“John and The Seven Churches of Revelation”
with Lodestar Mountain Inn Bible School
February 5-11, 2026
(Program #260204, Taught by Dr. Smith)
$3149.00
$2849.00 per Lodestar student with scholarship
$2999.00 per Lodestar designated chaperones
(see qualifications below)
Single Supplement: For those who do not want a roommate: $520.00
Day One. Thursday, February 5, 2026. Flight to Izmir, Turkiye. Overnight: In flight.
Day Two. Friday, February 6, 2026. ARRIVAL DAY: SMYRNA / IZMIR.
Meet your teacher, guide and driver at the Izmir airport, and take a short ride by bus to the marketplace of the ancient city of Smyrna (45 min), where we learn about “how to choose faith over fear”. We’ll check into our nearby hotel for dinner. Overnight: Izmir. (1 of 2). D
Day Three. Saturday, February 7, 2026. PERGAMUM / BERGAMA.
Today we journey to ancient Pergamum (drive 2h20m) via a beautiful Aegean coastal road. Our visit will include the acropolis, the great theatre, the altar of Zeus, and a walk through the Asklepion, the famous hospital of antiquity. There, we will look at resetting defaults on “how we meet our needs” and “how to trade worry for worship.” We’ll return to Izmir tonight for dinner. Overnight: Izmir (2 of 2). B, D
Day Four. Sunday, February 8, 2026. THYATIRA / AKHISAR - SARDIS /SART – PHILADELPHIA / ALASEHIR.
We are off to the ancient sites of three of the churches that received letter, as we continue addressing troubles that press our walk with Jesus. At Thyatira (1h45m) we’ll discuss our deep hunger for economic stability, where we can be tempted to “trade mansions then for money now.” Next, we travel and visit the ancient city of Sardis (1h20m), where we learn about “living on the laurels of an old testimony,” and seek to address seizing revival over standing on old reputation. Finally, we make our way to ancient Philadelphia (1h), and face the problem of feeling small and marginalized as believers. On to Hierapolis (1h15m) area. Overnight: Pamukkale / Hierapolis area (1 of 1). B,D
Day Five. Monday, February 9, 2026. HIERAPOLIS – PAMUKKALE – LAODICEA.
This morning, we visit of Hierapolis (15m), where the Apostle Philip was martyred. Next, we travel to Laodicea (20m), where we will discuss our tendency to feel like “we don’t really need Jesus” and grapple with self-sufficiency. Then, we will climb up onto the ruins of Colossae (20m) and discuss the writing of Paul to the Colossians, while also addressing the small letter of Philemon. After our visit, we will travel to our hotel (2 h25m) for dinner near Ephesus. Overnight: Kusadasi (1 of 2). B,D
Day Six. Tuesday, February 10, 2026. EPHESUS / SELCUK.
Today we complete our theme of the seven churches at the monumental excavations in Ephesus, where we will look at resetting our priorities. Here we face the temptation of trading our WALK with Jesus for WORK for Jesus. This includes a full day tour of the Ephesus area, including some of their legendary handiworks of the region. Overnight: Kusadasi (2 of 2). B,D
Day Seven: Wednesday, February 11, 2026. SMYRNA / IZMIR.
Today, we make our way back to the airport in Izmir (1h15m) and depart on our return flight to the US. B
The program was built on the following flights.
(Scheduled flight times may be adjusted by the airline):
Departing the USA:
DEP Dulles International Airport (IAD) 1:30 PM for10 hr flight, ARR 07:30 AM+1 Istanbul Airport (IST) on TK 188; 2 hr 30 min layover DEP Istanbul (IST) 10:00 AM 1 hr 10 min ARR 11:15 to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) via Boeing 737 TK 2318.
Returning to the USA:
DEP Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) at12:55 PM for 1 hr 30 min flight to ARR 2:25 PM Istanbul Airport (IST) Boeing 737 TK 2321 1 hr 30 min layover. DEP Istanbul (IST) 3:55 PM Istanbul Airport (IST) for 11 hr 20 min to ARR 7:15 PM Dulles International Airport (IAD) Boeing 777 TK 7.
