Faith & History · Heritage Stories · Europe
Living Hope, A Journey with Early Christians in Türkiye
Exploring Faith and Culture in the World of Early Followers of Jesus
OVERVIEW
Living Hope, A Journey with Early Christians in Türkiye
Exploring Faith and Culture in the World of Early Followers of Jesus
May 5 - 16, 2027
From $5,295 USD | $7,395 CAD
From Istanbul to Cappadocia, Ephesus, and the Aegean, this journey traces the world behind the New Testament: places where Paul, John, and early Christians crossed physical, political, and religious boundaries to witness to Jesus. In a region where 1 Peter called believers “exiles” and “resident aliens,” John confronted emperor worship and later wrote Revelation from Patmos, while Christians in Cappadocia’s underground cities found refuge.
Amid tension with surrounding society, their witness was marked by “living hope.” Explore Hagia Sophia, cave churches, Byzantine frescoes, ancient Ephesus, Rhodes, and optional sites in Greece, with time for reflection, conversation, and shared learning.
Nelson Kraybill
Tour Expert
12 Days
Duration
Türkiye, Greece
Countries Visited
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Explore Istanbul’s historic crossroads – Encounter the layered history and vibrant daily life of a city where empires, cultures, and faith traditions intersect.
Walk through Cappadocia’s cave churches and underground cities – Experience the unique landscape where early Christian communities carved places of worship out of the rock.
Experience Ephesus in depth – Journey through the ancient streets to experience the living history of the great classical city, with time to explore the Terrace Houses and surrounding region.
Discover the landscapes of Anatolia – Move beyond the expected route through the diversity of terrain and scenery that reveals the geographic and cultural extent of the region.
Cross the Aegean Sea and arrive in Rhodes – Arrive by water to explore its ancient ruins and remarkable Old Town with intentional reflection by the sea.
DAY 1 • May 5, 2027
Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, a city where Europe and Asia meet and where centuries of empires, cultures, and faith traditions have left their mark. Settle into your surroundings and gather for a welcome dinner as fellow travelers begin a shared journey through the landscapes of early Christianity and enduring faith.
Overnight: Istanbul
DAY 2 • May 6, 2027
Istanbul: Imperial Layers
Explore the historic heart of Istanbul, where Byzantine and Ottoman legacies stand side by side. From Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace, discover how successive empires shaped this remarkable city. Conclude the day among the colors, sounds, and traditions of the Grand Bazaar.
Overnight: Istanbul
DAY 3 • May 7, 2027
Communities of Enduring Faith
Visit the historic Christian neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, where centuries-old traditions continue to shape daily life. Explore the Chora Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Bulgarian Church before cruising the Bosphorus, experiencing the waterways that have connected peoples, cultures, and faiths for generations.
Overnight: Istanbul
DAY 4 • May 8, 2027
Into the Cappadocian Landscape
Travel to Cappadocia, a region where dramatic landscapes and human creativity have been intertwined for centuries. Explore rock-cut churches and monastic spaces carved into volcanic stone, visit villages shaped by local traditions, and begin discovering the unique environment that sheltered Christian communities through changing times.
Overnight: Cappadocia
DAY 5 • May 9, 2027
Cappadocia: Faith in Hiding
Wake up for an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Journey through the valleys and hidden sanctuaries of Cappadocia, where believers once worshipped, gathered, and sought refuge. Walk among rock-cut churches, explore the remarkable carved stone, and visit Selime Monastery, reflecting on the resilience and devotion of early Christian communities.
Overnight: Cappadocia
DAY 6 • May 10, 2027
Cappadocia: Culture & Reflection
Experience a quieter side of Cappadocia through historic villages, local traditions, and sacred sites that reveal the region's rich cultural heritage. Explore Mustafapaşa, Soğanlı Valley, and surrounding communities while enjoying opportunities for reflection in landscapes that have inspired spiritual life for centuries.
