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  7. Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey 15-Day Biblical Pilgrimage Tour

Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey 15-Day Biblical Pilgrimage Tour

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İstanbul

Tour snapshot

Group Size:
35 persons
Location:
Istanbul
Tour Type:
Religious Site

Overview

DESCRIPTION 

Follow the footsteps of St. Paul across Asia Minor on this carefully designed pilgrimage through Turkey. This journey combines biblical history, archaeological discovery, and spiritual heritage, tracing Paul’s missionary work as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Ideal for church groups, Christian travelers, and pilgrims seeking a deeper connection to early Christianity.

Tour Highlights

  • Biblically based itinerary following Acts of the Apostles

  • Expert-guided archaeological and historical sites

  • Ideal for church groups, pilgrims, and Christian travelers

  • Balanced pace with cultural, historical, and spiritual depth

Why Choose This Tour

    • Biblically accurate itinerary based on the Acts of the Apostles

    • Expert-guided archaeological and historical sites

    • Ideal for church groups, pilgrims, and Christian travelers

    • Balanced pace with spiritual and cultural depth

Included/Excluded

14 nights accommodation in selected 4★ or 5★ hotels
Daily breakfast at hotels
Selected dinners (as per final program)
All ground transportation in a modern, air-conditioned coach
Domestic flights within Turkey (Istanbul–Cappadocia and Cappadocia–Southern Turkey, where applicable)
Professional English-speaking licensed guide throughout the tour
All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary, including: Ephesus Pisidian Antioch Perga Troas Underground city & Göreme Open-Air Museum Istanbul historical sites
Biblical & historical guiding following the Acts of the Apostles
Hotel taxes and service charges
Porterage at hotels (where applicable)
International airfare to/from Turkey
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Lunches and beverages unless specified
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar, etc.)
Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff Recommended: Guide: USD 5–7 per person per day Driver: USD 3–5 per person per day
Optional activities, including: Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
Any services not specifically mentioned under “Price Includes”
From $3.450 $3.250
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Important information

Travel Styles
  • Cultural
  • Nature & Adventure
  • Independent
  • Activities
  • Special Interest

Itinerary

1
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, the city that bridges Europe and Asia. Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short orientation walk or rest after your journey. Overnight: Istanbul
2
Day 2
Istanbul: Imperial & Christian Heritage
Istanbul: Imperial & Christian Heritage
A full day exploring Istanbul’s rich Christian and imperial history. Visit Hagia Sophia, once the greatest church of the Byzantine world, Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. Continue to Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans. This day provides historical context for the Christian world Paul later influenced. Overnight: Istanbul
3
Day 3
Istanbul → Cappadocia
Istanbul → Cappadocia
Morning flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, explore the region’s unique volcanic landscape. Visit Devrent Valley or Pasabag (Monks Valley), famous for fairy chimneys. Cappadocia later became a refuge for early Christians. Overnight: Cappadocia
4
Day 4
Cappadocia: Early Christian Refuge
Cappadocia: Early Christian Refuge
Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to rock-cut churches with early Christian frescoes. Visit an underground city (Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu), where Christians once hid from persecution. Cappadocia reflects the endurance and faith of early believers inspired by apostles like Paul. Overnight: Cappadocia
5
Day 5
Cappadocia → Tarsus
Cappadocia → Tarsus
Depart Cappadocia for Tarsus, traveling through the heart of Anatolia. Arrive in the city where St. Paul was born, marking the official beginning of the Pauline pilgrimage route. Overnight: Tarsus or Adana area
6
Day 6
Tarsus: Birthplace of St. Paul
Tarsus: Birthplace of St. Paul
Explore Tarsus, visiting the traditional St. Paul’s Well and ancient city remains. Learn about Paul’s Jewish upbringing, Roman citizenship, and education, which uniquely prepared him for his future mission. Overnight: Tarsus or Adana area
7
Day 7
Derbe: Early Christian Community
Derbe: Early Christian Community
Travel inland to Derbe, where Paul preached successfully and gained many disciples. This peaceful location highlights the steady and quiet growth of early Christianity beyond dramatic persecutions. Overnight: Karaman or Konya region
8
Day 8
Lystra & Iconium: Faith Under Trial
Lystra & Iconium: Faith Under Trial
Visit Lystra, where Paul healed a crippled man and was later stoned after rejecting divine worship. Continue to Iconium, where Paul’s preaching divided the city. These sites demonstrate perseverance and courage in the face of opposition. Overnight: Konya
9
Day 9
Pisidian Antioch: Mission to the Gentiles
Pisidian Antioch: Mission to the Gentiles
Travel to Pisidian Antioch, where Paul delivered a decisive sermon and openly turned his mission toward the Gentiles. Walk the ancient Roman road and explore the ruins of this influential city. Overnight: Yalvaç
10
Day 10
Perga & Attalia (Antalya)
Perga & Attalia (Antalya)
Visit Perga, where Paul preached and where John Mark left the mission. Continue to Attalia (modern Antalya), the port city from which Paul and Barnabas sailed home after their first journey. Overnight: Antalya
11
Day 11
Patara & Miletus
Patara & Miletus
Stop at Patara, where Paul changed ships on his final journey to Jerusalem. Continue to Miletus, where Paul delivered his emotional farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus, emphasizing humility and service. Overnight: Kuşadası or Didim area
12
Day 12
Ephesus: Paul’s Greatest Ministry
Ephesus: Paul’s Greatest Ministry
Arrive in Ephesus, one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Explore the Great Theater, Agora, and main streets where Paul taught daily and challenged idol worship, leading to a major public uprising. Overnight: Selçuk
13
Day 13
Day 13 – Ephesus: Growth of the Early Church
Day 13 – Ephesus: Growth of the Early Church
A full day in Ephesus allows deeper insight into Paul’s three-year ministry and the formation of a strong Christian community. Optional visits may include nearby early Christian sites traditionally associated with the Apostolic age. Overnight: Selçuk
14
Day 14
Troas: A Call to Europe
Troas: A Call to Europe
Travel north to Alexandria Troas, where Paul received the vision calling him to cross into Macedonia, opening the way for Christianity to enter Europe. Visit the ancient harbor and reflect on faith, calling, and discernment. Overnight: Çanakkale or Troas area
15
Day 15
Departure
Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure from Turkey or optional extension to Greece, continuing the journey of St. Paul to Philippi and beyond.

