Description
Turkey & Greece with Pastor Bin Qian - April 2025
A Journey to Turkey and Greece
We want to invite you on an unforgettable journey through Turkey and Greece, filled with ancient biblical history, culture, and spiritual blessings. We’ll visit places that witnessed events of decisive and enduring importance in the history of humanity.
This journey will provide you a deeper understanding of the scriptures as you travel through the lands of the Bible. There are more biblical sites in Turkey than in any other country, making it known as the second Holy Land. Not only will you visit the sites of each of the Seven Churches, but you’ll also visit the actual places that the New Testament letters were penned or received. Imagine being in Ephesus, site of so many teachings that establish our salvation, and picture yourself in biblical cities of Greece you’ve always read about - Athens, Corinth, Thessalonica, Philippi, Berea, and more.
You can read your way through the New Testament, or you can bring it to life with an all-inclusive trip to where it all took place. At the end of this tour, two things will most certainly be changed: you, and your understanding of the Bible.
Sincerely,
Pastor Bin Qian
What's Included
Our tours are all-inclusive. Always.
Itinerary
Day by Day
- 3
Monday
Istanbul / Nicaea / BursaThis morning after breakfasts we board the bus and make our way to Iznik, formerly Nicaea, where we celebrate Christ in the Nicene Creed. The site of two ecumenical councils in the Byzantine period, Nicaea was later known for its tiles during the Ottoman Empire. Continue on to Bursa where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
- 4
Tuesday
Bursa / Thyatira / Sardis / Philadelphia / Laodicea / PamukkaleOur first stop this morning is Thyatira (modern Akhisar) Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Europe, who accepted the Lord in Phillippi, was a seller of purple from Thyatira. Progressing onward, we make a brief stop at Alasehir (biblical Philadelphia), the city of Brotherly Love. We head for Sardis, a Lydian capital where we visit the largest Roman Synagogue yet discovered, the white marble royal road and the impressive gymnasium. Then, it is on to Laodicea, the site of the “luke-warm church,” with stunning new excavations. From here, we continue on to Pamukkale (biblical Hierapolis) a unique, magnificent, natural formation, sure to be a highlight of your trip. Over the Millenia, calcium rich water from underground, thermal springs, has flowed over the mountainside and slowly solidified, creating shallow white basins and travertine features. Christianity came to Hierapolis via Paul (Col 4:13). After dinner tonight why not relax in one of Pamukkale’s wonderful thermal baths!
- 5
Wednesday
Pamukkale / Hierapolis / Colossae / Ephesus / KusadasiWe spend most of the morning visiting the stunning ruins of Hierapolis and in viewing the white cliffs. After a brief stop at the site of ancient Colossae (not yet excavated), and continue to wonderful Ephesus (Rev. 1:11), the largest city in the Mediterranean world, the crown jewel of the Seven Churches and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. We will explore the massive scale of the Temple of Artemis / Diana, visit the Odeon, the marble street where Paul held daily discussions, the Library of Celcus, the Temple of Hadrian and the great theater where the preaching of Paul led to a riot of silversmiths. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians was first read in the house churches of this city. Note: Shopping Stop! Dinner and overnight.
- 6
Thursday
Kusadasi / Smyrna (Izmir) / Pergamum / CanakkaleThe sun has already risen behind Mount Pagus and the citadel of ancient Smyrna dominates the skyline when we arrive at this landlocked harbor city. Here we will visit the Church of St. Polycarp, the oldest church in ancient Smyrna (now Izmir). Then, it is on to today’s primary stop, Pergamum, modern Bergama. We visit first the majestic acropolis and remarkable Graeco-Roman Theater, steepest in the world. Then, it is the famous Aesculapium, antiquity’s equivalent to a modern general hospital. We journey on to Canakkale for dinner and overnight.
- 7
Friday
Canakkale / Troy / IstanbulToday’s included excursion is Troy (think Homer and the “Iliad”!), one of the oldest sites discovered in Asia Minor with its 9 different settlements and related 30 cities. Troas, the city where Paul had the dream to travel to Macedonia is nearby. We will cross the bridge and then drive to Istanbul. Upon arrival we will visit the renowned Grand Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
- 8
Saturday
IstanbulOur target today is Istanbul where we explore the Hippodrome and the Basilica of St. Sophia, which has inspired architects and religious leaders for over fifteen hundred years. Constructed originally in 326 by Constantine the Great, it has been a cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum. This afternoon we explore the famous Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace once home to the sultans. The palace is filled with treasures and antiquities including the famous, bejeweled Topkapi Dagger. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
- 10
Monday
Kavala / Philippi / ThessalonikiThis morning we visit Philippi, named after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. In Philippi, the Apostle first proclaimed the Gospel in Europe and was thrown in Prison (Acts 16). We’ll visit the prison, theater, Forum and Lydia’s Baptistery. The Epistle to the Philippians was written to the people of this city. We proceed to Thessaloniki, birthplace of Aristotle, where we see the Rotonda, Triumphal Arch of Galerius, the sea front and the White Tower. We continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
- 11
Tuesday
Thessaloniki / KalambakaThis morning we continue on to stunning Vergina, the first capital of the Macedonian Kingdom, where we see the Tombs of the Kings. It was here that the remains of King Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, were found. We will see many tombs and many of the golden items used during that period. Continue on to Veria, or Beroea, where Paul found people who eagerly received his message, “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true” (Acts 17:11). Continue our drive to Kozani and on to Kalambaka for dinner and overnight.
- 12
Wednesday
Kalambaka / AthensThis morning we visit Meteora, a cluster of pillars of rock, and the “Hanging Monasteries” perched on top of rock cliffs. There are 13 monasteries here, only 4 of which are inhabited by monks. We will visit one of the Monasteries and have time to explore and climb among the rocks. Continue our drive through the beautiful scenery of Greece, imagining Paul walking with his followers and teaching them God’s word as they continued down the road. We will continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.
- 13
Thursday
Athens / CorinthThis morning we start our tour of Athens by visiting the important modern and archaeological sites in the city of Athens, the Acropolis and neighboring monuments. While driving through the main streets of Athens, we have an opportunity to see other places of interest such as the University, the Academy, the National Library, the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenian Stadium, Omonia Square, Constitution Square and the Royal Palace. This afternoon we drive along the coastal road to Corinth. Continue along the wonderful beach of Kinetta, make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, then on to ancient Corinth to visit the Museum, the Bema of St. Paul, the Doric Temple of Apollo, the Askeleion, Agora, Lechaion Road, and the Peirene Fountain. Return to our hotel for dinner overnight.
From Seattle with Pastor Bin Qian