Footsteps of St Paul Pilgrimage Turkey

Footsteps of St Paul Pilgrimage in Turkey

Day 1 – Istanbul – Iznik Nicaea – Bursa
Day 2 – Troy & Alexandria Troas – Canakkale
Day 3 – Pergamon & Thyatira
Day 4 – Sardis & Philadelphia
Day 5 – Ephesus & Didyma
Day 6 – Pamukkale Hierapolis & Laodicea
Day 7 – Prisidian Antioch & Konya (Iconium)
Day 8 – Cappadocia
Day 9 – Tarsus & Antioch (Antakya)
Day 10 – Antioch & Flight Back to Istanbul

Footsteps of St Paul Pilgrimage in Turkey Itinerary
Day 1 – Istanbul – Iznik Nicaea – Bursa
Early morning pick up from the hotel and drive to Nicaea (Iznik) from Istanbul. Visit the Nicaea, the site of the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils. Drive to Bursa, visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. Check into the hotel in Bursa. Overnight in Bursa.

Day 2 – Troy & Alexandria Troas – Canakkale
Breakfast & Check out from the hotel. Depart to Troy early in the morning. Visiting this famous archaeological and mythological site, home of the “Trojan Horse” and “Helen of Troy”. Continue to Alexandra Troas where St.Paul met Luke. Check into the hotel. Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 3 – Pergamon & Thyatira
Breakfast & Check out from the hotel. Drive to Pergamon. Located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. The city, described as having the throne of Satan, is “praised for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized” (Rev. 2:12-17). Here you will see the Acropolis famous for Greek & Roman Temples as well as the unique Greek theatre built into the steep hillside. Also visit the Asclepion, the ancient medical center for the Greeks. After, depart to Thyatira, known for its textiles and dyeing trade. It is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. It is “praised for its increasing faith and service, but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel, an immoral woman who calls herself a prophetess” (Rev. 2:18-29). Continue to Izmir and check into the hotel. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 4 – Sardis & Philadelphia
After breakfast, we will depart to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor. “The church of Sardis is described as dead, and it must wake up. However, there are some who have not “soiled their clothes.” (Rev. 3:1-6). End the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia which was known for its variety of temples and worship centers. “The church of brotherly love that endures patiently” (Revelation 3:7-13). Continue to Kusadasi and check into the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5 – Ephesus & Didyma
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Ephesus, which was the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. “Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance, but criticism for forsaking its “first love” (Rev. 2:1-7). You will explore some of the best-preserved theatres, fountains, and buildings in the world. We then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. It has also been accepted by the Vatican as a pilgrimage destination. Finally visit the Basilica of St. John which stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel), and prophet (author of Revelation).  Continue to Didyma. Didyma served as a religious sanctuary to god Apollo. Oracular inscriptions in Didyma indicate dates as far back as 6th.BC. Legend tells us that with the arrival of Alexander the Great, the sacred spring of the Temple that had dried up began to flow again. Highlights will be the Temple of Apollo. Further north we arrive in Miletus whose history dates back to 800 BC. Famous Philosopher Thales comes from Miletus and he is credited with the theory that all things come from water. Highlights here are the Lion Harbor that St. Paul sailed in, the Main Colonnaded Street, the Theatre, Baths of Faustina, and the Council Chamber. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6  – Pamukkale Hierapolis & Laodicea
Breakfast & Check out from the hotel. Drive to Pamukkale to visit the ancient City of Hierapolis as well as the world-famous travertines of Pamukkale. Lunch will be taken on the way. Then take an enjoyable drive to Laodicea located in the Lycus River Valley of western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. “The “lukewarm” church with a faith that’s neither hot nor cold” (Rev. 3:14-22). Check into the hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 7 – Prisidian Antioch & Konya (Iconium)
Breakfast & Check out from the hotel. Depart to Antioch: Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:13). Here Paul preached both to Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, winning over many of the latter. Continue to the city of Konya, ancient Iconium, passing the mound of Lystra (Acts 14:8-19). In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 14:1-3). Drive to Cappadocia. Check into the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 8 – Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day sightseeing of the villages of Uchisar with panoramic views of the Cappadocian valleys, Pasabaglari valley of the fairy chimnies, and the Goreme Valley. There are several hundred churches in this area, some of which are decorated with inscribed frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible or the Apocrypha. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 9 – Tarsus & Antioch (Antakya)
Depart to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul (Acts 9:11), to visit the well that is believed to have been within the grounds of his home Continue to Antakya (Biblical city of Antioch) where St. Paul and St. Barnabas stayed. Check into the hotel. Overnight in Antakya.

Day 10 – Antioch & Flight Back to Istanbul
Breakfast & Check out from the hotel. We will start the tour. The ancient city Antioch was outsized only by Rome and Alexandria. The Apostle Peter made a mission to its many Jews, as did Paul and Barnabas, who spent a year here (Acts 11:26). The Antioch converts were the first to be called Christians. Visit the Museum of Antioch with its famous mosaics and St. Peter’s Grotto, the Cave Church where early Christians met in secret. Drive to the airport and flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul.  It is the end of the 10 days of the Footsteps of St Paul Pilgrimage in Turkey program.

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