Location is an approximation

Turkey

Istanbul and the seven churches of Revelation
Three-star hotels and knowledgeable local guide
Excellent value including two internal flights

 
 
 
 
"Another excellent Oak Hall expedition visiting so many sites with such a friendly group."
Amanda
 

A fascinating tour of New Testament sites in Turkey

Turkey is a land of striking contrasts—where Asia meets Europe, and the ancient world lives alongside the modern. Bustling cities sit near ruins that whisper stories from thousands of years ago, while vibrant markets and peaceful coastlines offer a rich blend of tradition and contemporary life. With its Biblical history and breathtaking landscapes, Turkey is the fascinating destination for this Oak Hall tour of the New Testament sites scattered across this land. 

 

Explore from Istanbul to Izmir, Pammukale to Pergamum

Each day we have an interesting itinerary planned, taking us to a range of amazing locations. We fly first to Izmir to explore the sites of the seven churches of Revelation, staying in three-star hotels with en-suite rooms. We then fly back to Istanbul to explore this fascinating city straddling Europe and Asia.

British Citizens no longer require a visa to visit Turkey for tourism. 
 

Seven cities of the churches of Revelation

It is amazing to explore Turkey with our Bibles open! The region of 'Asia Minor' in Acts, Turkey is strewn with Biblical history. Walking through the cities of the seven churches, we see how each location is full of cultural and historical connections to the message that Jesus gives to the believers in that location.

We begin our expedition exploring Smyrna - modern day Izmir - and the city of Polycarp. We walk together through the ancient agora and reflect on the message that Jesus gave to the believers in this city, 'These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again...'


 
"The Bible was brought alive in many ways and the relevance to each of our lives was so clear."
guest in 2025
 
 
 

Imposing Ephesus

Many travel to Turkey for this site alone—and it's easy to see why. With its ancient streets, bathhouse, temples, grand library, and vast amphitheatre, Ephesus brings to life the world of those who first received Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Standing in the agora, we open Acts 19 and recall the riot that likely began here before the crowd surged into the amphitheatre, shouting for two hours, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!' As we walk these historic paths, the courage and grit of these early believers is brought home, a testament to how the Holy Spirit empowered them to endure intense pressure and opposition.
 
"You may press the words of Luke in a degree beyond any other historian’s, and they stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment..."
Sir William Ramsay after years of study of the New Testament sites of Turkey
 

Magnificent Pergamon

Perched like a 'throne' over the valleys below, elevated Pergamon is an imposing site that contains the remains of a 10,000-seat theatre and a library with 200,000 books. We take a cable car up the mountain to explore the city and gaze back from from the Acropolis, 400m above the valley plain.
 
 

'Healing waters' of Hierapolis - the 'cotton castles' of Pamukkale

Hierapolis has been known throughout history for its warm, thermal, healing waters. This natural phenomenon propelled this city to become a vast metropolis by the first century - and there is much to walk through even these two millennia later. As well as its wonderful history, we dip ourselves into the hot thermal springs that have formed the unique, dazzling white landscape of basins and cascading water, known as 'Pamukkale' or 'cotton castles'.
 

Wealthy Laodicea and its lukewarm water

Just a twenty-minute drive from Hierapolis brings us to the wealthy city of Laodicea. Since Oak Hall's first trips to the cities of Revelation over thirty years ago, it is fascinating to see what has been discovered in the intervening years, in fact, every month, new artefacts are architecture are unearthed and displayed. 

Other highlights of our tour include visits to Thyatira, the home of Lydia, the businesswoman from the book of Acts as well as exploring Miletus, Didyma and Philadelphia.

 
 
 

Relaxing in coastal Kusadası

Turkey has a breathtakingly beautiful coastline. We sample this in Kusadası which nestles on the sparkling Aegean coast. We spend a refreshing rest day here - some of us will take a boat to nearby islands and bays while others of us might explore the castle and ancient streets. The food - including fish caught that day - is delightfully fresh. We will make Kusadası our base as we explore Ephesus, Miletus and Didyma.

 
"Within a few hours of our return we have recommended this trip to friends at church."
Janet
 
 
 

Istanbul - where cultures and continents meet

Istanbul - ancient Constantinople - has been a major crossroads city for much of history. Filled with striking monuments, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the ancient hippodrome, Istanbul is located right on the border between Europe and Asia, with the Bosphorus Strait acting as the dividing line. From the tree-lined, modern streets to the ancient markets, including its amazing covered grand bazaar, it is the ideal city with which to close our fascinating tour.

For our two nights in Istanbul, breakfast is provided but we choose where to eat in the evenings - allowing us to explore a wide range of wonderful delicacies!

 
 
 

A captivating Biblical journey through time in Turkey

Discover Turkey’s extraordinary secrets on this remarkable Oak Hall expedition. Walk in the footsteps of Paul and John across Asia Minor’s New Testament sites—exploring Ephesus, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Thyatira, and more—while staying in charming towns and enjoying warm fellowship each evening. With inspiring Bible talks, expert local guides, experienced Oak Hall team and all the little details taken care of, this tour can be a springboard for continued Scripture exploration.

Ready to deepen your faith and make memories for a lifetime? Join us for our Oak Hall Expeditions Turkey tour!

 
"Fabulous holiday. Great opportunity to put the Bible in situ."
Catherine
 
 
 
 

Itinerary

 
Please find below the provisional itinerary. Hotel meals are indicated in brackets (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
 
Day #1
Arrive at Izmir Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight in Izmir (-/-/D)
Day #2
Morning - visit the Izmir Agora. Afternoon - travel on to Pergamon, visiting the Acropolis. Stay overnight in Bergama (B/-/D)
Day #3
Travel from Pergamon to Thyatira, also visiting Sardis and Philadelphia. Stay overnight in Pamukkale (B/-/D)
Day #4
Visit to Hierapolis and Laodicea. Stay overnight in Pamukkale (B/-/D)
Day #5
Visit to Laodicea. Travel to Kusadasý. Stay overnight at Kusadasý (B/-/D)
Day #6
A day of leisure. Take in the views of the interesting harbour overlooked by a fortress, enjoy an optional boat ride (payable locally) or head to the markets. Stay overnight at Kusadasý (B/-/D)
Day #7
Visit to Ephesus, St. John’s Basilica and the Temple of Artemis. Stay overnight at Kusadasý (B/-/D)
Day #8
Visit to Miletos and Didyma. Stay overnight in Kusadasi (B/-/D)
Day #9
Transfer to Izmir Airport for our flight to Istanbul. Visit the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. Stay overnight in Istanbul (B/-/-)
Day #10
Visit to St. Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Optional cruise on the Bosphorus (payable locally). Stay overnight in Istanbul (B/-/-)
Day #11
Return to the UK (B/-/-)

Dates/Prices

The total includes return flights from London to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, internal flights to Izmir, airport taxes and charges, three-star hotel accommodation, en-suite rooms for two, all coach transport, entrance fees, guide services and tips of £25. Breakfast is included each day, plus evening meals apart from the 2 nights in Istanbul.

British Citizens no longer need a visa to visit Turkey For flight times, click 'View/Book'.

For information about independent travel, scroll down on this page

  TripDatesPrice
TK44 - £1698View/Book ->
Availability Key:
Independent Travel Remaining
Full but waiting list available
Place may be available on request
Places still available
A few places still available
 

Independent Travel

We would not recommend independent travel for the Turkey tour, as we book all the flights with the airline as a package, including the internal flights.