St. Paul's Missionary Journey in Türkiye - 17 Days/16 Nights

Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet the transfer assistant, and then transfer to the Istanbul hotel. After a short rest, you can explore Istanbul in your free time. We will hold a pre-meeting with our guide and provide information about our 17-day tour.
Accommodation in Istanbul.   

Meet your guide at the hotel at 08:30, and we’ll start the day's tour. 
Hagia Sophia: Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia Cathedral, built by Emperor Justinian between 532 and 537. St. Sophia is one of humanity's greatest shared treasures, known as the Church of Divine Wisdom.
Topkapi Palace served as the Ottoman Empire's administrative and legislative centre for over 400 years. Its magnificent craftsmanship, tile decoration, and vast garden are worth a visit. The Treasury houses the golden throne of the Sultans, weapons and clothes decorated with precious stones and diamonds, and the holy relics of the Prophet Muhammad.
Hagia Irene Church is the oldest church in Istanbul and the only church that has not been converted into a mosque.
Take a lunch break and continue our tour.

Hippodrome Square is where horse-chariot races and other events were held during the Byzantine Empire. Here, we can see the Serpent Column from Delphi in Greece, the Egyptian Obelisk, the German Fountain of Wilhelm ll, and the tombs of Ottoman sultans and princes.

Blue Mosque (extra Payment), also known as Sultanahmet Mosque, was built between 1609 and 1617 by Sedefkar Mehmet ağa, the Architect. It is best known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles, which lend the mosque its name.
Grand Bazaar, the world's oldest and largest covered bazaar, comprises 61 covered streets and is home to over 4000 shops. Its exotic and unique atmosphere makes it always bustling with locals and tourists.
Accommodation in Istanbul. (Breakfast )

Early Flight from Istanbul at approximately 06:00 – 18:00 am Arrive at Gaziantep. Upon early arrival in Gaziantep, visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the second-largest mosaic museum in the world. It displays mosaics, sculptures, and other artefacts from the ancient city of Zeugma (Belkıs). Magnificent floor and wall mosaics, statues, and ancient artefacts have been unearthed from the ancient city of Zeugma on the banks of the Euphrates River; the original of the world-famous Gypsy Girl Mosaic is exhibited here.
Lunch break in a local restaurant, experience the famous and delicious Gaziantep gastronomy with baklava.
Drive to Hatay via Iskenderun (200 Km) After a pleasant 3-hour journey, we arrive in Hatay.

Visit Saint Pierre Church, one of the oldest churches in Christianity, carved into the slope of Starius Mountain. This church is where the followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians. (Acts 11; 26). St. Peter built this church in Antakya, and together with St. Paul and Barnabas, they used Antioch as a centre for spreading Christianity. Thus, the church grew and became the third most important Episcopal see after Jerusalem and Rome.
Afterwards, visit the Hatay Mosaic Museum, which was damaged by the earthquake and houses the world's second-largest collection of classical and Roman mosaics.
Note: The great earthquake on February 6, 2023, destroyed Hatay province. You feel sorry for Hatay City and its miserable people. The state is rebuilding the whole city and houses.
Overnight in Hatay. (Breakfast - Dinner)

After breakfast, we continue our sacred journey from Hatay to Tarsus via sightseeing in Adana.  
Tarsus is an important pilgrimage site for Christians who follow in the footsteps of St. Paul. According to the Acts of the Apostles, Paul was born "Saul of Tarsus" but grew up in Jerusalem. He ultimately became the "Apostle Paul" after his encounter with Christ (Acts 9:11; 21:39; 22:3). Tarsus is a city where early Christian communities flourished and played a significant role in spreading the Gospel.
Visit the St. Paul Church, the St. Paul Well, and the ancient road used by St. Paul during his journeys and while he lived in Tarsus comprised an ancient basalt stone road that has endured to this day.
We have lunch in Tarsus and drive through to Cappadocia.
Arrive in Cappadocia via Pozantı and Niğde through the steep, verdant valleys of the Taurus Mountains and the vast Anatolian steppe landscapes.
Overnight in Cappadocia. (Breakfast - Dinner)

Note: For the Hot Air Balloon tour, book when you arrive in Turkey or before arrival. Last-minute bookings are more expensive.

