Experience the Land of the Bible
with Dr. Wayne Stiles
Biblical Turkey Tour
April 7-19, 2024
Come see the land of the Bible . . .
More than HALF of the New Testament was written to or from the biblical land of Turkey! All of Paul's journeys began in Turkey, and the churches of Revelation were all in Turkey. This land is rich with biblical history.
This unique tour has a special emphasis on connecting the Bible and its lands to life.
Just imagine walking on the stones of streets where the Apostle Paul walked. Picture exploring the very places where Abraham and Jacob lived—all with Bible in hand.
To get a taste of what you’ll experience, glance through the itinerary below. You will never be the same!
Perfect for someone who wants to experience the places of the book of Acts—or for the first-timer who wants to experience the Bible lands in a unique and fulfilling way.
✔ This exclusive tour promises a personal, curated experience. We’ll explore sites that most groups never see.
✔ This journey is designed with you in mind, transforming the foreign places of the Bible into familiar friends.
✔ You’ll discover how each site fits the biblical story every time the bus stops—all with your Bible in hand.
I invite you to join me for this life-changing journey through the land of the Bible.
Watch the Video
See the Land with Bible in Hand
On this tour, we will connect the Bible and its lands to your life every time we stop—and all along the way.
✔ You will learn the Word of God right where it happened—with Bible in hand. After seeing the places where Abraham, Paul, Timothy, Peter, Silas, John—and many others—you will never read your Bible the same way again!
✔ I have invited our Turkish guide to offer cultural and historical connections as he travels with us, while I share biblical and geographical insights.
✔ We’ll travel the land in a climate-controlled deluxe motor coach—and stay in 4-5-star hotels.
“Wayne had told us: ‘After a trip to the Bible lands, you'll never read the Bible the same again.’ That has been so true! Being able to visualize the setting now and understand the time and distance relationships as we read the Bible has really made our Bible study much richer. Wayne’s devotions at each biblical site carried us to the heart of God and in turn, our love for God deepened enormously. Truly, this was a trip of a lifetime!”
Greg and Diane Pihl—Aubrey, Texas
See the places you will go . . .
Your 13-Day Itinerary
Glance over the itinerary and see for yourself...
After your journey to biblical Turkey, you will never be the same!
Sunday & Monday, April 7-8, 2024
Flight to Istanbul
Begin your journey to biblical Turkey with an overnight flight to ISTANBUL. Upon arrival at the international airport, we will proceed through customs, meet our guide, and have a private transfer to our hotel for dinner and a well-deserved sleep.
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Sanliurfa, Pool of Abraham
This morning we board our flight to SANLIURFA in southeastern Turkey. Upon arrival, we begin our tour at the POOL OF ABRAHAM, a beautiful area full of fanciful legends about the patriarch. There we’ll open the Holy Scriptures to ponder the truth and contrast between Ishmael and Isaac—between the works we do for God and the final work that Christ has done for us. We then drive to a beautiful overlook at the URFA CASTLE, a fortress built in AD 814. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Sanliurfa.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Gobekli Tepe, Haran, Euphrates River, Antakya
We begin our full day of touring at the fascinating archaeological site called GOBEKLI TEPE, discovered in 1995. Many believe that these Neolithic ruins have rewritten the history of civilization and religion. But this ritual site merely points to mankind’s awareness of a problem that the Bible revealed from its first pages. Our next stop is ancient HARAN in Mesopotamia with its houses shaped like beehives. We’ll explore the ruins over the area where Abraham lived and got the call from God to journey to Canaan. Jacob also sojourned here, married, and had 11 of his 12 sons before returning to Canaan. As we make our way west, we’ll stop at the EUPHRATES RIVER and ponder its origin in the Garden of Eden and significance throughout the Scriptures. We’ll see the ruins at ZEUGMA, a city the Seleucids built near where Alexander the Great crossed the river. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in ANTAKYA.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Syrian Antioch, Seleucia, Titus Tunnel, Adana
Today we springboard into the New Testament at SYRIAN ANTIOCH, the home base for all of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys and where believers were first called Christians. We’ll see the ancient cave and church reputed to be the meeting place for the believers. Next we head to SELEUCIA where we’ll see the ancient ruins from the very port where Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark embarked on the First Missionary Journey in AD 48. We’ll also explore the nearby TITUS TUNNEL, a massive ancient water channel chiseled from solid rock in the 1st-2nd centuries to divert water from the port of Seleucia. After our drive to ADANA, where Paul passed through on his Second Missionary Journey, we’ll see its ancient ROMAN STONE BRIDGE before dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Friday, April 12, 2024
