Duration
8 days
Max Group Size
40
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
easy
Operated In
English
Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day pilgrimage through the heart of Anatolia, retracing the ancient footsteps of St. Paul, the apostle who spread Christianity across the Roman world. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the sacred sites of Adana, Cappadocia, Konya, and Antalya, this meticulously crafted itinerary takes you on a spiritual and historical journey through some of Turkey's most significant Christian landmarks. Visit Antioch, where the term "Christian" was first coined, explore the birthplace of St. Paul in Tarsus, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Cappadocia's underground cities. Along the way, you'll witness the stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture of a region that played a pivotal role in the early days of Christianity. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a seeker of spiritual inspiration, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of Christian faith in one of the most historically rich corners of the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
We will meet and transfer to the hotel from airport. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Including Breakfast)
Meet
at the airport, transfer to your hotel. And overnight in Adana.
(Including Breakfast)
After
breakfast we will continue to Antioch-on-the- Orontes, Daphne and Seleucia
Pieria. Antioch has been founded in 300BC. Antioch offered the most ferric
ground for new ideas, philosophies and religions. First to preach here were St.
Paul and Barnabas whose extensive efforts proved to be very fruitful for
Christianity. Incidentally, the word Christians was first used in Antioch. The
strong and wealthy community of Antioch contributed financially to the
Christian community of Jerusalem. Highlights include the museum which houses a
superb collection of mosaics from Antioch, Footsteps of St. Paul in Anatolia
Tour - AdanaDaphne and Seleucia Pieria, St. Peter's Grotto, the cave church
came to be known as the meeting place of the early Christians. Visit Daphne.
The next site we will visit today is Seleucia Pieria, which was the port city
of Antioch in ancient days. The most interesting monument here is the Tunnel of
Titus, which is a tremendous canal, dug for the purpose of diverting waters of
Orontes River. Another highlight here will be the rock tombs with their
impressive facades pertaining to the Hellenistic period. Return to Adana for
and overnight.
(Including Breakfast)
After
breakfast we will drive straight to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. During
St. Paul's time Tarsus was a University City surpassing Athens and Alexandria.
Cicero was a governor here in 51-50 BC and the romantic meeting between
Cleopatra and Mark Anthony took place in Tarsus. Highlights here will be St.
Paul's well, Tomb of Sardanapulus and Cleopatra's Gate. Then we drive north to
Cappadocia. This is an underground city, carved into soft rocks resembling a
huge labyrinth of tunnels, rooms, kitchens, wine cellars and passageways. A
huge chimney ventilates this 8-levelled dwelling, which was used by Christians
hiding from there Roman and Byzantine persecutors. Their colorful frescoes
remain as vibrant as when they were first made. Fascinating place... Derinkuyu.
Further on we come to Cappadocia whose effect on tFootsteps of St. Paul in
Anatolia Tour - Lystra he visitor is like that of a village out of Grimm's
Fairy Tales. What Turks commonly call "Fairy Chimneys" are jutting
pieces of volcanic rocks that have been beaten and shaped by the wind and rain.
Highlights will be The Apple Church, The Church of St. John the Baptist and the
Church with a Buckle in Goreme. and overnight in Cappadocia.
(Including Breakfast)
Right after breakfast, we begin our drive to Konya or
ancient Iconium, which became an important Christian city following St. Paul's
preaching. A Phyrigia legend says that Konya was the first city to be founded
after the flood. St. Paul and Barnabas came here in 47 A.D. and their preaching
was accompanied by many miracles. St. Paul made two more stops hereFootsteps of
St. Paul in Anatolia Tour - psidia on
his second and third journeys. Today's Konya is quite new but the center of the
city is very old. Visit Derbe and Lystra where St. Paul visited on his
journeys. and overnight in Konya. .
Early morning we will drive to Psidian Antioch (Yalvac) where St. Paul opened Christianity to the world. Yalvac's history goes back to 280 B.C. During St. Paul's time the population was a Footsteps of St. Paul in Anatolia Tour - Pergemixture of Jews, Romans and Greeks. Very little is left of Psidian Antioch today. There is the propylaea of the acropolis with a number of carved stones and the remains of a Byzantine church. We pass by Egirdir Lake and arrive in Antalya and overnight. Including: Breakfast.
(Including Breakfast)
After
breakfast, we take a private boat to Perge, where St. Paul began preaching
after arriving from Cyprus. Visit the Gymnasium, the Bath, the Agora, the
Theater, the Stadium and the Hellenistic Gate. Continue to Another the
Pamphilian city of Aspendus. The Theater is the best preserved in the world
with its incredible acoustics. Visit Side, which is built Footsteps of St. Paul
in Anatolia Tour - Antalyaexactly on top of the ancient city. See the Temples
of Athena and Apollo, the State Agora, the Theater and the Museum. Afternoon
return to Antalya. and overnight in Antalya.
(Including Breakfast)
After breakfast, we will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport for your departure.
Trip includes
Included
1 night hotel in Istanbul - Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Istanbul Merter
2 nights hotel in Adana - Adana Sirin Park Hotel
1 night hotel in Kapadokya - Special Class El Puente Cave Hotel
1 night hotel in Konya - Selcuk Mevlana Hotel
2 nights hotel in Antalya Best Western Khan Hotel
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar another hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost.
1 Domestic Flight from Istanbul to Adana
Professional English - speaking tour guides.
Guiding Method
Fully guided
All meals as stated in the itinerary. Breakfast
Travel Insurance
Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul airport
Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach
Return airport transfer
7
Nights, 4 Star or 5 Star Hotel Accommodation including breakfast.
All
sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary.
All
Entrance Fees.
All
admission fees to the visited sites.
All
Taxes and service fees.
Excluded
Any tips to guide.
Driver or staff at hotels.
Items of a personal nature.
Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with
breakfast) and medical services.
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