The Route of Saint Paul IV (Istanbul-Adana-Tarsus-Cappadocia-Konya-Antalya-Pamukkale-Laodicea-Ephesus-Pergamon-Troy)

Tour Type

Religious Tours

Group Size

15 persons

Location

Ephesus - Izmir

Overview

Embark on a 13-day spiritual and historical journey following in the footsteps of St. Paul through Anatolia. From the sacred cave of St. Peter in Antioch to the majestic ruins of Ephesus and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, this tour connects key sites of early Christianity with the rich cultural heritage of Turkey. Designed for pilgrims, scholars, and curious travelers, this experience blends biblical history with natural beauty and archaeological wonders. Main Itinerary Destinations Region Highlights Istanbul Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Antioch and Adana Church of St. Peter's Grotto and Hatay Archaeological Museum. Tarsus Church and Well of St. Paul. Cappadocia Göreme Open Air Museum, Avanos, and underground cities. Konya and Yalvaç: Pisidian Antioch and the Seljuk legacy. Antalya Region: Perge, the Aspendos Theatre, and the Archaeological Museum. Pamukkale: Hierapolis and the Martyrdom of St. Philip. Laodicea and Miletus: Key sites of early Christianity. Ephesus: House of the Virgin Mary and the apostolic legacy. North Aegean: Pergamon, Assos, and the legendary city of Troy.

Included/Excluded

Domestic Flight (Istanbul → Antioch)

Airport Transfers

Professional English-Speaking Guide

Private Air-Conditioned Transport

12 Breakfasts,12 Dinners

All Entrance Fees

12 Nights Hotel Accommodation

International Flights

Turkey Entry Visa

Optional Tours, Personal Expenses, Tips

All Lunches

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Istanbul

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

Day 2

Tour of Istanbul's Old City

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

Day 3

Istanbul → Antakya → Adana

Early morning flight to Antioch (Antakya). Visit the Church of St. Peter's Grotto, one of the earliest Christian places of worship, followed by the Hatay Archaeological Museum, which houses impressive mosaics. Continue to Adana for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Adana.

Day 4

Adana → Tarsus → Kapadokya

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

Day 5

Natural and Spiritual Beauties of Cappadocia

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

Day 6

Kapadokya → Konya → Yalvaç → Antalya

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

Day 7

Ancient Cities of Antalya

Today's visits include the ancient city of Perge, an important center of early Christianity, and the remarkably well-preserved Roman theater of Aspendos. End the day at the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts from the region's long history. Meals: Breakfast and dinner. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 8

Antalya → Pamukkale

After breakfast, travel to Pamukkale. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis with its white travertine terraces and visit the Martyrdom of St. Philip, one of the holiest sites in early Christianity. Meals: Breakfast and dinner. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 9

Pamukkale → Laodicea → Miletus → Kuşadası

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

Day 10

Izmir → Pergamum → Troy → Çanakkale

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

Day 11

İzmir → Pergamon → Assos/Edremit

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

Day 12

Assos → Alexandria of the Troad → Troy → Istanbul

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

Day 13

Departure from Istanbul

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