San Pablo Tour IV

Overview

Embark on a profound 13-day journey through the historical and spiritual heart of Turkey, tracing the footsteps of Saint Paul and exploring key landmarks of early Christianity, Roman heritage, and natural wonders. This immersive tour begins in the captivating city of Istanbul and continues across ancient cities such as Antioch, Tarsus, Perge, Ephesus, Laodicea, and Pamukkale, while also taking in remarkable sites like Göreme, Aspendos, and Troy. Along the way, experience the diverse beauty of Anatolia, from the travertine terraces of Pamukkale to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and from the Roman theaters of Aspendos to the lush landscapes of Bursa. Carefully curated for pilgrims, history lovers, and cultural explorers, this tour combines sacred tradition with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable archaeological wonders.

Highlights

  • Istanbul: Visit timeless landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, and the bustling Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market.
  • Antioch (Hatay): Discover the Grotto of Saint Peter, one of Christianity’s earliest churches, and the renowned Hatay Archaeological Museum filled with Roman mosaics.
  • Tarsus: Explore the birthplace of Saint Paul and see his well and church.
  • Cappadocia: Be amazed by rock-carved churches in Göreme, Uçhisar fortress, Pasabag’s mushroom-shaped formations, and underground cities once used by early Christians.
  • Konya & Yalvaç: Walk in the footsteps of Paul and Barnabas in cities with deep Jewish and Christian roots.
  • Antalya Region (Perge & Aspendos): Visit the first place Paul and Barnabas preached on Asia Minor soil; explore Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters.
  • Pamukkale & Hierapolis: Experience the surreal white terraces and visit the martyrdom site of Saint Philip.
  • Laodicea & Miletus: Stand among ruins of early Christian churches and philosophical schools linked to Thales and Paul’s missionary work.
  • Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary: Marvel at one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world and visit sacred Christian sites including the Third Ecumenical Council church.
  • Pergamon: Tour the dramatic mountaintop acropolis, the altar of Zeus, Red Basilica, and the healing center of Asclepion.
  • Troy & Alexandria Troas: Visit the legendary city of the Trojan War and the place where Paul received the vision to preach in Europe.
  • Bursa & Iznik (Nicea): Explore Ottoman heritage in Bursa and visit Iznik, the site of the First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD.

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 - 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; We arrive at the hotel in Adana Dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 :
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 05 :
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 06 :
Cappadocia - Konya - Yalvac - Pamukkale

Breakfast. Departure to Konya (İconium) Capital of the Great Seljuk Empire where Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas on their first missionary trip will visit this city. We continue to Antioch of Psidia (Yalvaç) where Paul gave his first known sermon in the Synagogue of Antioch on a Shabbat day. This city had a considerable population with an important Jewish community. Dinner and accommodation. Bequest to Pamukkale.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 :
Antalya - Perge - Aspendos

Departure for Perge. Perge, one of the most important Roman cities on the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor, was the first place where Paul set foot, along with Barnabas and Mark (the Evangelist). We will visit Aspendos, the Greco-Roman Theater, one of the best preserved theaters of the ancient Roman world. Continuing by the Archaeological Museum of Antalya, Dinner and Accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08 :
Antalya - Pamukkale

Breakfast. Pamukkale, a mountain covered by white calcareous deposits that form semicircular pools offer its unique landscape called Cotton Castle. The ancient city of Hierapolis; largest necropolis in Anatolia and the Matrium of St. Philip where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian accompany the passage of this visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09 :
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.

Day 10 :
Kusadasi - Ephesus - Izmir

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 façade 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 11 :
Izmir - Pergamon - Asos

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. Continuation to Istanbul, transfer to the planned hotel and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 :
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. Continuation to Istanbul, transfer to the planned hotel and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 :
İstanbul

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. Continuation to Istanbul, transfer to the planned hotel and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The Route of San Pablo 4

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

San Pablo Tour IV
  • Departures in English
  • Istanbul
  • Spring, Summer, Autumn
  • Istanbul > Antioch > Adana > Cappadocia > Antalya > Pamukkale > Kusadasi > Ephesus > Izmir > Pergamon > Asos > Troya > Istanbul
  • 12 Nights / 13 Days

Contact Us

    8 Days

    This 8-day "Blue (West) Turkey Tour" is a comprehensive circuit that immerses you in the historical grandeur and stunning coastal...

    View Details
    7 Days

    This 7-day tour offers the quintessential Egyptian experience, combining an in-depth exploration of Cairo's ancient wonders with a classic multi-day...

    View Details

    Mariposas Tour crafts personalized journeys that become unforgettable stories. Experience authentic, stress-free adventures expertly designed just for you. Start your next great story with us.

    © Copyright 2024.All Rights Reserved.