Join Us for The Adventure of a Lifetime!
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Available PackagesTuesdayOctober 6, 2026ThursdayOctober 22, 2026$4799
Immerse yourself in Turkey’s vibrant culture, from the bustling bazaars to the majestic mosques and temples that have stood for centuries. Under the expert guidance of Scot, Maurine, and local scholars, you’ll delve into the historical and spiritual significance of these sacred sites, discovering their connection to the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. Along the way, savor authentic Turkish cuisine, cruise the turquoise waters of the Aegean, and marvel at the architectural wonders that bridge East and West.
Come Walk in the Footsteps of the Early Apostles
Join esteemed directors Scot and Maurine Proctor for an unforgettable journey through Turkey, a land where ancient history and faith intersect in remarkable ways. Walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, exploring the very places where he preached, wrote, and changed the course of Christianity. As you travel through this breathtaking country, you’ll witness the grandeur of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, the ruins of Ephesus, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, all while gaining deeper insight into the powerful events that shaped early Christianity.
Immerse yourself in Turkey’s vibrant culture, from the bustling bazaars to the majestic mosques and temples that have stood for centuries. Under the expert guidance of Scot, Maurine, and local scholars, you’ll delve into the historical and spiritual significance of these sacred sites, discovering their connection to the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. Along the way, savor authentic Turkish cuisine, cruise the turquoise waters of the Aegean, and marvel at the architectural wonders that bridge East and West.
More than just a tour, this is a pilgrimage of faith and discovery. Whether standing in the ancient amphitheater of Ephesus, reflecting on the teachings of Paul, or exploring the hidden cave churches of Cappadocia, you’ll find moments of inspiration that will stay with you forever. Join us on this extraordinary adventure and experience Turkey in a way that will ignite your spirit, deepen your faith, and leave you with lifelong memories.
Tour ID #9226J06
To book this tour, contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:
Questions? Contact:
Sarah Wangsgard, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473
Highlights
- 1 tour-bus experience for the whole tour
- Special Tour Director on for the whole trip along with local guides for in-depth location detail and history
- Advance timed entry tickets to attractions included = less time waiting in lines
- Optional 3-day PRE tour available to Cappadocia, Turkey - From $849 pp
We will take a flight from our various U.S.A. homes, arriving into Turkey the following evening at the Istanbul Airport.
Meals : In-flight
Upon arrival in Istanbul we will be met and transferred to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Today, we begin our adventure across Turkey with a scenic bus ride to Ankara, the nation’s capital. Upon arrival, our first stop will be, the impressive mausoleum of Atatürk — the visionary founder of the Republic of Turkey. Here, we’ll reflect on the country’s transformation from the Ottoman Empire to a modern republic. Next, we’ll visit the renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where a rich collection of artifacts offers a deep dive into the region’s ancient heritage. We’ll wrap up the day with a relaxing dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Ankara.
Today, we will take a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of inner Anatolia, arriving in Cappadocia. Upon our arrival, we will marvel at the unique fairy chimneys formed by nature. We will explore Kızılcukur Valley, where we can enjoy breathtaking sunset views. In the evening, there will be an optional Whirling Dervishes ceremony (price to be announced). We will end the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
This morning, we have the option to take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia (price to be announced). After some time to relax at our hotel, we’ll gather for a deeper exploration of the region. Our first stop will be the Kaymaklı underground city, which features its own storage areas, ventilation systems, and living spaces where Christians sought refuge in times of danger. Next, we’ll visit the Göreme Open Air Museum to see more of the enchanting fairy chimneys, which have been carved into storage areas, homes, churches, and kitchens. Later, we will enjoy a lecture on Turkish rugs, along with an opportunity to shop for these exquisite pieces. We will conclude our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Today, we will delve further into the wonders of Cappadocia, starting with visits to Zelve and Pasabag. At lunchtime, we will participate in a cooking class and enjoy a delicious meal in a local home. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the charming village of Uchisar. We will also visit a pottery workshop in Avanos, where you can see skilled artisans at work. For those interested, there will be an optional ATV ride available (price to be announced). We will wrap up the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Today, we will bid farewell to Cappadocia with a drive to Konya, known in antiquity as Iconium and famous for its whirling dervishes. Upon arrival, we will visit Rumi’s tomb and museum, where we will learn about the significance of the whirling dervishes in the region. Following this, we will explore the Roman and Seljuk remnants scattered throughout the city. We will conclude our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Konya.
Today, we will travel from Konya to Pamukkale, which translates to “cotton castle” in Turkish, a nod to the stunning white travertines that resemble a castle made of cotton. Upon our arrival in Pamukkale, we will explore the ancient city of Laodicea, famously referenced in the Bible by John as the “lukewarm” church. Afterwards, we’ll visit Pamukkale National Park and the fascinating ruins of Hierapolis. Finally, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in Pamukkale.
In the morning, there will be an optional hot air balloon ride over Pamukkale (price to be announced). Afterward, you’ll have some free time to relax and enjoy the thermal pool at our hotel. We will depart from Pamukkale around noon and drive to Yalvaç, known as Pisidia Antioch. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the ancient site, which features a synagogue, Roman roads, and a Roman temple. We will conclude our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Yalvaç.