Hot Air Balloon Tour (extra) 04:30 - 09:00 Experience the privilege of watching the magnificent sunrise view of Cappadocia in the sky in the Hot Air Balloon basket.  After breakfast, start the day tour at 10:00 am.
Cappadocia played a vital role in St. Paul’s missionary journeys, serving as a refuge for early Christians and a centre for spreading the Gospel. The frescoes in the Elmalı Church, Tokalı Church and Karanlık Church carved into the rocks of the early Christian period in Göreme are essential examples of the post-iconoclast period.
Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is home to fantastic monasteries and chapels, such as the Dark Church ( Extra), Apple Church, Snake Church, and Saint Barbara Church. Tokalı Church, you will see scenes and figures from the Old and New Testament on well-preserved frescos from the iconoclastic period.

Uçhisar Castle is situated on the highest hill of Cappadocia and is shaped by flowing volcanic lavas. From the Uçhisar viewpoint, you can see the outstanding natural beauty of Pigeon Valley and the pigeons' nests carved into the rocks.
Pasabagı Valley. ( Monks Valley ) Some of the mushroom-shaped rock formations here are several meters high. For many years, fairy chimneys shaped by erosion were used as houses by various religious groups, also known as the Monks Valley.
Avanos We will have lunch at a local restaurant in Avanos. Afterwards, we will visit the ceramic pottery atelier and observe the production process for famous ceramics and pottery.
Devrent Valley, also known as the Valley of Dreams, is famous for its rock formations resembling animal figures.
Overnight in Cappadocia. (Breakfast - Dinner)

After Breakfast, departure through Konya. First, visit Kaymakli underground city.
Kaymakli Underground City is one of Cappadocia’s most fascinating subterranean cities. Explore its tunnels, living quarters, storage rooms, and ventilation systems, which early Christians used for shelter. These underground cities in Cappadocia were used as defences against attacks from the Romans, Persians, and Arabs, as storehouses and living. 
In Aksaray province, visit Sultanhanı Caravanserai, built by the Seljuks in 1229 to accommodate the caravans travelling on the Silk Road.
Arrive in Konya and have a Lunch break in a local Restaurant test < Etli Ekmek and Okra Soup >
Konya, known as Iconium during antiquity, was visited a lot by Paul the Apostle and Barnabas as a part of their missionary efforts preaching the Gospel. According to Acts, they spoke boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace, enabling them to perform miracles (Acts 14:1-3).  Iconium was where Paul preached and encouraged believers during her first missionary journey (Acts 14: 1-6).
The Mevlana Museum houses the tomb of the great 13th-century Persian poet and founder of the Order of the Whirling Dervishes, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi. Popularly known as Rumi in Western countries, meaning “Roman” in Arabic, his followers and Muslims like to call him “Mevlana,” meaning “our master.”
 Afterwards, visit the ancient village of Sille, which has a history of 5000 years.
Sille village was one of the first centres of the Early Christian era and an important stopping point on the pilgrimage route between Istanbul and Jerusalem. We will visit the Church of Hagia Elena, built in 327 AD by Helena, the mother of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine.
Overnight in Konya ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast, visit Lystra (Klistra), 47 km away..
Lystra was a significant location in Saint Paul's life, where a mob stoned him during his first journey (Acts 14:6-19), and Timothy joined him during the second journey (Acts 16:1-3). Timothy was the son of the Jewish family that saved and cared for him in Lystra and Saint Theakla. He became one of Paul's distinguished companions and was later appointed Bishop of Ephesus. Most of the people of Lystra (Klistra) converted to the new faith preached by Saints Paul and Barnabas, who travelled through Anatolia (49-56 AD).
After a 2-hour 150 km journey, we arrive in Yalvaça. We had lunch in a local restaurant.
Pisidia is where almost the entire city came to hear Paul preach during his first missionary journey. (Acts 13:14-52).
The ancient city of Pisidia Antioch was once an important Roman colony that the Apostle Paul visited during his First Missionary Journey with Barnabas. It is where almost the entire town came to hear Paul preach during St. Paul's first missionary journey. (Acts 13:14-52). There are the ruins of the ancient Pisidia Aqueducts, Nymphaeum, Baths, Palestra, remains of the Theater, the Tiberius Area, the Propylon and the Augustus Temple, the Church and the Basilica.
We will visit the Yalvaç Archaeological Museum, where many artefacts unearthed during the archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Pisidia Antioch are exhibited. Then, we will continue our journey via Lake Eğridir to Antalya.
Overnight  in Antalya ( Breakfast – Dinner )

