In the Footsteps of St. Paul + Exclusive Check-up

The pilgrim group will depart from home country and travel to Turkiye for Christian Pilgrimage.

Following the arrival to Istanbul, we’ll board a local flight to Hatay. Upon arriving in Hatay, our first destination is St. Pierre Church in Hatay. Nestled among rubble and modern structures, this church, dating back almost 2000 years, stands as the first church of Christianity. Perched on a hillside, it serves as a poignant beacon of Christianity and a lasting testament to one of the oldest Christian settlements. The church, visited by Paul during his first missionary journey, holds immense historical significance, having witnessed the conversion of a large portion of Antioch's Jewish inhabitants. Despite its modest size, the church's history resonates powerfully, as Antioch's converts were the first to be called Christians. After our visit to St. Peter's Church, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the unique cuisine of Hatay. Post-lunch, we'll return to Adana, where you'll check into the hotel and have time to relax until dinner. For the evening meal, we'll dine at a local restaurant, sampling the renowned local flavors and delicious kebabs of Adana.

Following breakfast, we'll check out from the hotel and embark on a journey to Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. Tarsus is a city with a history spanning 4000 years, bearing both well-preserved remnants and weathered Roman walls and houses, evocative of its ancient past. Our exploration will lead us through narrow streets, occasionally blocked by wandering donkeys, as we traverse this historic neighborhood with the guidance of a knowledgeable tour guide. During our visit, we'll pause to refresh at St. Paul's Well, which stands upon the apostle's birthplace, and then take a moment of reflection at St. Paul's Church, perched above the town. Once our tour of Tarsus is complete, we'll enjoy a satisfying lunch. Post-lunch, we'll set off for Cappadocia, a region renowned for its enchanting landscapes and mystical stories. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, we'll check into our hotel, allowing you the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate from the day's adventures until dinner. In the evening, we'll embark on a unique dining and entertainment experience at a special venue in Cappadocia, adding a memorable touch to our journey.

For those interested, we offer an optional hot air balloon tour, a signature experience in Turkey and one of the "100 things to do in the world" when it comes to Cappadocia. Participants in this captivating tour will return to the hotel after an early morning sightseeing adventure with mesmerizing views.

After breakfast, we will convene in the hotel lobby to kickstart our day. The itinerary includes a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum as our first stop. Notable sites within the museum include the Monastery of Girls and Boys, the Church of St. Basileus, the Church of Elmalı, the Church of St. Barbara, the Church of the Serpent, the Dark Church, the Church of Çarıklı, and the Buckled Church, where the Bible is vividly depicted from beginning to end. Following our exploration of the Goreme Open Air Museum, we'll head to Avanos, where you can witness the Kızılırmak River and learn about the traditional art of pottery-making from Kızılırmak mud. You'll also have the chance to experience the pottery-making process and do some shopping. After that, a delightful lunch at a local restaurant will allow us to savor the unique flavors of Cappadocia. After lunch, our journey continues with a visit to the Kaymaklı Underground City, an astounding engineering marvel that could sustain life for extended periods and provided refuge to the early Christians during times of oppression and invasions. Following our exploration of the underground city, we’ll drive to Ankara. After the check-in to the hotel and some relaxation,  in the evening, we'll meet in the lobby for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor the unique flavors of Ankara.

After the breakfast, next stop will be one of Ankara's reputable and state-of-the-art hospitals for a comprehensive check-up. Once the check-up procedures are completed, guests will head to a late lunch. Following this satisfying meal, we’ll drive to Konya (ancient Iconium), where Paul and Barnabas used the synagogue as their forum. After the check-in to the hotel and some relaxation,  in the evening, we'll meet in the lobby for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor the unique flavors of Konya.

After breakfast, our itinerary will begin with a visit to the museum complex of the Whirling Dervishes, which also houses the Mausoleum of Mevlana (Rumi). Here, you will have the opportunity to witness a mesmerizing Whirling Dervish performance, an enchanting display of Sufi tradition. Following this cultural experience, we will journey to Yalvaç, where we will explore the ancient city of Antiocheia (Pisidenya), where St. Paul and Barnabas arrived in 46 AD and where St. Paul gave his first official sermon. The most important building in this important ancient city, St. Paul's Church, one of the first churches in Anatolia, will also be visited. After immersing ourselves in the historical richness of this site, we will indulge in a delicious lunch. Next, our travels will lead us to Pamukkale, where we will check into our hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel, and guests will have some free time to unwind and enjoy the evening at their leisure.