In the morning, we will visit the museum in Yalvaç before heading to the Mediterranean coast and the city of Antalya (Attaleia). Our itinerary in Antalya will take us to the picturesque harbor, as well as the ancient sites of Aspendos and Perge, where Paul and Barnabas preached to the world.
In the morning, we will drive to Demre, the hometown of Santa Claus, before continuing on to Kekova for a day of boating. During our time on the boat, we’ll explore the sunken city and have leisure time for swimming. At the end of the day, we will arrive at our hotel in Kaş, where we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
We will check out from our hotel in Kaş and take a short drive to Marmaris. Known for its stunning local beaches along the coastline, Marmaris offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have a free afternoon to enjoy the beach or explore the town at your own pace. We will then gather for dinner and spend the night in Marmaris.
After bidding farewell to Marmaris, we will drive to Kuşadası. Upon arriving in the Ephesus region, our first stop will be Mary’s House, a serene and tranquil site. Next, we will visit the Basilica of John before checking into our hotel in Kuşadası to prepare for our exciting day exploring Ephesus.
Today promises to be a highlight of our journey as we visit Ephesus, a significant location that was home to Paul, John, and possibly Mary. We will explore this remarkably well-preserved ancient site, renowned as one of the finest in the world. Our tour will also include a visit to the terrace houses, a relatively recent excavation that offers fascinating insights into ancient life. We will continue our day filled with exploration and discovery.
We will start our day with a transfer to Izmir airport for our flight to Istanbul. Once we arrive, we will head to the historic Old City. First, we’ll visit the Hippodrome, an ancient arena that was once the center of public life. Next, we will see the beautiful Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture. In the afternoon, we’ll take a private boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait, enjoying views of the palaces and houses along the water. After the boat ride, you’ll have some free time to explore the lively Spice Market, where you can shop for spices and local treats. We’ll conclude our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Today, we will explore more of Istanbul. We’ll begin by visiting the stunning Topkapi Palace and the iconic Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with shops and rich history. We’ll end the day with a farewell dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Today, we will say goodbye to the beautiful country of Turkey as we transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.
- Local Licensed guides & Historians with your experienced LDS Tour Director, Scot and Maurine Proctor
- Accommodations at 4 Star hotels throughout
- Sightseeing tours as outlined on the itinerary
- Meals as outlined - breakfast and dinner daily
- Entrance fees to all noted locations and museums
- Deluxe/Air-Conditioned motor coach transportation
- Boat ride on the Bosporus by private boat
- Cooking class in Cappadocia
- Domestic flights within Turkey with luggage and carry-on allowance
- Audio system headsets throughout the tour
- Document package
- International airfare to and from Istanbul
- Any private sightseeing not included in the itinerary during free time
- Tour gratuities for tour guides and Morris Murdock Host
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance - highly recommended!
- Meals not included in the tour outline
Join Us for The Adventure of a Lifetime!
-
Available PackagesTuesdayOctober 6, 2026ThursdayOctober 22, 2026$4799
About Scot and Maurine Proctor
Scot and Maurine Proctor are the founders of Meridian Magazine and they have written several books together, including Witness of the Light, Source of the Light, Light from the Dust and The Gathering. They were formerly the editors of This People magazine.
After receiving her education from University of Utah and Harvard, Maurine Jensen Proctor, began her writing career with McGraw Hill Magazines and the Chicago Sun-Times. She has created award-winning television documentaries, has written a radio show for more than six years that played on 300 radio stations, and was a long-time writer of The Spoken Word for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
In his youth, Scot Facer Proctor was given the extraordinary opportunity to live in Ankara, Turkey for two different years. During that time he traveled extensively, studying and following closely the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. These experiences led to a lifetime of immersion in the ancient world and the scriptures. He continues to spend a great deal of time in the Middle East and the Holy Land. After serving a mission to Germany, Scot graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in motion picture and television production and minors in political science and German. Scot is a professional photographer specializing in the photo-documentation of sacred sites throughout the world. He is the co-founder and publisher of is a professional photographer who wrote Witness of the Light which was a photographic book about Joseph Smith. The LDS Church has included his photos in their publications several times.
The Proctors taught Institute part-time for more than 15 years. They are the parents of eleven children and grandparents of seventeen and live in Alpine, Utah.
Pricing Information
Pricing Options:
- Double Occupancy – $4799.00 per person
- Single Occupancy – $5999.00 for a private room
- Triple Occupancy – $4799.00 per person (subject to availability)
- Cash Discount of $125 per person – please inquire for details
Payment Terms:
- A deposit of $500 per person is due at the time of booking
- Full Payment due June 07, 2026
- This tour requires a minimum of 20 travelers to guarantee the advertised price. Please ask about details.
Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.
Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.
Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.
Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.
Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.
Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.
Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.
In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.
All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.
Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.
The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.
Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.
For tours in the United States:
- Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
- Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
- Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
- Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
- Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
- Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
- No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.
For all other tours including international tours and cruises:
- Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
- Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
- Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
- Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
- Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
- No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.
Will I receive a refund?
The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.
Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.
Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22″+ 14″+ 9″) of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.
Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.
Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.
Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.
**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information
