~MARCH 12-25, 2027:
The ultimate tour of Türkiye and Greece! A region known as Asia Minor, it is characterized by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and encompasses a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and historical heritage that has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. This tour is led by expert local guides and veteran MHA guides. Enjoy 14 wonderful days immersed in iconic cities and villages tracing the footsteps of Christianity and the ministry of the Apostle Paul at places where he preached and gained converts to Christianity.
Delight in the flavors of Turkish and Greek cuisine from savory kebabs and mezes to fresh seafood and traditional sweets. With comfortable 4-star accommodations, seamless logistics, and expert guidance every step of the way, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for our travelers seeking a unique adventure. Enjoy the enthralling history, cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and spiritual significance of each city we visit.
Places Visited
Days 1 & 2
Fly to Istanbul, Türkiye, the fifth busiest airport in Europe and a city that straddles two continents, where East meets West in a mesmerizing fusion of cultures. After clearing immigration and customs at the modern and impressive Istanbul International airport, we’ll transfer to our hotel for a sumptuous dinner before retiring and recharging for the fabulous trip ahead. Overnight in Istanbul (2 nights).
DAY 3
Start the Sabbath day by attending the LDS English speaking branch in Etiler. After church, explore Istanbul’s Christian heritage, formerly known as Constantinople, the Christian center of the Byzantine Empire. Over the centuries, it has been a melting pot of cultures and religions. We’ll visit the Hagia Sophia, originally built as the world's largest Christian cathedral, later converted into a mosque representing the blending of Christian and Islamic influences. We’ll visit the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture known for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets, the Hippodrome, and wend our way through the fascinating underground Basilica Cisterns. Enjoy a boat ride through the middle of the city on the Bosporus Strait, the waterway separating Europe from Asia and connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 4
After breakfast we’ll explore the city a little more, specifically Topkapi Palace. Then, leaving Istanbul behind, an afternoon flight will take us to Cappadocia, a land of fantasy-like topography and ancient Christian settlements. Overnight in Cappadocia (2 nights).
DAY 5
As the sun rises there will be an optional morning balloon ride over the surreal landscape of fairy chimneys, ancient rock formations and lunar-like valleys of Cappadocia. Treat yourself to this breathtaking panorama of valleys and carved caves bathed in golden light for an unforgettable experience. Once on the bus, we’ll journey through the valleys of Cappadocia, discovering hidden cave dwellings, ancient monasteries, and more fairy chimneys. Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with rock-cut churches and monasteries adorned with exquisite biblical scenes in frescoes. These churches were places of worship for early Christians fleeing persecution - explore Ozkonak Underground city, an intricate network carved by early Christians to escape persecution; see their elaborate storage rooms, kitchens and living areas. These remarkable sites offer insights into the challenges faced by early Christians and their unwavering commitment to their faith. Visit Devrent and Zelve for open-air museums, cave settlements, and more unique formations. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 6
Enjoy the magnificent Goreme panorama before our flight to Izmir, historically known as Smyrna, and one of the seven churches addressed by the Apostle John in the Book of Revelations. We’ll transit to Kusadasi, a charming coastal town on the Aegean Sea near Ephesus for the night. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 7
Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, home to the Ephesians, and one of the most significant sites in Christian history. Ephesus was visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys as written in the New Testament. As we walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, we’ll marvel at the Terraced houses, the grandeur of the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the House of the Virgin Mary, believed by some to be the final resting place of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Visit the Basilica of St John, the traditional site of his tomb. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8
Morning drive to Pergamum (now Bergama). Visit Red Basilica, a monumental, ruined temple in the heart of the city and one of the largest Roman structures still surviving. Continue to Alexander Troias. After seeing the harbor where Paul sailed, we’ll continue to Troy to visit the ancient city, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight in Çanakkale, formerly known in English as Dardaenelles – a strategically located city and seaport.
Day 9
We continue today by passing the Dardenelles to drive to the border into Greece, crossing at Ipsala/Kipi. From there, journey onward to Philippi, founded by Philip II of Macedon and which became the first European city where Paul established a Christian community, and home of the Philippians. We’ll visit the archaeological remains of the ancient city, including the Forum, the Theatre, and the Baptistry of St. Lydia. In nearby Kavala, we’ll explore the picturesque harbor and reflect on the spread of Christianity across the Mediterranean. Continue to dinner & overnight in Thessaloniki (2 nights).
DAY 10
Today we spend time at the home of the Thessalonians, and one of the earliest Christian communities established by Paul during his second missionary journey. We will hold a testimony meeting to mark our Sabbath day and have time to explore the city. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 11
We will journey to Veria, known historically as Berea, the city where the Apostle Paul and his companion Silas preached the gospel during Paul’s second missionary journey. The Berean Jews eagerly embraced the gospel message preached to them by Paul and Silas. We will then journey into the heart of Greece’s mainland to Kalambaka, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Meteora cliffs. Here, we’ll find towering rock formations crowned by monasteries that seem to defy gravity and where monks sought solitude and contemplation. These monasteries offer a glimpse into the ascetic life practiced by early Christians. Dinner and overnight Kalambaka.
DAY 12
Travel to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. Delphi was revered in antiquity as the center of the world and was visited by the Apostle Paul during his travels. We’ll explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo as we reflect upon the intersection of Greek mythology and Christianity. From Delphi we continue our journey south to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Overnight in Athens (2 nights).
DAY 13
In the morning, we will explore sites in the ancient city of Athens at the Acropolis and Mars Hill, marvel at the Parthenon, a symbol of ancient Greek glory, and reflect on the enduring influence of Greek philosophy and culture on Christianity. In the Agora, where Socrates and Plato once walked, we’ll contemplate the intersection of faith and reason. Our journey will conclude in Corinth, home of the Corinthians, to visit the ruins of the ancient city, including the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Forum, and the Bema, where Paul stood trial before the Roman authorities. Also see the amazing Corinth Canal. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 14
As all good things must come to an end, this morning we will transfer to Athens airport for our flight to arrive back to our homes by bedtime! As we depart, we’ll reflect on the transformative experiences and newfound understanding and friendships gained from our fabulous journey through Türkiye and Greece!
So, bring your walking shoes, your curiosity, and your appetite — let’s go!