en 1.614.452.1953 info@ruaj.org
1.614.452.1953 info@ruaj.org

(YOUNG ADULTS) Threads of Time: Tour of Turkey

0
Young Adults Tour!
From$4,395$3,895
August 3, 2026
Deposit NON REFUNDABLE AND NON TRANSFERABLE*
* Please select all required fields to proceed to the next step.

Proceed Booking

Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

8288

Why Book With Us?

  • Tailor made trips
  • Great Customer care
  • Ministry oriented
  • Personalized Assistance

Have Questions?

Give us a call! Our expert team is ready to help.

1.614.452.1953

info@ruaj.org

10 days / 9 nights
Availability : August 26'
USA
Istanbul, Turkey
Min Age : 20
Max People : 50

(YOUNG ADULTS) Threads of Time: Tour of Turkey

0
  • 10 days
  • Max number of travelers: 50
  • Departs USA: August 3, 2026
  • Meeting Point: Istanbul, Turkey
  • Min. Age: 20
  • Max Age: 35
This is a Young Adults tour for travelers ages 20 to 35.

If you do not fall within this age range, please do not register.

Your registration will be automatically cancelled without notice by our team if you do not fall within this age range. 

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey designed for adventurous young adults ages 20 to 35, as we explore the ancient crossroads of East and West. From Istanbul’s iconic mosques and bustling bazaars to the surreal landscapes and cave dwellings of Cappadocia, this tour blends rich history with unforgettable natural beauty. You’ll walk the streets of legendary cities like Ephesus and Hierapolis, witness the “Cotton Castle” of Pamukkale, and dive deep into cultural traditions — from ceramic workshops to carpet weaving. Optional sunrise balloon rides, historic ruins, coastal escapes, and vibrant Turkish nights round out this epic 10-day experience. Along the way, you’ll meet new friends and make meaningful connections with fellow young travelers who share your sense of curiosity and adventure. Whether you’re here for the sights, the stories, or the soul of the place, this journey is a bold and meaningful dive into one of the world’s most fascinating regions.

Register today to secure your spot!

Departure & Return Location

USA

Rooming

Double Occupancy

Included:

  • Standard Economy Airfare on Travel Agency’s Airline of Choice
  • Transport to and from the airport within the designated group arrival/departure window
  • 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • 1 Country
  • 4 stars Hotels
  • Local certified tour guide
  • Entrance fees to selected sites
  • All transportation in destination locations with AC
  • 3 Meals Daily

Excluded:

  • Anything not specifically included in the above “Included” list
  • Tips ($10/person/day - reqired, but not included)
  • Visa fees
  • Any private expenses

Gifts:

  • Passport Holder (Based on availability)
  • Luggage Tags (Based on availability)
What to expect

This 10-day tour takes you through some of Turkey’s most iconic and historic sites. In Istanbul, visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and shop the Grand Bazaar. Fly to Cappadocia to explore Göreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, and the ceramic town of Avanos, with the option for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Discover the natural thermal terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea. Continue to Sardis, Pergamon, Izmir, and Ephesus—home to the Library of Celsus and Great Theater—before wrapping up the journey in coastal Antalya and vibrant Galata at night in Istanbul.

 

Istanbul

Cappadocia

Pamukkale

Soma

Izmir

Antalya

Pictures
Itinerary

TRAVEL DAYJune 26, 2026: Flights Depart USA

Flights will depart from your selected airport in the USA. You will fly overnight to arrive in Istanbul, Turkey the following morning (June 27, 2026).

Day 1June 27, 2026: Istanbul, Turkey

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), our assistant will be waiting for you at the international arrivals exit holding a sign with the Ruaj Ministry logo. You will then be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2June 28, 2026: Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our day in Sultanahmet, the heart of Istanbul’s historical peninsula.

  • Visit the Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and stunning interior filled with thousands of İznik tiles.
  • Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century Byzantine basilica and architectural marvel.
  • Tour the Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, showcasing collections of weapons, porcelain, relics, and
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
  • After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul

Day 3June 29, 2026: Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 4June 30, 2026: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour

(Optional: Early morning hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.)

