spaces, and pool areas. Whether traveling for business or leisure, guests can enjoy a seamless experience, with personalized service and a focus on sustainability and local culture. Perfect for those seeking a refined and memorable stay.
Doga Thermal Hotel, located in the heart of Turkey’s thermal spa region, offers a rejuvenating escape with its luxurious thermal baths and serene natural surroundings. The hotel features modern accommodations, a full-service spa, and therapeutic thermal pools renowned for their healing properties. Guests can enjoy a range of wellness treatments, gourmet dining, and easy access to nearby natural wonders. With its tranquil ambiance and focus on health and relaxation, Doga Thermal Hotel provides the perfect getaway for those seeking rest and rejuvenation.
Charisma Deluxe Hotel, located in the beautiful city of Kusadasi, Turkey, offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. This five-star hotel features elegant rooms, a private beach, a range of dining options, and a full-service spa, ensuring a relaxing and indulgent stay. With its modern amenities, exceptional service, and proximity to top attractions like Ephesus and the Dilek Peninsula, Charisma Deluxe is an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking a high-end experience in a stunning coastal setting.
THE FINE PRINT
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A deposit of $500 per person is due immediately upon booking. The balance is due 100 days before departure.
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Cancellations of confirmed bookings within 7 days of registration will receive a full refund minus a $175 (per person) administrative fee. Cancellations after 7 days of registration but more than 100 days before departure will be subject to loss of their $500 deposit. 50-99 days prior to departure will be subject to loss of 50% of trip price. 49 or fewer days prior to departure will be subject to loss of 100% of trip price.
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Land costs are quoted as a package and credits are not given for services not used.
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Trip pricing does not include airfare to/from the trips starting point unless otherwise noted in the trip itinerary/website.
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If booking group airfare the group must maintain a minimum of 10 flying passengers.
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Availability cannot be guaranteed until registration is complete. We exercise best efforts to book hotels per itinerary, however in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 100 days of tour date, we may be forced to offer substitutes.
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Please be aware that living standards and cultural norms at locations may differ from those in the USA.
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Travel Insurance is not required but highly recommended. Biblical Expeditions does not sell travel Insurance nor is the travel insurance offered by our hosting platform, WeTravel, connected to us in anyway.
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Overseas medical coverage is required, and we must have a copy of your policy prior to departure.
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Please see our full Terms & Conditions for more details.