TURKEY:
May 9-22, 2026
“Following Paul on Mission”
with Dayspring Christian Academy, PA
(Program #260502, Taught by Dr. Smith)
ADULT:
FULL TOUR (INCLUDES AIRFARE): $5,999.00
LAND ONLY: $4,499.00
STUDENT:
FULL TOUR (INCLUDES AIRFARE): $5,699.00
LAND ONLY: $4,199.00
✅ INCLUDED:
Accommodations: First-Class (4-⭐) hotels with private bath, based on double occupancy
Meals: Daily buffet breakfast and dinner.
Sightseeing: Full program of sightseeing as listed in the itinerary.
Guide: Licensed, English-speaking local guide throughout.
Entrance Fees: All included for sites listed in the program.
Tips for Group Services: All standard gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and drivers during group travel.
Taxes & Surcharges: All taxes and fuel surcharges in effect as of May 1, 2025.
Group Transportation: Motorcoach transfers and touring per itinerary.
Study Materials & Coordination: Assistance from CTSP staff before and during the journey.
Airfare (with Full Tour): Round-trip economy class airfare from the U.S. on regularly scheduled carriers.
Luggage: One checked bag (max 50 lbs), one carry-on, and one small personal item, per airline limits.
❌ NOT INCLUDED:
Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, or coffee with dinners.
Lunches: Not included unless specifically noted.
Tips for Personal Favors: Such as hotel room service or private assistance.
Optional Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but not sold by CTSP.
COVID-related Expenses: Any required testing or compliance costs.
Excess or Forwarded Baggage: Airline fees for overweight or additional luggage.
Private Transfers: Any transfers not operating with the main group.
Single Room Supplement: $1,150 per person (required if a roommate cannot be assigned).
Passport Fees & Visas: Costs associated with obtaining or renewing your travel documents.
Additional Taxes or Airline Surcharges: If imposed after May 1, 2025.
Extra Nights: Any overnights caused by airline schedule changes ($180 pp double / $320 single per night).
Cancellations: Non-refundable deposits and applicable cancellation fees as listed in the Tour Conditions.
Itinerary:
Day One. Saturday, May 9, 2026: DEPARTURE DAY
Flights are from an east coast gateway (EWR/JFK). Overnight: in flight.
Day Two. Sunday, May 10, 2026: ARRIVAL in ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner this evening and introductions. Overnight: Istanbul (1 of 3). D
Day Three. Monday, May 11, 2026: ISTANBUL
The historic and grand city (ancient Constantinople) will be our backdrop to look at the period of expansion in the early centuries of the church. During these next two days, we will deal with the unique fusion of east and west that can be seen in Istanbul. This will provide the backdrop to discuss issues of the period of the Apostolic and Apologetic Fathers, including 1) The canon of the Scripture; 2) The order and formalization of creedal doctrine; 3) The structural footprint of the church (how the church became a political force and at what cost).
Understanding east and west comes from experiencing them both. To that end, we selected six experiences for you. After breakfast, we will have a classroom introduction to our program (1.5 hours) and then visit:
1. The collection at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum (grandeur of the past),
2. A brief view of the park area where the ancient Hippodrome once stood (the volatility of power in decline),
3. The Grand Bazaar (the powerful commercial base) and
4. The Aya Irini (the acknowledgment of Holy Scripture). After these, we will have dinner and a relaxing overnight at our hotel. Overnight: Istanbul (2 of 3). B,D
Day Four. Tuesday, May 12, 2026: ISTANBUL
Continuing our theme discussing the early period of Christianity, we will continue our seven experiences with:
1. Aya Sophia (structured power of heaven and earth).
2. Turkish bath (comfort, the earth and heaven) for a unique but wonderful cultural experience! Our day will end again with dinner and a relaxing time at the hotel. Overnight: Istanbul (3 of 3). B,D
Day Five. Wednesday, May 13, 2026: SMYRNA / IZMIR
Today we begin the ongoing theme of seven heart problems that effect Jesus followers as taken from His letters to seven churches. The first we will visit is to Smyrna, where we learn about “Fear and Heart Health: When opposition presses us and has a chilling effect on our faithfulness.” After a morning flight to Izmir, we will visit sites in the city, including the walled Citadel, an excellent view of the harbor and the St. Polycarp Church. Overnight: Izmir (1 of 2) B,D
Day Six. Thursday, May 14, 2026: PERGAMUM / BERGAMA
Our second of the seven churches visits will be at Pergamum, where we look at “Exhaustion and Heart Health: When we join the corps of the unfaithful because we feel we just can’t fight ‘City Hall’ anymore.” After breakfast, we will journey by motor coach to Bergama (Pergamum, 2 h 20m) via a beautiful coast road: Acropolis, Great Theatre, area of altar of Zeus. Nearby, visit the Red Basilica; walk through the Asklepion, the famous medical center of antiquity. Overnight: Izmir (2 of 2). B,D
Day Seven. Friday, May 15, 2026: THYATIRA / AKHISAR - SARDIS / SART – PHILADELPHIA / ALASEHIR
Today we will visit the ancient sites of three of the churches, and continue the “heart health” theme, first with a visit to Thyatira, where we examine “Complacency and Heart Health: When we tolerate immorality because we don’t want to cause a conflict.” Next, we travel and visit the ancient city of Sardis, where we learn about “Apathy and Heart Health: When we allow the weakness to spread unchecked by vigilance and defense of the truth.” Finally, we make our way to ancient Philadelphia, and study a bit on “the Feeling of Insignificance and Heart Health – When we feel tiny and won’t push to deliberately build the body of believers.” For travel planning, after breakfast, we plan to depart our hotel in Izmir for the visit of Akhisar (Thyatira, 1h45m). From there we travel south to Sart (Sardis, 1 h20m), visit ruins of the Temple of Artemis, Royal Road, gymnasium, and synagogue. Travel on to the modest ruins of Alasehir (Philadelphia, 1 h). On to Hierapolis area. Overnight: Pamukkale / Hierapolis area (1 of 2). B,D
Day Eight. Saturday, May 16, 2026: HIERAPOLIS – PAMMUKALE - LAODICEA.