After breakfast (boxed breakfast if balloon ride is chosen), begin your full-day tour:

  • Explore Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) with its unique rock formations shaped like animals and figures.
  • Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to rock-cut churches and frescoes dating back to the 10th–11th centuries.
  • Enjoy lunch, then head to Avanos, a center for traditional pottery-making by the Red River.
  • See a ceramic demonstration and then explore Pasabag (Monks Valley), known for its impressive fairy chimneys.
  • Enjoy panoramic views at Göreme Panorama.
  • Visit a carpet weaving workshop to learn about Turkish

Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5July 1, 2026: Fly to Izmir & Ephesus and House of Mary Tour

We have breakfast box and transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, begin the tour of one of the most important cities of the ancient world – Ephesus, the first of the Seven Churches of Revelation.

You will explore:

  • The Odeon
  • Curetes Street
  • The Temple of Hadrian
  • The Library of Celsus
  • The Great Theatre, where Apostle Paul once preached to thousands
  • Ancient fountains, baths, and temples

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary and recognized as a Catholic pilgrimage site. This sacred place has been visited by multiple Popes including Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI.

Before heading to the hotel, stop at a local artisan leather shop for a cultural shopping experience.

Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi or Izmir

Day 6July 2, 2026: Visit Sardes, Pergamo, Pamukkale

Begin the day with a visit to Sardis, home to the ancient synagogue and the fourth Church of Revelation. Then head to Pergamon to see the Acropolis, Temple of Trajan, steepest ancient theater, and the Altar of Zeus (possible “Throne of Satan”).

Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 7July 3, 2026: Visit Pamukkale & Drive to Antalya

After breakfast, begin the day by exploring the natural and historical wonders of

Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the “Cotton Castle”.

  • Walk along the stunning white travertine terraces, filled with warm mineral- rich waters flowing from the thermal springs.
  • Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, located just above the Visit its theater, necropolis, and the remains of ancient thermal baths used as healing centers during Roman times.

After the tour and lunch, depart by coach for Antalya, located along the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

Day 8July 4, 2026: Antalya City & Waterfalls Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Antalya:

  • Visit Kaleiçi (Old Town) – historic harbor, Hadrian’s Gate, Clock Tower
  • Explore Yivli Minaret, a symbol of Antalya
  • Visit Düden Waterfalls, one of Antalya’s most famous natural attractions Return to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

Day 9July 5, 2026: Return to Istanbul & Galata Tower Visit

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly back to Istanbul.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a special evening visit to Galata Tower, offering panoramic views of Istanbul by night.

Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 10July 6, 2026: Departure back to USA

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport at your scheduled time for your international flight back to the USA (returning to the same airport you departed from).

Note: Most flights will arrive back in the USA the same day (July 6, 2026) due to the time change.

We hope to see you again!

Payments

Deposit$500 per person

DUE IMMEDIATELY UPON REGISTRATION.

Amount: $500 per person (non-refundable, non-transferable) immediately upon registration.

Your spot on the tour is NOT confirmed or held until the deposit is paid.

Second Payment$1,500 per person

DUE: November 1, 2025

Amount: $1,500 per person

Third Payment$1,500 per person

DUE: December 1, 2025

Amount: $1,500 per person

Final PaymentBalance due on account.

Due: February 1, 2026

Amount: Balance due on account.

Important: PAYMENT METHODS

  1. Credit or debit cards (4% handling fee). For credit card payments, please email info@ruaj.org & victoria@ruaj.org requesting an invoice. Please include the amount you would like to pay in the body of the email. An invoice will be created and a payment link will be sent to your email address. You can use this invoice to pay with your credit or debit card. The 4% fee will be automatically added to the amount being paid.
  2. Payments with “Cash App” (No Handling Fee). You can make payments on Cash App to “$sergito” – Sergio Romero.
  3. QuickPay from Zelle (No Handling Fee). You can make payment with Zelle using the name RUAJ Ministry and the email address sergio@ruaj.org or 801-358-8350.

