St Paul's Steps & Seven Churches (17 Days 16 Nights)

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

Upon arrival at Istanbul’s airport,you will be greeted by your guide then transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this magnificent city. In the evening, return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay in Istanbul. B

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. In these villages, experience the weaving of Turkey’s famous carpets and kilims (tapestry woven rugs). 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 an afternoon lunch and visit to the Grotto of St. Peter and the famous Mosaic Museum of Antakya. Continue touring as you travel to the ancient city of Seleucia on Piera. When returning to Adana, visit the Crusader’s Castle and the ruined city of Issus. Enjoy a delicious dinner and comfortable 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, continue on to Derbe – one of the famous cities where St. Paul and St. Barnabus preached Christianity. Later, travel through the ancient town of Hatunsaray (Lystra). Upon arrival in Konya, enjoy a delectable dinner and comfortable overnight stay. 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 the hotel in Antalya to enjoy dinner and overnight stay.  B & D

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

After breakfast, drive through the village of Termessos to the unique city of Pamukkale. Upon arrival, visit its famous Cotton Castle. Afterwards, enjoy a trip to Pamukkale’s hot springs. Also, visit the Hieropolis – one of the first Christian churches established by St. Phillip in 87 AD. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Pamukkale.  B & D

After breakfast, drive to Aphrodisias 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 dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Kusadasi. B & D

Spend a whole day sightseeing the ancient ruins of Priene, Miletus and Didyma. The city of Miletus is home to Didyma’s Temple of Apollo – 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. See the dazzling artifacts dating back to the your 3,000 B.C. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then visit the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary. Proceed to Izmir for dinner and overnight at the hotel. B & D

In the morning, proceed to Pergamum to tour its ancient Acropolis and Asclepieon. Enjoy lunch in Pergamum 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 delightful 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 a delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul. B & D

A full day’s sightseeing tour of Istanbul‘s main attractions: The Hippodrome – an ancient chariot racing site, the Blue Mosque, and the Byzantine Cistern – an ancient underground cistern. In the afternoon, tour Topkapi Palace with its priceless ancient Sultan treasures. Before returning to the hotel, take time to shop at the Grand Covered Bazaar – housing over 4,000 shops and markets. In the evening, enjoy 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 to keep forever!  B