St. Pauls Route Tour 10 Nights 11 Days
Highlights
- ✓Istanbul Sightseeing Tour Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar Explore Istanbul’s historic landmarks, from the ancient Hippodrome to the stunning Hagia Sophia. Discover the Blue Mosque’s iconic minarets and the labyrinthine Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman power for 300 years.
- ✓St. Paul’s Route – Antioch (Antakya) St. Pierre Church, Early Christian History Visit Antioch, where the first followers of Jesus were called Christians. Explore the St. Pierre Church, one of the earliest Christian worship sites, and immerse yourself in the rich early Christian history of this ancient city.
- ✓Discover Silifke’s historical significance, including the Calycadonia (Gök Su River) where Emperor Frederick Barbarossa tragically drowned during the Third Crusade. Admire Roman mosaics and medieval crusader castles, set in a picturesque Mediterranean landscape.
- ✓Visit the impressive ruins of Side, Perge, and Aspendos, including the ancient theaters and the beautifully preserved ruins of Termessos, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean coastline.
- ✓Explore the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Plutonium, a natural opening in the earth emitting toxic gases, and take a dip in the healing hot springs.
- ✓Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of Virgin Mary and learn about its significance in Christian history.
Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through history, faith, and ancient civilizations with the St. Paul's Route Tour, a 10-night, 11-day adventure tracing the footsteps of one of Christianity's most influential figures. From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the serene coastlines of the Aegean, this tour takes you through iconic landmarks, including the majestic Hagia Sophia, the world’s first Christian church in Antioch, and the grand ruins of Ephesus. Along the way, explore ancient Roman cities, crusader castles, and natural wonders like the hot springs of Pamukkale. Perfect for history buffs, spiritual seekers, and anyone eager to discover the rich tapestry of Turkey’s cultural and religious heritage.
Route
Itinerary
we will meet you on airport arrival and transfer to the hotel for overnight in Istanbul.
(Including Breakfast)
The
city is set on a triangular promontory between the Golden Horn and the
Bosphorus and defended on the landward side by the massive Byzantine walls.
Full day sightseeing after breakfast. Visit of Hippodrome, St. Sophia, Blue
Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The calm of Hippodrome today contrasts with its
violent Byzantine past of reckless chariot races and rebellion that left 30.000
corpses at that spot. Blue mosque is famous with its six minarets and blue
Iznik tiles. Dominating the old city is the mysterious labyrinth of Topkapi
Palace, the seat of the Ottoman Sultans for 300 years. After having lunch at a
site restaurant visit of Covered Bazaar. Within this maze of shops is an array
of all Turkeys crafts. After strolling through Istanbul back to hotel and overnight.
(Including breakfast)
Transfer
to airport and flight to Adana . Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
(Including breakfast)
Full day excursion to Antakya (Antioch) where the
followers of Jesus were first called Christians.
Antioch had been founded and named by one of the Alexander the Greats generals,
Sleucia on Pieria, who obtained this area after the battle of Ipsus in 301,
B.C. A visit to St. Pierre which is the first church of the world, then return
to Adana for overnight.
(Including breakfast)
After breakfast drive to Silifke which includes an
imposing crusader castle. The Goksu River that runs past Silifke is the ancient
Calycadons where the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, leader of St. Pauls Route
Tour - Silifkethe Third Crusade, drowned in 1190. Just outside Silifke on the
Mersin road is Narlikuyu where there is a fine Roman mosaic depicting the Three
Graces. On the way to Silifke visit to Cennet-Cehennem (Heaven and Hell) and
nearby is the Asthma Cave. At the beautiful resort of Korykos there are two
medieval castles, one on the shore and one on an island. After drive along the
Mediterranean coast overnight at your hotel.
(Including breakfast)
After breakfast we drive to Side, a small fishing village
that lies on promontory between two sandy beaches. Side includes elegant ruins,
such as a theater city, fountain and agora. On the breathtaking road from
Silifke to Side lies Anamur with its splendid castle, set between two beaches and built by the Emirs of Karaman in 1230. Another
interesting resort town on the way is Alanya , which is magnificently set below
a Selcuk fortress that crowns a promontory. After this long drive overnight at
Side.
(Including breakfast)
After
breakfast continue to drive to Antalya along the Turquoise coast. On the way
visit to Perge which includes the impressive ruins of the Pamphylian city. The
ruins include a stadium for 12.000 spectators, a theater for 15.000 and angora.
At the village of Serik there is a turning off the main road to the Pamphylian
city of Aspendos on the banks of the ancient Eurymedan. The huge 2nd Century A.D. theater is the best preserved in Turkey and
every year in early June performances are given here. After, passing through
one of the finest settings on the Mediterranean coast, namely Antalya.
( Including Breakfast)
Excursion to Termessos, which includes the ruins of the
proud city of Termessos that even Alexander the Great chose not to attack. The
ruins are dramatically set in a mountain stronghold, with the theater balanced
on a precipice overlooking the sea. After this trip your motor coach takes you
to your hotel for overnight in Pamukkale.
(Including breakfast)
After breakfast drive to Hierapolis, the oldest
inscription found so far indicates it was founded by Eumenes II, King of
Pergamon, in the latter part of the 2. Century B.C, it soon became a busy
industrial center. Pagan worship in the city centered around Cybele, Apollo,
Artemis, Men, Poseidon and Pluto. Underneath the Temple of Apollo has been
found the Plutonium, an opening in the earth from which a noxious gas still
comes. The temple is between the pool, where the hot spring rises, and the
large theater on the side of the hill. To the north along the rim of the
plateau is long avenue of tombs. After this interesting tour around, you can
rest at your hotel which offers you swimming at night.
(Including breakfast)
After breakfast drive to Kusadasi, a coastal town on the
Aegean. On the way visit Ephesus which is a reflection of imperial might and
eastern opulence. Our tour begins with a visit to the little town of Selcuk,
just outside there lie the remains of one of the seven wonders of the world,
the Temple of Artemis. Not far from the Artemission is the Isa Bey Mosque. At
the top of the hill on which the mosque lies is the citadel and the basilica of
St. John. Three kilometers from Selcuk, on the road to Kusadasi, a road
branches off to Ephesus, set at the foot of Mount Pion, then visit of Double
Church of the Virgin, ArcadianSt. Pauls Route Tour - Ephesus Way and the House
of Virgin Mary. After your visit to the treasures of Ephesus, your motor coach
will take you to a small coastal town, Kusadasi for overnight.
(Including breakfast9
Transfer
to the Izmir Airport for your flight back home.
What's included
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Flights
- ✓Guide
- ✓Meals
- ✓Insurance
- ✓Transport
- ✓Other included
Not included
- ✕Other not included
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