TOUR CONDITIONS
The full cost of the program is $3149.00 to Christian Travel Study Program, Inc. The SCHOLARSHIPS are being provided by Global Vision Outreach, Inc. and are for students of the Bible school and their designated accompanying adult chaperones. These scholarships are non-transferrable and cannot be used in relation to any refund to the participant. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, the participant must be a student of the Bible (confirmed by the registrar) or be an adult designated by the school to travel with them. Those not associated with the school, if approved to participate, should not anticipate receiving the scholarship.
February 5-11, 2025 TURKEY PROGRAM PRICE includes hotels, buffet breakfast and dinner as listed on program, tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of English-speaking lecturers, digital resource notebook, local guide (where required) and all entrance fees to sites as listed in the program. All taxes and surcharges in effect as of September 30, 2025 are included. If additional surcharges or taxes are imposed by the airlines or governments, any additional amounts will be the responsibility of the passenger. This program will operate with a minimum of 15 participants.
NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for COVID compliance (there are none at the time of this publication); personal items such as laundry; meals not specified as included in program, drinks and coffee during or after meals; lunches, tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; optional travel insurance.
WE KINDLY REQUEST THAT ALL PASSENGERS purchase insurance to care for any disruptions or cancellations because of health issues, etc. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) is available through some companies, but it can be quite expensive. Do some research and get the plan that will best cover you. CTSP does not sell or recommend insurance companies.
YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on double occupancy in a four-star tourist class (where available) rooms with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $520.00 for the land portion if you request a single room (when and where available). Individuals enrolling without a roommate may request to be matched with a roommate. In the event that a roommate is not available, individuals will be subject to the single supplement charge. All single rooms are subject to availability and may be smaller than normal twin rooms.
PAYMENT: A nonrefundable deposit of $400 per person, is required to secure your place on the program. A second payment of $1,200 per person is due November 15, 2025. Final payment is due by March 20, 2025. Deposits received within six (6) months of departure require a total initial payment of the deposit and second payment amount. Thereafter, a late payment fee of $100 per person per month will be assessed.
FINAL PAYMENTS ARE DUE IN CTSP OFFICE BY January 5, 2026.
CANCELLATION FEES:
90+ days prior….. non-refundable deposit
66-90 days prior….. 50% plus non-refundable deposit
0-65 days prior….. No refund
*If your cancellation results in a roommate needing a single supplement, that amount will be charged to you in addition to the above fees.
*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.
TRIP INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Insurance is recommended on all international journeys. Insurance policies purchased within two weeks of CTSP receiving original deposit provide the best value, and may cover pre-existing conditions (read the inclusion statements from your provider very carefully). See www.SquareMouth.com to help you compare various companies to make an informed purchase of insurance. We are a travel service, not an insurer, and we don’t want you to lose your investment should something keep you from joining us!
ITINERARY LENGTH: Participant’s flight times are subject to change without advance notice. CTSP is not responsible for changes and delays in airline schedules and does not reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from delays. Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, if you purchase connecting tickets, CTSP strongly recommends they be ones which can be changed without heavy fees and penalties. If airline(s) change flight schedules, CTSP reserves the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary accordingly, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. If changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged (per person, per night) US$180 double occupancy, or US$290 for single rooms (includes single supplement).
YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece, plus carry on. You should contact the airline for the specific restrictions.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described in this brochure, and this represents the entire agreement between the passenger and CTSP No changes or deviations are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of CTSP. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the study program arrangements (during the course) or to make any representation of warranty concerning the program.
All prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to regulations and changes thereof by acts of Government, International Agreement and Airline tariff adjustments, rules and regulations.
CTSP reserves the right to change or withdraw the program, in whole or in part, at any time. In the event of a change, the sole exclusive obligation of CTSP will be to refund pro rata any recoverable payment received. In the event of rescheduling of the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation and refund clause will apply. CTSP reserves the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of CTSP, incapable of or detrimental to group travel.
Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, CTSP assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconveniences, illness, irregularity or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of CTSP, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disaster, closures of airports or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence, or omission of any by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this program.
The commercial carriers are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on-board commercial carriers. The passenger contracts, in use by all commercial carriers involved, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the commercial carriers and the passenger or purchaser of this program and/or passage and program operator assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.
ENROLLMENT in and payment of the deposit for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the Program Conditions and Statement of Responsibility.