Istanbul City Istanbul is no longer the capital of Turkey, but remains the country’s cultural and business center. It is set in a stunning location, surr[...]
Footsteps of St Paul in Turkey - 19/18
Footsteps of St Paul in Turkey
Day 1 - Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul. Free day. Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)
Day 2 - Istanbul
Today we visit the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, we also visit the Carpet Museum, Blue Mosque , Hagia Sofia and the Basilica Cistern. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L )
Day 3 - Istanbul
After breakfast set off for Topkapi Palace, then Hippodrome, an afternoon visit to the Spice Bazaar followed by a relaxing cruise of the Bosphorus. (B, L )
Day 4 - Istanbul to Hatay (Antakya)
Early morning transfer to airport then flight to Adana, then drive to Hatay (Antakya / Antioch) where St Paul began his missionary journeys. We also visit St Peter's Church and Hatay's famous mosaic museum. Overnight in Hatay. (B, L )
Day 5 - Hatay to Tarsus
We set off for Samandag (Seleucia Pieria) where St Paul and St Barnabas set sail for Cyprus, continuing on to Tarsus which was the birthplace of St Paul. Here we visit St Paul's Church and St Paul's Well. Overnight in Tarsus. (B, L )
Day 6 - Tarsus to Cappadocia
Early start to Cappadocia, famous for its cave houses and magical landscape, and home of early Christians in Turkey. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)
Day 7 - Cappadocia
Today we visit key sites in the area, including Pasabag fairychimney , Goreme Open Air Museum with famous churches, and Kaymakli Underground City. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L )
Day 8 - Cappadocia - Konya - Yalvac
This morning you can enjoy an optional 1 hour hot air balloon ride. After breakfast we depart for Konya (Iconium) where we visit St Paul's Church, the Whirling Dervish Museum and Mevlana Museum. We continue to Yalvac (Pisidian Antioch) then on to Egirdir where we will spend the night. (B, L )
Day 9 -Yalvac to Antalya
Early morning departure for Antalya, stopping to visit Perge where St paul and Luke stayed to preach on their return from Antioch. A short city tour of Antalya which includes the Hadrianus Gate and the Groove Minaret Mosque. Overnight in Antalya. (B, L )
Day 10 -Antalya - Pamukkale
This morning we drive to Pamukkale which was the location of the ancient Roman spa town of Hierapolis. We stop to visit Akkhan Caravan Serai on the way. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Pamukkale and Laodicea
After breakfast, we visit the small ruin suite of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Asia, before visiting Hierapolis. Our visit includes free time to swim in the famous Cleopatra Antique Pool and time to explore the famous white travertines (calcium pools). Overnight in Pamukkale. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Pamukkale to Kusadasi
Today we visit the site of ancient Philadelphia which was known for its variety of temples and worship centres. We also visit Sardis, and Akhisar which was host to one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Thyateira) and Miletus, where St Paul stopped on his way back to Jerusalem on his third journey. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Ephesus
After breakfast depart for Selcuk to visit Ephesus ancient city where Paul lives for two years, the home of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St John. Spend the night in the port town of Kusadasi. (B, L,D)
Day 14 - Kusadasi to Bergama
Early start to Izmir (ancient Smyrna) which was one of the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation, then on to Bergama (ancient Pergamum) Lunch then continue to Assos where will have dinner and spend the night. (B, L )
Day 15 - Assos to Gallipoli - Troy
We depart for Alexandra Troas where St Paul met Luke. Continue to Troy, home of the famous Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. We end the day with a late afternoon visit to the Gallipoli battlefields. Dinner and night in Canakkale. (B, L, D)
Day 16 - Canakkale to Bursa
Today we drive to Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. We will visit the famous silk bazaar and the Green Mosque and Grand Mosque. (B, L)
Day 17 - Bursa - Iznik - Yalova - Istanbul
This morning we set out for Iznik (Nicea) where the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils took place. Drive to Yalova from where we will catch a car ferry back to Istanbul. Free night. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L )
Day 18 - Istanbul
A chance to sleep later this morning before we set off for the Grand Bazaar. After lunch we will visit Taksim, and walk the famous Istiklal Caddesi. We also visit beautiful St Anthony's Catholic Church and the French district with its charming French architecture and decor. Farewell dinner tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 19 - Istanbul
After breakfast check out the hotel,Free morning for shopping, transfer to airport. Fly home. (B)
INCLUSIONS
Hotels,
Professional Tour Guide,
Lunch at local restaurants
5 Dinner at hotel
All transportaton,
1 way domestic flight,
All museum tickets,
All airport transfers
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