The Route Of Saint Paul 4 With The Seven Churches

After breakfast, full day tour at the Old City. The Old City of Istanbul, also known as Sultanahmet, stands as a living testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Encompassing a mesmerizing blend of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman influences, this historic district is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks and architectural marvels. Dominated by the majestic Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral turned mosque turned museum, and the stunning Blue Mosque with its intricate tile work and grand domes, the Old City is a canvas painted with centuries of civilization. Wandering through its labyrinthine streets, one encounters the Hippodrome, an ancient chariot racing arena, the sprawling Topkapi Palace that once housed Ottoman sultans, where Visitors can explore the intricate design of the Imperial Council Chamber, and witness the opulence of the Treasury showcasing priceless treasures. Every corner holds tales of conquests, empires, and the fusion of cultures, making the Old City of Istanbul a captivating destination that preserves the soul of the city's illustrious past. After completing the visits, the last stop will be the Grand Bazaar. Dating back to the 15th century, this iconic bazaar features over 4,000 shops spread across a maze-like network of alleys and courtyards. It's a vibrant hub where artisans and merchants sell a diverse array of goods. Finally, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in Istanbul. Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, departure for the airport to take a flight to Antioch. We will visit The Cave of Saint Pierre in Antioch, also known as St. Peter's Grotto. This cave holds historical and spiritual importance as it is believed to be where Saint Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, preached and founded one of the earliest Christian communities. It's said to be the place where early Christians gathered for worship in secret during Roman times. Visit to Hatay Archaeology Museum. It houses a vast collection of artifacts representing the region's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. The museum exhibits archaeological finds from different periods, including Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. Finally, transfer to the hotel in Adana. Dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After breakfast, departure for Tarsus to visit The Church of Saint Paul. Tradition holds that this church stands on the site where Saint Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul, was born and spent his early years. While the current building dates to the 19th century, the site has historical and religious importance. Departure for Cappadocia, land of the dairy chimneys. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, full day tour in Cappadocia. First visit is to The Open Air Museum of Göreme. Göreme Valley is renowned for its unique landscape characterized by fairy chimneys, rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings. The area's historical significance lies in its ancient cave churches adorned with intricate frescoes, dating back to the Byzantine era. Next visit is to the Dovecotes Valley, takes its name from man-made pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. These pigeon houses, or dovecotes, were constructed by locals centuries ago to harvest pigeon droppings, a valuable natural fertilizer used in agriculture. After visiting the Valley of Monks, transfer to Avanos Village. Avanos is a picturesque village renowned for its rich history in pottery-making and its scenic setting along the Kızılırmak River. Last visit of the day will be to Serhatlı (Özkonak) underground city. This underground city served as a refuge for early Christians during times of conflict or invasions, providing shelter, storage areas, and living spaces during the 6th and 7th centuries. Finally, transfer to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast departure for Konya. Konya was the capital of the great Seljuk Empire, visited by Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Transfer to Antioch of Pisidia (Yalvaç). It was visited by the apostles Paul and Barnabas during their missionary journeys, and Paul delivered a significant sermon in the city's synagogue, as recounted in the New Testament. The city boasted impressive structures, including theaters, temples, and baths, showcasing its prosperity and cultural significance. Today, the archaeological site of Antioch of Pisidia preserves remnants of its glorious past, attracting visitors interested in ancient history and its ties to early Christianity. After the visits transfer to the hotel in Antalya. Dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

After breakfast, departure for Perge. The ruins of Perge stand as a testament to its association with Saint Paul's missionary efforts. During his missionary journeys to spread Christianity, Saint Paul and his companion Barnabas visited here in the 1st century AD and believed to have preached and taught the message of Christianity in Perge. Next visit is to Aspendos, the Roman theater, which is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. Last visit of the day is to the Archeological Museum of Antalya. Finally, transfer to the hotel in Antalya, dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

After breakfast, departure for Laodikeia, founded by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, in the 3rd century BC. This city had one of the seven churches of the Apocalypsis. After visiting the ruins from the Roman times, transfer to Pamukkale, the ‘Cotton Castle’, describing the surreal appearance created by the calcium-rich travertine terraces formed over millennia by mineral-rich thermal waters. The site is home to the ancient city of Hierapolis, where well-preserved ruins, including theaters, temples, and a necropolis, offer insights into the region's ancient history. The theater is the largest necropolis in Anatolia, featuring the Martyrium of Saint Philip, a site honoring the Christian apostle. Arrival at Pamukkale hotel, dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast departure for Philadelphia, founded in the 2nd century BC, notable for its historical significance as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. After visiting The Church of Saint John, transfer to Sardis, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and later became an important city in the Persian Empire and the Roman period. The city had notable landmarks such as the Temple of Artemis, a gymnasium, a synagogue, and a large Roman bath complex. Sardis is historically significant for being one of the first places where standardized gold coins, known as "Croesids," were minted. The Croesids, introduced by King Croesus of Lydia around the 6th century BC. Finally, transfer to the hotel in İzmir, dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After breakfast, visit to the Izmir Agora, also known as the Smyrna Agora, was a central public space in ancient Greek cities used as a marketplace and a gathering area for civic, social, and commercial activities. Departure for Akhisar, known as Tiatira in the ancient times, a city mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches to which letters were addressed by the Apostle John. Akhisar's historical significance might have included the production of purple dye or textiles, among other industries, contributing to its importance in the ancient world. Next visit will be to the remains of a basilica from the Roman Empire period. Transfer to Miletus. The city was home to renowned philosopher Thales and also where Saint Paul delivered his farewell speech to the Ephesians. After visiting the theater, transfer to Kuşadası. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After breakfast, departure for Ephesus, an ancient Greek and Roman city of great historical and cultural significance. Once a thriving port city of 250.000 inhabitants, Ephesus was renowned for its status as a center of trade, culture, and religion in the ancient world. The city was home to notable landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). Ephesus was also significant in Christian history as it is believed to be the site where Saint Paul preached and where the Gospel of John might have been written. Second visit of the day is to The Basilica of St. John, was constructed during the Byzantine period in the 6th century AD by Emperor Justinian I. It was dedicated to John the Apostle, who is traditionally believed to have been buried there. Last visit of the day is to The House of Virgin Mary, where she spent her last years after being brought there by Saint John the Apostle. Finally, transfer to the hotel in İzmir, dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After breakfast departure for Pergamon, one of the earliest known places where parchment was used, during the Hellenistic period. The city's library had an important role in the development of parchment, which eventually led to the term "parchment" being derived from "pergamenum." Visit to Acropolis, the steepest grand theater in the World. The Temple of Trajan, Athena and the Great Altar of Pergamon will be seen here. Visit to Red Basilica, an impressive structure believed to have been a temple dedicated to Egyptian gods. After the visits, transfer to Assos (or Edremit), dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After breakfast departure for Alexandria Troas, a city named after Alexander the Great During Saint Paul's second missionary journey, he arrived in Troas. While there, Paul had a vision or a dream at night. In this vision, a man from Macedonia pleaded for Paul to come and help them. As a result of this vision, Paul and his companions departed from Troas, heading for Macedonia. This led to the spread of Christianity into Europe. Visit to the the ancient city of Troy, known for the famous Trojan War mentioned in Greek mythology. The Trojan War, as described in Homer's epic poems "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," is a legendary conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans. Finally, visit to the Trojan Horse and transfer to hotel. Dinner and accommodation in Istanbul. Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer with assistance to the airport to take the departure flight from Istanbul. Meals: Breakfast.