Footsteps of St Paul Tour 17 Nights 18 Days
|18 Days, 12 Destinations |Starts from İstanbul
  • Image 1
  • Image 2
  • Image 3
  • Image 4
  • Image 5
  • Image 6
  • Image 7
  • Image 8
  • Image 9
  • Image 10
Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits

Duration
18 days

Max Group Size
40

Departure Type
Scheduled

Tour Operator
Travel Shop Booking

Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In
English

Physical level
easy

Tour route map

İstanbul

----------------

İstanbul

Tour Overview

DiscoveryExplorerIn-depth CulturalHistoricalPhotographyFamilySolo Travel

The Footsteps of St. Paul Tour takes you on a remarkable journey through the lands that shaped the early days of Christianity. Over 18 days, you'll trace the steps of St. Paul, from the heart of Istanbul to the ancient city of Tarsus and on to Ephesus, discovering biblical sites along the way. Explore the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Antakya and Perge, and delve into the rich history that transformed this region. This unique tour offers a deep dive into both Christian history and the cultural essence of Anatolia.

Highlights

Explore Istanbul’s Rich History and Culture - Visit iconic landmarks like Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Experience the architectural wonders of the Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern. Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus ferry cruise and a visit to the Spice Market. Land of Saints and Early Christians - Discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, including the Goreme Open Air Museum and Zelve Open Air Museum. Explore underground cities and ancient Christian villages nestled within Cappadocia’s valleys. Birthplace of St. Paul - Visit St. Paul’s Arch and Cleopatra’s Gate in Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle. Discover the Well of Blessed Water, a sacred site linked to St. Paul’s early life. Biblical Sites and Christian Heritage - Explore the ancient city of Antakya (Biblical Antioch), home to one of the earliest Christian communities. Visit the Grotto of St. Peter, Seleucia Pieria, and Titus Water Tunnel. Learn about the region’s Christian history at the Mosaic Museum. Mevlana’s Shrine and Whirling Dervishes - Visit the Mevlana Shrine in Konya, dedicated to the famous mystic philosopher. Experience the spiritual Whirling Dervishes ceremony, a symbol of mystical Sufism. St. Paul’s Preaching Grounds - Discover Antioch in Pisidia, where St. Paul gave his first recorded sermon. Explore the ancient city of Perge, a key site of St. Paul’s missionary journeys, and the stunning Aspendos Theater. St. Philip’s Martyrdom and Natural Springs - Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis in Pamukkale, where St. Philip the Apostle was martyred. Relax in the famous thermal hot springs of Pamukkale, known for their stunning white terraces. The Heart of Early Christianity - Explore the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and Archaeological Museum. Take a stroll through the picturesque village of Sirince. Laodicea, Aphrodisias, and the Seven Churches of Asia - Visit the ancient site of Laodicea, including its church and ruins. Explore Aphrodisias, famous for the Temple of Aphrodite and its well-preserved theater and Hadrian Baths. Biblical and Ancient Sites Across Turkey - Follow in the footsteps of St. Paul through ancient cities such as Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia, and Sardis. Visit significant biblical churches and ancient ruins as you retrace the apostle’s journey across Turkey.

Itinerary

Transfer to the hotel. Brief city orientation given. Free day at your own leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Including Breakfast)
After breakfast, visit Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Following a lunch break, visit the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Including: Breakfast)
After breakfast, there is a half-day tour visiting the Spice Market, followed by a ferry cruise through the Bosphorus. A coffee break is given at Ortakoy village. Free afternoon at your own leisure. Overnight in Istanbul. 

(Including: Breakfast)
Morning departure for Ankara, where you will visit the Mausoleum of Atatrk, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations; and Angora Castle. Overnight in Ankara.

(Including: Breakfast)
Set off for Cappadocia, a landscape of extraordinary rock formations. Visit Goreme Open Air  Museum, Zelve Open Air Museum, Avanos and Uchisar Castle. Overnight in Urgup.

