18 Days Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey Tour

18 Days Footsteps of St Paul Tour in Turkey

Apostle Paul holds a prominent position in Christian history as one of its most influential figures. Known by various names such as Apostle Paul, Saint Paul, Paul of Tarsus, Saint Paul the Apostle, and Apostle of Gentiles, he played a crucial role in shaping early Christian thought and teachings. His writings form a significant portion of the New Testament, making him one of the most influential writers of early Christian history. Embark on this tour that will lead you through the lands associated with early Christianity, exploring the biblical sites mentioned in the New Testament.

18 Days Footsteps of St Paul Tour in Turkey Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by your guide and driver. Rest and relax as you settle into your accommodation. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Exploration (Breakfast)

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will embark on a captivating tour of Istanbul’s Old City. Our itinerary includes visits to iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan), Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of this remarkable city. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise (Breakfast )

Following breakfast, we will begin our day with a visit to the Spice Market (Misir Carsisi) to indulge in the aromatic flavors. Next, embark on a delightful Bosphorus Cruise, offering panoramic views of Istanbul from the water. At the end of the Bosphorus Cruise, we will drive you back to your hotel. Free afternoon in Istanbul.

Day 4: Hatay Antakya Excursion (Breakfast )

An early morning flight will take us to Adana, followed by a scenic drive to Hatay, also known as Antioch. This city holds great significance as the starting point of St. Paul’s missionary journey and the location of the first Christian Church outside of Israel. Experience the historical charm of Antioch as we visit St. Peter’s Church and the captivating Mosaic Museum. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Hatay.

Day 5: Hatay – Antakya – Tarsus (Breakfast)

Our journey begins as we drive to Samandag, also known as Seleucia Pieria, where Apostle Paul and Barnabas embarked on their first missionary journey to Cyprus. We will then continue to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, and visit St. Paul’s Church. Although this church has been under protection since 1993, regular services are not held due to the lack of a community. However, ceremonies are conducted to accommodate pilgrim groups. Overnight in Tarsus.

Day 6: Ihlara Valley (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we will check out from our hotel and embark on a scenic drive to Cappadocia. En route, we will visit the breathtaking Ihlara Valley, renowned for its rock-cut monasteries. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 7: Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)

Today, we will explore the wonders of Cappadocia. Our first stop is the captivating Goreme Open Air Museum, where we will marvel at Byzantine frescoes and visit notable sites such as the Basil Church, St. Barbara Church, Dark Church, St. Catherine Chapel, and Nunnery. We will also visit the Troglodyte Village of Avcilar, followed by a visit to Ortahisar and Avanos. In the afternoon, we will witness the enchanting fairy chimneys and explore St. Simeon Church in Pasabag (Monk’s Valley). Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 8: Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast )

***Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride in the morning (05:00 – 08:00).

Today, you have the option to embark on a thrilling hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering a breathtaking perspective of Cappadocia’s unique landscapes (Please book in advance). Following breakfast, we will visit the Derinkuyu Underground City, a fascinating subterranean complex once .Derinkuyu is 85 meters deep with 18 levels can house up to 18000 inhabitants.It was a home and hiding place for Cappadocians and early Christians with secret tunnnels, interconnected chambers, stables, wineries, water wells and a self sufficient city. Our journey continues to Uchisar Castle, Guvercinlik Valley, Love Valley, and the scenic landscapes of Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 9: Konya – Yalvac Tour (Breakfast )

Embark on a journey to Konya, the ancient city of Iconium, where St. Paul ventured during his first and second missionary journeys, accompanied by Silas. Our exploration includes visits to the Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi Mausoleum, Karatay Madrasah, and Ince Minaret Mosque. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we will drive to Yalvac, where we’ll explore Psidian Antioch, the site where Apostle Paul delivered his first recorded sermon, proclaiming the famous words, “Now we turn to Gentiles.” Overnight stay in Yalvac.

