RUN Ministries Türkiye Itinerary 2026

Day Three: March 4
Theme: Faithfulness Under Trial

• Izmir / Pergamum / Thyatira

• Today we explore the biblical city of Smyrna (modern Izmir) and the church of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who was martyred during the 1st century AD.

• We then set out to visit the Hellenistic Acropolis of Pergamum (modern Bergama) and the Asclepion, the earliest known healing center in Asia Minor.

• In the afternoon, we visit Thyatira (modern Akhisar), one of the principal towns in the early days of the church.

• Overnight Izmir.

• (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner included)

Day Four: March 5
Theme: Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains

• Sardis / Philadelphia / Hierapolis

• We depart Izmir and continue to Sardis (modern Sart) to view its outstanding synagogue and gymnasium, Roman baths, and the temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis.

• Next is Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir), an important Christian center during Byzantine times.

• Our last stop of the day is Hierapolis (near modern Pamukkale) with its expansive necropolis, stretching out over a mile, and its dramatic theater, one of the best-preserved in the Mediterranean world.

• Overnight Pamukkale.

• (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day Five: March 6
Theme: Lukewarm Faith

• Pamukkale / Laodicea / Aphrodisias / Ephesus

• Today we visit Pamukkale, known for its thermal baths and geological beauty.

• Then it’s just a brief ride to Laodicea (near modern Denizli), the church neither “hot nor cold.” We’ll take in its stadium and see the aqueducts that carried lukewarm water to the city.

• Our next stop is Aphrodisias, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Asia Minor. Highlights include the stadium, the baths of Hadrian, theater, and the bishop’s palace.

• Overnight in Kusadasi.

• (Breakfast,Lunch, & Dinner included)

Day Six: March 7
Theme: Returning to Your First Love

• Kusadasi / Ephesus / Izmir

• This morning we proceed to the ancient city of Ephesus (modern Selçuk), first stopping at the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

• Then to the Church of Saint John, where we gather at his tomb and reflect upon his witness. We will also visit the Church of Mary, where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in 431 AD. This council affirmed Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer), an important title in Christian theology.

• In ancient Ephesus, one of the world’s best archaeological sites, we’ll stroll through its streets of marble to its grand theater, where the Apostle Paul sought to confront the angry pagan crowd (Acts 19).

• Overnight Kusadasi.

• (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner included)

Day Seven: March 8
Theme: A City of Many Waters

• Istanbul

• Today we say goodbye to the sites of the Seven Churches and catch a quick flight to Istanbul. The afternoon will include a visit to the Spice Bazaar, followed by a cruise on the Bosphorus for an outstanding view of the many sites of this cultural center of both East and West.

• Overnight in our Istanbul hotel.

• (Breakfast & Dinner included)

Day Eight: March 9
Theme: A Crown of Glory

• Istanbul

• This morning we visit the great sites of Istanbul from its days as the capital of the Roman Empire, including the Hippodrome, Obelisk, and Serpent Column.

• After visiting the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts, we’re off to the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome.

• Just down from the mosque is the marvelous Agia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Holy Wisdom, built in 538, that was once the greatest church of Christendom.

• Overnight Istanbul.

• (Breakfast & Dinner included)

Day Nine: March 10 Theme: Will Pass Away

• Istanbul - Free Day

• Enjoy a day to shop at the Grand Bazaar or take in the beauty of the Dolmabahce Palace, built in 1854 in Turkish-Indian Baroque storybook style.

• Overnight in Istanbul.

• (Breakfast included)

Day Ten: March 11
Theme: A Church Eternal

• Istanbul

• Today, we tour the spectacular Topkapi Palace and its Treasury, including the Harem.

• We will also visit the Church of Holy Peace (Agia Irene), one of the earliest churches built in Constantinople. This remarkable structure was the venue for the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, where the Nicene Creed was expanded to affirm the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Agia Irene is a symbol of the early Christian presence in the city and holds a unique place in Church history.

• Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, the Topkapi complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.

• Farewell dinner.

• Overnight Istanbul.

• (Breakfast & Dinner included)

Day Eleven: March 12
Theme: Behold, I Am Coming Soon

• Depart for home with great memories and a lifelong appreciation for this storied land!

• (Breakfast included)