Footsteps of St. Paul Tour – Biblical Turkey Journey

18 Days / 17 Nights

Tour Overview

This exceptional Footsteps of St. Paul Tour is a profound Christian pilgrimage and cultural journey through the lands where Christianity was born and spread. Over 18 days, you will trace the missionary routes of St. Paul the Apostle, visiting ancient cities, biblical landmarks, and early Christian centers across Anatolia.

From imperial Istanbul to the underground refuges of Cappadocia, from Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, to Antioch, Ephesus, and the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, this journey offers deep spiritual meaning combined with rich historical and archaeological discovery. Designed for faith-based travelers, church groups, and history enthusiasts, this tour provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Biblical Turkey.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Airport. Meet & greet by your guide and transfer to the hotel. Free time to rest after your journey.
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2 – Istanbul: Imperial & Christian Heritage

Full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historic peninsula:

• Hagia Sophia, a cornerstone of early Christianity

• Blue Mosque

• Hippodrome of Constantinople

• Basilica Cistern

• Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans
  Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3 – Istanbul: Bosphorus & Bazaars

• Scenic Bosphorus Cruise, separating Europe and Asia

• Visit the Spice Bazaar

• Free time at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets
  Overnight in Istanbul

Day 4 – Istanbul to Ankara

Drive to Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey, crossing historical Anatolian landscapes that once connected early Christian communities.
Overnight in Ankara

Day 5 – Ankara to Cappadocia

Journey to Cappadocia, famous for its surreal volcanic landscapes and early Christian heritage.
Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 6 – Cappadocia: Refuge of Early Christians

• Göreme Open-Air Museum, featuring rock-cut churches with biblical frescoes

• Underground City (Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu), used by persecuted Christians

• Fairy Chimneys and monastic valleys
  Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 7 – Cappadocia to Adana (Tarsus)

Drive south to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul:

• St. Paul’s Well

• Cleopatra’s Gate

• Remains of the Roman Road
  Overnight in Adana

Day 8 – Antioch (Antakya): Birthplace of Christianity

Visit Antioch, one of the earliest Christian centers:

• St. Peter’s Grotto, considered the first Christian church

• Seleucia Pieria, ancient port of Antioch

• Titus Water Tunnel

• Archaeology Museum with early Christian mosaics
  Overnight in Adana / Antakya region

Day 9 – Adana to Konya (Iconium)

Travel to Konya, known in biblical times as Iconium, where St. Paul preached.

• Mevlana Mausoleum

• Optional Whirling Dervishes Ceremony, symbol of spiritual devotion
  Overnight in Konya

Day 10 – Konya to Antalya

Scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean coast.
Overnight in Antalya

Day 11 – Perge – Aspendos – Side

• Perge, visited by St. Paul during his missionary journeys

• Aspendos Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theaters

• Side Ancient City and harbor
  Overnight in Antalya

Day 12 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis

• Explore Hierapolis, site of St. Philip’s martyrdom

• Walk on the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale

• Optional swim in thermal pools
  Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 13 – Ephesus & Kuşadası

• Ephesus, where St. Paul preached for several years

• Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Roman streets

• House of the Virgin Mary

• Basilica of St. John

• Visit Şirince Village
  Overnight in Kuşadası

Day 14 – Izmir: Seven Churches (Sardis & Philadelphia)

• Sardis, with its synagogue and Temple of Artemis

• Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir), one of the Seven Churches
  Overnight in Izmir

Day 15 – Pergamon & Thyatira

• Pergamon Acropolis

• Altar of Zeus

• Asclepion Healing Center

• Thyatira (Akhisar)
  Overnight in Izmir

Day 16 – Troas & Assos – Çanakkale

• Troas, where St. Paul delivered sermons

• Assos, where he sailed to Jerusalem

• Temple of Athena overlooking the Aegean Sea
  Overnight in Çanakkale

Day 17 – Çanakkale to Istanbul

Return to Istanbul. Farewell dinner and reflection on the journey.
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 18 – Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
End of Tour Services

What’s Included

• 17 nights accommodation

• Domestic flights

• Professional English-speaking biblical guide

• All transportation

• Meals as specified in the itinerary

• Travel insurance

Not Included

• International flights

• Personal expenses

• Optional activities

Why Choose This Footsteps of St. Paul Tour?

✔ One of the most comprehensive St. Paul tours in Turkey
✔ Ideal for church groups and Christian pilgrims
✔ Covers Seven Churches, early Christian cities, and missionary routes
✔ Expert-guided with strong biblical and historical context
✔ Balanced pace for reflection, comfort, and learning