Footsteps of St. Paul in Anatolia Tour 7 Nights 8 Days

Footsteps of St. Paul in Anatolia – 8 Days / 7 Nights

Tour Overview

Embark on a profound 8-day Christian pilgrimage through Anatolia, retracing the missionary journeys of St. Paul the Apostle, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. This expertly designed itinerary takes you across Turkey’s most sacred biblical lands, from the imperial grandeur of Istanbul to the apostolic cities of Antioch and Tarsus, the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, and the classical wonders of Antalya.

Walk where St. Paul preached, taught, and performed miracles. Visit the city where followers of Jesus were first called Christians, explore St. Paul’s birthplace, and discover underground churches that sheltered early believers. Blending faith, archaeology, culture, and breathtaking scenery, this pilgrimage offers a deeply moving experience for Christian travelers, church groups, and history enthusiasts seeking spiritual connection and historical authenticity.

This tour is carefully optimized for comfort, expert guidance, and meaningful discovery—making it one of the most comprehensive St. Paul tours in Turkey.

Tour Highlights

• Walk in the footsteps of St. Paul and Barnabas in Antioch, one of the earliest centers of Christianity
• Visit St. Peter’s Grotto, one of the world’s oldest Christian churches
• Explore Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, including St. Paul’s Well and Cleopatra’s Gate
• Discover the underground cities and rock-cut churches of Cappadocia, a refuge for early Christians
• Visit Derbe and Lystra, cities mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles
• Experience ancient Roman cities where St. Paul preached, including Perge and Side
• Marvel at the legendary Aspendos Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world
• Enjoy scenic landscapes such as Eğirdir Lake and the Mediterranean coast of Antalya

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, the city that bridges Europe and Asia. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy leisure time to rest or take an optional evening walk. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 – Istanbul to Adana

After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Adana, located in the fertile region of ancient Cilicia. Upon arrival, explore key landmarks reflecting the city’s long history, including the Stone Bridge (Taşköprü), one of the oldest functioning bridges in the world. Dinner and overnight in Adana.

Day 3 – Antioch (Antakya) | Birthplace of Christianity

Travel to Antioch, where followers of Jesus were first called Christians. Visit St. Peter’s Grotto Church, believed to be one of the earliest Christian worship sites. Explore the ancient remains of Daphne and Seleucia Pieria, once vital cities for early Christian missions. Continue to the region of Cappadocia. Overnight en route or in Cappadocia.

Day 4 – Cappadocia | Early Christian Refuge

Explore the extraordinary region of Cappadocia, known for its surreal Fairy Chimneys and rock-cut architecture. Visit underground cities such as Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu, used by early Christians to escape persecution. Discover frescoed churches including the Apple Church and Church of St. John the Baptist in the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5 – Cappadocia – Derbe – Lystra – Konya

Depart Cappadocia for Derbe and Lystra, cities mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles where St. Paul preached and performed miracles. Continue to Konya (ancient Iconium), an important center of early Christianity. Visit archaeological remains reflecting Roman and Byzantine heritage. Overnight in Konya.

Day 6 – Konya – Eğirdir Lake – Antalya

Travel through the scenic Anatolian countryside, stopping at Eğirdir Lake, one of Turkey’s most peaceful natural landscapes. Continue to Antalya, a major city of the ancient Roman province of Pamphylia, where St. Paul continued his missionary work. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 7 – Perge – Aspendos – Side

Visit Perge, an important ancient city where St. Paul preached during his first missionary journey. Continue to Aspendos, home to the world-famous Roman theatre renowned for its acoustics. Explore Side, visiting the impressive Temples of Apollo and Athena overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 8 – Departure from Antalya

After breakfast, transfer to Antalya Airport for your return flight. End of services with unforgettable spiritual memories of St. Paul’s journey across Anatolia.

What’s Included

• 7 nights accommodation in selected hotels
• Domestic flights (as per itinerary)
• Professional English-speaking licensed tour guide
• Daily breakfast and selected dinners
• All ground transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
• Entrance fees to scheduled sites
• Travel insurance

What’s Not Included

• International flights
• Personal expenses
• Optional tours and additional services
• Tips for guide and driver

Why Book This St. Paul Pilgrimage Tour?

• One of the most comprehensive St. Paul itineraries in Turkey
• Ideal for Christian pilgrims, church groups, and faith-based travelers
• Combines biblical sites, UNESCO heritage, and natural beauty
• Expert-guided, comfort-focused travel experience
• High conversion, SEO-optimized itinerary for Christian tour seekers

Reserve your place today and walk the sacred paths of St. Paul in Anatolia.