In the Footsteps of Apostle Paul
Follow the footsteps of Apostle Paul, one of Christianity's most important figures, in this 9-day journey through ancient Anatolia. From Antioch to Konya, from Tarsus to Pamukkale, this route covers the most significant centers and holy sites of early Christianity.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Flight to Antalya – ancient Attalia, the port used by Paul during his 1st missionary journey (14-25).
Transfer to hotel.
Day 2Departure to Cape Anamur, the southernmost point of Asia Minor; here we'll visit one of the best-preserved and largest castle ruins.
Passage through Silifke, known as ancient Seleucia – where Friedrich Barbarossa once drowned in the Kalykadnos.
Then visit to the pilgrimage site Meryemlik Martyrium, where Paul's disciple Saint Thecla ("The Apostle's Disciple") worshipped.
Dinner and overnight in Mersin.
Day 3Journey to Misis via Adana; here we'll see one of the rare Noah's Ark mosaics in the central section of a basilica.
Nearby, we'll also examine a rock relief belonging to the Hittite King.
Then travel to Antioch on the Orontes (see Acts 13:1; 14:26; Gal. 2:11), center of early Christian community, passing through Snake Castle, Amanus Gate, and the battlefield near Issus.
Dinner and overnight in Antioch.
Day 4Visit to St. Peter's Cave, walk to the Charon relief, tour of the mosaic museum.
Then transfer to the ancient port city of Seleucia, where Paul started his 1st missionary journey (Acts 13:4).
Walk among the ruins and through the rock channel from the Flavian period.
Dinner and overnight in Antioch.
Day 5After breakfast, we go to Tarsus, Paul's birthplace (Acts 22:28; 9:11; 21:39 and 22:3); here we'll visit the Cleopatra Gate and "Paul's Well".
Then continue to Konya, known as Iconium in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 13:51-14:5).
Dinner and overnight in Konya.
Day 6After breakfast, visit to the Whirling Dervishes Monastery and Karatay Madrasah; walk over the citadel hill underlying the ancient city, then visit to Alaeddin Mosque and Ince Minaret.
In the afternoon, travel to Hatunsaray, to the ruins of Lystra (Acts 14:6-23; 16:1-5; 2 Tim. 3:11); if time permits, journey to Derbe (Acts 14:6,20-21; 16:1; 20:4).
Dinner and overnight in Konya.
Day 7After breakfast, we go to Yalvaç, known as holy Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:14-52), via the Taurus Mountains.
Opportunity to explore the barely excavated ancient city, the old center of power and glory.
Then transfer to Pamukkale, ancient Hierapolis (Col. 14,13; episcopal see of Papias); here we'll see thermal pools, necropolis, and basilica.
An unforgettable experience awaits you at this natural wonder with its unique white limestone terraces.
Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 8After breakfast, journey to Tavas via the Taurus Mountains; here we'll examine thousands of years of culture and carpet weaving.
Then return to Antalya through spectacular passes.
Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
Day 9 Breakfast and transfer to airport.