St. Paul's Well at Tarsus, Roman Road, Derbe, Lystra, Iconium
This morning takes us to Paul’s hometown of TARSUS, where we’ll explore the ruins around ST. PAUL'S WELL and a 1st-century road built in the time of Paul. Our next stop takes us in the footsteps of Paul as we walk the very ROMAN ROAD he and Silas would have walked on the Second Missionary Journey. Continuing west along the ancient mountainous route, we pass through the famous CILICIAN GATES and come to the site of DERBE, a city Paul visited on all three missionary journeys. The hilltop site offers us a great example of how geography coincides with Scripture and helps remove our doubts about the Bible. Next we’ll stop at the foot of LYSTRA, the hometown of Timothy and the place where Paul performed a miracle on his First Missionary Journey; here the citizens stoned Paul and left him for dead. Finally, we arrive at KONYA (ANCIENT ICONIUM) for dinner and overnight.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Roman Bridge, Pisidian Antioch, Perga, Antalya
Today we begin with a drive past the summit ruins of ANCIENT ICONIUM. After leaving the city, we will stop and walk over a small, ancient ROMAN FOOTBRIDGE that Paul would have crossed several times on his missionary journeys. Continuing to the magnificent ruins at PISIDIAN ANTIOCH, we’ll stroll the streets where Paul and Barnabas walked many times during their two-month stay in the city. We’ll see the massive TEMPLE TO AUGUSTUS CAESAR and the city’s 20-foot high AQUEDUCT, standing tall since the time of Paul. We’ll enter ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, a basilica built over the synagogue where the apostle preached his first-recorded sermon in the book of Acts. Our next stop today takes us to the impressive ruins of PERGA, the Greek city where John Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas on their 1st Missionary Journey. We’ll see the streets they walked and the gates they passed through, as well as the 980-foot long CARDO STREET. The CARDO CHAPEL gives evidence of the enduring impact of Christianity in Perga. Dinner and overnight will be in our hotel in ANTALYA.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Attalia, Magydos, Hadrian’s Gate, Boat Tour, Lycus Valley
We begin this morning with an overlook of the ANCIENT PORT OF ATTALIA, from which Paul and Barnabas sailed at the end of their First Missionary Journey. We’ll walk through the ancient triple-arched monument called HADRIAN'S GATE, built over the eastern gate where Paul and Barnabas would have entered the city. We continue with a PRIVATE BOAT TOUR along the Mediterranean coast of Antalya. We’ll see the ancient harbor area of MAGYDOS where Paul landed on his first missionary journey, as well as the beautiful DUDEN WATERFALLS, before we enjoy lunch aboard the boat. This afternoon we travel north to the LYCUS VALLEY, through which Paul passed on his Third Missionary Journey. We will have dinner and overnight in our hotel.
Monday, April 15, 2024
Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Kusadasi
Today in the LYCUS VALLEY we begin at the site of COLOSSAE, the city to which Paul wrote his epistles to Colossae and Philemon. Afterwards, we continue to LAODICEA, one of the “Seven Churches of Revelation.” Here we will marvel at the extensive ruins, including its Roman streets, the massive theater, and the restored BYZANTINE CHURCH. We’ll discuss Jesus’ invitation to this church (and to us): “I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20). We then continue to HIERAPOLIS with its amazing white cliffs and hot water springs. We’ll see the extraordinary OCTAGONAL CHURCH OF THE MARTYRDOM OF THE APOSTLE PHILIP, as well as his tomb, and consider the life of this disciple of Jesus while enjoying the beautiful view of the valley. This afternoon, we continue in Paul’s steps west down the Lycus Valley to KUSADASI for dinner and overnight.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Basilica of St. John, Miletus
