Footsteps of St. Paul Tour – Biblical Turkey Journey (16 Days / 15 Nights)

Tour Overview

Follow the sacred paths of St. Paul the Apostle on this extraordinary 16-day biblical journey through Turkey, tracing the origins of Christianity across ancient Anatolia. This immersive pilgrimage takes you through the very cities where St. Paul lived, preached, taught, and transformed the early Christian world.

From the imperial splendor of Istanbul to the underground refuges of Cappadocia, from Tarsus, St. Paul’s birthplace, to Antioch, where believers were first called Christians, this tour offers a profound encounter with the spiritual, historical, and cultural foundations of the Christian faith. Along the way, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Roman cities, Seven Churches of Revelation, and breathtaking landscapes that witnessed the rise of early Christianity.

Perfect for faith-based travelers, church groups, and history lovers, this journey combines deep spiritual meaning with expert-guided historical insight—an unforgettable pilgrimage through Biblical Turkey.

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Tour Highlights

• Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul across Anatolia

• Visit Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul

• Explore Antioch (Antakya) and St. Peter’s Grotto, the first Christian church

• Discover Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary & the Temple of Artemis

• Visit Laodicea, Sardis & Pergamon, key cities of early Christianity

• Experience Cappadocia’s underground cities used by persecuted Christians

• Relax at Pamukkale & Hierapolis, site of St. Philip’s martyrdom

• Stand where St. Paul preached in Troas and sailed from Assos

• Visit Iznik (Nicaea), site of the First Ecumenical Council

• Explore Istanbul’s sacred monuments: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul. Meet & greet service and transfer to your hotel. Free time to relax after your journey.
Overnight in Istanbul

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Day 2 – Istanbul: Imperial & Christian Heritage

Explore Istanbul’s historic heart:

• Hagia Sophia, symbol of early Christianity

• Blue Mosque

• Hippodrome

• Basilica Cistern

• Topkapi Palace
  Overnight in Istanbul

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Day 3 – Istanbul to Adana

Flight to Adana. Visit Tarsus, birthplace of St. Paul:

• St. Paul’s Well

• Cleopatra’s Gate

• Roman Road remains
  Overnight in Adana

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Day 4 – Antioch (Antakya)

Travel to Antioch, one of Christianity’s most important cities.

• St. Peter’s Grotto, first Christian church

• Hatay Archaeology Museum (early Christian mosaics)
  Overnight in Adana / Antakya region

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Day 5 – Cappadocia

Journey north to Cappadocia, famous for its early Christian heritage.
Overnight in Cappadocia

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Day 6 – Cappadocia: Early Christian Refuge

Explore:

• Underground Cities (Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu)

• Rock-cut churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum

• Fairy Chimneys
  Overnight in Cappadocia

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Day 7 – Cappadocia to Konya

Drive to Konya, ancient Iconium, where St. Paul preached. Visit Seljuk landmarks and biblical sites.
Overnight in Konya

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Day 8 – Konya to Antalya (Perge – Aspendos – Side)

Visit:

• Perge, where St. Paul visited

• Aspendos Theater

• Side Ancient City
  Overnight in Antalya

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Day 9 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis (Laodicea)

Explore:

• Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches

• Hierapolis, site of St. Philip’s martyrdom

• Pamukkale’s travertine terraces
  Overnight in Pamukkale

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Day 10 – Pamukkale to Kuşadası

Drive to Kuşadası via scenic countryside.
Overnight in Kuşadası

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Day 11 – Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary

Full-day biblical exploration of:

• Ephesus (Library of Celsus, Great Theatre)

• Temple of Artemis

• House of the Virgin Mary

• St. John’s Basilica
  Overnight in Kuşadası / Izmir

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Day 12 – Sardis

Visit Sardis, another Seven Churches city:

• Temple of Artemis

• Ancient synagogue
  Overnight in Izmir

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Day 13 – Pergamon & Ayvalık

Explore Pergamon:

• Acropolis

• Altar of Zeus

• Asclepion healing center
  Continue to Ayvalık.
  Overnight in Ayvalık

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Day 14 – Troas & Assos

Visit:

• Troas, where St. Paul preached

• Assos, where he sailed to Jerusalem
  Temple of Athena with Aegean views.
  Overnight in Bursa

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Day 15 – Iznik (Nicaea) – Istanbul

Visit Iznik, site of the First Ecumenical Council. Return to Istanbul.
Farewell dinner.
Overnight in Istanbul

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Day 16 – Departure

Transfer to airport for departure.
End of Tour

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What’s Included

• Accommodation (15 nights)

• Domestic flights

• Professional English-speaking biblical guide

• All transportation

• Meals as per itinerary

• Travel insurance

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Not Included

• International flights

• Personal expenses

• Optional activities

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Why Choose This St. Paul Tour?

• One of the most comprehensive St. Paul itineraries in Turkey

• Perfect for Christian pilgrimage & church groups

• Expert biblical narration & historical accuracy

• Covers Seven Churches, early Christian cities & councils

• Carefully paced for spiritual reflection & comfort

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