Istanbul - a city where cultures and continents meet

We are pleased to offer a new tour of Turkey, including the remarkable city of Istanbul. This location has been the main city of both Christianity and Islam at various times in the past and both have left striking monuments for us to explore.

Sitting right on the border between Europe and Asia, with the Bosphorus river acting as the dividing line, Istanbul is an intriguing mix of cultures. From the tree-lined, modern shopping streets to the ancient bazaars, including the largest covered bazaar in the world, it is a city that is well worth exploring. 

An excellent tour including Troy

We stay in three-star hotels with en-suite rooms for two as we tour through this fascinating part of Turkey. Our separate excursion package takes us to a range of amazing locations. From Istanbul we head south to explore the sites of the seven churches of Revelation. We cross the Dardanelles by ferry and stop en route to explore Troy, the ancient city famous as the setting for the Trojan war.

Sites of the seven churches of Revelation

We will have a guide who will take us around Istanbul, as well as the sites of the Seven Churches listed in the book of Revelation, a book which comes alive as we see how these locations relate to the Bible’s message.

Pergamon is an amazing site that contained a 10,000-seat theatre and a library with 200,000 books. The best views are from the Acropolis, 400m above the valley plain.

The cotton castles of Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a beautiful, natural site, which is the only one of its kind in the world. Hot thermal springs have formed a dazzling white landscape of basins and cascading water, known as the ‘cotton castles’.

Other highlights of our tour include visits to Hierapolis and Laodicea, on opposite sides of the valley, and Thyatira, the home of Lydia, the businesswoman from the book of Acts.

Excursions from the coastal city of Kusadasý

During our time in Kusadasý we explore Ephesus, one of the most famous historical sites in the world. Our visits include the magnificent St. John Basilica and the Temple of Artemis. The apostle Paul was prevented by his friends from preaching to a rioting crowd in the theatre in Ephesus, which is well preserved and seated 25,000 people.

The mysteries of an ancient civilisation

We return to Istanbul via the ferry at Bandirma. The land of Turkey has a special kind of people who bring together the cultures of East and West, Europe and Asia, and retain the best from both of them – a people who combine hospitality with friendly laughter.

A colourful and fascinating mixture of ancient and modern, its delightful weather, picturesque towns and beautiful coastline make Turkey an interest-packed setting for an Oak Hall Expedition.

Come with us to explore a completely different culture and have a valuable insight into the Bible.

Please find below the provisional itinerary for the tour: