Trip overview
This 14-day spiritual and historical itinerary traces sites associated with the Apostle Paul across Türkiye. From the Adana region and Tarsus to Cappadocia, Ephesus and Istanbul, it combines Christian heritage with Greco-Roman archaeology and regional landscapes.
Trip highlights
- Tarsus and sites associated with early Christianity
- Ephesus, Smyrna and Pergamon
- Cappadocia, Hierapolis and the Pamukkale terraces
- Historic Istanbul and its Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in the Adana Region
Arrival and transfer to your hotel in the Adana region. The arrival airport and transfer details are specified in your confirmed programme.
Day 2 — Antakya & Samandağ
The proposed route covers the Antakya and Samandağ region. Visits to St. Peter’s Church, museums and archaeological sites depend on current access and operating conditions; the final stops are confirmed before booking.
Day 3: Tarsus to Cappadocia
Explore Tarsus (St. Paul’s birthplace, Cleopatra Gate) before driving to the surreal valley of Cappadocia.
Day 4: Cappadocia Exploration
Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, and Pasabag fairy chimneys.
Day 5: Cappadocia to Konya
Drive to Iconium (Konya). Visit the Mevlana Museum and historical sites linked to Paul's first journey.
Day 6: Antioch in Pisidia & Aspendos to Antalya
Explore Yalvac (Pisidian Antioch), witness the magnificent Aspendos Theater, and arrive in coastal Antalya.
Day 7: Antalya to Pamukkale & Laodicea
Visit ancient Laodicea and Hierapolis; enjoy the natural thermal travertines of Pamukkale.
Day 8: Miletus, Sirince & Kusadasi
Explore Miletus, visit Şirince and continue to Kuşadası for the night.
Day 9: Ancient Ephesus & Virgin Mary's House
Tour Ephesus (Grand Theater, Celsus Library), St. John Basilica, and the House of Virgin Mary.
Day 10: Izmir (Smyrna) & Pergamon
Drive to Izmir, visit the Agora and Polycarp Church, then explore Pergamon (Acropolis & Asclepion). Overnight in Ayvalik.
Day 11 — Assos & Alexandria Troas to Çanakkale
Walk the paths of Assos, visit Alexandria Troas where Paul set sail for Europe, overnight in Canakkale.
Day 12 — Troy to Istanbul
See the legendary Trojan Horse, cross the Dardanelles, and arrive in historical Istanbul.
Day 13 — Historic Istanbul
Explore the historic peninsula with a selection of visits such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Kariye can be considered depending on available time and visiting conditions. The final programme avoids promising all visits within one day.
Day 14: Departure from Istanbul
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
- 4-star and 5-star accommodation as specified in the proposal
- Daily breakfast and selected dinners
- Private air-conditioned transportation and listed transfers
- Licensed guide for the agreed itinerary
- Entrance fees explicitly listed in the confirmed proposal
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Lunches, drinks and personal expenses unless listed
- Optional activities, including balloon flights
- Guide and driver gratuities
This is a proposed itinerary. The final route, accommodation, visiting times and inclusions are set out in your written proposal.