The crown jewel of Turkey is the amazing city of EPHESUS, our first stop today, where Paul wrote his epistles to Timothy and the Ephesians. We begin at the ARCADIAN WAY, where Paul entered Ephesus with Pricilla and Aquila on the Second Missionary Journey. In Ephesus Paul lived for several years on his Third Missionary Journey, working in the ANCIENT AGORA beside the ROMAN THEATER mentioned in the riot of Acts 19, which coincided with Paul leaving the city in AD 56. We’ll see the icon of Ephesus, the LIBRARY OF CELSUS, as well as the ancient streets and the UPPER AGORA. We’ll also stop at the ruins of the TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS, which stood as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We’ll stop next at the nearby BASILIICA OF ST. JOHN, where the apostle was buried. A short journey south takes us to the ruins of MILETUS, where Paul stopped on his way to Jerusalem after his Third Missionary Journey. We’ll explore the MASSIVE THEATER, THE BATH COMPLEX, and the LION'S HARBOR, from which Paul set sail. Paul’s words spoken at Miletus to the elders of Ephesus offer lessons essential for us as we consider the call of God on our lives. Overnight and dinner at our (same!) hotel in Kusadasi.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Istanbul, Galata Tower and Bridge, Spice Market, Bosphorus Boat Tour
Today we board our flight back to Istanbul where we begin our tour of this city of ancient Bithynia, one of the locations Peter addresses in his first epistle (1 Pet. 1:1), which we will discuss today and tomorrow. From the Galata Tower we will see landmarks of the whole city, including the GALATA BRIDGE and the BOSPHORUS STRAIT which separates two continents. We will explore the city’s famous SPICE MARKET, built in 1664. We end our day with a delightful BOSPHORUS BOAT TOUR which allows us to see the many landmarks surrounding the BOSPHORUS STRAIT—including the TOPKAPI PALACE and the HAGIA SOPHIA. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Istanbul.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene, Archeological Museum, Hippodrome, Free Time
After breakfast, we will experience the Christian history of Istanbul beginning with a visit to the world-famous HAGIA SOPHIA. Today a mosque, once a museum, the structure began as a beautiful Byzantine Church, which still has Christian mosaics and paintings gracing its walls. Our next stop is the HAGIA IRENE CHURCH, the first church of the city and significant for hosting the COUNCIL OF CONSTATINOPLE in AD 381, which clarified the NICENE CREED (which we’ll read together). Our next stop is the recently renovated ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, where we’ll enjoy some archaeological finds relevant to the Bible. Our walk in the area of the ancient ROMAN HIPPODROME will reveal three ancient monuments still standing: the COLUMN OF CONSTANTINE (and the nearby EGNATIAN WAY), the WALLED OBELISK, and the SERPENTINE COLUMN FROM DELPHI—all of which have a biblical connection. The rest of the day will be free time for shopping, sipping Turkish coffee, or revisiting places of interest. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Istanbul.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Homeward Bound
Today we head to the airport for our flights home, with unforgettable memories from our journey in the footsteps of Paul in the amazing land of biblical Turkey.
Tour Details
The all-inclusive cost of $4977 includes round-trip airfare, deluxe motor coaches, first-class hotels, guided sightseeing, entrance fees to all sites, breakfast & dinner daily, all tips and taxes. Early-bird pricing is available! You'll only need to cover lunch each day. Space is limited so save your spot now...
For more information, contact Wayne Stiles or call Imagine Tours at (863) 709-9208.
What Others are Saying...
Watch testimonials from those who have taken a tour with me to the Bible lands.
"As first-time visitors to the Holy Land, we truly appreciated Wayne’s teaching style that connected the historical and biblical references at each of the significant locations. His insights into Scripture gave us ‘food for thought’ and brought the Bible to life. It was an unforgettable journey! We are grateful to have shared it with Wayne and Cathy." —Bill and Bev Hanna, Oxford, Connecticut
"Our favorite moments included looking across the Jezreel Valley to Nazareth and Nain and Mt Tabor. I marvel at Wayne’s insight and knowledge. Talk about a man who can lift details off the pages of Scripture while standing on the sites! And Cathy was such a shepherd, caring for us with such love and grace. What a dynamic duo! We had often heard that a trip to Israel was life-changing. On our tour to the Holy Land, and through Wayne's solid, practical devotionals, the Scriptures became alive and real—right before my eyes. Life-changing indeed!"—Jim and Lillian Moneyhun, Greenwood, South Carolina
"My trip to Israel has endless memories, thanks to Wayne and Cathy. Wayne read from the Bible about each site and then added his own words about the events that took place there. Cathy was so good about answering endless questions and making sure everyone was doing okay." —Gail Livermore
"Our trip to Israel was a life-changing experience! Wayne’s teaching was clear, concise, and applicable. He helped us build the bridge between the Scriptures and the location we were visiting." —Don and Margaret Lacefield, Plano, Texas
"Wayne's teachings on our tour of the Holy Land were a highlight. Each devotional was rooted in the biblical history of the site we were visiting and as Wayne shared from a Scripture passage related to the site, history came alive.
