Path of St Paul includes the main locations of Turkey where various types of destinations can be seen.
Thanks to its location, Turkey has been home to many grand civilizations throughout history and through excavations traces of many early settling are still being found. Very well preserved ancient cities, mosques, churches and palaces and thousands of museums can be visited throughout the country.
Turkey is a sight to visit for many religions as a pilgrimage. All 3 major religions have been widely practised here for many years. Many sites in Turkey are mentioned in the holy books. Even though 90% of the population is Muslim, Turkey is a secular republic and there is a great tolerance for every practise.
Tour Details
Day 1 : ISTANBUL
Arrival at Istanbul. Transfer to hotel. Dinner & overnight.
Day 2 : ISTANBUL
After breakfast full day city tour including visits to the most important historical centres: St.Sophia, “the glory of the Byzantium Empire", Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome Square, the church of San Salvador in Chora, well-known for its mosaics symbolising Virgin Mary’s life and finally Topkapi Palace. Lunch at a typical Turkish restaurant. Dinner in hotel and overnight.
Day 3: ISTANBUL/BURSA
After breakfast departure to the antique Nicea (Iznik), a city with an important past preserving numerous Ottoman and Byzantine monuments. Nicea is famous as the 1st Ecumenical Council met there; visit of St. Sophia church. Lunch in a restaurant and proceed to Bursa - the first capital of the Ottoman Empire - where the Grand Mosque & the Green Mosque will be visited. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 4: BURSA/PERGAMON/KUSADASI
Breakfast and departure to Pergamum. Arrival, lunch and visit of the Temple of Athens, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus, Odeon, Library of Asklepion, etc... Continuation to Kusadasi, dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 5: KUŞADASI
After breakfast departure to the ancient city of Ephesus and its wonderful monuments: the Library of Celsius, the Roman Theatre, the Odeon, Adrian’s Temple, the Roman Bath, Council’s Basilica, etc. Lunch on the way in Selcuk and continuation of the visit to St. John’s Basilica and a pray break at the Sanctuary of Virgin Mary with the celebration of Saint Mass. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 6: KUŞADASI/APHRODISIAS/PAMUKKALE
After breakfast departure to Aphrodisias; named in honour of the Goddess Aphrodite; this place was famous in the whole Asia Minor as a centre of medicine and philosophy, but overall for the sculpture & art of the city. Visit of its ruins, lunch in the region. Continuation to Pamukkale, visit of the ruins of the antique city of Hierapolis whose name means sacred city due to the presence of various Christian basilicas. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 7: PAMUKKALE/KONYA/CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast and early departure to Konya. This city was the capital of the Selcuk Empire between 1071 & 1308. An important religious centre visited by St. Paul several times. Visit of the Mausoleum of Mevlana; an Islamic mystic whose tolerance and forgiveness have always been thought to be a means of uniting the people. Lunch in Konya and continuation to Cappadocia. Arrival and a panoramic visit of the region. Dinner & overnight.
Day 8: CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast and visit of the region; the valleys of Goreme and Zelve with its rupestrian
Churches, the underground city of Derinkuyu or of Kaymakli, the villages of Avanos, Paşabag, Uchisar, the craft centres with shopping possibilities. Dinner and overnight.
Day 9: CAPPADOCIA/TARSUS/ADANA
Breakfast and early departure for Tarsus, which is the birthplace of St. Paul. Arrival and visit of the St. Paul’s well which exists today as it did during his period passing through the Cilician Gate. Lunch in Tarsus & continuation to Adana. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Adana.
Day 10: ADANA
Breakfast and departure for Antakya (Antioquia); where St. Peter, St. Barnabas & St. Paul set out to spread out the teachings of Christ. Visit of the cave of St. Peter, Museum of Mosaics of Antakya (the most impressive one of this art in Near East and possibly in the world.) Return to Adana, dinner & overnight at hotel.
Day 11: DEPARTURE
Breakfast and transfer to Adana airport to take the return flight to Istanbul. End of services.
Price Details
This is a private tour program and will be priced according to request.