Come and experience life as it was for ancient believers in Asia Minor. See the ruins and landscapes that played a part in their everyday lives. Walk in their footsteps!
You'll be accompanied by an expert guide and Shawn Wright, a trusted Christian leader, as you explore the depths of Scripture in the midst of the ruins where the Apostles themselves walked.
Shawn Wright is a Professor of Church History at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Additionally, he serves as the Pastor of Leadership Development at Clifton Baptist Church. He has authored the book 40 Questions About Calvinism. Shawn is married to Gretchen, and together they have five children.
Fly to Izmir, Turkey (Ancient Smyrna), where you'll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Please note that the tour concludes in a different city and airport than arrival. Return flights should be arranged from Istanbul (IST) and not Izmir (ADB).
Nicea Conference Guests: as a reminder, the conference ends at1:00pm on Saturday, October 25 in Istanbul.
Start your journey with a tour of Smyrna, a principal city of the Roman Empire vying for the title "First City of Asia."
Then take a short drive to the sweeping views from the Acropolis of Pergamum, the city of mythological mystery.
After lunch, spend some time in Thyatira, where the Apostle Paul established a strong Christian community through his ministry.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Hermes Valley where you'll briefly stop to visit Philadelphia, the city of martyrs. Then spend the morning in Sardis, the place of myriad faiths, creeds, and empires.
Spend the afternoon driving through the beautiful countryside to Colossae, where you'll experience the site pre-excavation and get a better idea of what these places have looked like for centuries.
Spend the morning enjoying the beautiful scenery while crossing the Taurus Mountains on your journey north, followed by a tour of the ancient city of Laodicea, a picturesque reminder of the "lukewarm" church.
Later, explore Hierapolis, the land of hot springs, the illusion of snow, and one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Turkey.
Enjoy a leisurely drive to the coast in the afternoon.
Spend the morning enjoying the ancient city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul’s School of Tyrannus unleashed the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Asia.
Enjoy Turkish hospitality and culture for lunch with Osman, witnessing history through the craft of carpet weaving.
Then, visit one of the world’s oldest baptismals at St. John’s Basilica. Spend some time in the Ephesus museum, which houses the original statues of Artemis.
Nicea Conference Guests: Evening transfer to Izmir airport and flight to Istanbul (IST), followed by transfer to conference hotel.
Nicea Conference Guests: Gather with the Stiles and others from around the globe for a conference 1700 years in the making.
Full schedule
On Shawn's book, 40 Questions on Calvinism:
"Shawn Wright’s book on Calvinism is biblically rooted, theologically astute, historically informed, and pastorally shaped. Wright lucidly explains the tenets of Calvinism, answers common misconceptions about it, and refutes objections to Calvinist soteriology. Wright’s book is the first I would give to anyone with questions about Calvinism, as a pastoral, warm-hearted love for the gospel, missions, and holiness pervades this work. I recommend it enthusiastically."
On Shawn's book, Theodore Beza: The Man and the Myth:
"Wright's own instincts of pastoral sympathy help clear away much of the historiographical garbage that has accumulated around the legacy of Beza and made him a feared stepchild of the Reformation."
On Shawn's book, Theodore Beza: The Man and the Myth:
"Shawn Wright is a rare gift: a careful historian with a pastor's heart. In this moving tribute to Beza, Wright captures the true man behind the myth and demonstrates why Beza should be both relevant and inspiring to the modern pastor."
Enrich your insight. Enjoy your tour.
