**July 15 - ISTANBUL / CANAKKALE**  
Welcome to Istanbul, the magical city spanning two continents, Europe and Asia. Upon arrival, we will spend an exciting day seeing the many sites of the Sultanahmet area. Highlights will include the Blue Mosque, or Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, one of the biggest mosques in the city whose 17th-century blue tiles and 6 minarets help shape the skyline of Istanbul; and the iconic Hagia Sophia, built as a church by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century and converted to a mosque some 900 years later. In the afternoon, we will drive to Canakkale and check into our hotel for the night.

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**July 16 - CANAKKALE / PERGAMUM / SMYRNA (IZMIR)**  
Today, we drive to PERGAMUM (Bergama), one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Pergamum was a major cultural and political center during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. We will visit the ancient ruins, including the Temple of Zeus, the Asclepion, and the Great Altar of Pergamon. After exploring Pergamum, we continue our journey to SMYRNA (modern-day Izmir), another of the Seven Churches. Smyrna was an important port city and a center of early Christianity. Overnight stay in Izmir. 

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**July 17 - SMYRNA (IZMIR)**  
Today, we will spend an additional day in Izmir to further explore this vibrant city and the sites around it.  Overnight stay in Izmir.

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**July 18 - SMYRNA (IZMIR) / EPHESUS**  
This morning, we depart for EPHESUS, the largest archaeological site in Turkey and one of the most significant of the Seven Churches. Ephesus was once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will explore the well-preserved ruins, including the great theater where St. Paul preached, the Library of Celsus, and other impressive structures. After a full day of exploration, we will check into our hotel near Ephesus.

**July 19 - EPHESUS / THYATIRA / SARDIS**  
Today, we depart for THYATIRA (modern-day Akhisar), known as "the adulterous church" that tolerated the false prophets, Jezebel. We will visit the ancient ruins and learn about the early Christian community there. Next, we drive to SARDIS, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia and later an important city in the Persian Empire. Sardis was one of the most prosperous cities in the ancient world due to its strategic location on the trade route between the Aegean coast and the interior of Anatolia. We will explore the archaeological site, including the largest synagogue discovered in Anatolia, before checking into our hotel in Sardis.

**July 20 - SARDIS / PHILADELPHIA / LAODICEA**  
This morning, we depart for PHILADELPHIA (modern-day Alasehir), another prominent city in ancient Lydia. Philadelphia played a significant role in early Christianity and was known for its peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. We will visit the ancient ruins, including the remains of a large Byzantine basilica and city walls. Next, we drive to LAODICEA, which flourished during the Roman period as a major center for trade, finance, and textiles. Laodicea held significant importance in the early Christian era as one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. We will explore the well-preserved ruins, including the theatre, temples, baths, and necropolis, before checking into our hotel near Laodicea.

**July 21 - LAODICEA / HIERAPOLIS / ANTALYA**  
Today, we visit the nearby ancient city of HIERAPOLIS, founded around the 2nd century BC by the Seleucid King Eumenes II. Hierapolis became part of the Roman province of Asia and was known for its hot springs and travertine terraces. It was a popular spa center during Roman times and significant in early Christianity as the place where Philip the Apostle was believed to have been martyred. We will explore the well-preserved ruins, including the theatre, temples, baths, and necropolis. Afterward, we will drive to ANTALYA. Upon arrival, we will explore the old town of Antalya, known for its historic sites, charming streets, and beautiful coastline. We will spend the night in Antalya.

**July 22 - ANTALYA / KONYA**  
This morning, we depart for KONYA, the former capital of the Selcuk Empire. On the way, we will visit the 13th century Sultanhani, one of the best-preserved Caravanserais in the world. Caravansarais were the roadside inns back in the old days. Upon arrival in Konya, we will check into our hotel and explore the city's rich history and culture.

**July 23 - KONYA / CAPPADOCIA**  
Today we explore Cappadocia’s surreal volcanic moonscape whittled into unique formations by wind and rain over millions of years. During our visit to this vast region, we'll also see many cave churches and dwellings that have been in use for centuries and then drive to the four-story deep underground city of Kaymakli, dating back to the era of the Hittites. Late in the afternoon, we’re driving to the airport for our flight to Istanbul.

**July 24 - ISTANBUL**  
Welcome back to Istanbul. Today, we will spend the day cruising along the Bosphorus Channel, seeing some amazing structures along the coastline including palaces, castles, and beautiful mansions. In the afternoon, we're strolling through one of the most popular neighborhoods in town.

**July 25 - ISTANBUL**  
Today, we will visit the Spice Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of spices, sweets, and other goods. Afterward, we will head to Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul, which is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. We will spend the day exploring the area and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

**July 26 - ISTANBUL**  
End of the trip.