Days
10
$2,586
Starting at
per person
Biblical Turkey Expedition
with Regent University | May 31 – June 8, 2027
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Trace the journeys of Paul through the Seven Churches of Revelation.
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Explore Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, and other ancient biblical cities.
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Discover iconic sites like Hierapolis and the stunning terraces of Pamukkale.
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Experience Scripture through early church history and apostolic landscapes.
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Enjoy curated travel, cultural immersion, and comfortable accommodations.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
GROUP SIZE
Min 20 - 24 Max
REGISTER BY:
February 9th, 2027
AGE RESTRICTION
Ages 13 & Over
Join us 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.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday, May 30th, 2027
Depart USA. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Day 2: Monday, May 31st, 2027
Arrive in Izmir, where we meet our local guide and board our private motor coach for the transfer to our hotel. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Day 3: Tuesday, June 1st, 2027
Drive to Bergama to visit ancient Pergamum, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Perched high above the modern town of Bergama, its impressive acropolis features the remains of its renowned ancient library, the Temple of Trajan, one of the steepest ancient theaters in the world, and the foundations of the Altar of Zeus. We also visit the Asclepion, the ancient healing center where the renowned physician Galen lived and practiced for many years. After exploring Pergamum, continue to Thyatira, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation, where we see the remaining Roman ruins in the heart of the modern city. Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Wednesday, June 2nd, 2027
Our morning begins with a visit to the ongoing excavations at the Smyrna Agora and ancient acropolis. Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11) was the city of the martyr Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John. 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 in the sixth century BC. We visit the restored gymnasium and reconstructed synagogue, the largest of the ancient Jewish diaspora. We also see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis, and the “golden” Pactolus River. On our way to the Lycus Valley, we visit the remains of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13), the church given “an open door that no one is able to shut,” before continuing to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Thursday, June 3rd, 2027
We begin the morning with a visit to Hierapolis, home to the largest necropolis in Turkey. Near the theater, we see the newly excavated Martyrium of Philip. Paul mentions Hierapolis in his letter to the Colossians (Colossians 4:13), and the city’s famous hot springs and white travertine terraces provide a vivid backdrop for understanding the “lukewarm” water referenced in the letter to Laodicea. Next, we visit the new excavations at Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Revelation 3:14–22). We then drive to Colossae in the Lycus Valley to see the location of this yet-unexcavated ancient site. Paul wrote two letters associated with this city—Colossians and Philemon. We return to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Friday, June 4th, 2027
Today, we drive to Pisidian Antioch, where Paul preached his first recorded sermon in the synagogue (Acts 13:13–52)—the fullest account we have of how Paul proclaimed the gospel to a Jewish audience. We explore the ruins of Pisidian Antioch, including St. Paul’s Church, the Augusteum, and the ancient aqueduct. We also visit the Yalvaç Museum before returning to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Saturday, June 5th, 2027
We drive to Aphrodisias, where archaeological excavations led by New York University have unearthed numerous impressive marble statues. Here, we see the best-preserved stadium in Turkey, as well as the Temple of Aphrodite. If open, we may also visit the newly opened museum featuring statues from the Sebasteion. On our way to Kusadasi, we visit the ancient site of Magnesia (Tralles), with its forum and large stadium. We then continue to Kusadasi, a beautiful holiday town on the shores of the Aegean Sea, for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Sunday, June 6th, 2027
This morning, we drive to Miletus to see its well-preserved theater. At Miletus, Paul delivered his farewell address to the Ephesian elders near one of the city’s four harbors. As we approach Didyma, we visit the remains of the Sacred Way, which once linked Miletus to this ancient oracle site and the Temple of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo at Didyma is considered one of the finest temples in the Aegean region. We then continue to Priene, where we see the best-preserved Hellenistic theater in Turkey, along with the remains of a synagogue in the western residential district and the city’s bouleuterion. We return to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Monday, June 7th, 2027
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, where Paul spent nearly three years during his third missionary journey. We explore the Temple of Domitian, the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsus Library, and the impressive theater, which could seat approximately 24,000 people. We also tour the ongoing excavations at the terrace houses, where the wealthy and prominent residents of Ephesus once lived. Our visit continues at the excellent local archaeological museum and the site of the Temple of Artemis, the largest religious structure of the ancient world. We return to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Tuesday, June 8th, 2027
This morning, we drive to the airport in Izmir to return home challenged and refreshed in our faith
Accommodations
Located in the heart of Izmir, the Kaya Prestige Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the city, with many cultural attractions and shopping areas nearby. The hotel features spacious accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site dining, a fitness center, and sauna, combining modern comforts with traditional Turkish hospitality.
