Footsteps of St Paul Tour 17 Nights 18 Days
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.
Overview
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.
Route
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View the route on Google MapsItinerary
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 - 5 Star Ramada By Wyndham Istanbul Pera Hotel Istanbul
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 Otel
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
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
1 Domestic Flight from Istanbul to Ankara
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
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.
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