We will begin our tour with the sights of Antalya, a city home to numerous civilisations for thousands of years, owing to its mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful sea, and stunning geography. St. Paul came to Antalya on his first missionary journey.
Perge: We will visit the archaeological site of Perge, a principal city of Pamphylia that was visited twice by Paul the Apostle and his companion St. Barnabas (Acts 13:13–14 and 14:25). Saint Paul, Barnabas, and his cousin John Mark arrived in Perge during their first missionary journey in AD 47 or 48 (Acts 13:13, 14:25). Here, we will explore Perge’s extensive ruins, which include a well-preserved theatre, the Agora, Roman baths, a collonaded street, a grand gymnasium, the necropolis, a memorial fountain, and the Greek and Roman gates. 
Aspendos: We will visit the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos to view its well-preserved theatre. Today, concerts and art events are still held in this magnificent venue.
Lunch break at a local restaurant serving Mediterranean flavours. Afterwards, visit Antalya Old City and Kaleiçi.
Hadrian's Gate is one of the most striking Roman structures. It has three gates: the Antalya Clock Tower and the Fluted Minaret. Ottoman-style mansions and buildings in the narrow streets of the historical Kaleiçi district surround the ancient port. Take a boat tour of the Ancient Port, and enjoy the Duden waterfall and city views as you cruise the Antalya coast.
Overnight in Antalya.  ( Breakfast – Dinner )

We will set off for Pamukkale early in the morning. En route, we will visit the sacred site of Colossae. This site holds significant importance in Christian history as Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians was addressed to a church here.
St. Paul was residing in Ephesus when he sent the letter to Colossae (Acts 19:10). Paul had not visited Colossae at the time of writing his epistle, and it is likely that the gospel was preached by Paul’s companion, Epaphras, who hailed from Colossae (Col. 1:7; 4:12-13).
After visiting Colossae, we will proceed to the ancient city of Laodicea,
Laodicea is another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 3:14; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16]. The Christians of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches (Rev. 3:14-22), were reprimanded for being lukewarm, "You are neither cold nor hot" (Rev. 3:15), and for being too comfortable in blending pagan and Christian beliefs. In the well-known scripture from Revelation (3:20-21), Jesus appeals to the Laodicean Church: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock..."
Upon our arrival in Pamukkale, we will have lunch at a restaurant.
Hierapolis, visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. We will explore the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, Frentirus Gate, the Temple of Apollo, the Necropolis, and Pamukkale Theatre, stroll around the grave monuments honouring heroes, and visit the museum.
Pamukkale: We will conclude our day with a leisurely walk on the travertine terraces formed by the flow of thermal waters. The thermal waters release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, leaving the white calcium carbonate behind. The entrance to the Kleopatra thermal pool is an extra payment. 
Overnight in a Thermal hotel in Pamukkale.  ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast, we continued our journey to Philadelphia, nowadays called Alaşehir,
Philadelphia Church is one of the Seven Holy Churches called the "Faithful Church" in the Bible (Rev. 3:7-13). Home to one of the Christian communities, Philadelphia is famous for its enduring, persistent and faithful historical and cultural significance. The biblical reference speaks to the congregation's unwavering commitment to their faith.
Sardes,  known today as Salihli, was the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, where the first money was found, and has a rich history.
Sardes Church is one of the Seven Churches referred to in the Bible as “The Dead Church” (Rev 3:1-6).  The biblical reference highlights the challenges faced by the early Christians, highlighting the need for revival and spiritual awakening within the congregation. As you tour the archaeological ruins of Sardis, you will gain new insight into the spiritual lessons conveyed in the book of Revelation.