(Including: Breakfast)
Explore Cappadocia further; the land of Saints and early Christians. Ramble in beautiful valleys, discover underground cities and visit old Christian villages. Overnight in Urgup.

(Including: Breakfast)
Depart for Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. Drive through the Taurus Mountains and visit St. Footsteps of St Paul Tour - AdanaPaul's Arch, Cleopatra's Gate and the Well of the Blessed Water. Overnight in Adana.

(Including: Breakfast)
Excursion to Antakya, the Biblical Antioch-on-Orantes. Visit Samandag, the biblical Seleucia Pieria, the Grotto of St. Peter, Titus Water Tunnel and Mosaic Museum. Overnight in Adana.

(Including Breakfast)
Set off for Konya to visit the Shrine of Mevlana (the mystic philosopher who inspired the 'Footsteps of St Paul Tour - Konya Whirling Dervishes'), and the Selcuk mosques. Overnight in Konya.

(Including: Breakfast)
Depart for Yalvac the ancient Antioch-in-Pisidia, where St.Paul's first recorded sermon was given. In the afternoon, drive to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya. 

(Including: Breakfast)
Excursion to the ancient city of Perge, where St. Paul preached, followed by a visit to the Aspendos Theater. Continue on to side to visit the Temple of Apollon. Overnight in Antalya. 

(Including Breakfast)
Depart for Pamukkale to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, where St. Philip the Apostle was martyred. Enjoy a leisurely bath in a hot spring pool. Overnight in Pamukkale.

(Including Breakfast)
Set off for Eskihisar - ancient Laodicea; and visit the its church and ruins, followed by Aphrodisias ancient city featuring the Temple of Aphrodite, Theater, and Hadrian Baths. Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Including Breakfast)
Drive to Ephesus to visit the spectacular ruins, the House of Virgin Mary, Archaeological Museum and Basilica of St. John. Stop-off at the picturesque Sirince village. Overnight in Izmir.

(Including Breakfast)
Excursion to the Church of St. Policarp, symbolizing the community of the Seven Churches Footsteps of St Paul Tour - Troy of the Apocalypse, followed by Alexander the Great's "Velvet Castle", Sardis ancient Lydian city and the ancient Philadelphia Church in Alasehir. Overnight in Izmir. 

(Including Breakfast)
Morning departure for Akhisar to visit the Church of ancient Thyatira, followed by a visit to the Acropolis and Asclepion in ancient Pergamon. Drive to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale. 

(Including Breakfast)
Visit the ancient city of Troy. Drive to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. 

Departure from Istanbul, or, extra nights in Istanbul.

Trip includes

Included

4 nights hotel in Istanbul - The Central Palace Hotel Istanbul
1 night hotel in Ankara-  Atalay Hotel
nights hotel in Cappadocia - Special Class El Puente Cave Hotel
2 nights hotel in Adana - Adana Sirin Park Otel
night hotel in Konya - Selcuk Mevlana Hotel
2 nights hotel in Antalya - 4 Star Ring Downtown Hotel
1 night hotel in Pamukkale - 
5 Star Pam Thermal Hotel
1 night hotel in Kusadasi - Odelia Resort Hotel
2 nights hotel in Izmir - Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrampasa
1 night hotel in Canakkale - Troia Tusan Hotel

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost

Hotel

1 Domestic Flight from Istanbul to Ankara

Professional English - speaking tour guides

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

All meals as stated in the itinerary. Breakfast

Vegetarian Halal Meat

Travel Insurance

Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul airport
Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach
Return airport transfer

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

17 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.

Availability

Loading...

Loading. Please wait.

Now, just deposit 25% of the total

Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.

Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Protected

Travel withing your own bubble.

Professional

Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.

Privacy

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

Why book with Travelshopbooking

Best price quaranteed.

100% financial protection.

Earn $20+ in travel credits.

No credit card or booking fees.

Carbon neutral tours.

100 reviews on trustpilot

Cancellation Policy

On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.

Need help or have a question about this tour?

if you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

We're ready to help.

Similar Tours