7 Churches of Revelation and Cruise
Coming Soon! October 10-22, 2025
Estimated Costs:
Trip cost per person - $3900*
Round Trip from DFW - $1850
Round Trip from JFK - $1750
* rates based on double occupancy
Itinerary
Explore the Bible History, Archaeology, and Geography of Turkey and Greece by land and sea!
A Passage to Understanding and Enrichment
There is no way to adequately describe what traveling to biblical sites will do for you, both spiritually and educationally. On this incredible journey, you will walk the ancient streets of Rome, see historic sites in Greece, explore ancient ruins in the land of Israel, and more. Our highly unique program is designed to bring color, clarity, and a deeper understanding of the many customs, words, and practices of the people and settings of the Bible story and its historical and geographical context. The information and experiences gained from this trip will put you in a better position to understand the biblical text, share the word, defend the faith, and evangelize the lost. You will grow at an exponential rate, both in your understanding of the Bible, and in your own personal walk of faith. You will never look at the Bible in the same way again.
Friday, October 10
Depart from DFW or JFK
Saturday, October 11
Welcome to Turkey, the crossroads between East and West! Our representative will meet you at Istanbul airport and escort you on a private transfer to the hotel for check in. Enjoy rest of the day at your own leisure to explore the hidden treasures of this magnificent city! Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Istanbul.
Sunday, October 12
Today we will visit the famous Hagia Sophia mosque, the Hippodrome and obelisk brought from Egypt, then the Blue Mosque and the Basilica cistern. We will enjoy lunch and visit Spice Market (Grand bazaar is closed on Sundays) where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Overnight at hotel in Istanbul. (Breakfast Provided)
Monday, October 13
After breakfast we will visit ancient Troy, see the legendary walls and the replica of the wooden horse. Then drive to Alexandria Troas, founded about 300 B.C, by one of the generals of Alexander the Great. During the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey, it was from Troas that he received the “Macedonian call” to Europe. This is where Luke’s account changes from “they” to “we” (Acts 16:6-12), indicating that he joined Paul’s team at Troas. Returning from Macedonia during his third journey, Paul was in Troas for a week, when the young man Eutychus fell from the third loft as Paul preached. Paul soon walked some thirty miles to Assos. After Troas, we will drive to Assos for check in, dinner an overnight stay. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Tuesday, October 14
Following breakfast, check out. Drive to Pergamum, one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:12]. Here we explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world, the Asklepion, famous medical Centre of classical times, see the Altar of Zeus which is mentioned as the “Throne of Satan” in the book of Revelation, the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan and the Library which was foremost in the world and was long a rival of the equally famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Its wealth of volumes was estimated at over 200,000. Then we continue our visit to Thyatira, now called Akhisar, another one of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. It was a city famous for purple dyes. We visit the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, was from Thyatira. Next we drive to Izmir and visit the ruins of the ancient agora at Smyrna. Later we will check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight in Izmir. (Breakfasat and Dinner Provided)
Wednesday, October 15
Today we depart early in the morning to one of the most picturesque areas of any of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4], Sardis, presently Sart. This was the capital of the ancient Lydian kingdom of the 6th century BC, portrayed as a dying church. We visit the great Temple of Artemis and the restored gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. We also see the last several meters of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis built by Cyrus the Great and the “golden”river Pactolus. Then we continue our journey to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia [Rev. 1:11; 3:7], and the only church not censured. There we see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick and some 11th century frescoes. We drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, actually Pamukkale, the white «cotton fortress» where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. Check in at hotel for dinner and overnight in a Thermal Hotel (Breakfast and Dinner Provided)
Thursday, October 16
After breakfast drive to Laodicia, the city established in the C3 BCE by the Seleucid Antiochus II and the last of the 7 churches. The city was named after his wife Laodicea and built on the Lycus Tributary of the Meander River. As a crossroad of two important roads, this city had an important commercial and logistical position. Continue with a drive to Ephesus. Here we will visit the ancient city and archaeological site, including the Basilica of St. John. The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. This church also received an epistle from him. We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations continue in this once great and important city, founded in the 10th century BC. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. The Temple of Diana, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, was built here. We visit the Basilica of Mary and the archaeological museum at Selcuk. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kusadasi. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Friday, October 17