Even though the biblical stories were usually very familiar to me, Wayne almost always brought out fresh perspectives that blessed and challenged me spiritually."—Linda Jones
"We had the great pleasure of going to Israel with a group from across the US and several countries. One of the most informative and enjoyable parts of the trip was the Bible teaching offered by Wayne Stiles at our tour stops. Wayne's impressive knowledge of the geography of Israel, in addition to his obvious love and understanding of the Old and New Testament stories associated with our stops, really brought the Bible to life. His warm and gentle spirit enhanced our journey."—Jerry and Vera Greene, Columbus, Ohio
"On my fourth tour of Israel, it was a blessing to be on the bus with Wayne and Cathy Stiles. Each day was exciting! Walking (or climbing) to the places Jesus walked, and hearing Wayne's teaching and reading relative scriptures was emotionally exhilarating. Wayne knows the land! It was not a vacation, but a trip that renewed me like nothing else . . . and left me with a hunger for more. I plan to go back again, and hope that Wayne and Cathy will be my bus leaders. Thanks, Wayne and Cathy!"—Peggy Allen, Weems, Virginia
"Wayne and Cathy are a delightful, caring couple who made my trip to Israel both enjoyable and memorable. His communication style is relaxed, and it's easy to grasp the power of the biblical moments at each site."—Nan McCullough
"Wayne made the trip to Israel so much more meaningful and brought the bible alive with the devotionals he gave. I certainly recommend him as a Bible teacher for a trip to Israel."—Marvel Haynes
"Wayne added a dimension and depth of knowledge and Cathy exuded warm compassion, for which I am grateful! Wayne and Cathy were a valuable enhancement to my Holy Land experience"—June Gong Chin
"What privilege to travel with Cathy and Wayne Stiles through Israel! At every site Wayne used scripture to bring history to life in a clear, yet profound way. I hope one day to return with them." —Bonnie Campbell
"We were privileged to have had Dr. Wayne Stiles as our teacher during our Israel tour. Wayne’s insight and teaching about many of the sites was invaluable. He shared the scripture that was relevant for each site and “tied” it all together. Our local guide provided a lot of history and current events but Wayne made the Scripture come alive as we sat and walked where Jesus walked and preached. It all seamed so real and relevant. We would urge everyone to go to Israel and we could not recommend anyone any more highly than Wayne Stiles to lead you through the Promised Land."—David & Cheryl Ratcliff, Bulverde, Texas
"Experiencing the land of the Bible was a great blessing. But traveling with Wayne and Cathy Stiles was the icing on the cake. Wayne provided outstanding devotionals and connected the places, events, and history with the Scriptures, showing their relevance for our lives."—Wayne and Debbie Moore, La Porte, Indiana
"Wayne Stiles combines a passion for the land of Israel with a depth of biblical knowledge that inspires and informs. I have had the privilege of traveling to Israel on several occasions with Wayne, and I can tell you firsthand—what you will experience is much more than a casual "fly-over" view of the holy land. You won't simply learn ABOUT the land—you will EXPERIENCE the land, its history, and its people. If you long for more than head knowledge—if you want heart knowledge that will challenge you to follow in the footsteps of our Lord, then let Dr. Stiles guide you on this tour of a lifetime."—Dr. Reg Grant
About Your Tour Guide
Dr. Wayne Stiles has served in fulltime Christian ministry for more than 30 years, effectively using writing, teaching, music, video, and leadership as the means of creatively communicating the life-changing truths of God’s Word.
A veteran traveler to Israel, he has taught and written extensively on the devotional benefits of the Holy Land on his popular blog, in his books, as well as in dozens of articles for the Jerusalem Post. Wayne earned his masters and doctoral degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary. He also served in the pastorate for 14 years in the church he helped to plant, and he served as an Executive Vice President at Insight for Living Ministries for 12 years.
Wayne has helped lead many tours to numerous biblical sites in Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Italy. Wayne and his wife Cathy have been married thirty-three years and have two adult daughters.
Wayne’s passion is to help connect the Bible and its lands to life, showing the practical application of God’s Word in lives that display God’s grace.
