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Encounter: Türkiye led by Mark Hendley

Prices from £2,560 pp

Single Supplement £355

Next available tour:

Tour leader: The Revd Mark Hendley

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This journey will bring the Bible alive as we travel from the coastal city of Izmir through the countryside visiting the sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Toward the end of the first century AD these Christian congregations were located in some of the major cities in the Roman province of Asia and were addressed by the Risen Christ as he spoke through St John the Divine who had been exiled to the island of Patmos (Rev. 1:9).

Revelation 1:11 records that John received prophetic visions from Christ instructing him to: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea”. We will hear these letters read in each of these sites and begin together to build up a picture of what Christ was saying to his Church. We will also connect the words of Paul to the churches in Colossae, Ephesus and to the Ephesian elders in Miletus.

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Itinerary

  1. To Izmir

    Meet your fellow travellers at London Gatwick Airport and fly to Izmir. On arrival in Izmir, you will be met by your local guide, who will be with you throughout the tour. Transfer to Izmir and your hotel for a two-night stay at the Park Inn by Radisson.

  2. Pergamum, Thyatira and Smyrna

    Drive to Pergamum, set on a mountain rising above the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Today, Pergamon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the steepest sloped theatre of the ancient world, temple of Athena and Altar of Zeus which St. John denounced as a 'Throne of Satan' in his letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation. We continue to Thyatira the fourth of the seven churches that received a spiritual revelation directly from God through Jesus Christ. We then head to Agora, once the ancient Greek city of Smyrna.  Today we also visit the church of St John the Evangelist where we will celebrate a Eucharist.

  3. Sardis, Philadelphia and Pumukkale

    We continue our visits to the Seven Churches driving to Sardis which was one of the wealthiest Roman cities in the area. Sardis today features the remains of the Temple of Artemis, a Jewish synagogue, a Byzantine church and evidence of daily Roman life. We then drive to Philadelphia and Pamukkale with its unique white terraces and warm calcium pools. Two-night stay at the Adem Pira Hotel.

  4. Hierapolis and the Kleopatra Pool

    Drive to to Hierapolis, founded during the Hellenistic period as a control point of trading routes connecting East to West. Visit the necropolis, baths, theatre and the site of the Martyrdom of St. Philip. In the afternoon we will experience the Kleopatra Pool, situated above the Pamukkale white travertine pools, in a spectacular location fed by warm and clean springs. Here you can bathe in the same waters in which Cleopatra once swam! A professionally run modern spa facility allows you to enjoy these historical healing waters.

  5. Laodices and Aphrodisias

    We continue this morning with a drive to Laodicea, a remote spot in beautiful countryside which was, in ancient times, an important Christian site. Our principal visit today is to the Roman city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite. The largely intact remains of its stadium is one of the finest still standing. Three night stay at the Eliteworld Kusadasi Hotel.

  6. Priene, Didyma and Miletus

    We continue with a circular tour of three important religious sites, beginning at Priene, which overlooks the rich farmland of the Meander Valley. Today's highlight is a visit to the ancient oracle in the Temple of Apollo at Didyma. After lunch, we visit the port of Miletus where much remains intact, including the Lion Harbour and theatre. Here we remember Paul's emotional farewell to the elders of Ephesus.

  7. Ephesus

    Today, we complete our tour of the Seven Churches with a visit to Ephesus. St Paul lived here for some years and it is one of the most impressive archeological sites in the world. Much has been reconstructed and it is easy to visualise the riot of the silversmiths in the vast theatre. After lunch, we ascend the hills behind Ephesus to visit the traditional house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent the final years of her life. We will share in the Eucharist there.

  8. Home

    We drive to Izmir Airport for our return flight to London Gatwick (or onwards to Istanbul)

  9. OPTIONAL ISTANBUL EXTENSION

    OPTIONAL ISTANBUL EXTENSION

    The cost is from £1,410 per person sharing a double or twin room. The price is based on a minimum number of 10 participants. If the final number is lower than this, a supplement may be applied to the final invoice.

    The tour includes three nights in Istanbul at the Royan Hotel Hagia Sophia, daily breakfast and dinner and one lunch on Day Three.  Touring is by air-conditioned coach and we will be accompanied by our tour guide who will look after the formalities of hotel check-ins, etc.  All entrance fees are included as well as gratuities; these will be disbursed locally to those who help us on our journey.

    Single rooms: a limited number of single rooms are available at a supplementary cost of £225.

     

Essential Information

The cost for this eight day tour is from £2,560 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses.

A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £355.

This tour includes:
• Two nights in Izmir on half board basis
• Twonight in Pamukkale on half board basis
• Three nights in Kusadasi on half board basis
• Return flights from London Gatwick to Izmir Airport
• Private air-conditioned coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary
• English-speaking licensed local guides
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also this tour without flights.  For more information please ask for details.

Payments

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable now with the balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

For booking received by 31 January 2026, we offer a LOWER DEPOSIT* of £300 per person (instead of £500). A second deposit payment of £200 per person is due 6 weeks from booking.

The final balance is due at 12 weeks before departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Late bookings
Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do.. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Passports, visas and health
• Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this pilgrimage. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices.
• Visas are not required for British or other EEC passport holders.
• No inoculations are required. We do, however, advise you to consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements.
• Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10%
discount.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Encounter: Türkiye led by Mark Hendley Mark Hendley Turkey Departing From London Gatwick Prices from £2560 pp The Revd Mark Hendley 23/09/2026 for 8 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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