Day One: Depart the US to Türkiye.
Overnight: In flight.
Day Two: Arrival Izmir.
Arrive Izmir and meet our teaching team to take our bus to the hotel for dinner and sleep. Overnight: Hotel near Izmir airport, Izmir. D. (1 of 2)
Day Three: The Seven Churches of Revelation: Smyrna, Pergamon and Thyatira
Beginning our day with a brief stop at the agora of Smyrna before we make a trip to the impressive ruin at ancient Pergamon, we open our theme of the letters of the Apostle John to the churches in Asia Minor. Careful attention will be given to the way the letters would have been understood by each of the churches in the first century. From Pergamon we will journey to Thyatira (a city famous for dyes, copper smelting and Jezebel!). Overnight: Izmir. B, D. (2 of 2).
Day Four: The Seven Churches of Revelation: Sardis and Philadelphia.
After breakfast, we will travel inland for an opportunity to visit the ancient and storied city of Sardis with its impressive temple and synagogue, before we make our way to ancient Philadelphia for a brief stop at the ruins of the medieval wall and an ancient basilica. Small town rural Turkey will amaze you with the simplicity and genuine hospitality that is so evident. From Philadelphia, we will continue our journey to the beauty of the Lycus Valley for the spas of Pamukkale. Overnight: Pamukkale. B, D (1 of 2).
Day Five: The Seven Churches: Laodicea and the sister cities at Hierapolis and Colossae.
Departing to Laodicea, we visit Laodicea and Colossae, on our way back to Hierapolis, or "Sacred City," an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the "lukewarm" Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Tonight we will enjoy again the springs at Pamukkale. Overnight: Pamukkale. B, D (2 of 2)
Day Six: The Seven Churches of Revelation: Ephesus
With an early morning departure, we will travel west to the large and impressive ruin at ancient Ephesus. This city is sure to be a highlight as it is a huge excavation with marvelous building facades and streets. After our stay at Ephesus, we will make our way to our hotel by the sea. Overnight: Kusadasi. B, D (1 of 1).
Day Seven: Flight Izmir to Istanbul. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise.
After a leisurely morning for breakfast, we will head to the Izmir airport for our afternoon flight to Istanbul. Tonight, we will have a final dinner aboard a ship on the Bosphorus! Overnight: Istanbul. B, D (1 of 1)
Day Eight: Arrive in the USA.
This morning, we board our Istanbul flight back to the US, arriving later the same day!
Every effort will be made to complete the full itinerary. Yet, because conditions are often
unpredictable in travel, we reserve the right to make changes during the tour.
What’s Included in the Full Tour Price –
Round-trip airfare from the designated departure airport
Group airport transfers in Turkey
First Class (4-star) hotels
Daily Turkish buffet breakfast and dinner
All tips for group services
Full sightseeing program with all listed entrance fees
English-speaking local guide
All taxes and surcharges in effect as of May 1, 2025
Price is based on a group of at least 20 passengers. If the minimum group size is not met, The Pilgrim’s Path reserves the right to (a) adjust the tour price, (b) combine groups, or (c) cancel the trip and refund payments received, less non-recoverable deposits. If airlines or governments add new taxes or surcharges after May 1, 2025, those additional amounts will be the responsibility of each traveler.
Land-Only Price –
Includes everything above except airfare and airport transfers.
Not Included
Any costs related to COVID-19 requirements
Personal expenses (laundry, extra drinks, coffee with dinner, lunches, tips for personal favors)
Excess baggage fees or baggage forwarding
Airport transfers outside the group schedule
Optional travel insurance
Hotels & Rooms
First Class (4-star) hotels, double occupancy in twin-bedded rooms with private bath.
Single room supplement: $800-$1,000 (limited availability; may be smaller than twin rooms).
If you do not have a roommate, The Pilgrim’s Path will attempt to match you. If no match is found, the single supplement will apply.
Payments
Deposit: $400 per person (non-refundable) secures your spot.
Second Payment: $2,500 due six months before departure.
Final Balance: Due three months before departure.
Late Payment Fee: $100 per person, per month, for balances not received by the deadline.
Cancellation Policy
91+ days before departure: Non-refundable deposit only.
66–90 days before departure: 50% of tour cost + non-refundable deposit.
0–65 days before departure: No refund.
If your cancellation leaves your roommate without a travel partner, you will be responsible for the single supplement cost in addition to the above fees. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to The Pilgrim’s Path. No refunds for unused services.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Failure to purchase insurance is at the traveler’s own risk, and The Pilgrim’s Path bears no responsibility for losses not covered by insurance. Purchasing within two weeks of deposit often provides the best coverage, including protection for pre-existing conditions.
Flights & Itinerary Changes
Flight times are subject to change by the airlines.
The Pilgrim’s Path is not responsible for costs caused by delays, missed connections, or schedule changes.
Travelers booking their own connecting flights should purchase tickets that are flexible and changeable without high fees.
If flight schedule changes lengthen or shorten the trip, The Pilgrim’s Path may adjust the itinerary.
Extra overnight costs (if needed) will be $160 per person (double) or $280 (single), plus meals and transfers as required.
Airline Tickets
Economy class seats on regularly scheduled carriers.
Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable once issued.
Luggage Allowance
1 checked bag (max 50 lbs / 23 kg)
1 carry-on bag
1 small personal item
(Travelers are responsible for checking their airline’s exact baggage rules before departure.)
Statement of Responsibility
The Pilgrim’s Path will provide the program itinerary as described. Prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to change due to government regulations, international agreements, airline rules, or supplier policies.
The Pilgrim’s Path may modify or withdraw the program at any time. Refunds will be limited to recoverable payments from suppliers; personal travel expenses not booked by The Pilgrim’s Path (e.g., connecting flights, independent hotel stays) are not refundable.
The Pilgrim’s Path may refuse travel to anyone whose behavior is unsafe or disruptive. In such cases, no refunds will be given.
Except for its own willful negligence, The Pilgrim’s Path is not responsible for injuries, delays, illnesses, or disruptions caused by events beyond its control (including but not limited to strikes, weather, wars, acts of terrorism, pandemics, airline changes, or natural disasters). Airlines are responsible only for their own transportation services under their passenger contracts.
