The Route of Saint Paul IV with the Seven Churches (Istanbul-Adana-Tarsus-Cappadocia-Konya-Antalya-Pamukkale-Ephesus-Izmir-Troy)
Tour Type
Religious Tours
Group Size
15 persons
Location
Ephesus - Izmir
Overview
This 14-day journey follows in the footsteps of St. Paul and the Seven Churches of Revelation through Turkey's most sacred and historic landscapes. From St. Peter's Cave in Antioch to the ruins of Ephesus, Pergamum, and Troy, this tour offers a profound blend of biblical history, archaeological wonders, and spiritual reflection. Designed for pilgrims, scholars, and curious travelers, it is a journey through scripture, civilization, and culture. Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar Antioch and Adana: Cave of St. Peter, Hatay Museum Tarsus: Church and Well of St. Paul Cappadocia: Göreme, Avanos, Underground City Konya and Yalvaç: Pisidian Antioch Antalya Region: Perge, Aspendos, Archaeological Museum Pamukkale and Hierapolis: Martyrdom of St. Philip Seven Churches: Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Ephesus, Pergamum, Izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary: Apostolic Legation Troy and Alexandria: Missionary Vision and Mythical History
Included/Excluded
Domestic Flight (Istanbul → Antioch)
Airport Transfers
Professional English-Speaking Guide
Private Air-Conditioned Transport
13 Breakfasts,13 Dinners
13 Nights Hotel Accommodation
International Flights
Turkey Entry Visa
Personal Expenses
Optional Tours, Personal Expenses, Tips
All Lunches
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy some free time to relax or stroll through the brightly lit streets of this vibrant city.
Day 2
ISTANBUL HISTORIC PENINSULA TOUR
Day 2
ISTANBUL HISTORIC PENINSULA TOUR
After breakfast, we begin a full-day exploration of Istanbul's Historic Peninsula. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the elegant Blue Mosque, and the ancient Hippodrome Square. In the afternoon, discover the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, once home to the Ottoman sultans, before enjoying free time in the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Day 3
ISTANBUL / ANTIOCH / ADANA
Day 3
ISTANBUL / ANTIOCH / ADANA
Early morning flight to Antioch (Antakya). Visit the Church of St. Peter's Grotto, one of the earliest Christian places of worship, and explore the renowned Hatay Archaeological Museum, famous for its exquisite mosaics. Continue to Adana for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4
ADANA / TARSUS / KAPADOKYA
Day 4
ADANA / TARSUS / KAPADOKYA
Early morning flight to Antioch (Antakya). Visit the Church of St. Peter's Grotto, one of the earliest Christian places of worship, and explore the renowned Hatay Archaeological Museum, famous for its exquisite mosaics. Continue to Adana for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5
The Mystical Beauty of Cappadocia
Day 5
The Mystical Beauty of Cappadocia
A magical day in Cappadocia awaits. Enjoy an optional early morning hot air balloon flight over the fairy chimneys. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, explore the pottery workshops in Avanos, and discover the hidden passageways of the underground city of Kaymakli, a refuge for early Christians.
Day 6
CAPPADOCIA / KONYA / YALVAÇ / ANTALYA
Day 6
CAPPADOCIA / KONYA / YALVAÇ / ANTALYA
Early departure for Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, a center of Sufi philosophy. Continue to Pisidian Antioch in Yalvaç, where St. Paul once preached. Explore its ancient ruins before heading to the Mediterranean city of Antalya for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7
ANTALYA AND ITS ANCIENT CITIES
Day 7
ANTALYA AND ITS ANCIENT CITIES
Today's excursion explores the ancient cities of the Antalya region. Visit Perge, an important stop on St. Paul's missionary route, continue to the impressive Aspendos Theatre, and end at the Antalya Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
Day 8
ANTALYA / LAODICEA / PAMUKKALE
Day 8
ANTALYA / LAODICEA / PAMUKKALE
Drive to Pamukkale to visit ancient Hierapolis and the Martyrdom of St. Philip. Continue to Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. End the day with dinner overlooking the famous white travertine terraces.
Day 9
PAMUKKALE / PHILADELPHIA / SARDENS / IZMIR
Day 9
PAMUKKALE / PHILADELPHIA / SARDENS / IZMIR
Visit Philadelphia and Sardis, two of the Seven Churches. Explore the Temple of Artemis and the ancient synagogue before heading to Izmir for the night.