Today we visit HIERAPOLIS and her sister city at Laodicea, where we will discuss “Distraction and Heart Health – When we focus so much on this world’s success, we forget this isn’t the real world.” This morning we will depart first for a visit of Hierapolis, Pamukkale, and Laodikeia (25 m, Laodicea), then return to our spa hotel for refreshment. Overnight: Pamukkale / Hierapolis area (2 of 2). B,D
Day Nine. Sunday, May 17, 2026: HIERAPOLIS – COLOSSAE - APHRODISIAS – KUSADASI
Taking a break from the Revelation letters, we will climb up onto the ruins of Colossae and discuss the writing of Paul to the Colossians (and the foundations of conflict in pseudo-sciences, while also addressing the small letter of Philemon. After our visit, we will travel to the ruins of Colossae’s ancient “sister city” of Aphrodisias, before driving to our hotel for dinner near Ephesus. Overnight: Kusadasi (1 of 2). B,D
Day Ten. Monday, May 18, 2026: EPHESUS / SELCUK
Today we complete our theme of the seven churches at the monumental excavations in Ephesus, where we will look at “Priorities and Heart Health: When we neglect our walk with God and our heart becomes unhealthy.” This includes a full day tour of Ephesus including the Arcadian Way, the Fountain of Trajan, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre. Visit to the Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Double Church), where the Third Ancient Council convened. The Basilica of St. John. Visit the Museum of Ephesus for an up-close look at artifacts from the ancient city. Overnight: Kusadasi (2 of 2). B,D
Day Eleven. Tuesday, May 19, 2026: The Apostle John at Ephesus and Patmos.
Today the ports of call include Kusadasi (near Ephesus, arrive 07:00 and depart 13:00) in Turkey, as well as the Island of Patmos (arrive 16:30 depart 21:30) in the Aegean Sea. Celestyal offers an included shore excursion with their own guide and transportation in Ephesus. If you have never seen it - DON’T MISS IT! Ephesus is filled with monumental buildings excavated and restored from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. As for Patmos, the little island is an “on your own” trip, but it is easy to see what this little gem holds! Overnight: Cruise Ship. (2 of 4) B, L, D.
Day Twelve. Wednesday, May 20, 2026: Rhodos.
Today we harbor in at Rhodos (arrive 07:00 depart 18:00), and have opportunities to do a wonderful walk around the city that is near to the place where our ship is tied. This island once displayed the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world. Today, the Latin Kingdom walls remind us of the knights of old. This is a really fun destination, and the ship is there all day! Overnight: Cruise Ship (3 of 4) B, L, D.
Day Thirteen. Thursday, May 21, 2026: Heraklion and Santorini.
The ship’s ports of call are Heraklion, Crete (arrive 07:00 depart 12:00) and the Island of Santorini (arrive 16:30 depart 21:30). (Your shore excursion to Heraklion with Celestyal’s guide and transportation is included) and SHOULD NOT BE MISSED! It is an archaeological treasure! As for Santorini, you MUST experience this place! Overnight: Cruise Ship. (4 of 4) B, L, D.
Day Fourteen. Friday, May 22, 2026. Return Day to USA.
Arrive Lavrio 06:00. Depart for the Athens airport for flight home arriving the same day back in the USA.
TOUR CONDITIONS
May 9-May 22, 2026 TURKIYE & GREEK CRUISE PROGRAM PRICE includes hotels, buffet breakfast and dinner as listed on program, tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of English-speaking lecturers, 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 1, 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 visas, 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 their own travel insurance policy to care for any disruptions or cancellations because of health issues, possible local conditions, etc. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) is available through some companies, but can be quite pricey. 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 (where available) rooms with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $1,399.00 for the land portion if you prefer a single room. 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 50% per person is due November 9, 2025. Final payment is due by February 9, 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 February 9, 2025.
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.
*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).
AIRLINE ARRANGEMENTS from the USA will be included in the Full Tour price. Air Transportation will be economy class aboard regularly scheduled carriers utilizing non-refundable, non-transferable, non-amendable tickets. Once your ticket has been written, it cannot be transferred, rewritten, or refunded.
YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece (40lbs), plus one carry-on. You should check with the airline for their specific restrictions.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described for this trip, and it 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, based on recovered funds. 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 to 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.