Duration
15 days
Max Group Size
100
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
easy
Operated In
English
Tour Overview
Step into the past on a remarkable odyssey that traces the footsteps of St. Paul through the heart of Turkey, blending ancient history with spiritual heritage. This 15-day adventure will take you from the modern pulse of Ankara to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where rock-hewn churches and underground cities tell stories of early Christian refuge. As you journey through ancient cities like Antioch, Tarsus, and Ephesus, you'll walk in the very paths once trod by St. Paul and his disciples, visiting the sites where the first Christians gathered. Alongside the biblical narrative, explore the ruins of classical civilizations in cities such as Perge and Aspendos, and be awed by the natural beauty of Pamukkale's thermal springs and the otherworldly terrain of Cappadocia. Your journey culminates in Istanbul, where the East and West converge in a tapestry of culture, history, and architectural grandeur. This tour isn’t just a trip—it’s a journey through time, faith, and wonder.
Highlights
Itinerary
(Including breakfast)
Arrive
in Ankara. Upon arrival in Ankara via Istanbul, you will be greeted and taken
to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure.
(Including breakfast)
This morning, you begin with a visits to Anatolian
Civilization Museum and the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the
Turkish Republic. In the afternoon, proceed to Cappadocia, traveling along the shores of the great Salt Lake. Arrive in
Cappadocia late this afternoon. Overnight in Cappadocia.
(Including breakfast)
Today you have a full day excursion into the magical
moonscape of Cappadocias rocky hills and valleys. Dominated by Erciyes Dagi
(Mt. Argaeus), Cappadocia was first settled by ancient people, and was home to
Romans and early Christians. You visit Goreme Church Valley, Zelve, Avanos,
Uchisar, and see best of the many churches caved into the rocks throughout the
region.
(Including: Breakfast)
Today
begins at Kaymakli underground city, used by early Christians to escape from
persecutors. Driving south, you visit Caravanserais before arriving in Adana.
(Including Breakfast)
This
morning, you drive to Antioch, the center where Paul, Peter and Barnabas
established a very large church which became the center of the missionary
activities. Here the followers of Christ were called Christians for the first
time. Visit the port of Samandag, Seleucia, from which Paul sailed to Cyprus.
Later visit the Grotto of St. Peter and the impressive Mosaic Museum. Return to
Adana and overnight.
(Including breakfast)
Today,
you drive to Tarsus, birthplace of Apostle Paul, to see the town, Cleopatra
Gate and St. Pauls Well. Driving along the Mediterranean coastline, you pass
the towns of Pompeipolis, Corycos, and Silifke. Stop at Derbe where Paul
preached before arriving at Iconium.
(Including breakfast)
Follow the steps of Apostle Paul in Lystra and
Antioch-of-Pisidia, the first two cities where Paul preached. Arrive in
Antalya. (B)
(Including Breakfast)
Explore
the ancient Pamphylian, Hellenistic and Roman cities of Perge, Side and
Aspendos. The ruins of Perges stadium and theater prove the citys majesty. In
Side, explore the seaside theatre, Roman baths and ruins. Large enough for
15,000 spectators, the theatre in Aspendos is the best preserved in the
Mediterranean area.
(Including Breakfast)
We arrive in Laodicea today. The Church of Laodicea was
warned for its indifference. Enjoy the rest of the day in the cotton castles of
Pamukkale (Hierapolis), where cascading hot springs flow into limestone basins.
(Including breakfast)
Our
first visit today is Philadelphia, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Drive on to Sardes, the prosperous ancient capital of the Lydian Empire known
for legendary King Midas and his Golden Touch. Continue to Izmir (ancient
Smyrna) and visit the Church of St. Polycarp. Izmir is the birthplace of Homer.
Drive to Ephesus, the greatest metropolis of Asia Minor during the times of Apostle Paul. The extensive excavation includes 2,000 year old marble streets, a magnifi cent theatre where St.Paul preached, the Library of Celsius and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Paul ministered in Ephesus for 3 years. We will visit the stone cottage of St. Mary and the Basilica and tomb of St. John. Return to Izmir.
(Including breakfast)
Drive
to Pergamum where you visit the Asclepion, ancient healing center. Stroll
through the acropolis and visit the Archaeological Museum. Then drive to
Thyatira, smallest of the seven churches. Lydia, the seller of purple cloth in
Philippi was originally from Thyatira. Finally, you drive to the coaFootsteps
of St Paul Tour - Ephesusstal city of Ayvalik and overnight.
(Including breakfast)
Drive
along the coast to Alexandria Troas where Paul had a vision to take the gospel
to Europe. Next, visit Troy, city of the Trojan horse legend, and observe nine
layers of civilization. En route to Istanbul, you stop at Bursa, city of many
thermal hot springs and site of the Ecumenical Councils during the Roman
Empire. Arrive in Istanbul.
A morning city tour features Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Roman Hippodrome and a brief visit to the Topkapi Palace. Afternoon is free. You can visit the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market on your own. Including
(Including breakfast)
after breakfast and check out the hotel You will be transferred to airport for departure.
Trip includes
Included
1 night hotel in Ankara - Atalay Hotel
2 nights hotel in Cappadocia - Special Class El Puente Cave Hotel
2 nights hotel in Adana - Adana Sirin Park Hotel
1
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
2 nights hotel in Izmir - Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrampasa
1 night hotel in Ayvalik - Buyuk Berk Hotel
2
nights hotel in Istanbul - The Central Palace Hotel Istanbul
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
Professional English - speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Travel Insurance
14 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
All meals as stated in the itinerary. Breakfast
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
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