Step into the world of St. Paul, one of the most important apostles and a key figure in the growth of Christianity with Private 18-Day Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey Tour . Known as Paul of Tarsus and the Apostle of the Gentiles, his letters and teachings form a large part of the New Testament and still inspire millions today. This journey invites you to follow his path across the places where faith and history intersect. From the cities where Paul preached the Gospel to the sacred sites mentioned in the New Testament, each stop shares a story of courage, transformation, and belief. Along the way, you will also see the cultural and historical treasures of Asia Minor, a region that helped shape the first Christian communities. More than a tour, this experience connects you to the roots of Christianity, offering both spiritual reflection and a better understanding of the history that changed the world.
Tour Program
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Day 1: Arrival
- We will meet you at the airport upon your arrival in Istanbul.
- We will drive you to your hotel, where you will stay for 3 nights.
Day 2: Classical Istanbul City Tour (Breakfast)
- You will meet your tour guide at the hotel reception this morning and head to the old city.
- During the tour, you will explore iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
- At the end of the tour, your guide will walk you back to your hotel.
Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will meet you at your hotel and drive you to Eminonu.
- First, we will visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, a hidden gem built by Mimar Sinan, a famous Turkish architect, for Sultan Suleiman’s grand vizier and son-in-law. Afterward, we will visit the Spice Market and indulge in the aromatic flavors of this exotic market. Later, we will walk to the port and take a Bosphorus Cruise. This will allow us to see Istanbul’s landmarks from a different perspective.
- We will drive you back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 4: Hatay and Antakya (Breakfast)
- We will meet you at your hotel early in the morning and drive you to the airport for your flight to Adana.
- We will then drive you to Hatay, also known as Antioch. Hatay is the starting point of St. Paul’s missionary journey and the home of the first Christian Church built outside of Israel. We will visit St. Peter’s Church and the Hatay Mosaic Museum.
- We will drive you to your hotel at the end of the tour. Overnight in Hatay.
Day 5: Antakya – Tarsus (Breakfast)
- Today, we will drive to Seleucia Pieria, also known as Samandag, where the Apostle Paul and Barnabas began their first missionary journey to Cyprus. We will continue to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. We will visit St. Paul’s Church. It has been under protection since 1993, and due to the lack of a community, they do not hold regular services. However, ceremonies are conducted for pilgrim groups.
- We will stay overnight in Tarsus.
Day 6: Ihlara Valley (Breakfast)
- After breakfast today, we will check out and drive to Cappadocia. On our way, we will visit Ihlara Valley, where we will hike through the valley and visit the rock-cut monasteries.
- Afterward, we will drive to Cappadocia and check into our hotel, where we will stay for three nights.
Day 7: Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum. It is famous for its rock-carved churches and Byzantine frescoes.
- We will visit the Basilica Church, St. Barbara Church, the Dark Church, St. Catherine Chapel, and the Nunnery. Afterward, we will drive to the Troglodyte Village of Avcilar, Ortahisar, and Avanos. Our last stop is Pasabag, also known as the Valley of the Stones. We will see the area’s striking fairy chimneys and explore St. Simeon Church.
- We will drive you back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 8: Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
***Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride in the morning. Today, you have the option to take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering a breathtaking perspective of Cappadocia’s unique landscapes (Please book in advance)
- After breakfast, we will visit Kaymakli Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Pigeon Valley, and Love Valley.
- We will drive you back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 9: Konya – Yalvac Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will check out and drive to Konya, also known as Iconium. St. Paul and Barnabas stayed in Konya for a long time, speaking boldly about the Gospel. We will also visit Rumi Mausoleum, Karatay Madrasah, and Ince Minaret Mosque. We will drive to Yalvac and visit Psidian Antioch, where Apostle Paul delivered his first recorded sermon and said the famous words, “Now we turn to Gentiles.”
- We will stay overnight in Yalvac.
