Overview

Lakelight’s pilgrimage to modern-day Turkey occurs seventeen centuries after Christian leaders from around the world gathered in Nicaea (325 AD) for the first ecumenical council. Emperor Constantine gathered bishops and church leaders to address the church’s teachings related to the divinity of Christ.

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The council penned the Nicene Creed as a result. It stands as the most widely confessed expression of the Christian faith.

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This tour traces the early church's key geographical and theological issues and visits key sites: Hagia Sophia, Chalcedon, Cappadocia, and more. (Schedule Below).

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At each location, our local guide will explain the site's historical significance, and we will reflect on biblical teaching. You will have a chance to stand in the places you’ve read about in church history and God used to shape the global church.

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We invite you to join Mike Woodruff and the Lakelight team on this study tour. Mike will also be teaching a class this Spring, which is included in the tour registration.

Team Selection & Size:

We are targeting a tour of 20-30 participants. Hosted by TUTKU TOURS

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TOUR SCHEDULE:

Oct 16 Thu

Depart Chicago (or U.S. location)‍

Non-stop direct flight to Istanbul

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Oct 17 Fri

Arrive at Istanbul Airport travel arrangements on your own

Transfer to hotel where the entire group meets in Istanbul for dinner and overnight. (D)

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Oct 18 Sat

Istanbul Tour of Constantinople

Hagia Sophia, Hippodome, Hagia Eirene, archaeology museum, Basilica Cistern. Dinner and overnight at the Moevenpick Golden Horn Hotel. (B,D)

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Oct 19 Sun

Drive to Nicaea (modern İznik)

Visit Hagia Sophia Church; Constantine’s palace, Roman theater, city walls and gates, original city street, funerary obelisk (Beştaş). Dinner and overnight at Wellborn Luxury Hotel Kocaeli. (B,D)

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Oct 20 Mon

Nicaea – Chalcedon (Kadikoy), Istanbul

Morning visit to the Underwater Basilica area with local archaeologists. Afternoon visit to the Iznik archaeology museum. Drive to Chalcedon, modern Kadikoy, Istanbul. Dinner and overnight at the Radisson Blu Hotel Tuzla. (B,D)

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Oct 21 Tue

Morning flight to Cappadocia

Transfer to Sabiha Gokce Airport for a morning flight to Cappadocia. Meet and transfer to monastic Zelve Valley and Goreme Open Air Museum to see the famous painted churches. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Cappadocia. (B, D)

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Oct 22 Wed

Cappadocia

Early morning Optional Hot Air Balloon Trip in Cappadocia. Visit the Underground City of Kaymakli, the Citadel of Uchisar, and the pottery-making town of Avanos. Shopping opportunity before dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Cappadocia. (B,D)

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Oct 23 Thur

Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (included in fees)

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Application Deadline Extended to February 14 or until the trip is filled.

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THE NICAEA STUDY TOUR INCLUDES:

• Istanbul-Kayseri (Cappadocia) - Istanbul roundtrip domestic flights

• 2 Nights at Movenpick Golden Horn Hotel in Istanbul or similar

• 1 Night at Wellborn Luxury Hotel in Kocaeli or similar

• 1 Night at Radisson Blu Hotel closer to the Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Istanbul, or similar

• 2 Nights at Barcelo Hotel in Cappadocia or similar

• Daily breakfast at the hotels (all open buffet)

• 7 Dinners at the hotels

• Sightseeing as per the itinerary

• Transportation by private A/C Deluxe Bus with driver throughout the tour

• Bible Oriented, Government-Licensed, English-speaking professional tour guide throughout the tour

• All Entry fees to the sites & museums

• Pre-Trip Meeting Meal and Guidebook

• Tips to drivers and guides

• Service charges & local taxes

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Total Cost: $2955 per person if sharing room; $3795 for individuals

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Does not include:

Flight from USA to Istanbul (IST) or return flight to USA from Istanbul (IST)
Lunches, snacks, and drinks at all meals
Optional Hot Air Balloon Trip in Cappadocia

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*Please do not book flights until details are confirmed*

‍Save your spot today by filling out this form, which includes a $500 Deposit

‍Airfare from Chicago/USA to Istanbul (and return) will be on your own, but there will be a recommended flight with a team member from Lakelight if you wish to fly with a group. More information to come.

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Travel / Airfare

Requirements for the Trip

Advance Exercise - This trip will include long hikes and strenuous walking situations. The streets and steps are ancient, uneven, and at times slippery. It is important that you are of good health and are willing to exercise in preparation for this trip. Teams walk an average of 50 miles, with at least 3-5 miles per day. Prep for this trip should include walking up and down steep hills and stairs (two steps at a time).

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Team Meetings - There will be 3 team meetings to help us prepare for what we will see once we arrive. Team meetings will be scheduled in August-October 2025.

Meetings will be in person with a Zoom option for those who might be out of town. Meetings will begin team orientation and cover logistical and practical aspects of the trip (i.e., what to pack, who’s on your flight, getting from the airport to hotel, etc.)

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Class Sessions - Required class sessions led by Mike Woodruff will begin in late Spring. You can be live, watch online, or view a later recording. The class will cover the essence of the Nicene Creed, the history of the theological controversy, why creeds are important, and more. Dates TBD.

Lodging & Meals: We are staying at tourist-class facilities to keep costs as low as possible, yet still having a quality experience. These are not full-service hotels with lots of amenities, but they are clean, safe, and have good food. Hotels have nice buffets for breakfast and dinner featuring both American food and local cuisine. Even for picky eaters, there will be options.

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Mike Woodruff, Tour Host
Allison Waggoner, Tour Administrator
Ben Dockery, Assistant Host
Questions? Contact awaggoner@christchurchil.org

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Pre-Trip Meeting Schedule

Our first introduction meeting will be Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30pm over Zoom. We will have three in-person meetings leading up to our trip. These meetings will help prepare you for the trip and build momentum to optimize your learning. All meetings will be held at the Lake Forest campus in room A201. We will have Zoom options.

1. June 3, 6:30 pm (Meal) Introductions and Trip Overview

2. Aug 19, 6:30 pm Historical and Theological Controversy

3. Sept 16, 6:30 pm Last Minute Logistics: What do I bring... who’s on my flight... getting from airport to hotel

PAST STUDY TOUR PHOTOS BELOW