Sunday, June 28, 2026 – Departure from New York JFK 

Prepare for a life-changing experience as we board our flight to Cairo, Egypt. 

Monday, June 29, 2026 – Arrival in Cairo 

We arrive in Cairo, the land of the Pharaohs. 

Dinner and overnight stay. 

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – Cairo 

After breakfast, we meet our guide and driver for our first visit: the Egyptian Museum, home to the treasures of Tutankhamun and ancient artifacts. Then we proceed to visit the Pyramids—some of which date back 1,000 years before Abraham. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, originally 496 feet high, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. We will also visit the Sphinx. 

Dinner and overnight in Cairo.  

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Sharm El Sheikh – Mt. Sinai 

After breakfast, we continue to the Coptic sector of Cairo, where we will visit the synagogue—Jewish property where it is believed Moses was found by the Egyptian princess. There will also be time for shopping at the Egyptian Bazaar, Khan El Khalili. After lunch, we take a domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh. 

Arrival and transfer to our hotel. 

Dinner and overnight in Sharm El Sheikh. 

Thursday, July 2, 2026 – Sharm El Sheikh – Mt. Sinai 

After breakfast, those who wish and are physically able will depart for a memorable hike to Mount Sinai. You may choose to ride a camel part of the way (NOT INCLUDED). There will be a stop along the way to enjoy the scenery during the ascent to the summit (750 steps). Once at the top, enjoy a moment of reflection—or enjoy the hotel and its facilities if you prefer. 

Dinner and overnight in Sharm El Sheikh. 

Friday, July 3, 2026 – Departure to Turkey 

Early morning flight with a connection in Istanbul. Our guide will welcome us in Cappadocia. Balance of the day at leisure. 

Saturday, July 4, 2026 – Cappadocia 

Optional hot air balloon ride (early morning). Begin the day with an optional hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia (weather permitting). This is one of the region’s most popular activities and offers breathtaking views of the valleys and rock formations. 

Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-carved churches adorned with beautiful frescoes dating from the 10th and 11th centuries. The museum provides insight into the monastic life of early Christians in the region. 

Continue to the underground city of Özkonak, one of the many underground cities of Cappadocia, which served as a refuge for early Christians fleeing persecution. This multi-level city includes living quarters, storage rooms, and even a ventilation system, all carved into soft volcanic rock. 

Visit Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia. From the top, enjoy impressive panoramic views of the entire region. The castle itself is a massive rock formation riddled with tunnels and rooms, once used as a fortress. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cappadocia. 

Sunday, July 5, 2026 – Cappadocia – Konya 

In the morning, there will be opportunities to purchase local handicrafts such as ceramics and carpets, allowing you to take home a piece of Cappadocia’s rich cultural heritage. 

We depart Cappadocia in the morning and begin our journey to Konya. On the way, we will stop at Sultanhanı Caravanserai, one of the largest and best-preserved caravanserais in Turkey. Built in the 13th century during the Seljuk period, this structure served as a safe refuge for merchants and travelers along the Silk Road. The guide will provide a brief introduction to its historical significance and architectural features. 

Upon arrival in Konya, dinner and overnight at the hotel. 

Monday, July 6, 2026 – Konya – Pamukkale 

We depart Konya in the morning and head toward Pamukkale. On the way, we visit the ancient city of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Laodicea was a wealthy city known for its medical school, textile production, and banking industry. The guide will provide brief insights into its historical and biblical significance. 

Upon arrival in Pamukkale, we explore the famous travertine terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters flowing down the mountainside for thousands of years. These natural pools have been a spa destination since ancient times. 

Next, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded as a thermal spa in the early 2nd century BC. The site is known for its well-preserved theater, temples, and necropolis. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pamukkale. 

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 – Pamukkale – Ephesus – Izmir 

We depart Pamukkale in the morning and travel to Ephesus. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once a major Roman city and is famous for its Great Theater, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

Ephesus is also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The guide will provide a brief overview of the city’s historical and biblical importance. 

After exploring Ephesus, we continue to Smyrna (Izmir), where we visit the Agora, an ancient marketplace dating back to Roman times. The Agora was the commercial, political, and social center of ancient Smyrna. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Izmir. 

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – Izmir – Istanbul 

We take a morning flight from Izmir to Istanbul, arriving early in the day. 

Upon arrival, visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, it is a vibrant place to experience traditional Turkish culture, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. 

Later, we embark on a panoramic boat excursion along the Bosphorus Strait. This cruise offers stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, historic palaces, and fortresses lining both the European and Asian shores of the city. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. 

Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Istanbul 

The day begins with a visit to the ancient Roman Hippodrome, once the sporting and social center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The Hippodrome was famous for chariot races and public events. Today, it is a historic square featuring notable monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk. 

Next, view the Blue Mosque from the outside, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. 

Visit Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has served as both cathedral and mosque. Built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, it was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Its massive dome and stunning mosaics are masterpieces of Byzantine art, and the building itself symbolizes Istanbul’s rich history. 

The day concludes with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace is a vast complex including courtyards, gardens, and a treasury filled with priceless artifacts, including the famous Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond. The palace also offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. 

Friday, July 10, 2026 – Return Flight Home 

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Istanbul Airport for departure.