According to the Acts of the Apostles, Paul made three separate missionary journeys and a journey to Rome. The biblical narrative ends there, but tradition has it that he was martyred in Rome around 67 AD. On the other hand, it is also possible that he was released in Rome following his appeal, and continued his missionary work in various places. Fortunately for modern travelers interested in biblical sites, Paul traveled in some of the most beautiful places around the Mediterranean this tour package will give you opportunity of explore the footsteps of St Paul in Turkey.
DAY 1 Saturday ISTANBUL : When you arrive in Istanbul international airport our coach will meet you and transfer to hotel, overnight stay in Istanbul. (D)
DAY 2 Sunday ISTANBUL - ADANA : After breakfast we discover highlight of Istanbul; we visit Topkapi palace. Then we visit hippodrome. Other stop is the Blue Mosque is one of the most prominent landmarks of Istanbul. After lunch we visit Hagia Sophia museum. End of the tour we drive to the airport and flight to Adana for overnight stay in. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 Monday ADANA - ANTIOCH : After breakfast we depart for Antakya (Antioch on the Orontes) this is where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians (Acts 11; 26). Then we visit St. Peters Grotto and the fabulous mosaic museum. After lunch drive to Adana for overnight stay in. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 Thuesday ADANA - TARSUS - CAPPADOCIA : After breakfast we depart for Tarsus where Paul was born, a very little remind in Tarsus today of the city where Paul lived, seeing St. Paul and Cleopatra arch. Continue to Cappadocia. We have lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 Wednesday CAPPADOCIA : We remain in Cappadocia to visit Goreme open air museum, churches and frescoes, after lunch visit Uchisar castle, Pasabag valley, Pigeon valley and onwards to Avanos. (in the evening Turkish Night as optional). (B, L, D)
DAY 6 Thursday CAPPADOCIA - KONYA : After breakfast we depart for Konya. We visit en route Kaymakli and its underground city, Ihlara valley and Sultanhan caravanserai. We have dinner at hotel in Konya and overnight stay in. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 Friday KONYA - ANTIOCH - ANTALYA : After breakfast early morning we have sightseeing of Konya the ancient Iconium. They had to flee, though not much of the city from Pauls time is left. Konya is still spiritually important as the centre of the Whirling Dervishes who preach friendship, tolerance and divine love. Visit the monuments of this mystic order. After lunch drive to Antioch of Pisidia where St. Paul preached his first recorded sermon and was expelled from the city. Visit the ruins of the two Basilicas. Drive to Antalya (Attalia) for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 Saturday ANTALYA - PERGE - ASPENDOS - ANTALYA : After breakfast we depart for Perge and Aspendos where Paul and Barnabas stopped over on their way to and from Antioch. After lunch we return to Antalya for dinner and overnight stay in. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 Sunday ANTALYA - COLOSSAE - Laodicea - PAMUKKALE : After breakfast in the morning we depart for Colossae (Famous is St. Pauls letter to the Colossians) to visit the Byzantine wall and some remaining ruins. After lunch continue to Laodicea one of the Seven Churches, visit the Odeon, the theatre and gymnasium, continue to Pamukkale (Hierapolis) for dinner and overnight stay in. (B, L, D)
DAY 10 Monday HIERAPOLIS - PHILADELPHIA - SARDIS - THYATIRA - KUSADASI : After breakfast, we visit Hierapolis with its Necropolis, baths, theatre. Continue to Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, then continue to Thyatira, After lunch we continue to Sardis capital of ancient Lydia, visit the temple of Artemis and Diana (which became a Church), the Synagogue and the Gymnasium. The position of Sardis as one of the Seven Churches identify its varied religious significance. Drive to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight stay in. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 Thuesday KUSADASI - EPHESUS - MILETUS - KUSADASI : After breakfast we visit Ephesus (Theatre where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, Library, Odeon, Double Church where the Third Ecumenical Council was held in 431 and the Marble Road). Then we visit the House of Virgin Mary and St. Johns Basilica. After lunch we will continue to Miletus, one of the principal Ionian cities and home of Thales which was twice visited by St. Paul. We return to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight stay in. (B, L, D)
DAY 12 Wednesday KUSADASI - IZMIR - PERGAMON - ASSOS - ALEXANDRA TROAS : After breakfast, we depart for Izmir, we have a short city tour of Izmir the ancient Smyrna and one of the oldest continued inhabited church of the revelation visiting mount Pagus where Polycarp was martyred. Then we continue to Pergamon to see Acropolis; John denounced it as throne of Satan in his reference to Pergamon church members. After lunch, We will proceed to Alexandra troas Via Asos. Alexandria Troas was a busy port situated on the north-west coast of Asia Minor. Recent excavations revealed a dozen different cities covering 3000 years of human occupation. During his stay in Troas, St. Paul had a dream in which he saw a vision of a man asking him to "Come over to Macedonia and help us" after which he decided to go to Europe. All in all, he stopped and preached here 3 time We drive to Canakkale for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
DAY 13 Thursday Canakkale /Troy/Alexandroupoli (Dedeagac ) / Kavala : Early departure to visit the legendary city of Troy, cross the Dardenelles straits by car-ferry , drive through Gallipoli and proceed to Istanbul Overnight Stay in Istanbul
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
4* Accomodation, B Breakfast L lunch D dinner as indicated in the tour schedule,
Tours in Turkey and Greece (throughout the cruise excursions are not included)
Ground transportation officical english speaking tour guide.
Cruise From Kusadasi to Athens entrance fees.
TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDES :
Air transportation.
Passport and visa fees.
Tips to local drivers and guides.
Meals other than the included ones.
Drinks and beverages.
Travel and Medical Health Insurance.
Any other item not specifically mentioned as being included
The cost of the tour is 2350 USD per person
