Paul's Pilgrimage: Tracing the Apostle in Turkey

Day 1 · Izmir

1. 1

   Izmir

   12 hours

   Arrival in Izmir and transfer to hotel.

Accommodation in 4* hotel in Izmir

Day 2 · Izmir

1. 1

   Milet Antik Kenti

   3 hours Admission included

   First step of St. Paul, where he met with his followers on the 3rd journey Mileto. Visit the natal territory of Philosophie and seeing the theatre of Mileto.

2. 2

   Ephesus Ancient City

   3 hours Admission included

   Discover the footprints of the Roman Empire in the ancient city of Ephesus. House of Virgin Mary excluded with extra charge.

3. 3

   Saint Polycarp Church

   one hour Admission included

   Before closing of St. Policarpo Church, we must turn back to Izmir and French architecture of the church waiting you.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Izmir

Day 3 · Pergamon/Hierapolis

1. 1

   Pergamon Ancient City

   3 hours Admission included

   Begin your day in Pergamon, a city with deep connections to the Book of Revelation. Explore the Acropolis of Pergamon, home to the Altar of Zeus and the impressive theatre. Discover the rich history of this Hellenistic city and its role in shaping early Christian communities.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   2 hours

   Travel to Thyatira, an ancient city famous for its trade and craftsmanship. Visit the archaeological remains that tell the story of a vibrant community.

3. 3

   Sardis (Sardes)

   2 hours Admission included

   Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Sardis, an ancient capital renowned for its wealth and opulence. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium and the colossal Temple of Cybele. Immerse yourself in the spiritual resonance of the Sardis Synagogue, which reflects the city's diverse religious influences.

4. 4

   Alasehir

   one hour

   Continue your odyssey to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. Walk the streets that once echoed with the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and visit the ancient ruins, including the remains of the city walls. Explore the archaeological treasures that illuminate the early Christian presence in Philadelphia.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Pamukkale

Day 4 · Hierapolis/Laodicea

1. 1

   Pamukkale Thermal Pools

   4 hours Admission included

   Hierapolis or Pamukkale where we can find the tomb of St. Philipe. Enjoy the natural park and their hot spring water. You have a opportunity of swim in the ancient pool.

2. 2

   Laodicea

   2 hours Admission included

   Our last church in the region in the city of Laodecia where we complete all churches of Apocalypse. Accommodation ın a Pamukkale Hotel.

Accommodation ın a 4* hotel in Pamukkale

Day 5 · Konya/Antioch of Pisidia

1. 1

   Antioch of Pisidia

   2 hours Admission included

   Departure from Pamukkale in the early of Morning and go to central Anatolia to follow of St. Paul steps. The next stop will be Antioch of Pisidia in Isparta.

2. 2

   Konya Province

   one hour

   St. Paul's Church is steeped in historical significance, believed to be associated with the journey of the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in early Christianity.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Konya.

Day 6 · Cappadocia

1. 1

   Cappadocia

   2 hours

   Continue to Cappadocia, where established first community on Anatolia. Here you will learn about Saint Basil, Gregor of Nissa and Gregory of Nazianzus, considered the father of the churches in Cappadocia.

2. 2

   Goreme Open Air Museum

   2 hours Admission included

   Dating back to the 4th century, the Göreme Open Air Museum is a treasure trove of rock-cut architecture that served as a monastic complex. Carved into the soft volcanic rock, the site boasts a collection of churches, chapels, and living quarters, each adorned with exquisite Byzantine frescoes that narrate biblical tales.

3. 3

   Ihlara Valley

   2 hours Admission included

   Embark on an enchanting adventure through the heart of Cappadocia, as Ihlara Valley unveils its secrets—a stunning gorge carved by nature, adorned with ancient rock-cut churches, and surrounded by lush greenery. This journey promises a harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical wonders.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 7 · Cappadocia

1. 1

   Uchisar Castle

   2 hours Admission included

   Begin your adventure at Uçhisar Castle, a towering fortress carved into the natural rock formations. As the highest point in Cappadocia, the castle offers panoramic views of the surreal landscapes below.

2. 2

   Pasabag Vadisi

   2 hours Admission included

   Next, venture into the enchanting Zelve Paşabağ Valley, renowned for its whimsical fairy chimneys. Immerse yourself in the ethereal atmosphere as you meander through the valley, discovering ancient cave dwellings and rock formations that narrate the tales of Cappadocia's early inhabitants.

3. 3

   Ozkonak Underground City

   30 min Admission included

   Delve into the mysterious depths of Özkonak Undercity, an underground complex that reveals the intricate architecture and innovative engineering of ancient Cappadocian civilizations.

   Accommodation ın a Cappadocia Hotel with HB.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 8 · Istanbul

1. 1

   Istanbul

   one hour

   After landing from Kayseri Airport to Istanbul, transfer to hotel for overnight.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Istanbul

Day 9 · Istanbul

1. 1

   Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

   2 hours Admission included

   Start your journey at Ayasofya Mosque, a cultural jewel that has witnessed the ebb and flow of history for over 1,500 years. Formerly a cathedral and then a mosque, Ayasofya stands as an architectural marvel, adorned with stunning mosaics and a dome that seems to touch the heavens.

2. 2

   Blue Mosque

   one hour Admission included

   Next, experience the tranquil beauty of the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Admire its striking blue tiles that give the mosque its name, and bask in the harmonious atmosphere created by its cascading domes and six towering minarets.

3. 3

   Hippodrome

   one hour Admission included

   Step into the open expanse of the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine Constantinople's public life. Marvel at the ancient Egyptian obelisks, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain—relics that tell tales of empires and events spanning centuries.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Istanbul.

Day 10 · Istanbul

1. 1

   Istanbul

   12 hours

   Free day in Istanbul. Those who wish can visit Topkapi palace or take a Bosphorus tour as an extra.

Accommodation in a 4* hotel in Istanbul

Day 11 · Back to the Airport

1. 1

   Istanbul

   one hour

   End of the tour.