FAQs about
Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey 15-Day Biblical Pilgrimage Tour

Who is this tour suitable for?

This tour is ideal for church groups, Christian pilgrims, Bible study groups, and individual travelers interested in biblical history, early Christianity, and archaeology. It is suitable for adults of all ages with a reasonable level of mobility.

Is this tour religious or cultural?

This is a biblical pilgrimage tour with strong historical and cultural elements. While the itinerary follows the journeys of St. Paul as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, the tour is educational and historical rather than devotional, making it suitable for Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, and ecumenical groups.

Do I need to be physically fit to join this tour?

Participants should be able to walk on uneven terrain, climb steps, and stand for extended periods at archaeological sites such as Ephesus and Pisidian Antioch. The tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility limitations unless private assistance is arranged.

What type of accommodation is used?

The tour uses carefully selected 4★ or 5★ hotels, based on the package chosen. Hotels are centrally located or best available in each region, offering comfort and easy access to the itinerary sites.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Daily breakfast is included at all hotels. Selected dinners are included as noted in the final program. Lunches are generally not included to allow flexibility during sightseeing days.

Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travelers can obtain an e-visa online or enter visa-free. We recommend checking with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country before booking.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. Insurance is not included in the tour price.

Is Turkey safe for Christian pilgrims?

Yes. Turkey is a safe and welcoming destination for pilgrims and tourists. The tour is conducted with licensed professional guides, and all sites visited are public historical and archaeological locations.

Will there be time for prayer or reflection?

Yes. While the tour is professionally guided, there will be opportunities for personal prayer, reflection, and group discussion at key biblical sites. Group leaders may organize optional services or devotions.

How large are the tour groups?

Group sizes typically range from 15 to 35 participants. Smaller private or customized groups can be arranged upon request.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

The best seasons for this pilgrimage are April–June and September–October, when temperatures are mild and ideal for sightseeing. Summer months can be hot, especially in Ephesus and southern Turkey.

Can this tour be customized?

Yes. The itinerary can be customized for church groups, private tours, or specific denominational needs. Additional nights, alternative routes, or extensions to Greece can be arranged.

How do I book this tour?

You can book by contacting us through our website, email, or phone. A deposit is required to confirm the reservation, with the balance due before departure.

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