 

Important payment notes:

  • If the payment is coming from an account that does not have the name of the passenger on it, please make us aware so we can appropriately apply the payment to the correct account. Requests for money to be applied must be submitted via email to info@ruaj.org and victoria@ruaj.org .
  • If you are making a payment for another passenger, but the account has your name on it, we MUST be made aware that the payment is to be applied to another passenger’s account, or the money will be applied to your account balance. Requests for money to be applied must be submitted via email to info@ruaj.org and victoria@ruaj.org .

Important:CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Registration to 180 days before trip: Deposit + 40% of the amount paid will be held from the refund amount.
  • 180 to 120 days before trip: Deposit + 80% of the amount paid will be held from the refund amount.
  • 120 days before trip to departure: Deposit + 100% of the amount paid will be held from the refund amount (meaning no refund is available).

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@ruaj.org and victoria@ruaj.org. Cancellation requests made via phone, text or other forms of communication may not be honored. Deposits are always non-refundable and non-transferable.

Map

FAQs

How can I secure my spot on the tour?

  • All reservations must be made through the official reservations website. Requests for reservations made through email, text, phone call, etc. will not be accepted or confirmed until properly registered online.
  • Your deposit (and all payments due at the time of registration) must be paid in full in order to confirm your reservation.

Code of Conduct

To ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all, participants are expected to follow the guidelines below throughout the duration of the tour:

1. Respect the Group and Guides

  • Treat fellow travelers, tour leaders, and local partners with kindness and respect.
  • Listen attentively during briefings and follow the guidance of the tour leaders at all times.
  • Be mindful of different cultures, beliefs, and customs — especially when visiting religious or historical sites.

2. Be On Time

  • Arrive promptly for all scheduled departures, meals, and group activities.
  • Understand that delays affect the entire group — repeated tardiness may result in missing out on activities.

3. Alcohol & Substance Use

  • The use or possession of alcohol or any illegal substances is strictly prohibited at all times during the tour.
  • Smoking of any kind is not permitted on this tour.
  • Violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the tour at your own expense and without refund.

4. Respect Shared Spaces

  • Keep hotel rooms, buses, and common areas clean and free of damage.
  • Practice good hygiene and be considerate of roommates and travel companions.

5. Safety First

  • Stay with the group unless otherwise permitted.
  • Follow all safety protocols and local regulations.
  • Notify tour leaders immediately if you feel unwell or unsafe.

6. Inclusivity & Harassment Policy

  • This is a welcoming and inclusive environment — discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.
  • Everyone has a right to feel safe and included, regardless of background, gender identity, religion, or sexual orientation.

7. Social Media Etiquette

  • Be mindful of others when taking and posting photos or videos.
  • Always ask for consent before sharing images of fellow travelers.

8. Accountability

  • Participants who violate this code of conduct may receive a verbal warning or, in serious cases, be dismissed from the tour at your own expense and without refund.
  • By joining the tour, you agree to uphold these standards and help create a positive experience for all.

Rooming Options

Rooming Options Explained:

 

We offer three rooming options to best accommodate your preferences and budget during the tour:

  1. Room with a Pre-selected Roommate or Spouse
    If you’re not married, you may request to room with a same-gender friend. Both individuals must register for the tour and list each other as roommates on the registration form. If you are married, simply list your spouse as your roommate.

  2. Single Room (Single Supplement)
    If you prefer your own room, you may choose the single supplement option. This comes at an additional cost, which is listed in the FAQs section.

  3. Request a Roommate Assignment
    If you’re traveling solo but open to sharing, you may request for us to pair you with a same-gender roommate. Please indicate this on your registration form. While we do our best to match roommates, if a match cannot be found, you will be responsible for covering the single supplement cost.

I'm a solo traveler, is there a single supplement?

  • If you would like to have a hotel room to yourself (with no roommate), there is an additional charge of $850 per person.
  • If you do not want to pay the single supplement but do not have someone to room with, we will do our best to find a roommate for you, but we cannot guarantee a roommate for you. If we are unable to secure you a roommate, you will be responsible for covering the cost of the single supplement.
  • Single supplements must be paid in full up front.

