The Route of Saint Paul IV

from $7,976

Duration

13 days

Type

Guided

Difficulty

Easy

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Follow the footsteps of Saint Paul across Anatolia in this 13-day spiritual and historical journey. From the sacred cave of Saint Peter in Antioch to the ruins of Ephesus and the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia, this tour connects key sites of early Christianity with the cultural richness of Turkey. Designed for pilgrims, scholars, and curious travelers, it blends biblical history with natural beauty and archaeological marvels.

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar

Antioch & Adana: Cave of Saint Peter, Hatay Archaeology Museum
Tarsus: Church & Well of Saint Paul
Cappadocia: Göreme, Avanos, Underground City
Konya & Yalvaç: Antioch of Pisidia, Seljuk heritage
Antalya Region: Perge, Aspendos, Archaeological Museum
Pamukkale & Hierapolis: Martyrium of Saint Philip
Laodikeia & Miletus: Early Christian sites
Ephesus & Virgin Mary’s House: Apostolic legacy
Pergamon, Assos, Troy: Ancient cities and missionary milestones

Inclusions

Domestic flight (Istanbul → Antioch)
Airport transfers
Professional English-speaking guide
Air-conditioned private transport
12 Breakfast, 12 Lunch, 12 Dinners included
All entrance fees

Exclusions

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

Tour Plan

Itinerary

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Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. You may take a short evening walk by the Bosphorus. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 - İstanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Istanbul’s historical peninsula. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, admire the Blue Mosque’s intricate tiles, and explore the grand halls of Topkapi Palace. End the day wandering through the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 - 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 Archaeology Museum, home to stunning mosaics. Continue to Adana for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Adana.

Day 4 - Adana → Tarsus → Kapadokya

After breakfast, depart for Tarsus, the birthplace of Saint Paul. Visit the Church of Saint Paul and his Well, symbols of his early faith. Then drive through the Anatolian plains toward Cappadocia. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5 - The Natural and Spiritual Beauties of Cappadocia

Today we explore the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum with its rock-carved churches and frescoes, stop in Avanos to see traditional pottery workshops, and explore an underground city once used by early Christians. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6 - Kapadokya → Konya → Yalvaç → Antalya

Depart early for Konya, the city of Rumi. Visit the Mevlana Museum and continue to Antioch of Pisidia in Yalvaç, where Saint Paul preached during his missionary journeys. Cross the Taurus Mountains and arrive in Antalya for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 7 - Antalya Ancient Cities

Today’s visits include the ancient city of Perge, an important center of early Christianity, and the remarkably preserved Roman theatre of Aspendos. End the day at the Antalya Archaeological Museum, showcasing artifacts from the region’s long history. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 8 - Antalya → Pamukkale

After breakfast, drive to Pamukkale. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis with its white travertine terraces and visit the Martyrium of Saint Philip, one of the most sacred sites of early Christianity. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 9 - Pamukkale → Laodikya → Milet → Kuşadası

Visit Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, then continue to Miletus, known for its ancient theatre and apostolic heritage. Arrive in Kuşadası in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Day 10 - Kuşadası → Efes → Meryem Ana Evi → İzmir

After breakfast, tour the ancient city of Ephesus, visiting the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theatre. Continue to the House of Virgin Mary before transferring to Izmir. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 11 - İzmir → Bergama → Assos/Edremit

Drive to Pergamon to explore the Acropolis and the Red Basilica, both significant in early Christian history. Continue to Assos or Edremit for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight in Assos or Edremit.

Day 12 - Assos → Aleksandria Troas → Truva → İstanbul

After breakfast, visit the ancient site of Assos before continuing to Alexandria Troas, where Saint Paul once embarked on his missionary journey. Then explore the legendary city of Troy and its famous Wooden Horse before returning to Istanbul. Meal: Breakfast. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 13 - Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight. Your remarkable journey in the footsteps of Saint Paul ends here. Meal: Breakfast.

Meeting / Pickup

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

Please Note

1. Route's Core Focus and Geographical Scope

This tour provides a rich exploration focused on Apostolic journeys and Early Christian history, encompassing distinct geographical regions of Turkey:

Apostolic Hubs: The itinerary covers essential centers tracing the footsteps of the apostles, including Antioch (Cave of Saint Peter), Tarsus (Church and Well of Saint Paul), Yalvaç (Antioch of Pisidia), and key sites related to the Seven Churches like Ephesus and Laodikeia.
Anatolian Core: This includes Cappadocia, famous for its cave churches and underground cities used for refuge, and Konya (ancient Iconium), an important historical and spiritual city.
Aegean and Thermal Regions: The route features the historical significance of the Martyrium of Saint Philip in Hierapolis, the unique thermal pools of Pamukkale, and visits to the ancient cities of Miletus and Izmir (Smyrna).

2. Essential Travel Tips and Cost Components

This section outlines the critical logistics and cost items you must account for in your planning:

External Costs (Exclusions): The cost of the tour package typically excludes International Airfare and the Turkey Entry Visa (which must be secured electronically or via the consulate prior to departure). These must be budgeted and organized separately.
All Entrance Fees: The cost of All Entrance Fees to the scheduled museums and archaeological sites (Topkapi, Ephesus, Hierapolis, etc.) is generally included in your tour package price. However, consider purchasing a Museum Pass Turkey to save time and skip ticket lines at high-traffic sites.
Discretionary Spending: Budget separately for items that are typically not included in the base price:
Optional Tours (e.g., Cappadocia hot air balloon ride).
Personal Spendings (Souvenirs, snacks, personal shopping).
Tips (For guides, drivers, and restaurant staff).
Logistics: Drink only bottled water throughout the trip. Carry cash (Turkish Lira, TL) for small vendors. Check the current status of sites in the Hatay region (Antioch) due to recent events, and bring comfort items for long bus journeys.