The Route of Saint Paul IV with The Seven Churches

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to rest or take a stroll through the illuminated streets of this vibrant city.

After breakfast, we begin a full-day exploration of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the elegant Blue Mosque, and the ancient Hippodrome Square. In the afternoon, discover the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans, before enjoying free time at the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Morning flight to Antioch (Antakya). Visit the Cave Church of Saint Peter, one of the earliest Christian worship sites, and explore the renowned Hatay Archaeology Museum, famous for its exquisite mosaics. Continue to Adana for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Tarsus, the birthplace of Saint Paul. Visit Saint Paul’s Well and Saint Paul’s Church, then take a brief walk along the ancient Roman Road. Continue through the Taurus Mountains to Cappadocia, arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight.

A magical day in Cappadocia awaits. Optional early morning hot air balloon flight over the fairy chimneys. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, explore the pottery workshops in Avanos, and discover the hidden passages of the Kaymakli Underground City—a refuge for early Christians.

Depart early for Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, center of Sufi philosophy. Continue to Antioch of Pisidia in Yalvaç, where Saint Paul once preached. Explore its ancient ruins before proceeding to the Mediterranean city of Antalya for dinner and overnight stay.

Today’s tour explores the ancient cities of the Antalya region. Visit Perge, an important stop on Saint Paul’s missionary route, continue to the impressive Aspendos Theatre, and finish at the Antalya Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

Drive to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Martyrium of Saint Philip. Continue to Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. End the day with dinner overlooking the famous white travertines.

Visit Philadelphia and Sardis, two of the Seven Churches. Explore the Temple of Artemis and the ancient synagogue before heading to Izmir for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Izmir for the ancient region of Thyatira (near Akhisar), where you will explore early church remains and traces of the historic marketplace. Continue toward the Aegean coast to visit Miletus, seeing its agora, ancient harbor, and sites linked to classical thinkers. Arrive in Kuşadası in the evening, check into the hotel and enjoy free time; an evening seaside walk is recommended. Overnight in Kuşadası.

This morning enjoy an extensive guided walking tour of Ephesus, visiting the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, Hadrian’s Temple, and the Odeon. Afterwards, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, revered in Christian tradition. After a brief lunch break, transfer to Izmir for a panoramic city tour and hotel check-in. Overnight in Izmir.

After breakfast, drive to Pergamon to explore the Acropolis, the Red Basilica, and the altar remains, learning about the site’s role as an ancient center of healing and religion. In the afternoon, continue to Assos or Edremit; walk around the ancient harbor and the Temple of Athena while enjoying sweeping Aegean views. Evening at leisure at the hotel. Overnight in Assos/Edremit.

Begin the day with a coastal walk and panoramic visit in Assos. Continue to Alexandria Troas, a strategic port in early Christian itineraries with links to Paul’s missionary routes. In the afternoon, visit the legendary city of Troy, follow the mythic traces and stop for photos by the Trojan Horse. In the evening, transfer back toward Istanbul; arrive and check into your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Your 14-day spiritual and cultural journey comes to an end; return home with new memories and perspectives. Safe travels.