Am I expected to tip?

o   Tips are not included in the cost of the trip payment, but THEY ARE MANDATORY.

o   Tips are calculated at $10 per person per day for 10 days, which will be distributed among: the bus drivers, guide(s), hotel staff, restaurant staff, etc.

o   In each bus we will have an assigned person who will come to you to collect the $100 USD. Please have the money ready on the first day of the tour. The designated person will count each person’s money as it is collected, so please do not put it in a sealed envelope. Sealed envelopes WILL be opened in order to check the amount inside.

Is there a dress code for this tour?

  • We will send out a suggested packing list within 30-60 days of departure for your tour.
  • As part of a group tour, we kindly ask all travelers to be mindful of how their clothing choices may impact the experience of others in the group and how they may be perceived in the countries we visit. While we value individual expression, traveling in a group setting and across international borders requires an extra level of sensitivity and respect for diverse cultures, customs, and fellow travelers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping maintain a respectful, inclusive, and unified group environment throughout the tour.
  • To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone, we respectfully request that travelers refrain from wearing clothing that features political messages, religious symbols, or statements that could be considered provocative, controversial, or culturally inappropriate. We also request that you do not wear any clothing that is military style. Attire that falls in the categories listed above can unintentionally cause misunderstandings or complications, particularly when visiting places of worship or passing through customs and immigration in certain countries.
  • Modest, comfortable, and culturally respectful clothing is encouraged, especially when visiting religious or historical sites. When in doubt, we recommend dressing conservatively and erring on the side of caution.
  • One piece swimsuits will be required on this tour.

What power adapters do I need for this tour?

  • For travel to Turkey, you’ll need a Type C or Type F adapter to plug in your devices. We suggest traveling with both.
  • Suggested power adapters will be listed on the packing list that is sent to you 30-60 days before departure. 
  • In Turkey, the standard voltage is 220V at a frequency of 50Hz. If your electronic devices are designed for a different voltage, such as 110V, you will need a voltage converter to safely use them in Turkey. If your devices are dual voltage (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED), you will not need a converter. 

How much luggage am I allowed to bring on the tour?

  • You are allowed to bring 1 piece of luggage of up to 50 lbs per person, plus 1 carry-on.
  • Carry on luggage should not weigh more than 16 lbs.
  • Additional luggage is not permitted, even if the airline allows it. Our buses cannot accommodate additional luggage.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

  • Yes, every traveler (including children and infants) will need a passport for this tour.
  • Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after your return home from the foreign country.
  • For this tour the earliest your passport can expire is December 31, 2026. If your passport expires before then, please rush renew your passport and let our team know ASAP that your new passport is on the way.

What if I need to cancel my tour?

  • The cancellation policy for this tour is as follows:
    • Registration to 180 days before trip: Deposit + 40% of the amount paid will be held from the refund amount.
    • 180 to 120 days before trip: Deposit + 80% of the amount paid will be held from the refund amount.
    • 120 days before trip to departure: Deposit + 100% of the amount paid will be held from the refund amount (meaning no refund is available).

Do I need a visa for this tour?

  • It is your responsibility to verify if a visa is needed for any of the countries included. Please check based on the nationality of the passport you will be traveling with.
  • If a visa is required for your country we need to be informed so we can provide the needed documentation to secure a visa.
  • If a visa is needed, you must process your visa with enough time to receive approval before traveling. Please follow the direct instructions for visa application from the country/countries you will be traveling to.

What airports does this tour depart from? And what if the airport near me is not listed?

  • Departure Airports for this tour are as follows:
    • Los Angeles: LAX
    • Chicago: ORD
    • New York: JFK
    • Washington, Dulles: IAD
    • Miami: MIA
  • Departing from another airport is potentially an option, but will incur additional fees. Please reach out to our team after registration to discuss the options if you need a different departure port.
4 travellers are considering this tour right now!