The Route of Saint Paul I

from $7,320

Duration

11 days

Type

Guided, Private

Difficulty

Easy

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This 11-day journey follows the footsteps of Saint Paul across Anatolia, connecting sacred sites, ancient cities, and spiritual landmarks. From the cave of Saint Peter in Antioch to the ruins of Ephesus and the underground cities of Cappadocia, this tour offers a profound blend of biblical history and cultural immersion. Designed for pilgrims, scholars, and curious travelers, it’s a journey through scripture, civilization, and faith.

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Ecumenical Patriarchate, Sveti Stefan Church

Antioch & Adana: Cave of Saint Peter, Hatay Museum
Tarsus: Church & Well of Saint Paul
Cappadocia: Göreme, Avanos, Underground City
Konya & Yalvaç: Antioch of Pisidia
Pamukkale & Hierapolis: Martyrium of Saint Philip
Laodikeia & Miletus: Apostolic legacy
Ephesus & Virgin Mary’s House: Gospel history and Roman grandeur
Izmir: Smyrna Agora and panoramic city tour

Inclusions

Domestic flight (Istanbul → Antioch, Izmir → Istanbul)
Airport transfers
Professional English-speaking guide
Air-conditioned private transport
10 Breakfast, 10 Lunch, 10 Dinners included
All entrance fees

Exclusions

İnternational airfly
Turkey entry visa
Optional tours, personal spendings, tips

Tour Plan

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy some free time to rest and recover from your journey. You may take a short walk around the city or relax while admiring the Bosphorus view. (Overnight in Istanbul)

Day 2 - İstanbul Old Town Tour

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour through the historical heart of Istanbul. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, marvel at the Blue Mosque’s intricate blue tiles, and explore the opulent halls of Topkapi Palace. The day ends at the lively Grand Bazaar, where history meets local craftsmanship. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Istanbul)

Day 3 - Istanbul in the Footsteps of Faith and Culture

After breakfast, discover Istanbul’s rich spiritual mosaic. Visit the splendid Iron Church of Sveti Stefan, the historic Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the elegant Süleymaniye Mosque. End the day with a stroll along Istiklal Street, where the city’s modern rhythm meets its timeless charm. (Meal: Breakfast. Overnight in Istanbul)

Day 4 - İstanbul – Antakya – Adana

Early morning flight to Antioch (Antakya). Visit the Cave Church of Saint Peter, one of the earliest Christian worship sites, followed by the Hatay Archaeological Museum, famous for its remarkable mosaic collection. Continue to Adana for dinner and overnight stay. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Adana)

Day 5 - Adana – Tarsus – Kapadokya

After breakfast, drive to Tarsus, the birthplace of Saint Paul. Visit the Church of Saint Paul and his well, symbols of his early life and faith. Take a brief walk over the ancient stone bridge before continuing to Cappadocia. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Cappadocia)

Day 6 - The Wonders of Cappadocia

Explore the surreal beauty of Cappadocia today. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum with its rock-carved churches and ancient frescoes, followed by Avanos, famous for its pottery traditions. End the day exploring an underground city that once sheltered early Christians. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Cappadocia)

Day 7 - Kapadokya – Konya – Yalvaç – Pamukkale

Depart early for Konya, the city of Rumi. After a brief city tour, continue to Antioch of Pisidia (Yalvaç), where Saint Paul once preached. Arrive in Pamukkale in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Pamukkale)

Day 8 - Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Laodikya – Milet – Kuşadası

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Martyrium of Saint Philip. Continue to Laodicea and Miletus, two cities that reflect the apostolic heritage. In the evening, arrive in Kuşadası for dinner and overnight stay. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Kuşadası)

Day 9 - Kuşadası – Efes – Meryem Ana Evi – İzmir

Today we explore Ephesus, one of the most sacred cities of early Christianity. Visit the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theatre. Continue to the House of Virgin Mary before heading to Izmir for dinner and overnight stay. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Izmir)

Day 10 - İzmir – İstanbul

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic city tour including the ancient Agora of Smyrna. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest. (Meal: Breakfast. Overnight in Istanbul)

Day 11 - Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international departure. Your spiritual and historical journey in the footsteps of Saint Paul comes to an end.

Meeting / Pickup

Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.

Please Note

Route's Core Focus and Geographical Scope

This tour is an exploration centered on Early Christianity and Apostolic journeys, covering four main geographical areas of Turkey:

Apostolic Hubs: The itinerary visits key sites like Antioch (Cave of Saint Peter), Tarsus (Church and Well of Saint Paul), Yalvaç (Antioch of Pisidia), and locations associated with the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, including Ephesus, Laodikeia, and Smyrna (Izmir).
Anatolia's Heart: Central Anatolian stops include Cappadocia, famous for its rock-cut churches and underground cities, and Konya (ancient Iconium), the city of Mevlana (Rumi).
Aegean and Mediterranean: This region features the thermal travertines of Pamukkale and the Martyrium of Saint Philip in Hierapolis, along with the coastal area of Adana/Antioch.

Essential Travel Tips

Antioch Region Note: Since the Hatay region (Antioch) was affected by recent earthquakes, please check the current status and accessibility of museums and historical sites there before travel.
Museum Pass: Given the numerous sites (Ephesus, Hierapolis, museums), purchasing a Museum Pass Turkey is highly recommended for saving both time and money on entrance fees.
Transportation: Prepare for long-distance travel days (e.g., Tarsus to Cappadocia, Konya to Pamukkale). Bring personal comfort items (neck pillow, etc.) to enhance your journey.
Safety and Payments: Drink only bottled water throughout your trip. Carry cash (Turkish Lira, TL) for small purchases, local vendors, and donations at some sites.