The Route Of Saint Paul I

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, full day city tour. First visit is to Sveti Stefan Church, also known as the Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, is an Orthodox church. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. The church was built in the late 19th century and served as the Bulgarian Orthodox Exarchate's main church during the Ottoman Empire. The architectural style of the Sveti Stefan Church reflects elements of the Neo-Byzantine style, featuring a distinctive red-brick facade and ornate interior decorations. It stands as a testament to the cultural and religious heritage of the Bulgarian community in Istanbul. Next visit is to The Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate, commonly known as the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, is the highest institution in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Ecumenical Patriarchate has its historical roots in the early Christian Church and is considered one of the oldest and most prominent patriarchates within Orthodoxy. Next visit is to Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the most magnificent and significant landmarks in Istanbul. Designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, this mosque was completed in the 16th century, around 1557. Visit to the Egyptian Bazaar (Species Market), followed by a visit to the Istiklal pedestrian street and the possibility of attending mass in the Church of Saint Antonio. Finally, transfer to the hotel and accommodation. 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. Next visit is to The "Well of Saint Paul" where is considered to be the place where Saint Paul drank water and spent some time during his life. 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. 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 Pamukkale. Dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast visit 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. Next visit is to 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 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. Dinner and accommodation. 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 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, 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. A brief panoramic tour of the city of Izmir, transfer to the airport to take a flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast

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