Spiritual Journey
The Longevity Project
Churches of Revelation in Turkey
May 10 - 16, 2026
Join MedSend for an unforgettable journey through Scripture—and watch the Bible come to life.
Dear Friends of MedSend,
I would like to invite you to join me on a unique journey to walk the lands of the
Churches of Revelation, with visits to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis,
Philadelphia, and Laodicea. A number of missionaries who are a part of the Longevity
Project, a ministry of MedSend, will join me on the tour. The
trip will take place from May 10 – 16, 2026.
Please join me on this intimate trip getting to know characters of the Bible in a deeper
and richer way, alongside those who are on the front lines, representing Jesus in our
world today.
Reserve your spot today.
In Christ,
Rick Allen
May 10
Day 1: Departure from US
Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!
May 11
Day 2: Arrive Izmir
We transfer to our hotel in Izmir, Turkey for the next two evenings. The remainder of your day is free to walk along the scenic waterfront, sightsee on your own and enjoy your hotel facilities.
May 12
Day 3: Pergamum, Thyatira & Izmir
Our first visit of the day is Pergamum. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance; (Rev. 2:12-17) it was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). Next we travel east to Thyatira viewing the ancient roadway and period columns. Thyatira was once a busy trading center and famous as a "seller of purple," the most favored of the Seven Churches. We continue south to Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey and a long time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul's day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Our lodging this evening will be in Izmir.
May 13
Day 4: Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale
Departing our Hotel in Izmir, we'll see Polycarp's Church and visit the ancient roman agora. Then, we travel to Sardis, which was berated by John for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the "new Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation. Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. Our lodging this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.
May 14
Day 5: Hierapolis, Laodicea & Colossae
Hierapolis, meaning "Sacred City," was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the "lukewarm" Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. We spend the remainder of the day traveling through the Turkish countryside arriving in the port city of Kusadasi where we spend two nights. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative.
May 15
Day 6: Ephesus
We travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
May 16
Day 7: Depart for Home
This morning we transfer to the Izmir airport for our flight back to the USA.
*The tour itinerary is subject to change or be slightly modified in order to best meet the interests of the group.
Price/Person(based on double occupancy) |
Description |
|---|---|
$1,249* |
Land Only Price*(*International airfare not included) |
$300 |
Single Supplement |
RESERVATIONS
A $300 per person US Dollar deposit is required to secure a reservation. Your reservation is not considered confirmed until Pilgrim Tours has received both the deposit and completed reservation form. Tour members must be 18+. Reservations are due January 30, 2026 and can be sent to: Pilgrim Tours PO Box 268 Morgantown, PA 19543.
FINAL PAYMENT
Final payment will be due March 26, 2026. Payment can be made by check, Visa, Discover, or Master Card. Payments not received on time will be subject to a minimum $200 per person penalty and may result in reservation cancellation without refund. Reservations made after the final payment deadline may result in additional administrative fees and are at the discretion of Pilgrim Tours.
INCLUDED
5 nights lodging at 4 star hotels, Breakfast and dinner daily, 2 lunches, Full time English speaking tour escorts, Services of air conditioned deluxe motor coach, All guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary, Baggage handling at hotels (one piece), Tips to driver, guides, hotel staff, and cruise staff, Pilgrim payment processing by check, Visa, Master Card, or Discover.
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare (can be booked individually at a later date), all lunches, Optional travel insurance (7.95% or 10.85% of tour cost)
CANCELLATION
Cancellation in writing must be received by Pilgrim Tours prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees. Airline penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on each individual airline policy. Travel insurance is non-refundable.
151+ Days Prior: $100 per service fee
150-61 Days Prior: Deposit Amount of $500 per person
60-46 Days Prior: 40% of tour cost
45-31 Days Prior: 65% of tour cost
30-8 Days Prior: 85% of tour cost
7 Days Prior or less: 100% of tour cost
Pilgrim Tours service fee structure:
When signing up for a tour offered by Pilgrim Tours, a deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Part of the deposit for the advertised tour includes a minimum of $100 per person service fee assessed by Pilgrim Tours that is non-refundable and non-transferable. The reason for not traveling can be either the traveler cancelling, or the tour being postponed, suspended or cancelled due to but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorist acts, political unrest, epidemics, pandemics, or government-imposed travel restrictions. In registering for a tour, a tour member agrees to the service fee as well as all terms and conditions as outlined on the tour reservation form.
PRICING
Quoted tour prices include planning, handling and operational charges and are based on the current rate of exchange and tariffs. In the event of a marked change in foreign exchange rates, fuel costs or tariff rates, tour costs are subject to revision. Such increases will be added to the final billing. Pilgrim Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries and prices, and to substitute facilities and hotels of equal or better quality if necessary.
