St. Paul’s Route Tour

11 Days / 10 Nights | Biblical & Cultural Journey Through Turkey

Tour Overview

Follow the legendary path of St. Paul the Apostle on this inspiring 11-day St. Paul’s Route Tour, a journey that brings together biblical history, ancient civilizations, and breathtaking natural wonders. Tracing St. Paul’s missionary travels across Anatolia, this tour takes you from the imperial capital of Istanbul to the sacred city of Antioch, along the Mediterranean coast, and into the heart of classical antiquity at Ephesus.

Along the way, explore some of the most important Christian and historical landmarks in the world: the Hagia Sophia, St. Peter’s Grotto, Roman cities like Perge, Aspendos, and Side, Crusader castles, and the miraculous white terraces of Pamukkale. Walk through ancient streets where apostles preached, stand inside some of the earliest Christian worship sites, and experience Turkey as a crossroads of faith, culture, and empire.

Perfect for Christian pilgrimage groups, history lovers, and cultural explorers, this tour offers a meaningful and enriching experience that connects scripture with history and geography.

Tour Highlights

✨ Istanbul – Gateway Between East & West

• Visit the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine Constantinople

• Explore Hagia Sophia, one of the most important monuments in Christian history

• Discover the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, former seat of Ottoman sultans

• Shop at the legendary Grand Bazaar

✨ Antioch (Antakya) – Birthplace of Christianity

• Visit St. Peter’s Grotto, one of the world’s oldest churches

• Learn where followers of Jesus were first called “Christians”

✨ Silifke & Anamur – Crusader & Roman Heritage

• See the Göksu (Calycadnus) River, where Emperor Frederick Barbarossa drowned

• Explore Roman ruins, ancient mosaics, and medieval Crusader castles

• Visit Anamurium, one of Turkey’s best-preserved Roman cities

✨ Perge, Aspendos & Side – Cities of St. Paul’s Mission

• Walk through Perge, where St. Paul preached

• Marvel at Aspendos Theater, one of the finest Roman theaters in the world

• Explore the ancient harbor city of Side

✨ Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Sacred Waters & Martyrdom

• Walk on the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale

• Explore Hierapolis, home to the Temple of Apollo and the Plutonium

• Optional swim in the ancient thermal pools

✨ Ephesus – Jewel of the Ancient Christian World

• Visit the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre

• Explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders

• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul. Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Free time to relax or explore nearby areas.
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2 – Istanbul City Tour

Full-day guided sightseeing including:

• Hippodrome

• Hagia Sophia

• Blue Mosque

• Topkapi Palace

• Grand Bazaar
  Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3 – Istanbul to Adana

Fly or drive to Adana, an important ancient city near St. Paul’s homeland. Orientation tour and free time.
Overnight in Adana

Day 4 – Adana – Antakya – Adana

Full-day excursion to Antakya (Biblical Antioch):

• Visit St. Peter’s Grotto Church

• Explore early Christian heritage sites
  Return to Adana.
  Overnight in Adana

Day 5 – Adana – Silifke – Anamur

Travel along the Mediterranean coast:

• Visit Silifke, ancient Seleucia ad Calycadnum

• See Crusader-era landmarks

• Continue to Anamur
  Overnight in Anamur

Day 6 – Anamur – Side

Visit the ancient city of Anamurium, then continue west to Side, an important Roman port city.
Overnight in Side

Day 7 – Side – Perge – Aspendos – Antalya

Explore major Roman cities linked to St. Paul’s route:

• Perge – missionary city of St. Paul

• Aspendos Theater
  Continue to Antalya.
  Overnight in Antalya

Day 8 – Antalya – Pamukkale

Drive north to Pamukkale.

• Visit the travertine terraces

• Explore Hierapolis, including the Temple of Apollo and Plutonium
  Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 9 – Pamukkale – Hierapolis (Full Day)

Free time for further exploration, photography, or optional thermal pool experience.
Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 10 – Pamukkale – Kusadasi

Travel to the Aegean coast and Kusadasi, gateway to Ephesus.
Overnight in Kusadasi

Day 11 – Ephesus – Izmir – Departure

Visit Ephesus, including:

• Great Theatre

• Library of Celsus

• Temple of Artemis

• House of the Virgin Mary

Transfer to Izmir Airport for departure.
End of Tour

Tour Includes

✔ Accommodation (10 nights)
✔ Domestic flights (where applicable)
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
✔ Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
✔ Meals as specified
✔ Travel insurance
✔ Entrance fees

Tour Excludes

✘ Personal expenses
✘ Services not mentioned

Why Choose This Tour?

• Complete St. Paul’s Missionary Route

• Perfect for Christian pilgrimage & cultural travel

• Biblically accurate, historically rich

• SEO-optimized for online bookings

• High emotional and spiritual engagement