Day 10
IZMIR → THIATIRA → MILETO → KUŞADASI
Day 10
IZMIR → THIATIRA → MILETO → KUŞADASI
After breakfast at the hotel, depart Izmir for the ancient region of Thyatira (near Akhisar), where you will explore early church remains and traces of the historic marketplace. Continue toward the Aegean coast to visit Miletus, seeing its agora, ancient harbor, and sites linked to classical thinkers. Arrive in Kuşadası in the evening, check into the hotel and enjoy free time; An evening seaside walk is recommended. Overnight in Kuşadası.
Day 11
KUŞADASI → EPHESUS → HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY → IZMIR
Day 11
KUŞADASI → EPHESUS → HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY → IZMIR
After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Izmir for the ancient region of Thyatira (near Akhisar), where you will explore the remains of the early church and traces of the historic market. Continue to the Aegean coast to visit Miletus, seeing its agora, the ancient port, and sites associated with classical thinkers. Arrive in Kuşadası in the evening, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time; an evening stroll along the seafront is recommended. Overnight in Kuşadası.
Day 12
IZMIR → PERGAMO → ASOS / EDREMIT
Day 12
IZMIR → PERGAMO → ASOS / EDREMIT
After breakfast, travel to Pergamon to explore the Acropolis, the Red Basilica, and the altar remains, learning about the site's role as an ancient center of healing and religion. In the afternoon, continue to Asos or Edremit; stroll through the ancient harbor and visit the Temple of Athena while enjoying sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Free afternoon at the hotel. Overnight in Asos/Edremit.
Day 13
ASOS → ALEXANDRIA TROAS → TROY → ISTANBUL
Day 13
ASOS → ALEXANDRIA TROAS → TROY → ISTANBUL
Begin your day with a coastal stroll and panoramic tour of Asos. Continue to Alexandria Troas, a strategic port on early Christian routes with links to Paul's missionary journeys. In the afternoon, visit the legendary city of Troy, follow the mythical trails, and stop for photos by the Trojan Horse. In the evening, transfer back to Istanbul; upon arrival, check into your hotel for the night.
Day 14
EXIT FROM ISTANBUL
Day 14
EXIT FROM ISTANBUL
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Your 14-day spiritual and cultural journey comes to an end; return home with new memories and perspectives. Have a safe trip.
Days of Vacation
10-15 days
FAQs
This is a 14-day journey; is the pace suitable for senior travelers or those seeking a spiritual retreat?
While the tour covers a vast geography from Antioch to Istanbul, we have designed the itinerary with a "balanced pilgrimage" approach. We use high-end, comfortable VIP vehicles for all long-distance travels and ensure regular breaks. The schedule allows for both intensive archaeological exploration and moments of quiet, spiritual reflection at sacred sites like the House of the Virgin Mary and St. Paul’s Well.
How does this tour connect the life of St. Paul with the Seven Churches of Revelation?
This is a complete biblical odyssey. We begin with St. Paul’s origins in Tarsus and his early ministry in Antioch, then follow his missionary journeys through Pisidian Antioch and Ephesus. The tour seamlessly transitions into the Seven Churches of Revelation in the Aegean region, providing a chronological and theological narrative that brings the New Testament to life.
Will we have access to expert guides who can explain both the biblical and archaeological context?
Yes. Our guides are specially licensed experts in Biblical Archaeology and Church History. They don't just show you the ruins; they explain the historical culture of the first-century Roman world, the challenges faced by the early Church, and the specific scriptural references for each location, from the Cave of St. Peter to the Martyrdom of St. Philip.
What should I pack for such a diverse route that covers both coastal regions and Central Anatolia?
Since the tour moves from the Mediterranean coast to the high plains of Cappadocia and the Aegean, weather can vary. We recommend "modest layers." You’ll need comfortable walking shoes for ancient cobblestones (especially in Ephesus and Troy) and modest attire for visits to active religious sites and mosques in Istanbul and Konya.
Are entrance fees to major sites like Hagia Sophia, Ephesus, and the Hatay Museum included?
Our "Pilgrim & Scholar" packages are typically all-inclusive regarding museum and site entries to ensure a seamless experience. This allows you to bypass long ticket lines at iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia or the House of the Virgin Mary, giving you more time for teaching and reflection at each site.
Tour Location
38%
from
3.250 €
1.990 €
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