St. Pauls Missionary Journey Plus Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour 15 Days
Highlights
- ✓Follow the Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey Explore the ancient cities where St. Paul preached and spread Christianity, including Antioch, Tarsus, and Ephesus, and witness the birthplaces of early Christian history.
- ✓Discover the Magic of Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys and Rock-Hewn Churches Immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, famous for its unique fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and centuries-old churches carved into the volcanic rock.
- ✓Visit Ancient Ruins: Ephesus, Perge, and Aspendos Walk through the ruins of some of the world’s most stunning ancient cities, from the grandeur of Ephesus with its Temple of Artemis, to the well-preserved theater of Aspendos.
- ✓Pamukkale's Cotton Castle & Hierapolis Ancient City Unwind in the healing thermal waters of Pamukkale, a natural wonder, and explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, home to stunning terraced pools and Roman baths.
- ✓Explore the Historical Wonders of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace Discover the rich history of Istanbul with visits to iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the grand Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans.
- ✓Troy and the Legendary Trojan Horse Visit the ancient city of Troy, home to the famous Trojan Horse and the setting for one of history’s most legendary wars, with archaeological layers spanning millennia.
- ✓St. Paul’s Birthplace: Tarsus & Cleopatra Gate Visit Tarsus, the birthplace of Apostle Paul, and explore key sites like the Cleopatra Gate and St. Paul's Well, connecting you to the early days of Christianity.
- ✓Visit the Seven Churches of Revelation: Laodicea and Philadelphia Walk in the footsteps of the early Christians as you explore Laodicea and Philadelphia, two of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
- ✓Uncover the History of King Midas in Sardes Discover the ancient capital of the Lydian Empire and the legendary wealth of King Midas, known for the myth of his golden touch, in Sardes.
- ✓A Journey through Turkey’s Iconic Roman and Hellenistic Ruins Explore the best-preserved Roman and Hellenistic ruins in Turkey, including the vast theater of Aspendos and the healing center of Asclepion in Pergamum.
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.
Route
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.
What's included
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Guide
- ✓Insurance
- ✓Other included
- ✓Hygiene protocol
Not included
- ✕Flights
- ✕Meals
- ✕Transport
- ✕Other not included
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