A Pilgrimage to Turkey
The 1700 yr Anniversary of the Nicene Creed
2025 Nicea Study Tour
October 16-23, 2025
Overview: Lakelight’s pilgrimage to modern day Turkey occurs seventeen centuries after Christian leaders from around the world gathered in Nicea (325AD) for the first ecumenical council. Emperor Constantine gathered bishops and church leaders to address the church’s teachings related to the divinity of Christ.
The council penned the Nicene Creed as a result. It stands as the most widely confessed expression of the Christian faith.
This tour traces key geographical and theological issues of the early church and visits key sites: Hagia Sophia, Chalcedon, Cappadocia, and more. (Schedule Below).
At each location our local guide will explain the historical significance of the site, 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.
We invite you to join Mike Woodruff and 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
TOUR SCHEDULE:
Oct 16 Thu Depart Chicago (or U.S. location) – Non-stop direct flight to Istanbul
Oct 17 Fri Arrive Istanbul Airport (travel arrangements on your own). Transfer to hotel where the entire group meets in Istanbul for dinner and overnight. (D)
Oct 18 Sat Istanbul Tour of Constantinople
Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Hagia Eirene, archaeology museum, Basilica Cistern. Dinner and overnight at the Moevenpick Golden Horn Hotel. (B,D)
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)
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)
Oct 21 Tue Morning flight to Cappadocia
Transfer to Sabiha Gokce Airport for 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)
Oct 22 Wed Cappadocia
Early morning Optional Hot Air Balloon Trip in Cappadocia. Visit, Underground City of Kaymakli, the Citadel of Uchisar, the pottery making town of Avanos. Shopping opportunity before dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Cappadocia. (B,D)
*Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2025, or until the trip is filled.
THE NICEA 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
Total Cost: $2955 per person if sharing room; $3795 for individuals
Does not include:
Flight from USA to Istanbul (IST) or return flight to USA from Cappadocia (ASR)
Lunches, snacks, and drinks at all meals
Optional Hot Air Balloon Trip in Cappadocia
*Please do not book flights until details are confirmed*
Save your spot today by filling out this form, which includes $500 Deposit
Airfaire 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.
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.)
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 with be in person with a zoom option for those who might be out of town. Meetings will begin team orientation, 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.)
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.
Mike Woodruff, Tour Host
Allison Waggoner, Tour Administrator
Ben Dockery, Assistant Host
Questions? Contact awaggoner@christchurchil.org
Pre-Trip Meeting Schedule
We will have three 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 a zoom options.
1. TBD, 6:00 pm (Meal) Introductions and Trip Overview
2. TBD, 7:00 pm Historical and Theological Controversy
3. TBD, 7:00 pm Last Minute Logistics:What do I bring…who’s on my flight…getting from airport to hotel
PAST STUDY TOUR PHOTOS BELOW
Past Lakelight Tour Photos:
Israel Pilgrimage
STUDY TOUR PAYMENTS
TBD Your final payment is due May 15th.
You will need to include all your personal travel information on this form, including who you are staying with if you have a double room. Price: $ TBD (double room); $ TBD (single room)