Day 10: Antalya – Perge – Aspendos Tour (Breakfast )

Today, we venture to Antalya and visit the remarkable Aspendos Ancient City, renowned for its exceptionally preserved Greco-Roman Amphitheater. Our journey continues to Perge Ancient City, where St. Paul delivered his inaugural speech on Christianity. Before returning to our hotel, we’ll have a captivating walking tour of Antalya’s Old City. Overnight stay in Antalya.

Day 11: Pamukkale – Hierapolis Tour (Breakfast )

We head to Pamukkale after breakfast to explore the wonders of Hierapolis Ancient City, where we’ll visit the Necropolis, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, Theater,Cleopatra’s Pool and St. Philip’s tomb. Our journey also includes a stop at the magnificent white travertine pools of Pamukkale. Overnight stay in Pamukkale.

Day 12: Laodicea – Colossae – Philadelphia – Sardis (Breakfast )

Our day begins with a visit to Laodicea, an ancient church of Asia Minor, which received the final letter. We’ll explore the Statue of Emperor Augustus, Aqueduct, Stadium, Ephesian Gate, and Christian ruins. Continuing our expedition, we’ll reach Colossae City in Honaz, an ancient metropolis of Phrygia mentioned in St. Paul’s letter. Although the city is not fully excavated, we can still observe some fascinating ruins. Our journey then takes us to Philadelphia, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, followed by a visit to Sardis, another prominent church from the same biblical text. Sardis, once the capital city of Lydia, offers glimpses of early church remnants, the Sardis Gymnasium, Jewish Synagogue, and the Temple of Diana. Overnight stay near Sardis.

Day 13: Thyatira – Miletos (Breakfast )

Begin the day with breakfast and check-out from the hotel as we head to Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. This city was renowned for its trade in purple clothes, and it is worth noting that Lydia, the seller of purple dyes in Philippi, hailed from Thyatira. After exploring Thyatira, we will continue our journey to Miletos, an ancient Ionian port city. It was in this port that the apostle Paul bid farewell to the Ephesian elders. We will have the opportunity to visit the recently excavated synagogue ruins. Later, we will drive to Kusadasi, where we will spend the night.

Day 14: Ephesus Tour (Breakfast )

After breakfast, we will make our way to the Ephesus Ancient City. During his second missionary journey, St. Paul visited Ephesus and stayed for more than three years. Ephesus was also home to the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary. We will explore notable sites such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Theater, and the Temple of Artemis. Additionally, we will visit the Basilica of St. John and conclude our tour with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Day 15: Smyrna – Pergamon (Breakfast)

Following breakfast, we will check out and proceed to Izmir to visit Smyrna, another of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Our exploration will include the Smyrna Agora and the Church of St. Polycarp. Afterwards, we will continue our journey to Bergama to discover the ancient city of Pergamon, yet another of the Seven Churches. We will witness the impressive Acropolis, the Temple of Trajan, the Serapis Temple, the Heroon, the Sanctuary of Athena, the Temple of Athena, the Theatre, the Zeus Altar, and the Red Court. Following the tour, we will drive to Assos, where we will spend the night.

Day 16: Assos – Alexandria Troas – Troy (Breakfast)

Today’s journey takes us to Assos, the place where St. Paul met his companions who had arrived by sea during the final leg of his third missionary journey. We will then continue to Alexandria Troas, where St. Paul raised Autychus from the dead. Our final stop for the day is the legendary ancient city of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s epic poems. Here, you will witness the ruins of Troy and a replica of the wooden Trojan horse. Overnight stay in Canakkale.

Day 17: Canakkale – Istanbul (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and embark on a drive back to Istanbul. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Istanbul, and spend the night in the city.

Day 18: Istanbul (Breakfast)

Today is a free day in Istanbul. Take the opportunity to explore the city further and immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture. Later, we will arrange your transfer to the airport for your return flight home.