San Pablo Tour II

Overview

Embark on a 12-day cultural and historical journey across Turkey, where East meets West. Starting in the vibrant city of Istanbul, this guided tour leads you through iconic religious and ancient sites, UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the cosmopolitan charm of Istanbul to the biblical heritage of Antioch, the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, the sacred hot springs of Pamukkale, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus, this route offers an unforgettable immersion into Turkey’s diverse history and beauty. Experience local traditions, Ottoman and Roman legacies, and Christian milestones—all woven into one rich itinerary that spans thousands of years. The journey concludes back in Istanbul, full of colorful memories, spiritual inspiration, and cultural marvels.

Highlights

  • Istanbul: Explore the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar – a vibrant start in a city that bridges two continents.
  • Antioch & Adana: Visit the Grotto of Saint Peter and Hatay Mosaic Museum, tracing early Christian footsteps.
  • Tarsus: Discover the birthplace of Saint Paul and visit the well and church dedicated to him.
  • Cappadocia: Witness the fairy chimneys, underground cities, rock-carved churches in Göreme, and the artistic pottery town of Avanos.
  • Konya & Yalvac: Follow in the path of Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas in the Seljuk capital and the historic Antioch of Pisidia.
  • Pamukkale: Walk on the dazzling white travertines of the "Cotton Castle" and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and the martyrdom of Saint Philip.
  • Laodicea & Miletus: Visit two of the early Christian sites with Roman ruins and philosophical heritage.
  • Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary: Tour the best-preserved Roman city in Asia Minor, walk along the marble streets, and stand where the Third Ecumenical Council was held.
  • Pergamon: Climb to the dramatic acropolis, home to the steepest ancient theater and the altar of Zeus.
  • Troy: Walk the legendary site of Homer’s epics and see the symbolic Trojan Horse.
  • Alexandria Troas: Visit the city where Saint Paul had his vision to preach Christianity in Europe.

Itinerary

Day 01 :
Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul and assistance at the airport. Transfer to the chosen hotel and accommodation.

Day 02 :
Istanbul

Breakfast. Full day tour of the city. In the morning we will visit the Saintta Sophia, Istanbul's most identifying monument, one of the most appreciated and beautiful architectural wonders; in addition to being one of the largest churches in the world. Then we will visit the Topkapi Palace, where the sultans lived between 1478 and 1856. Topkapi is not a unique structure, but an organic monumental complex made up of various kiosks, gardens and areas spread over the neighborhood of the historic center of the city of Istanbul to the tip of the Golden Horn. We continue towards the Blue Mosque; admired for its six tall minarets and terraced domes that rise in the center of the building; you will see that the architect achieved his objective; perfection with this impressive piece of architecture. Lunch. In the afternoon visit to the Roman Hippodrome (Seventh Severe period). It was the place where chariot races and circuses served as entertainment for the inhabitants of Constantinople for over a thouSaintd years. We will end the day in the covered market Grand Bazaar where they will enjoy free time. Hotel moving and lodging.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 03 :
Istanbul

Breakfast and departure for the full day excursion. Visit to the Church of Saint Salvador in Cora; one of the Byzantine churches with fine mosaics and frescoes inside. The church was converted into the Kariye Museum (Cora, Chora). Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, magnificent work of the notable architect Sinan. Visit the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate. Lunch. In the afternoon; We visit the Egyptian Bazaar (Species Market), followed by a visit to the Istiklal pedestrian street and the possibility of attending mass in the Church of Saint Antonio. Return to the hotel an accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 04 :
Istanbul - Antioch - Adana

Breakfast. We will leave the hotel towards the airport to take the flight to Antioch. We will visit La Gruta de Saint Pedro. Lunch. Continuation and visit to the Museum of Hatay itself, it contains a rich collection of Roman mosaics. Arrival at the hotel in Adana. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 :
Adana - Tarsus - Cappadocia

Breakfast. Departure for Tarsus, the city where Saint Paul was born. We will visit the Church of Saint Pablo and the Poso de Saint Pablo. Lunch. We will continue to Cappadocia, land of the Fairy Chimneys; arrival and transfer to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