Day 10: Antalya – Side – Aspendos Tour (Breakfast)
- Today, we will drive to Antalya and visit Aspendos, an Ancient City famous for its exceptionally well-preserved ancient theater.
- We will also visit Perge, an Ancient City where St. Paul delivered his speech on Christianity. Perge was an important transit point for Apostle Paul while traveling to Psidian Antioch.
- Our last stop is the old city of Antalya. Afterward, we will check into our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour (Breakfast)
- We will leave Antalya after breakfast and drive to Pamukkale.
- We will visit Hierapolis, the Ancient City, and see the Necropolis, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, Theater, and St. Philip’s tomb. We will stop at Cleopatra’s Pool. After walking through the ancient city, you can swim in the antique pool or rest. Afterward, you will have free time to explore Pamukkale’s cotton castles, enjoy its hot, healing waters, and take amazing photos.
- At the end of the tour, we will check into our hotel for an overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Day 12: Laodicea – Colossae – Philadelphia – Sardis (Breakfast)
- In the morning, we will visit Laodicea, an ancient city mentioned in the Book of Revelation. We will explore the Statue of Emperor Augustus, the Aqueduct, the Stadium, the Ephesian Gate, and Christian ruins.
- We will drive to Honaz and visit the ancient city of Colossae, an ancient metropolis of Phrygia mentioned in St. Paul’s letter. Afterward, we will visit Philadelphia, one of the seven churches mentioned in the Revelation.
- Our last stop is Sardis. We will visit the remnants of the early church, the Sardis Gymnasium, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Temple of Diana.
- We will stay overnight near Sardis.
Day 13: Thyatira and Miletos (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will check out and drive to Thyatira, one of the seven churches mentioned in the Revelation. This city is famous for its trade in purple clothes, a rare color in ancient times.
- Afterward, we will drive to Miletus, an ancient Ionian port city. Miletus is the city where St. Paul delivered a heartfelt farewell speech to the Ephesian elders. He recounted his ministry among them, warned them about future challenges (such as false teachers), and encouraged them to remain vigilant and faithful.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive to Kusadasi, where we will stay for two nights.
Day 14: Ephesus Tour (Breakfast)
- Today, we will drive to Ephesus, an ancient city. During his second missionary journey, St. Paul visited Ephesus and stayed for over three years. We will explore the remains of this fantastic city, including the Celsus Library, Agora, the Theater, Odeon, Trajan Fountain, Domitianus Temple, and Hercules Gate.
- Afterward, we will drive to The Virgin Mary’s House, where we will visit the chapel, explore the humble stone house where Mother Mary lived in her final years, and see the peaceful garden and wishing wall.
- Our last stop is the Basilica of St. John. Emperor Justinian built this 6th-century church at the burial site of St. John the Apostle. You will feel a deep connection to early Christianity among its stunning ruins.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive back to Kusadasi. Drop off at your hotel.
Day 15: Smyrna and Pergamon (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will check out and drive to Izmir.
- We will visit Smyrna, another of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. We will explore the Smyrna Agora and the Church of Polycarp, and then drive to the city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
- We will visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Trajan, the Serapis Temple, the Heroon, the Sanctuary of Athena, the Temple of Athena, the Theatre, the Zeus Altar, and the Red Court.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive to Assos and spend the night there.
Day 16: Assos – Alexandria Troas – Troy (Breakfast)
- Today, we will visit Assos Ancient City, where St. Paul met his companions who had arrived by sea during the final leg of his third missionary journey. Then, we will visit Alexandria Troas, where St. Paul raised Autychus from the dead.
- Our last stop is the legendary Troy, an Ancient city mentioned in Homer’s epic poems. We will visit the ruins of Troy and the replica of the Trojan Horse.
- We will drive to Canakkale for an overnight stay at the end of the tour.
Day 17: Canakkale to Istanbul (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will check out and drive to Istanbul.
- We will check into our hotel and have a free evening in Istanbul.
Day 18: Departure (Breakfast)
- Today, we will drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule for your flight back home.