The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Tour of Istanbul, Ephesus, and Athens October 25 - November 5, 2025

Questions? Email us at info@signaturetours.com

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1 (OCT 25): BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR- Depart JFK for an overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey.

DAY 2 (OCT 26): ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL - Meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Mohler. Overnight in Istanbul. 

DAY 3 (OCT 27): ISTANBUL - This morning a delight awaits you at Eminönü's Spice Bazaar. Known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this exotic covered market was the international trade center of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon, we take a special cruise on the Bosporus, a natural waterway that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and serves as the only connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. As we float along the strait, we enjoy the picturesque views of old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the coast. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. Lunch included. 

Dinner will be provided for guests throughout the tour.  Most dinners will be followed by a session led by Dr. Mohler which will include lecture, Q&A, and a live recording of The Briefing.

DAY 4 (OCT 28): CONSTANTINOPLE - Today, we enjoy a day tour of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. We stroll through Hippodrome Square, the social and sporting center of Constantinople, which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. We view the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the “Blue Mosque,” this 17th-century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. We experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece designed to be the major basilica of the Byzantine Empire. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. Lunch included. 

DAY 5 (OCT 29): ISTANBUL - Today, we will visit Topkapi Palace, the main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace still houses a legion of treasures. This afternoon enjoy shopping in the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. Lunch included. 

DAY 6 (OCT 30): ISTANBUL/IZMIR - Travel to Izmir, Turkey, where we will be met at the airport for our transfer to our hotel. Enjoy the afternoon exploring Izmir’s wonderful shops and historic buildings. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. Lunch included. 

DAY 7 (OCT 31): EPHESUS- After breakfast, we will drive to Ephesus. Located in the modern town of Selcuk, ancient Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 11th century BC, Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. This political influence and the city’s large Jewish community attracted the attention of the apostles, including Paul and John. Here, John carried out his mission for two years and was Bishop of the Ephesian Church before he was exiled to the Island of Patmos. We will also see the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater. This massive theatre (capable of entertaining up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8 (NOV 1): PERGAMUM - This morning, we will drive north through farmlands, low ranges, and along the Aegean Sea onto the town of Bergama to visit Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. The city rose to prominence following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and eventually came under Roman control in 133 BC. Although this city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelation, the risen Christ instructs John to convey the message that the people of Pergamum, the site of “Satan’s throne,” needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16). Today, we will tour the Acropolis, which sits atop a 1000-foot windswept mountain, offering a view of the neighboring modern towns, the azure waters of the Aegean, and the ruins of Pergamum that cascade down from the ancient city center. Nearby are the remains of the famous Library of Pergamum. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. Lunch included. 

DAY 9 (NOV 2): ATHENS -  This morning, depart for Athens, Greece. Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of democracy. View the world-renowned Acropolis and wonder at the glory of the Parthenon, built 2400 years ago. Gather at Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the intellectual men of the most informed city of the time, pleading for the cause of Christianity. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the historical neighborhood of Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis. Stroll along the narrow roads, peruse the quaint shops, and dinner and overnight in Athens. Lunch included. 

DAY 10 (NOV 3): CORINTH - Travel through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf to the city of Corinth. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the impressive Corinthian Canal before touring the extensive ruins of the ancient city. Gaze at the temple of Apollo towering above the remains of the influential metropolis. See the ruins of the agora and the shop believed to be where Paul stayed with Aquila and Priscilla. Marvel at the bema where Paul stood before the proconsul, Gallio. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight. Lunch included. 

DAY 11 (NOV 4): ATHENS DAY OF LEISURE

DAY 12 (NOV 5): ATHENS/USA- We transfer to Athens airport for our return flight to the USA with our hearts full of memories from unforgettable experiences.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change due to various factors and your tour guide’s discretion. 

PRICING:

• $6,295 per person based on double occupancy. 
• Single room supplement - $1,495
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before April 25, 2025
  
• Balance due on or before July 25, 2025

 

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

INCLUDED:

AIR: The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the standard tour. Participants who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1000 per person will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.

GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.

HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the group leader will make every attempt to pair single participants requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotel daily. 

SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places of interest listed in the itinerary as well as an expert English-speaking guide.

PORTERAGE: See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Any fees for additional baggage beyond the standard airline allowance will be the responsibility of the individual. 

SERVICE CHARGES AND TAXES: Service charges added to the bill as required by hotel management. Taxes as imposed by national and/or local governments and/or administrations from the date listed on this brochure. Tips, taxes, and airport taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. 

NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.

PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport before the trip, enter "RENEWING" or "APPLIED FOR" when completing registration.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to sixty days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please Click Here for more information or to enroll in the plan. A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.

Signature Tours
PO Box 956817 Duluth, GA 30095
info@signaturetours.com