Turkey:
April 10-19, 2027
“John and the Seven Churches of Revelation”
with the Square Church (Atlanta)
(Program #270402, Taught by Dr. Smith)
Price not yet listed, check back soon!
✅ 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 1: DEPARTURE DAY (Saturday, April 10, 2027)
Fly from ATL-IST. Overnight: In flight.
Day 2: ARRIVAL in ISTANBUL (Sunday, April 11, 2027).
Arrive (IST) Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner this evening and introductions. Overnight: Kent Hotel or comp in Istanbul. (1 of 3, D)
Day 3: ISTANBUL (Monday, April 12, 2027)
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 short classroom introduction to our program (1.5 hours) and then visit:
The collection at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum (grandeur of the past),
A brief view of the park area where the ancient Hippodrome once stood (the volatility of power in decline),
The Grand Bazaar (the powerful commercial base) and
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 4: ISTANBUL (Tuesday, April 13, 2027)
Continuing our theme discussing the early period of Christianity, we will continue our seven experiences with some additional delights. After breakfast, we will have a short class to study our topic (1.5 hours) and then visit:
Aya Sophia (structured power of heaven and earth).
The Basilica Cistern
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
Optional addition: The group can have a Bosphorus cruise tonight for dinner if desired.
Day 5: SMYRNA (Wednesday, April 14, 2027)
After a morning flight to Izmir, we will travel 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, B,D)
Day 6: PERGAMUM (Thursday, April 15, 2027)
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 7: THYATIRA / AKHISAR - SARDIS /SART – PHILADELPHIA / ALASEHIR. (Friday, April 16, 2027)
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 8: HIERAPOLIS – PAMUKKALE – LAODICEA (Saturday, April 17, 2027)
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).
Option for hot air balloons for those who desire to float above the ancient sites!
Day 9: EPHESUS / SELCUK. (Sunday, April 18, 2027)
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).
Wonderful Optional: If you want to stay one more day, there is a “Kusadasi Aegean Sea Full Day Boat” extension trip available at additional cost. It is beautiful and relaxing! That would add a day to the itinerary.
Day 10: IZMIR – ISTANBUL (Monday, April 19, 2027)
After breakfast, we travel to the Izmir Airport (1 hr 25 m) for our flight to Istanbul and our connecting flight to the USA.
Every effort will be made to complete the full itinerary. However, because conditions are often unpredictable in travel, we reserve the right to make changes during the tour.