After breakfast, drive to the ancient Anatolian-Greek city of Priene in the forest overlooking the fertile Meandros Valley. Priene was an ancient Greek holy city and the home of an important temple of Athena. After completing our tour, we will head to Miletus, home of ancient philosopher Thales (640-546 B.C.), one of the fathers of Greek geometry, astronomy, and philosophy. It was here, in the first Christian century, that the Apostle Paul called for the Ephesian elders and preached a powerful message to them (Acts 20:15-38)on his third missionary journey. It was also here that Paul left his friend Trophimus, who was too ill to continue (II Timothy 4:20). As a port at the mouth of the Meander River, Miletus was a natural outlet for Phrygian trade. Like the one at Ephesus, however, Miletus’s sea harbour eventually filled with silt, and commerce dwindled. The city’s remote quietness makes it special to devout students of Scripture. Its ancient ruins include the marvelous 15,000-seat theatre. Nearby, at Didyma, visit the massive Temple to Apollo, one of the most impressive sites in Anatolia. Ordinary people did not reside in ancient Didyma. This was home only to a priestly family whose oracle came from Delphi and who lived in luxury, as they guarded their temple treasuries supplied by the people they deceived. Overnight in Kusadasi. (Breakfast Provided)
Saturday, October 18
This morning we check out of the hotel and drive to the port to embark on our cruise ship to join the 3 day cruise! Set sail at 13:00 for Patmos, Greece. Lunch onboard. At 16:30 arrival in Patmos (disembarkation by tender-boats, sea & weather permitting). It is here that the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation (Rev 1:9). Enjoy the guided visit to St. John’s Monastery and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Sail to Heraklion, Crete at 21:30. All meals and overnight on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Provided)
Sunday, October 19
At 07:00 am, arrival in Heraklion Crete (Acts 27:7-13). Enjoy the included excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the first European civilization and the legendary home of the Minotaur (half bull and half man). At 12:00 noon sail to Santorini. Lunch onboard. Arrive at 16:30 pm. (Disembarkation by tender- boats, sea & weather permitting). Guided excursion to the beautiful and picturesque village of Oia where you can see the famous blue domed churches, or take the cable-car up to the town of Fira, perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano. Free time for taking photos, browsing, shopping and enjoying the breathtaking view of the caldera. Sail for Piraeus at 21:30. All meals and overnight on board. (Breakfast , Lunch, and Dinner Provided)
Monday, October 20
Early morning arrival at the port of Lavrio. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Athens for your city tour. Walk around the ancient Agora of Athens and then climb up to the crowning jewel of Athens, the marble-capped Acropolis Hill and visit the famous Parthenon and Erechtheion Temples. Then walk to nearby Mars' Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon to the giants of philosophy, logic and learning and spoke about the inscription: “to an unknown god”. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure in Plaka, the oldest and most picturesque district of Athens. Check into hotel in Athens for dinner and overnight stay (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Tuesday, October 21
Today we depart for our morning tour out of Athens. Driving along the Saronic Gulf, we enjoy a quick photo stop at the historic Corinth Canal. Continue to Corinth archaeological site (Acts 18:1-18) where the Apostle Paul lived and worked, establishing a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles, now part of the New Testament. Here, we see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema, and Gallio’s Seat. The small local archaeological museum is an absolute must! On our returne to Athens we will stop for a devotional along the shoreline of biblical Cenchrea. Return to Athens in the afternoon. Evening will be free to explore the historical and modern center of the city before dinner and overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided). Farewell Dinner.
Wednesday, October 22
Following breakfast at the hotel, your biblical journey in Greece has come to an end! We hope the memories of this land bring you back here once more. Check out of hotel and transfer to Athens airport for your departure flight home. (Breakfast Provided)
Not included in the itinerary above are on-site devotionals, onboard education seminars, times of singing together, and other faith-building opportunities provided by the Bible Passages team. As is the case with this type of trip, the itinerary and schedule may change. The Bible Passages team will be on-site and available at all times to guide the group regardless of changes made by the excursion team.