Early Christianity in Context: A Study Program in Turkey | Academy International Travel Services

Early Christianity in Context:

A Specialty Study Program in Turkey

Come explore a major cradle of early Christianity. Throughout what is now Turkey, Christianity spread as it moved beyond Judea/Palestine. The varieties of Christianity that took root here in ancient Anatolia — some emerging from within Judaism — represented both Pauline and Johannine (and more besides!) traditions of belief and practice. This tour introduces participants to sites and monuments linked to these beginnings. Just as significant, it contextualizes the rise of Christianity via attention to Turkey’s broader cultural and religious history. Group members will encounter Istanbul's marvels in addition to the wonders of ancient Pergamum, Ephesus, and Aphrodisias — to name just a few stops on this eye-opening journey.

Dates

January 10- 22, 2027

Stays

Istanbul (3 nights)

Bergama (2 nights)

Pamukkale (2 nights)

Selçuk (4 nights)

Starting from

Students of LPTS: $3,890 pp

Non-students: $4,090 pp

Single Supplement

$400

What's Included

11 nights total accommodation in Istanbul (4-star hotel), Bergama (3-star hotel), Pamukkale (5 star hotel), and Kusadasi (4-star hotel)
Breakfast daily
Dinners (9) and lunches (2) per itinerary
One group transfer from airport to hotel in Istanbul and from hotel to airport in Izmir
Private transportation on air conditioned bus
Professional English-speaking guide services
Entrance fees to all sites on program
Whisper guide head sets for tour
Cable car ride to acropolis in Bergama/Pergamum
Porterage at hotels
Tips for tour services

What's Not Included

International airfare
Travel and cancellation insurance
Lunches and dinners not included in program
Drinks besides water at meals
Personal items (phone calls, laundry, special transfers, etc.)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027 - Depart US for Turkey

Day 2: Monday, Jan. 11, 2027 - Arrival in Istanbul

Days 3-4: Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan. 12-13, 2027 - Istanbul

Day 5: Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027 - Drive to Bergama

Day 6: Friday, Jan. 15, 2027 - Pergamum

Day 7: Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027 - Pamukkale via Sardis and Laodicea

Day 8: Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027 - Colossae & Hierapolis

Day 9: Monday, Jan. 18, 2027 - Drive to Kusadasi via Aphrodisias

Day 10: Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2027 - Ephesus

Day 11: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 20267 - Priene, Miletus, Didyma

Depart on your overnight flight bound for Istanbul.

Upon arrival, proceed through customs, retrieve your luggage, and meet your guide. Transfer to your hotel. After check in, grab dinner (included). Overnight in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel each day. Then embark on a walking tour to explore some of the city's premier sites: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Bazaar, and Hippodrome. Also, visit the archaeological museum. Dinners on your own. Overnights in Istanbul.

Breakfast and then check out of your hotel and board the bus. Today's destination is Bergama, near the ancient city of Pergamum. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Bergama.

After breakfast, begin a day devoted to ancient Pergamum. Visit the acropolis and the remains of the ancient city's famous landmarks, including the Asclepieion. Return to Bergama for dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and board the bus. Today you will be driving southeast to Pamukkale, near the ancient city of Hierapolis. Along the way, visit the important site of ancient Sardis. There you will see notable ruins such as the Temple of Artemis and the Bath-Gymnasium/Synagogue complex. Resume your journey, next stopping at ancient Laodicea. Continue on and arrive at Pamukkale. Check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at your hotel. Then off to explore two ancient cities: Colossae and Hierapolis. A hike is required in the case of Colossae, as the ancient city strategically stood upon a hill. The Phrygian city enjoyed prominence in the Classical and Hellenistic Periods, even if today its remains are less impressive. Continue on to the more well-preserved city of Hierapolis. Visit also the hot springs that make Hierapolis/Pamukkale a natural wonder. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and board the bus. Today's destination is Kusadasi, on Turkey's west coast. Along the way, stop to see the ancient ruins of Aphrodisias. Enjoy lunch (included) and then resume your journey. Arrive at Kusadasi and check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, begin a day devoted to exploring ancient Ephesus. You will encounter the religious and political monuments of the ancient city, along with its fascinating terrace houses belonging to elite citizens. Also, visit the Ephesus Museum, St. John's Church, and if possible, the Grotto of Paul and Thecla. Lunch (included) in Selçuk and then return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Today following breakfast, embark on an excursion. You will visit remains of three ancient cities: Priene, Miletus, and Didyma. Afterwards, return to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.

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Day 12: Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027 - Claros and Notion

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then depart for the ancient sanctuary at Claros. Here you'll encounter the oracular temple of Apollo. Next head to ancient Notion. This site is the subject of ongoing archaeological surveys by the University of Michigan. Additionally, it offers beautiful views of the Aegean Sea below. Return to Selçuk of dinner and overnight.