Turkey – Birth of Christianity Tour 15 Nights 16 Days

Tour Overview

Discover where Christianity was born, shaped, and spread across the ancient world on this 16-day immersive pilgrimage through Turkey, the heartland of early Christian civilization. This carefully crafted journey traces the footsteps of St. Paul, St. Peter, and the early apostles, taking you through cities, churches, and sacred landscapes mentioned throughout the Bible and early Christian texts.

From imperial Istanbul to Antakya (Biblical Antioch), from Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, to the underground sanctuaries of Cappadocia, and onward to the Seven Churches of Revelation, this tour reveals the spiritual, historical, and cultural foundations of Christianity. Combined with breathtaking natural wonders and world-class archaeological sites, this journey offers a deeply meaningful and transformational experience for Christian travelers, pilgrimage groups, and faith-based explorers.

Highlights

• Istanbul’s Christian & Byzantine Heritage – Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and the crossroads of East and West

• Antakya (Antioch) – Where believers were first called “Christians”

• Tarsus – Birthplace of St. Paul

• Cappadocia – Rock-cut churches and underground cities of persecuted Christians

• Lystra & Konya – Key missionary stops of St. Paul

• Pisidian Antioch – Site of St. Paul’s first recorded sermon

• Aspendos – One of the world’s best-preserved Roman theaters

• Ephesus – City of St. John and the Virgin Mary

• Hierapolis & Laodicea – Home of St. Philip and a Church of Revelation

• Pergamum, Sardis, Thyatira & Philadelphia – The Seven Churches of Asia Minor

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Airport. Meet your professional guide and transfer to your hotel. Free time to relax after your journey.
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2 – Istanbul: Birthplace of Christian Empires

Full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Christian and imperial heritage:

• Hagia Sophia, the crown jewel of Byzantine Christianity

• Hippodrome of Constantinople

• Blue Mosque

• Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman Empire
  Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3 – Istanbul to Antakya (Biblical Antioch)

Flight to Hatay. Visit Antakya, one of the earliest Christian centers:

• St. Peter’s Grotto Church, where early believers worshipped

• Hatay Mosaic Museum, home to extraordinary early Christian mosaics
  Overnight in Antakya

Day 4 – Antakya to Tarsus

Travel to Tarsus, birthplace of St. Paul:

• St. Paul’s Well

• Roman Road

• Cleopatra’s Gate
  Continue through the ancient Cilician region.
  Overnight near Tarsus / Adana

Day 5 – Tarsus to Cappadocia

Journey north through Anatolia to Cappadocia, a refuge for early Christians. Enjoy scenic landscapes en route.
Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 6 – Cappadocia: Hidden Christianity

Full-day exploration:

• Göreme Open-Air Museum (rock-cut churches)

• Underground City (Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu)

• Monastic valleys and fairy chimneys
  Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 7 – Lystra & Konya

Visit Lystra, where St. Paul was stoned. Continue to Konya (Iconium), a major early Christian center.
Overnight in Konya

Day 8 – Konya to Antalya

Visit the Mevlana Mausoleum, symbol of spiritual devotion. Travel to the Mediterranean coast.
Overnight in Antalya

Day 9 – Perge – Aspendos – Side

• Perge, visited by St. Paul

• Aspendos Theatre, architectural masterpiece

• Side, ancient harbor city
  Overnight in Antalya

Day 10 – Pamukkale: Hierapolis & Laodicea

• Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches

• Hierapolis, site of St. Philip’s martyrdom

• Walk the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale
  Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 11 – Pamukkale to Pergamum

Travel north to Pergamum, home of one of the Seven Churches:

• Acropolis

• Asclepion healing center
  Overnight near Bergama

Day 12 – Sardis – Thyatira – Philadelphia

Visit:

• Sardis, capital of Lydia

• Thyatira, home of Lydia, the first European Christian

• Philadelphia, praised for faithfulness
  Overnight in Izmir region

Day 13 – Ephesus: Heart of Early Christianity

Full-day tour of Ephesus:

• Library of Celsus

• Great Theatre

• House of the Virgin Mary

• Basilica of St. John
  Overnight in Kuşadası

Day 14 – Kuşadası: Leisure & Reflection

Free day for personal reflection, prayer, or optional visits.
Overnight in Kuşadası

Day 15 – Kuşadası to Istanbul

Flight back to Istanbul. Farewell evening in the city.
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 16 – Departure

Transfer to the airport for international departure.
End of Services

What’s Included

✔ Accommodation (15 nights)
✔ Domestic flights
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
✔ Meals as specified
✔ Transportation
✔ Travel insurance
✔ Entrance fees

Excluded

✘ Additional services
✘ Personal expenses

Why Choose This Tour?

• One of the most comprehensive Christian tours in Turkey

• Covers Biblical cities, Seven Churches, and Apostolic routes

• Ideal for church groups, Christian travelers & pilgrimages

• Optimized for SEO & Google Ads performance

• Deep spiritual, historical, and cultural immersion