Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you’ll meet your guide and/or driver from Europa Travel Hub. After collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. Relax and settle into your accommodations. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing followed by a delicious dinner. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Istanbul, led by one of Europa Travel Hub’s expert local guides. Start with the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Continue to the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the site of thrilling chariot races. Explore the St. Sophia Basilica (Hagia Sophia), originally built in 360 AD, now a museum showcasing mosaics, stained glass, and awe-inspiring domes. Enjoy a stroll through the surrounding gardens and visit the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque), famous for its stunning ceramic tile work. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we’ll explore Galata Tower and the Galata Bridge, then visit some of Istanbul’s most significant Catholic churches. First, visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, built in 1725 and a central hub for the Catholic community. Celebrate Mass at this revered site. Afterward, visit the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and SS Peter and Paul Church, home to an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary. Conclude the day at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere, filled with spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Today, we board a short flight to Kayseri and continue to the enchanting region of Cappadocia. Known for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, Cappadocia is a must-see destination. Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians hid from persecution in multi-story subterranean complexes. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Wake up early for an optional Hot-Air Balloon Ride, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers panoramic views of the stunning Cappadocia landscape. After breakfast, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you’ll see rock-carved chapels adorned with frescoes dating back to the 6th century. Afterward, visit Uchisar Castle for breathtaking views of the region. In the afternoon, travel to Konya, where Paul and Barnabas preached during their first missionary journey. Dinner and overnight in Konya.

In the morning, we visit the Church of St. Paul in Konya, built by the Sultan in the early 20th century. Then, travel to Pisidian Antioch (modern-day Antalya), where Paul delivered his first recorded sermon (Acts 13:14-16). Continue to Pamukkale, home of the famous Cotton Castle, formed by cascading mineral-rich waters. Take a relaxing dip in the warm thermal pools before heading to your hotel for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

This morning, visit Hierapolis, an ancient “sacred city” known for its extensive necropolis and baths. Continue to Laodicea, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation, where the church was criticized for its lukewarm faith (Rev. 3:14-22). Next, visit Colossae, the city to which Paul addressed his letter to the Colossians. Return to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.

Today, explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic pilgrimage site where Mary is believed to have lived. Next, tour the Basilica of St. John, built over the burial site of the Apostle John. Conclude the day with a transfer to Izmir for dinner and an overnight stay.

Today, explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic pilgrimage site where Mary is believed to have lived. Next, tour the Basilica of St. John, built over the burial site of the Apostle John. Conclude the day with a transfer to Izmir for dinner and an overnight stay.

Start your day visiting Philadelphia, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Jesus promised those who overcame would receive the name of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 3:12). Continue to Sardis, a city described as “dead” and in need of awakening (Rev. 3:1-6). Afterward, visit Thyatira, praised for its growing faith and service (Rev. 2:18-29). Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

Explore Smyrna, now Izmir, known for its commercial prosperity in ancient times. Visit the Agora, the ancient Roman marketplace, and learn about the city’s rich history. Next, travel to Pergamum, where you’ll see the Acropolis, the Greek theatre, and the Asclepion, an ancient medical center. Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Your journey with Europa Travel Hub has been a memorable exploration of Biblical history, Christian heritage, and Turkey’s incredible landscapes.