Join NoVA Community 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.
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HOSTED BY: PASTOR JENNI CLAYVILLE
Jenni Wong Clayville was born and raised in Seattle, WA. but she and her family now live in the Washington D.C area. She is wife to Brian and boy-mom to Chance & Paxton. Over the past two decades Jenni has served as a Pastor in Portland, OR, El Paso, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, Fort Worth, TX and currently in Washington, DC. Her ministry experience has varied in positions such as Worship & Creative Arts, First Impressions, and Executive Pastor. Jenni has also served on the leadership team of Leading and Loving It for over ten years and recently on the Propel Ecclesia Team to support women in ministry internationally. Jenni is a life-long learner, an unpretentious foodie, a more pretentious coffee lover, and a self-proclaimed comedienne.
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 | $3,454 |
Single Private Room | $4,124 |
*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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(10) overnight stays at the following hotels:
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(2) nights in Istanbul at Radisson the President
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(1) night in Çanakkale at Kolin Hotel
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(1) night in Ayvalik at Grand Temizel
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(1) night in Izmir at Double Tree Alsancak
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(2) nights in Pamukkale at Pam Thermal Hotel
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(3) nights in Kusadasi at Charisma Deluxe Hotel
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Daily hotel buffet breakfast
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All dinners including (1) group dinner in Izmir at at Tavaci Recep Usta on May 30th
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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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(2) bottles of water per person daily on bus
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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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: May 25th, 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: May 26th, 2026
Arrive at Istanbul International Airport, where you’ll be met by your guide and private luxury motor coach. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner as we begin our journey together.
Day 3: May 27th, 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. At the end of the day you'll enjoy dinner and unwind at the hotel.
Day 4: May 28th, 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 driving to Çanakkale, where you will enjoy dinner and stay overnight.
Day 5: May 29th, 2026
Our morning begins with visiting the legendary site of Troy. Made famous by Homer in the Iliad, we visit the ruins of Troy and see a replica of the famous “Wooden Horse.” From Troy, we travel to Alexandria Troas (Acts 16:6-10; 20:13-16) to visit the harbor and the new excavation area. Our day concludes visiting the site of Assos (where Paul stopped on his third missionary journey; Acts 20:13-14). We drive to our hotel in Dikili for dinner and stay overnight.
Day 6: May 30th, 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 your hotel for the night.
Day 7: May 31st, 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, you'll enjoy dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: June 1st, 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 hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 9: June 2nd, 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 your hotel nestled along the Aegean Sea.
Day 10: June 3rd, 2026
This morning, we drive to Miletus to see the well-preserved theater. At Miletus Paul delivered his speech to the Ephesian elders near one of its four harbors. As we approach Didyma, we will visit the remains of the Sacred Way that linked Miletus to this ancient oracle site at the Temple of Apollo. The Temple to Apollo at Didyma is the finest temple in the Aegean region. At Priene, we will see the best-preserved Hellenistic theater in Turkey. We will also view the remains of a synagogue in the west residential district and the city’s bouleterion. At the end of our day we will return to the hotel for dinner and stay overnight.
Day 11: June 4th, 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 hotel for dinner and stay overnight.
Day 12: June 5th, 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
Situated in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district, this hotel places guests within walking distance of landmarks like the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. The property offers 201 modern rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and minibars. Amenities include an indoor pool, a spa offering various treatments, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Sea of Marmara. Dining options feature The Terrace Restaurant, serving delightful mezzes with scenic vistas, and an English Pub for a relaxed atmosphere.
Overlooking the Dardanelles Strait, Kolin Hotel offers spacious rooms with views of the strait, Gallipoli National Park, or the hotel's gardens. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools, a modern spa, and multiple dining venues, including the buffet-style Sofra Restaurant with strait views. Its proximity to historical sites like Troy and Gallipoli makes it a convenient base for exploration.
Located near Sarimsakli Beach, Grand Hotel Temizel provides guests with a private beach area, multiple pools, and a full-service spa. The hotel offers 275 rooms equipped with air conditioning, minibars, and free internet access. Its proximity to local attractions like Devil's Feast and Ayvalık Flea Market adds to its appeal for travelers exploring the region.
Situated in Izmir's city center, this contemporary hotel is a short walk from Kültürpark İzmir and close to attractions like the Izmir Clock Tower and Kemeralti Bazaar. Guests can enjoy modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace offering city views, a fitness center, and on-site dining options. The hotel's central location provides easy access to Izmir's historical and cultural sites.
Located in the Karahayıt region near Pamukkale, this five-star thermal facility offers guests access to mineral-rich thermal pools, both indoor and outdoor. The hotel features a full-service spa with various treatments, and rooms equipped with thermal water baths. Its proximity to the famous Pamukkale travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis makes it an ideal stay for those exploring these UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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.