Ancient Church in Northeastern Turkey

FOLLOWING PAUL'S STEPS IN ASIA MINOR
13 DAYS

Paul, also known as “Saul of Tarsus”, had spent most of his life in Asia Minor, a part of present day Turkey, taking his missionary journeys throughout that land as he was opening Christianity to the Gentiles. The first church was built in Antioch, present day Antakya. All Seven Ecumenical Councils were held in Turkey; and, all Seven Churches of the Revelation are also located in Turkey. In this tour program, you will have the opportunity to visit Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, as well as many of the ancient cities and regions mentioned in The Bible.

DAY 1: ANKARA Arrival in Ankara, Turkey. You will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. (D)

DAY 2: CAPPADOCIA After visiting The Museum of Ancient Anatolian Civilizations, drive to the Cappadocia Region for overnight stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: CAPPADOCIA Full-day sightseeing in this unusual landscape to explore the underground cities, where early Christians hid from their persecutors, and the “cave” churches that are decorated with frescoes. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: ADANA Drive to Tarsus, Paul’s birthplace. Then, continue to Adana for the overnight stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: ADANA Full-day sightseeing to visit Antioch, the starting place of Paul’s Missionary Journeys. Visit Peter’s Grotto, the site of the very first church and the world-famous Mosaic Museum. Drive to Seleucia Peieria, from where Paul and Barnabas set sail for Cyprus on their first Missionary Journey. Return to Adana for overnight stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: KONYA In the morning, drive to Konya, biblical Iconium. Visit the Museum of Mevlana, founder of the sect that became famous for its Whirling Dervishes as well. Overnight stay in Konya. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: PAMUKKALE Drive to Pisidian Antioch, were Paul first opened Christianity to the Gentiles. Visit the remains of the Church of St. Paul and the Roman Baths. Then, continue your journey to the white cliffs of Pamukkale, a true natural wonder to behold. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: KUSADASI Visit the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Laodecia, one of the Seven Churches. Then, continue to Kusadasi for overnight stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: KUSADASI Full-day sightseeing in Ephesus, which ranks among the greatest of the ancient cities: Tour the famous ruins, including the Grand Theater that is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, as well as other well-preserved remnants of ancient Ephesus, and proceed to the Basilica and the grave site of John. Overnight stay in Kusadasi. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: CANAKKALE / ASSOS Drive through Izmir (Smyrna), and then visit Bergama (Pergamum), two of the Seven Churches. Continue with the drive north to Assos, for overnight stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: ISTANBUL Sightseeing in Assos, from where Paul had sailed to Mytilene on his Third Missionary Journey. Then, visit Troy, the city immortalized by Homer. Afterwards, take the ferry across the Straits of Dardanelles to the European part of Turkey, and drive to Istanbul for overnight stay. (B,L)

DAY 12: ISTANBUL Full-day sightseeing to discover some of the famous sites of this magnificent city that straddles two continents: Visit the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, the Underground Cistern, the Topkapi Palace and the Covered Bazaar. (B,L)

DAY 13: Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)

B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included, D/E = Dinner and entertainment included
NOTE: The city or region designated next to a tour day (e.g., DAY 6: ANTALYA) indicates the location of overnight stay.