Nestled at the foot of forested mountains in Karahayıt, Pamukkale, Pam Thermal Hotel is a five-star thermal resort offering a relaxing setting near the region’s renowned ancient and natural sites. A highlight of the property is its natural thermal waters, including Karahayıt’s distinctive red thermal-water pools, along with indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, a Turkish bath, sauna, fitness center, and on-site dining.
Located along the waterfront in the heart of Kusadasi, Karaaslan Inn Hotel offers a convenient seaside setting overlooking the Aegean Sea and marina, with shops, restaurants, and local attractions within easy reach. The hotel features comfortable accommodations, many with sea views, as well as an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi, and spa and wellness facilities—a relaxing home base after days spent exploring the region.
Pricing & Registration
Pricing is based on group size and room selection. All 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. Note: should the group drop below the minimum required number of participants, prices may be subject to change.
Title | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room | $2,586 |
Single Private Room | $2,996 |
What's Included:
✓ 8 nights at the following (or similar) accommodations:
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(2) nights in Izmir at Kaya Prestige Hotel
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(3) nights in Pamukkale at Pam Thermal Hotel
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(3) nights in Kusadasi at Karaaslan Inn Hotel
✓ Daily hotel buffet/set menu breakfast and dinners
✓ Biblical Expeditions Instructor Carrie Wood
✓ Local English-speaking guide
✓ Deluxe air-conditioned bus with WiFi & driver
✓ All site entrances and activities per itinerary
✓ All tips and gratuities (hotel, guides, driver, etc)
✓ Individual headsets throughout the journey
✓ (2) water bottles per person, per day on the bus
✓ (1) Group airport transfer upon arrival and departure with English speaking assistant
✓ Biblical Expeditions trip participant box
✓ 12-month BibleX Ask Ezra app subscription
What's Not Included:
✘ International airfare to/from Turkey
✘ Travel or overseas medical insurance
✘ All lunches
✘ Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, laundry, etc.)
✘ Optional activities outside the scheduled itinerary
✘ Anything not explicitly listed in "What's Included"
Trip Instructor
Dr. Carrie Wood serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies for the Regent University School of Divinity, in the New Testament department. She holds a Ph.D. in Theology and a Master’s in Divinity from Regent University, each with a concentration in Biblical Studies. She earned her Bachelor of Theology in Messianic Jewish Studies from The King’s University. Carrie fulfilled her Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and served as a hospice chaplain before pursuing her Ph.D. Dr. Wood has taught on multiple continents, in both civilian and military settings, and for Biblical Expeditions as an instructor in the lands of the Bible. Her love of the Land and studying the spatial and temporal context of Scripture has led her to research and write about the geography, archaeology, and socio-economic aspects of Israel in the Second Temple Period.
Travel & Medical Insurance
We want you to feel fully prepared and confident for your journey. To simplify your planning, we now offer Travel and Overseas Medical Insurance through our trusted partner, Faye. This service is offered in-house by our licensed agent to support your peace of mind and protection as you travel.
Get a personalized quote in minutes — no research or emails required.
The Fine Print
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A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at registration.
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Final payment is due 100 days before departure.
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If you cancel more than 100 days before the trip, you will receive a refund of all payments except the $500 deposit.
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If you cancel 50–99 days before departure, 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
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If you cancel 49 days or fewer before departure, 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
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To protect your trip investment and ensure you are covered for unexpected medical needs or travel interruptions, travel insurance and overseas medical coverage are required for all travelers. We will send you a complimentary quote for convenience, but you are not required to purchase from our recommended provider.
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Please see our full Terms & Conditions for more details.