Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+90 531 852 88 68
info@turkeytravelcenter.com
Tour Route: Istanbul Tarsus Antioch Cappadocia Iconium (Konya) Pamukkale Laodicea Colossae Philadelphia Sardis Sirince Village Ephesus Izmir Smyrna Thyatira Pergamon Assos Troas Nicea Istanbul
The Footsteps of St. Paul Turkey Tour takes you on a 10-nights, 11-days journey through significant biblical and historical sites in Turkey. Starting in Istanbul, you’ll visit Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, and explore Antioch, an important city in early Christianity. The tour continues to Cappadocia, known for its unique landscapes, before visiting Pamukkale and ancient cities like Laodicea, Colossae, and Philadelphia. Ephesus offers the chance to walk in St. Paul’s footsteps, while other stops include Izmir, Thyatira, Pergamon, and Assos. The tour concludes in Nicea, known for its historical significance. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Turkey as you follow the footsteps of St. Paul.
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport to Tarsus. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Tarsus. Take some time to explore this charming city at your own pace. Stroll along the scenic waterfront and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere that blends history and natural beauty. Overnight stay in Tarsus
Legend: L – D
Today, we delve deeper into St. Paul’s journey. Explore the remarkable sites that played a significant role in his life. Visit the Cukurova Plain, where St. Paul was born, and behold the magnificence of the Cleopatra Gate. Continue to Seleucia Pieria, an ancient port city where St. Paul began his first missionary journey. Then, make your way to Antakya, also known as Antioch, where you will discover the Church of St. Pierre and the captivating Hatay Archaeology Museum. Overnight stay in Antioch
Legend: B – L – D
Early morning after breakfast, we will began our day tour by driving to holy Cappadocia. Our first visit will be the uncover the mysteries of the Derinkuyu Underground City, a hidden marvel that served as a refuge in ancient times. Delve into its intricate tunnels and chambers, marveling at the engineering brilliance of the past. Later, visit the imposing Uchisar Castle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Cappadocian landscape. Immerse yourself in the historical richness of these remarkable sites. After the tour transfer to the hotel in Capapdocia. Overnight stay in Capapdocia (Cave hotel)
Legend: B – L – D
After breakfast, Prepare to be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Goreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its surreal rock formations and witness the unique rock-cut churches that adorn the landscape. Step into the Goreme Open Air Museum, a treasure trove of Byzantine art, and admire the intricately decorated Tokali Church, which holds special significance in St. Paul’s journey. After the tour, transfer back to hotel.
Overnight stay in Capapdocia (Cave hotel)
Legend: B – L – D
Travel along the ancient trade routes as you visit a Caravanserai, an inn that provided shelter to travelers in times gone by. Journey to the captivating Lysra Mound, where St. Paul once preached, and immerse yourself in the historical ambiance. Continue to Iconium (Konya), a city brimming with cultural heritage, and explore its fascinating landmarks. Overnight stay in Konya
Legend: B – L – D
Today after breakfast, Embark on a spiritual exploration of Antioch of Pisidia, where St. Paul delivered a powerful sermon. Continue to Clossae, a significant location in St. Paul’s teachings, and reflect upon the profound messages he shared. Conclude the day at Laodicea, known for its ancient ruins and the mesmerizing terraces of Pamukkale, offering a surreal experience.
Overnight stay in Pamukkale
Legend: B – L – D
Today after breakfast, Embark on a remarkable one-day tour, where you will encounter the rich heritage of Hierapolis and the spiritual essence of St. Philip and St. Paul. Begin your expedition at Hierapolis, an enchanting ancient city renowned for its captivating ruins. Explore the remnants of Lycus, an awe-inspiring ancient theater that once hosted magnificent performances. Continue your pilgrimage to St. Jean Church, a place of tranquility and introspection, where you can pay homage to the revered Saint. Next, visit Philadelphia Siesean, where St. Paul left an indelible mark. Immerse yourself in the history of this ancient city and marvel at the significance of St. Paul’s teachings. Continue your voyage to Sardis, an ancient city steeped in grandeur and myth. Here, you will discover the remarkable Sardis Church, an architectural marvel that stands as a testament to centuries of devotion. Unravel the mysteries of the past, experience spiritual enlightenment, and embrace the magnificence of these sacred places. Let this unforgettable tour guide you through the footsteps of St. Philip and St. Paul, where history and spirituality intertwine to create an extraordinary tapestry of discovery. After the tour we will drive you to Sirince Village.
Overnight stay in Sirince Village
Legend: B- L – D
After breakfast, we will visit Ephesus ancient city. Prepare to be awe-inspired as you step into the magnificent Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world. Wander through its grand ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. Visit the Basilica of St. John, where the apostle is said to be laid to rest, and the serene House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site. Overnight stay in Kuadasi
Legend: B – L – D
After breakfast, we will drive to Izmir. Embark on a journey to Smyrna, a city with a rich history intertwined with St. Paul’s teachings. Explore the archaeological wonders of Thyatira, known for its ancient ruins and connections to early Christianity. Continue to Pergamon, an ancient city with remarkable structures, including the Red Basilica and the grand Pergamon Theater. Conclude the day at Asklepion, an ancient healing center renowned for its holistic practices. After the tour, transfer to Assos.
Overnight stay in Assos
Legend: B – L – D
Discover the ancient city of Assos, a place that held great significance in St. Paul’s journey. Explore Troas Antique Harbor, where St. Paul had a vision calling him to Macedonia. Delve into the ruins of Alexandria Antique City, resonating with historical tales. Conclude this remarkable day at the legendary ancient city of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey.” After the tour, transfer to Canakkale city. Overnight stay in Canakkale
Legend: B – L – D
After breakfast, on the final day of your journey, we invite you to explore Nicea (Iznik), a city steeped in history and renowned for its beautiful lakeside setting. Immerse yourself in its captivating ambiance before returning to Istanbul, where we bid you farewell. TOUR ENDS!
Legend: B
Please note that; this itinerary is fully customizable, allowing you to personalize your trip according to your preferences. You have the flexibility to adjust the pace of the trip by incorporating rest days in the destinations of your choice. Additionally, you can extend your journey by adding extra sightseeing days at any point along the route. This way, you can fully tailor the trip to meet your specific needs and make the most out of your travel experience. Let us know your preferences, and we will be happy to assist you in creating a unique and memorable itinerary!
“At Turkey Travel Center, we meticulously select and present our customers with a collection of exceptional hotels. These hotels are not only personally familiar to us, but we also assess them based on the valuable feedback shared by our previous guests. Our preference lies in handpicked boutique hotels, ideally located in near the city center, each boasting its own unique charm. Below, we present a glimpse of some of the remarkable hotels we offer. As Turkey Travel Center, our unwavering commitment is to ensure our customers experience the highest level of comfort and security during their hotel stays. The listed hotels are just a few examples of our portfolio, and we curate similar establishments to provide an equally extraordinary experience for our guests.”