Day 06 :
Cappadocia

After breakfast; full day excursion. Visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum where we will see some churches built on the rocks that offer frescoes in their interiors. Visit to the troglodyte town of Uçhisar. Continuation to the Los Palomares Valley. Visit to Pasabag (Valley of the Monks) which is also known as the Mushroom-shaped Fairy Chimneys. We will continue to the town of Avanos potters. Lunch. In the afternoon; We will visit an underground city with several levels of depth used by the first Christians as a refuge against enemies during the 6th and 7th centuries. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

Day 07 :
Cappadocia - Konya - Yalvac - Pamukkale

Breakfast. Departure for Konya (iconium). Konya Capital of the Great Seljuk Empire; visited by Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Lunch. We continue to Antioch of Psidia (Yalvaç). This city had a considerable population and had an important Jewish colony. Paul gave his first known sermon in the Antioch Synagogue on Shabbat. Arrival in Pamukkale, dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

Day 08 :
Pamukkale - Laodicea - Mileto - Kusadasi

Breakfast. Pamukkale, a mountain covered by white calcareous deposits forming semicircular pools, offers a unique landscape called Cotton Castle. The ancient city of Hierapolis is located on this site. We visit the theater, the largest necropolis in Anatolia. We will also see the Matrium of Saint Felipe. The apostle Philip was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. We continue with the visit of Laodicea. This city had one of the seven churches of the Apocalypsis. We will visit the Roman ruins. Lunch We will continue to Miletus. Miletus was recognized as the school of philosophy where the great philosopher Thales lived. It was also here that Saint Paul delivered his farewell speech to the Ephesians. Arrival in Kusadası, Dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

Day 09 :
Kusadasi - Izmir - Ephesus

Breakfast. Departure to Ephesus, the best preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, which during the 1st and 2nd centuries had a population of 250,000 inhabitants and monopolized the wealth of the Middle East. We will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the Hadrian Temple, the Roman Baths, the Library of Celsus whose facade is still standing and the Odeon, an impressive theater that had capacity for 24,500 spectators. In Ephesus we will also visit The Church of the Virgin Mary where the Third Ecumenical Council in the year 431. Lunch. Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, supposedly the last resting place of the Mother of Jesus. Transfer to Izmir, hotel, dinner and accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

Day 10 :
Izmir - Pergamon - Asos (Or Edremit)

Breakfast. Departure to Pergamon, one of the richest cities in the Ancient Roman province of Asia and the place where the parchment first emerged, in turn; one of The Seven Churches of The Apocalypse. The ruins of the Acropolis are located on top of a mountain that is in the center of the current city of Bergama. At the Acropolis, we will visit the steepest theater in the world, the Temple of Trajan, the Temple of Athena and the Altar of Zeus. Lunch. We will continue to the Red Basilica, temple for the Egyptian gods; later converted into a basilica by the Byzantines. Galen, the most famous doctor of antiquity was born in Pergamon; We will visit the ruins of the hospital of him the Asclepion and we will continue towards Asos (or Edremit). Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 :
Asos (Or Edremit) - Alexandria Troas - Troya - Istanbul

Breakfast. Departure for Alexandria Troas (Alexandria de Troade) where Saint Paul spent several months during his second trip, being here where he had the dream that prompted him to go to Macedonia and start the First Preaching of Christianity in European lands. After the visit of Alexandria Troas we will continue to Troy, the well-known and ancient city in Homer's Iliad and The Trojan War. Summarize this visit The Trojan Horse along with its history. Hotel planned plus accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 :
İstanbul

Breakfast and transfer to the airport to take the return flight
Meals: Breakfast.

The Route of San Pablo 2

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San Pablo Tour II
  • Departures in English
  • Istanbul
  • Spring, Summer, Autumn
  • Istanbul > Antioch > Adana > Cappadocia > Pamukkale > Kusadasi > Ephesus > Izmir > Asos > Pergamon > Troya > Istanbul
  • 11 Nights / 12 Days

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