INCLUDED
6 nights lodging at 4 star hotels, Breakfast and dinner daily, 2 lunches, Full time English speaking tour escorts, Services of air conditioned deluxe motor coach, All guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary, Baggage handling at hotels (one piece), Tips to driver, guides, hotel staff, and cruise staff, Pilgrim payment processing by check, Visa, Master Card, or Discover. The tour is reserved for adults only.
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare, 7 lunches, Optional travel insurance (7.95% or 10.85% of tour cost).
RESPONSIBILITIES
These tour programs are operated by Pilgrim Tours and Travel, Inc., 3071 Main Street, Morgantown, Pennsylvania 19543. In common with other companies, Pilgrim acts only as an agent for tour members in arranging vacation services offered on this web site, including transportation, sightseeing, and accommodations through independent contracts. Air carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers (including but not limited to trains, cruises, ferries, motor coaches, hotels, tour guides, and restaurants) providing these services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants, or joint ventures of the Company or its affiliates. All travel documents for services issued by the Company are subject to the terms & conditions specified by the contracted supplier and the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Tours postponed, suspended, or cancelled due to but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorist acts, political unrest, epidemics, or pandemics are subject to service fees by Pilgrim Tours and any supplier penalties. In registering for a tour, tour members agree to the terms and conditions for the tour they have registered for. Pilgrim Tours reserves the right in its sole discretion to make changes in the itinerary and is not responsible for expenses, loss of time, money, or other incidents resulting from a change of tour scheduling made for tour members. Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for any losses or damages of personal property, injuries, thefts, or unforeseen expenses incurred by any tour member.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
For your convenience, Pilgrim Tours is happy to book your airfare as part of a group air contract which allows the group to fly together at a set price. A group air contract requires a minimum of 10 passengers flying roundtrip from the same city, on the same air schedule, and on the same dates. Pilgrim Tours does not have the ability to guarantee assigned seating when making group air arrangements. Air carriers are responsible for seat assignments, and most group air contracts assign seats at the airport check-in on the day of departure. Once ticketed, group air tickets are not upgradable to premium economy or business class, and mileage credit is not guaranteed and is subject to the rules of each airline. If interested in an upgrade, please notify Pilgrim Tours at time of deposit and no later than 100 days before travel. All taxes, fuel charges, and security fees are subject to change based on the ticketing date. Passengers wishing to cancel or change their air reservations may be subject to change fees or cancellation penalties. Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for unforeseen flight delays or changes due to war, political unrest, acts of God, epidemics, or pandemics. Air schedules may be subject to change at the discretion of the airline. Pilgrim Tours does not accept liability in the case of any passenger being denied boarding by any airline carrier due to the carrier’s overbooking of a flight.
TOUR MEMBERSHIP & MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Tour membership is available to all travelers and will not be withheld if the tour operator can furnish the requirements that an individual may need. Because most of our Retail Tour sightseeing schedules require Tour Members to walk 1-2 miles at a time using a moderate pace and sometimes navigate uneven terrain, we cannot accept persons who cannot do that and instead require special assistance. Should any Tour Member's participation somehow materially add to the tour operator's cost, the Tour Member will be expected to pay any additional costs. The Tour Director retains the right to require any non-sufficiently mobile persons to stay behind when deemed necessary, and also terminate the membership of any member displaying disruptive behavior, delaying or endangering fellow members and/or interfering with the operations of the tour. Private group tours vary in regard to mobility standards.
PROOF OF US CITIZENSHIP, PASSPORT, VISA & MINOR CHILDREN REQUIREMENTS
BAGGAGE
All international tours require a current passport. Entrance to most countries requires your passport be valid for 6 months after your return date. Your passport information must be recorded by a Pilgrim Tours agent when making your reservation. Names on airline tickets must appear as shown on passport. Photocopies are not acceptable forms of identification. Minors traveling with either one parent or no parents must have a certified letter of permission from the parent or parents who is/are not traveling. If requested, this letter must be presented. Non U. S. Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of the destination country. Contact the local Consulate of the countries you plan to visit and transit for entry requirement information.
Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel, group carrier or airline handling. There are limitations by coach and air carrier as to the number and size of bags which can be carried onboard and in bulk storage. However, during the tour, passengers are permitted one checked suitcase and one carry-on bag unless otherwise noted. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact the airline or refer to the airlines website for detailed information regarding checked baggage policies. This is a fee levied by the airlines, not Pilgrim Tours, and may be subject to change.
TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL PASSENGERS
Pilgrim Tours strongly suggests purchasing a travel insurance plan. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider as many US medical coverage plans may not cover you outside of the country. Insurance costs are based on the total tour cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Not Included." These charges are added to the final billing. Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance. Travel Insurance is non-refundable. For a full explanation of Pilgrim Tours Terms and Conditions please visit https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/policies.htm
Travel Insurance
Pilgrim Tours strongly suggests purchasing a travel insurance plan. Insurance costs are based on the total tour cost, including air taxes and charges listed under “Not Included.” These charges are added to the final billing. Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider as many US medical coverage plans may not cover you outside of the country.
