The Crossroad of Civilizations: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus
Direct Operator Pricing
Save up to
$550
per person, compared with the same package sold through reseller agencies
Why are our rates lower?
We organize and operate this pilgrimage ourselves, on the ground in the Holy Land. When you book with our local team instead of a third party reseller or overseas agent, your payment goes into your journey, not into middleman commissions. Same holy sites, same hotels, same care.
Serving pilgrims since 2007
Border crossings
The Route
Your journey, mapped
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For church leaders and group organizers
Considering this journey for your church?
See the group leader terms and inclusions, and how we shape a departure around your church community
From the great monuments of Istanbul to the rock-cut churches and valleys of Cappadocia, then on to the ancient city of Ephesus on the Aegean coast.
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You arrive in Istanbul, are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
You explore Istanbul's great monuments, including Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine cathedral.
You visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia, a valley of rock-cut churches and monasteries decorated with Byzantine frescoes.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1 (addressing the scattered believers in Cappadocia)
You explore the underground cities and valleys of Cappadocia, where early Christians once found shelter.
You fly to Izmir and drive to Kusadasi on the Aegean coast, close to ancient Ephesus.
You tour ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the classical world and an important center of the early church.
You fly back to Istanbul for a final evening.
You are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Home
Guaranteed best rate when you book directly with us.
✦ Explore the monuments of Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia
✦ Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia
✦ Discover the underground cities and valleys
✦ Tour ancient Ephesus
Included- Warm airport welcome and all group transfers in modern, air conditioned vehicles
- Hotel accommodation throughout the itinerary
- A licensed English speaking guide
- All entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
Not Included- International flights to and from Turkey, and the internal flights
- Entry visa where required
- Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver
- Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
- Lunches and personal expenses
- Anything not listed as included
Pilgrims Who Walked This Road
Tour FAQ
You are welcome to join as an individual, a couple, a family, or a full church group. Many travelers arrive on their own and leave with a whole new family, which is one of the most common things we hear.
There is a fair amount of walking, some of it on old stone and uneven ground, and a few climbs such as Mount Tabor. Most people of reasonable health manage well. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, tell us in advance and we will plan around them.
Yes. Entry requirements for Ethiopian and Eritrean passport holders need more hands-on support, and AJET has long experience guiding travelers through exactly what their passport requires. We coordinate between our teams in Jerusalem and Addis Ababa at every step, so you are never left to work it out alone. Please start the process early, as some steps take time.
You stay in comfortable first class hotels in Jerusalem and on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias. A tourist class option is also available if your group prefers. All rooms are clean, well located, and include daily breakfast and dinner.
A deposit of $300 or $400 per person (the amount shown on the tour page, or the stated deposit for your custom journey) is required to secure your booking. A reservation does not hold a seat until the deposit clears into AJET’s account. Final balance payments are strictly due 60 days prior to departure.
One exception: if you reserve a journey online without a fixed departure date and we cannot confirm dates that match your preferred dates, your deposit is returned in full.
If you must cancel your pilgrimage, written notice must be submitted to AJET. Cancellations incur the following tiered fees based on the departure date:
- 61 or more days prior: Full refund of all monies paid minus the non-refundable deposit.
- 60 to 46 days prior: 35% of total package cost is retained (65% refund of balance).
- 45 to 31 days prior: 60% of total package cost is retained (40% refund of balance).
- 30 to 15 days prior: 85% of total package cost is retained (15% refund of balance).
- 14 days or fewer prior / No-show: 100% of total package cost is retained (non-refundable).
Because unexpected medical or travel disruptions can occur, AJET strongly recommends that every pilgrim purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical care, and emergency repatriation.
Reserve Your Place
Request This Journey
Tell us your group and your preferred dates, and our team will confirm availability and pricing.