Explore Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey, overlooking the point at which the frontiers of Turkey, Iran, and Armenia converge around ark-shaped outcroppings, thousand-year-old church buildings, and secluded monasteries of the ruggedly beautiful lands of Genesis and beyond.
Come alongside an expert guide to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of the biblical context. Through expositions from a trusted church leader, we’re delighted to offer the chance to experience the Bible while enjoying the places where these events happened.
Greg Gilbert is the senior pastor of Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of What Is the Gospel?, Assured: Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt, and Rest in Your Salvation, and the commentary in the ESV Story of Redemption Bible. He is the co-author of What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission. You can follow him on Twitter.
Begin your journey with a flight from Izmir (ADB) to Kars (KSY) followed by a visit to the historic Kars Castle, a fortress dating back to the 12th century, showcasing the region’s pre-Ottoman heritage and offering a glimpse into its rich history.
Continue to Ani, the “City of 1,001 Churches,” where you’ll explore the ruins of the Church of the Holy Apostles, an early 11th-century Armenian church. This ancient site reflects the deep Christian roots in the region.
End the day with a scenic drive to Doğubeyazıt, a charming village at the base of Mount Ararat, setting the stage for the next day’s exploration.
Start your day with a leisurely morning before engaging in light hiking around Mount Ararat, the legendary site where some scholars believe Noah’s Ark came to rest. This experience invites reflection on God’s covenant and His faithfulness throughout history.
In the afternoon, visit the Ishak Pasha Palace, a stunning 17th-century Ottoman palace with breathtaking views, blending architectural beauty with historical significance.
Travel to the historic town of Van, where you’ll take in the serene beauty of Lake Van, Türkiye’s largest lake, which has been a witness to centuries of Christian history in the region.
Spend the morning exploring Van’s unique charm before an evening flight to Istanbul, concluding this unforgettable journey.
Catch your flight from Istanbul (IST).
Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who do you say I am?’ It’s a question each of us must answer. In a wonderfully readable and succinct manner, Greg Gilbert mines the pages of Scripture to consider the truth of Christ’s claims about himself [in Who is Jesus?].
Greg Gilbert is one of the brightest and most faithful young men called to serve the church today. [Through What is the Gospel?] he offers us a penetrating, faithful, and fully biblical understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no greater need than to know the true gospel, to recognize the counterfeits, and to set loose a generation of gospel-centered Christians.
Amidst a contemporary Christian culture characterized by rampant confusion regarding the central tenets of our faith, Greg Gilbert has given us a portrait of the gospel that is clear for those who have believed and compelling for those who have yet to believe. Word-saturated, cross-centered, and God-exalting, What Is the Gospel? will capture your mind’s attention and ignite your heart’s affection for the God who saves us by his grace through his gospel for his glory.
Enrich your insight. Enjoy your tour.