Visit the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele, which was converted into a Byzantine Church, Sardis Gymnasium, and the reconstructed Synagogue. Have a lunch break at a local restaurant en route. And Arrive at Izmir. En route, have. Arrive in
Izmir: With a history of over 3,000 years, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey and the third largest city in Turkey. It is known for its industrial and agricultural income, mild Aegean climate, and friendly people with a modern secular lifestyle.
Smyrna is the second city of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation to receive the message from St. John, which was that of Smyrna. (Rev. 1:11;2:8), and known in the Bible as “The Persecuted Church” (Rev 2:8-11), mentioned as one of the Seven Churches in Asia Minor in the Book of Revelation. Afterwards, we will visit the oldest church of Izmir, the Saint Polycarp Church, the bishop of Smyrna and a student of St. John, who was martyred here in the 2nd century.
We will see what remains of the Agora, the ancient marketplace built in the 4th century B.C.
End of the tour. You may enjoy Kordonboyu and some Izmir sights and streets during the night. 
Overnight in Izmir. (Breakfast)

After breakfast, arrive at ancient Ephesus 20 km from Kusadasi.
Ephesus is a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Roma cities today. We will walk through history along the marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, including the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theatre, which has a capacity of 25,000.
The House of the Virgin Mary: This small, modest stone house is located in the forest on the side of a mountain 9 km from Ephesus. Christian pilgrims from all over the world visit it. St. John brought Mary to Ephesus, following Jesus Christ's advice to his mother (John 19:27).
Ephesus Church is Highlighted as “The Loveless Church” (Rev 2:1-7) in the Book of Revelation It is thought that the Gospel of John was written here. Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years.
We will have a lunch break at a selected local restaurant. Afterwards,
Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Saint John Church is the resting place of St. John the Evangelist. Houses the tomb of St. John under the central dome.  St. John, author of the Fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelation, was one of Christ's closest disciples. He wrote his Bible in Ephesus in 96 AD and the Book of Revelation on the Greek island of Patmos.
Sirince village is famous for its 300-year-old houses, history, beautiful scenery, handmade local fruit wines and delicious food.
At the end of the tour, after a shopping break for souvenirs and a Fashion Show in a Leather Fabric Outlet Center.   
Overnight in Izmir or Kusadasi or Izmir  (Breakfast –Dinner)

Thyatira, Pergamon, Ayvalik ( 360 Km)

After breakfast, we will set off for Akhisar (approx. 100 km). Upon arrival, we will visit the Church of Thyatira,
Thyatira Church, one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor [Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24; Acts 16:14]. Paul's sermons in Philippi, Macedonia, mention Akhisar (Thyatira) and the church there. He describes Thyatira as the hometown of a wealthy purple dye merchant named Lydia, who worshipped God (Acts 16:14).
Afterwards, we will drive to Pergamon (Bergama) and have lunch at a local restaurant.
Pergamon is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site; visit the Acropolis of Pergamon, which is perched atop a 1,000-foot windswept mountain, and the Theatre of Pergamon, the steepest theatre of the ancient world. Revelation 2:12-16 describes the city as “The Seat of Satan," referring to the altar of Zeus, where we will take a moment to reflect on the fulfilment of Scripture. According to the passage, the church in Pergamon (2:12-17) existed where Satan had his throne. The Asklepion (extra), the renowned antiquity medical centre.
The Red Basilica in Pergamon is a Marvel of Ancient Architecture located in Bergama's centre. It is one of the most striking landmarks in Pergamon, Turkey. Originally built as a massive Roman temple dedicated to Egyptian gods, it became one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, symbolising its transformation into an early Christian site.
This concludes our tour. We will then drive to Ayvalik and check into our hotel.
Overnight in Ayvalik or Altinoluk   (Breakfast –Dinner)