Overnight: Cappadocia
DAY 7 • May 11, 2027
Faith in the Aegean West
Travel west to the Aegean coast, entering a region that played a central role in the growth of the early church. Visit ancient Smyrna and the Church of Polycarp, connecting with the legacy of one of Christianity's most influential early leaders before continuing to the coastal town of Kuşadası.
Overnight: Kuşadası
DAY 8 • May 12, 2027
The Streets of Ephesus
Explore Ephesus, one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean and a place closely associated with the spread of Christianity. Visit the Terrace Houses, the Basilica of St. John, and the House of the Virgin Mary while considering the lives of those who shaped the early Christian movement.
Overnight: Kuşadası
DAY 9 • May 13, 2027
Crossing the Aegean Sea
Follow ancient maritime routes as you journey south along the Turkish coast and cross the Aegean Sea to Rhodes. The transition from Asia Minor to the Greek islands reflects centuries of exchange between cultures, empires, and faith traditions that have shaped the eastern Mediterranean world.
Overnight: Rhodes
DAY 10 • May 14, 2027
Legacy of Rhodes
Discover Rhodes, where classical, Byzantine, and medieval influences converge within one remarkable island. Explore the Old Town, historic churches, Mandraki Harbor, and the Palace of the Grand Master while tracing the many layers of history that continue to shape life and identity here today
Overnight: Rhodes
DAY 11 • May 15, 2027
At St. Paul's Bay
Travel to Lindos, one of the most beautiful and historic communities in the Aegean. Wander its whitewashed streets, explore the ancient acropolis, and look out over St. Paul's Bay, traditionally linked to the Apostle Paul's journey. The afternoon offers time to relax and absorb the rhythms of island life.
Overnight: Rhodes
DAY 12 • May 16, 2027
Journey Onward
Depart Rhodes carrying new perspectives, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for the landscapes, communities, and stories that shaped the world of the early church. Continue on with Greece Seeking Truth or travel home.
Pricing
Registration By
Early Bird Rate until November 5, 2026
Standard Tour Fare
Shared Occupancy
$5,295 USD | $7,395 CAD
$5,720 USD | $7,995 CAD
Single Occupancy
$6,445 USD | $9,000 CAD
$6,870 USD | $9,600 CAD
Bundle & Save
For travelers who wish to experience the fuller arc of this journey, Turkiye & Greece can be combined into one meaningful experience. Together, these tours trace a wider story of faith, resilience, ancient landscapes, and sacred places — inviting you to follow the path.
Register for both tours and save $700 CAD ($500 USD) per traveler.
Registration By
Early Bird Rate until November 5, 2026
Standard Tour Fare
Shared Occupancy
$8,790 USD | $12,245 CAD
$9,620 USD | $13,445 CAD
Single Occupancy
$11,020 USD | $15,385 CAD
$11,850 USD | $16,585 CAD
What’s Included
Carefully selected accommodations in well-located four- and five-star hotels
All land transportation during the tour
Daily breakfasts, along with select lunches and dinners, including thoughtfully hosted group dining experiences featuring multi-course menus at local restaurants
All admission fees to included sightseeing, excursions, and cultural sites as detailed in the itinerary
The full-time services of TourMagination Tour Experts to guide and support you throughout your journey
Knowledgeable local guides in select destinations, offering deeper cultural insight and enriching on-the-ground perspective
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and included group meals
What’s Not Included
International airfare and associated taxes or fees
Domestic or internal flights, estimated at $260 USD
Visas, entry permits, and any required digital travel authorizations (if required)
Beverages with meals (water is included)
Optional excursions, alcoholic beverages, and personal purchases
Gratuities for hotel staff, airport porters, and other personal services not explicitly included
Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
TOUR EXPERT
Nelson Kraybill
Storyteller, Bible Scholar, Author, Bonsai Enthusiast, Pastor, Photographer, Bicyclist
Nelson Kraybill thrives on connecting ancient sites and texts with scripture and early church narratives, always with a view to how the witness of previous generations is relevant for Christian life today. Over a period of four decades he has variously served as a pastor, cross-cultural missioner, college instructor, seminary administrator, and Mennonite World Conference president.
Questions?
Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.