After breakfast, we will leave the hotel and visit the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Laodikeia, highlighted as “The Lukewarm Church” in the Book of Revelation, "You are neither cold nor hot" (Rev. 3: 15), and for being too comfortable incorporating pagan and Christian beliefs. Onwards to Hierapolis over a mile of streets roll through ruins leading to the huge Roman theater. Columns rise proud and tower over your journey, unmoved and unbowed since Paul visited on two of his pilgrimages. Two entrances lead to contrasting ruins. First the tomb of Apostle Philip, recently excavated and a blossoming pilgrimage spot. You continue to Aphrodisias, an ode to the Greek goddess of love and an essential stop on Paul's route through Asia Minor. Admire the Grand Theater with its steep steps and rumination of gladiators, walk between streets of marble and intrigue, then marvel at the reliefs and statues preserved in the museum. Visiting these two cities in one day allows for fascinating contrasts, one city slowly recreating a former glory and the other already showcasing the ancient pomp and razzmatazz. After lunch, set off and go to Selcuk / Kusadasi. After checking in the hotel, free time and dinner will be taken.

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Ephesus, “the loveless church”, the most important of the seven churches. Paul's journey went into the unknown, his path connecting large Roman cities where the people often resisted his presence. Circa 40AD, Ephesus was rivaled only by Rome and its importance is shown in numerous Bible passages. Marble streets are lined with the houses of luminaries, imposing pillars dominate the skyline, and the main causeway leads your feet towards the resplendent Celsus Library. It takes a few hours to fully tour the site, each corner bringing greater impressions of the city's size. Ephesus was perhaps Paul's greatest breakthrough in spreading Christianity; his three years here are remembered in the Book of Acts and letters to the church in the Book of Corinthians. The beautiful preserved ruins offer an aesthetic wonder while the sheer scale of Ephesus helps imbue the scale and success of the Apostle's work. This is also the site of another of the Churches of Revelation and the first to be mentioned in the Book of Revelations. Early Christian memories continue through the walk to the Basilica of St. John, a marbled entrance guarding the tomb. From here Ephesus's cityscape is at its most majestic, pillars rising beneath a sky of Mediterranean blue. After the lunch the House of Virgin Mary is another poignant stop on today's journey of discovery. By completing today's discoveries, driving to the hotel and free time until dinner.

After the breakfast, we will transfer to the Izmir Airport for boarding to Istanbul flight. The resonant toll of distant church bells and the allure of exotic sounds extend a warm welcome as you arrive in Istanbul, the historic city once known as Constantinople and the capital of Roman Byzantine. In the heart of this captivating city, where glistening mosque domes stand in contrast to Christian frescos, you will make Istanbul your home base for the day of your unforgettable journey. Upon your arrival at the airport, a seamless transfer will bring you to your hotel. Take the time to settle in, enjoy a delectable lunch at the hotel, and prepare for the commencement of a remarkable experience. In the afternoon, an unforgettable Istanbul experience will begin with a visit to some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, starting at Sultanahmet Square. Here, the rich tapestry of history and culture unfolds before us. Following this, our itinerary includes visits to the renowned Hagia Sophia, the captivating Hagia Irene Church Museum, the historic Spice Bazaar—one of the oldest bazaars in history—and the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Following these enriching visits, return to the hotel for some leisure time and well-deserved rest. As evening descends, indulge in a delightful dinner complemented by a boat tour on the Bosphorus, often referred to as the pearl of the world. This unique Bosphorus tour in Istanbul promises a memorable experience. After the dinner cruise, make your way back to the hotel, reflecting on the day's adventures in this enchanting city.

After a fulfilling breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to the hotel and make our way to the airport for the return journey. As you depart from Turkiye after experiencing a unique pilgrimage, including culture and landmarks, we hope you carry cherished memories of this beautiful experience with you. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.