After breakfast, we will visit ancient Assos, one of the significant settlements of the Ancient Age, founded in Behramkale Village (3000-1200 BC). The Temple of Athena, built on a hill, offers a magnificent view and mystical atmosphere. On the last leg of his third missionary journey, St. Paul travelled from Alexandria Troas to Assos (Acts 20:5-6, 13-14) and met his companions advancing by sea. St. Paul and his companions set sail from the port of Assos to the island of Lesbos on their way to Jerusalem.
Then, we continue our exploration of the other ancient city, Alexandria Troas.
Alexandria Troas is located in the Dalyan village of the Ezine district of Çanakkale. The city was founded in 310 BC in the name of Alexander the Great. Inhabitants of Gargara, Hamaxitus, Neandria, Kolonai, Larisa, Kebren and Skepsis settled here. Alexandria Troas is mentioned several times in the Bible and is significant in Christian history because St. Paul spent time in Troas during his second missionary journey to Macedonia (Acts 16:9). St. Luke also joined St. Paul in Troas and accompanied him for the rest of his mission. St. Paul preached extensive sermons in Alexandria Troas during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:6-10). There are other biblical references to Troas in 2 Corinthians 2:12 and 2 Timothy 4:13. Alexandria Troas remains a titular diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.
Our next stop is Troia.  We have a Lunch break on the road.
Troy is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is 27 km away from Çanakkale. We will visit the real-life location of the legendary Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad. Visit the Troy Museum, ancient ruins, and city walls, where the legendary iconic wooden Horse and modern and rich ancient artefacts are exhibited.
Overnight in Canakkale. ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast in Canakkale, we set off for Bursa (280 km / 4 hrs), where we will arrive and begin our tour of the Ottoman Empire's first capital and the fourth-most populous city in Turkey. The Old Silk Bazaar (Koza Han) and the Green Mosque will be our first stops. 
We will have a lunch break at the famous Iskender Kebap in Bursa. Arrive and explore beautiful Nicea.
Nicaea (Iznik) is one of the most important cities in Christian history. It has hosted two major Ecumenical Councils.
The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) was convened by the Roman Emperor Constantine I and addressed the issue of Jesus's divinity. This council officially accepted the belief in the Trinity (the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) and formed the cornerstones of the Christian faith.

The Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD) was convened in the Hagia Sophia Church. It ended the debates on using icons (religious images), becoming the last significant compromise between the Orthodox and Catholic worlds. This decision ended the debates on iconoclasm (iconoclasm) and accepted the use of religious images in churches.
Visit Nicea Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century and used as an important religious centre during Byzantine. The Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD) was convened here.
Today, Iznik is a unique destination where Christian, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage are intertwined, offering Christian visitors an unforgettable journey with its historical depth.
After the Iznik tour, we will depart for Istanbul (approximately 140 km).
Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast)

Today, discover Istanbul's natural beauty and historical heritage, home to ancient religions.
Egypt Bazaar: The Ottomans established the Egypt Bazaar, Istanbul's second-largest covered market. A mystical oriental atmosphere surrounds visitors, filled with aromatic spices and freshly roasted coffee. In this ancient market, you can purchase a variety of spices, Turkish sweets, and small souvenirs showcasing goods from the Silk Road.
We will visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, one of the best examples of Ottoman Architecture. We'll then embark on the boat at Golden Horn Pier.
The Bosphorus Cruise is the finest way to experience Istanbul. Embarked on an enchanting journey along the strait dividing Europe from Asia. As the boat sails through the iconic waterway, you will see Istanbul's most renowned landmarks, such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, the historic wooden mansions, the Rumeli Fortress, and the magnificent Bosphorus Bridge.
Lunch break at a fish restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus. Then, visit the Balat neighbourhood, where history and colours meet.

Balat is one of the oldest and most colourful neighbourhoods in Istanbul. Its historic churches, mosques, and lively streets offer visitors a unique atmosphere. The Fener Greek Patriarchate, the Mongol Virgin Mary Church, the Ahrida Synagogue, and the Kariye Church reflect the neighbourhood's religious and cultural diversity. While the colourful historic houses on the narrow streets offer perfect photo frames, the friendly tradesmen and locals add a warm spirit to this neighbourhood

Kariye Museum (Chora Church) was built in 530 by the Byzantine emperor Justinian. It contains 14th-century mosaics and frescoes of great artistic value.
Visit St. George Church, the Greek Patriarchate of Fener, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople seat.

Saint George's Church and Fener Greek Patriarchate are the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople bears the "Primus inter Pares" (First of the Equals) and is regarded as the representative and religious leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.
Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast )

After a long and regular journey, experience Istanbul freely today. Have fun, shop, and taste local flavours. Upon request, we can organise a private sunset yacht cruise on the Bosphorus (Extra) or another optional event.
BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE
Menu: Grill fish or meatballs or chicken, cold and hot appetisers, 
Beverages.; Unlimited soft and alcoholic ( Raki, Beer, Wine, vodka)
Program: Music, Folklore performance, Whirling Dervishes show, Traditional wedding ceremony, Oriental belly dancer Show, and more.
Transfer: Return transfer from the hotel. 19:30 – 24:00
Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast )

Free time until your flight time. Private transfer to Istanbul Airport for flight to your country.  Hope to see you another Turkey holiday. (Breakfast)