St Paul in Asia Minor (17 Days - 16 Nights)

Your journey begins as you settle in for a comfortable, overnight ,flight.

Upon arriving at Istanbul’s Airport, you will be transferred to a flight bound for Ankara. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. After lunch, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Return to the hotel in Ankara for dinner then overnight stay. B & D

In the morning, depart for Cappadocia by traveling alongside of Salt Lake. Lunch will be en route. In the afternoon, visit the unique valley of Goreme. Proceed to the hotel in Cappadocia for dinner and overnight. B & D

After breakfast, take a panoramic tour of Cappadocia, including the unique troglodyte villages of Zelve and Uchisar. After lunch, proceed to Adana via the village of Nigde. Upon arrival in Adana, enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. B & D

Begin the day with a morning departure for Antakya (Antioch). While in Antakya, enjoy lunch, then visit the Grotto of St. Peter and the famous Mosaic Museum. Next stop, the ancient city of Seleucia on Piera. When returning to Adana, visit the Crusader’s Castle and the ruined city of Issus. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Adana. B & D

After breakfast, prepare for the voyage to Konya. On the way visit Tarsus, the birth place of St. Paul. Next, visit the ancient cities of Silifke and Seleucia of Calycadmos. Lunch will be en route. In the afternoon, travel to Derbe: one of the famous cities where St. Paul and St. Barnabus preached Christianity. Next stop, the ancient town of Hatunsaray (Lystra). Upon arrival in Konya, enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. B & D

In the morning, visit the Mevlana Museum. Later, travel through the city of Sille to the city of Yalvac (Psidian Antioch). It was here that St. Paul and St. Barnabus lived and introduced Christianity to the pagan world. Proceed to Antalya alongside of Egridir Lake. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Antalya. B & D

Begin the day by touring the Roman cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side. These cities contain many ruins from the Pax Roman and Byzantine periods. Upon arrival in Alanya, enjoy lunch then visit its famous Red Tower and Alanya Castle. Later in the afternoon, return to Antalya for dinner and overnight stay. B & D

After breakfast, drive through the city of Termessos to visit its archaic theater and Necropolis. Next stop is the unique city of Pamukkale. Upon arrival, visit its famous Cotton Castle. Afterwards, enjoy a trip to Pamukkale’s hot springs and visit the famous Hieropolis. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pamukkale. B & D

After breakfast, drive to Aphrodisias and take time to view the Temple of Aphrodite – dedicated to the Goddess of Love. With lunch en route, proceed to Kusadasi and unwind at its beautiful sandy beaches. Enjoy a delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay at the hotel in Kusadasi. B & D

Spend a whole day sightseeing the ancient ruin settlements of Priene, Miletus and Didyma. The city of Miletus is home to an ancient theater and Didyma’s Temple of Apollo. It is noted as one of the most famous oracles in the Asia Minor. In the evening, return to Kusadasi for a delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay at the hotel. B & D

In the morning, prepare for a whole day’s excursion to the world famous Ephesus. Throughout the city, view the dazzling artifacts dating back to the year 3,000 BC. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then visit the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary. Continue on to Izmir for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. B & D

In the morning, proceed to Pergamum to tour its ancient Acropolis. Also witness the Asclepieon – one of the world’s first health spas. Enjoy lunch in Pergamum and then proceed to Troas of Alexandra. Later, visit Troy – the famous city in Homer’s Iliad. Afterwards, spend an evening of dinner and relaxation at the hotel in Canakkale. B & D

In the morning, prepare for your departure to Bursa. Upon arrival, visit the Green Mosque and the Grand Mosque. End the day with a delicious dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bursa. B & D

In the morning, prepare for your journey to Istanbul. En route, visit the ancient village of Nicea. Later in the evening, enjoy an appetizing dinner and comfortable overnight stay at the hotel. B & D

Enjoy a full day’s sightseeing tour of Istanbul’s main attractions: Hippodrome – an ancient site for chariot races, the Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Cistern – an ancient underground reservoir and Topkapi Palace – home to many of the Sultan’s priceless treasures. Before returning to the hotel, take time to shop at the Grand Covered Bazaar which has over 4,000 shops and markets! Return to the hotel for your final dinner and overnight stay in Turkey! B & D

After breakfast, depart for Istanbul’s airport for your return flight home. Your journey is over, but the memories are yours forever! B