Following the Footsteps of St Paul in Turkey
Guaranteed Departure Tours
Depart from your country to begin your pilgrimage tour through Turkey.
Day 01: 07 September 2025
Departure
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet your local guide who will assist with your transfer. Free time to explore at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul. Hotel Check in after 14:00, Dinner will be served only for all arrivals before 17:00 to Istanbul Airport.
Day 02: 08 September 2025
Arrival in Istanbul
Today, we will explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, renowned for its groundbreaking architecture, rich history, and religious importance. Standing as the largest Eastern Roman church in Istanbul, it has withstood the test of time for centuries. Next, we’ll visit the Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire after the capital moved from Bursa to Istanbul. Now a museum, the palace showcases an extensive collection of kitchenware, porcelains, treasures, royal antiques, holy relics, and more. Afterward, we’ll drive to Pergamon. Enjoy some free time before an overnight stay in Balıkesir.
Day 03: 09 September 2025
Istanbul | Balıkesir
After breakfast, we will drive to Pergamon, a city renowned for its haunting beauty and rich history, dating back to 299 BC. Among its remarkable structures, we will visit the Trajaneum, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus, the Theater, and the 200,000-volume library, which was second only to the famous Library of Alexandria. We will also explore the Asclepieum of Pergamon, a renowned ancient health center where treatments included blood transfusions, music therapy, and meditation. We will continue our tour with a brief stop in Thyatira, where we will view the ancient roadway and columns of this town, which played a significant role in the early spread of Christianity. Overnight stay in Izmir.
Day 04: 10 September 2025
Balıkesir | Bergama | Izmir
After breakfast, we will begin our day by exploring the archaeological remains of Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches mentioned by the Apostle John, where he conveys God's promise: "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Next, we visit the House of the Virgin Mary atop Mt. Coressos, believed to be where she spent her later years. On August 18, 1961, Pope John XXIII declared this site sacred. We then continue to Ephesus, where we will explore its ancient wonders, including the Library of Celsus, Agora, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, and the grand Theatre. Our final stop is the Basilica of St. John, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, who is believed to have accompanied the Virgin Mary to Ephesus and written his Gospels here. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Day 05: 11 September 2025
Izmir | Kusadasi
We begin our journey with a visit to Sardis, a city criticized by John for its outward appearance of strength while being spiritually weak. Sardis is notable for being the place where coins were first minted and where the dyeing of wool began. Here, we’ll explore the Temple of Artemis, along with the gymnasium and synagogue. Next, we’ll visit Philadelphia, referred to as the "New Jerusalem" in the Book of Revelation. Though little remains today, you’ll see the ancient wall and the remnants of a Byzantine Basilica in the modern town of Alasehir. We then continue to Pamukkale, where we will check into our hotel for the night. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 06: 12 September 2025
Kusadasi | Pamukkale
After breakfast and hotel check-out, we will visit Hierapolis, meaning "Sacred City." According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred here. The contrast between the hot springs of Hierapolis and the cold mountain springs near Colossae may have inspired the reference to the “lukewarm” Laodiceans in Revelation 3:14-22. This connection is reflected in Paul’s mention of Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col. 4:13). Don’t miss the famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castles." We will then proceed to Laodicea, where you can explore extensive ruins, including a stadium and remnants of an advanced water system. Christianity arrived here during St. Paul’s time, brought by Epaphras of Colossae. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 07: 13 September 2025
Pamukkale | Hierapolis | Laodicea
After breakfast, we will drive to Konya. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the famous poet and mystic Rumi. Konya was once the center of the Seljuk Empire and is renowned for its Whirling Dervishes, who perform their dances in traditional white garments and long red hats. Following our visit, we’ll continue our journey to Cappadocia, stopping at the Tepesidelik Han Caravanserai, a 13th-century "hotel" for ancient traders and travelers. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 08: 14 September 2025
Pamukkale | Konya | Cappadocia
Our tour begins in Love Valley, where you can explore the stunning rock formations and enchanting fairy chimneys. Your guide will share insights into the history of Cappadocia and the volcanic origins of these unique formations. Next, we will visit a Carpet School before heading to Avanos, a town renowned for its pottery dating back to the Hittite period. After lunch, we’ll continue to Devrent Valley, where you can admire various types of fairy chimneys, including mushroom-shaped and animal-shaped formations. We’ll then pass through Ürgüp and visit the Ortahisar rock-cut castle, offering a view of the historic Greek houses built in the 1800s. After enjoying the breathtaking view of Cappadocia, we will drive to the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you can explore carved churches, chapels, and monasteries adorned with frescoes from the 10th to 13th centuries. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 09: 15 September 2025
Cappadocia
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your Domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival connect for your International flight Back Home.
Day 10: 16 September 2025
Departure
Guarantee Departure Tours
YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICE INCLUDES:
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Hotel accommodations for 8 Nights in 4 / 5 stars in double occupancy.
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Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach with WIFI.
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8 Breakfasts/ 7 Lunches/ 7 Dinners.
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Professional English-speaking local tour guide.
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Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary.
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Luggage handling (1 piece per person).
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Masses (Upon Availability).
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All tips for Guide and Driver.
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Bosphorus cruise.
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City Taxes.
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Two bottles of water daily on Bus.
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Land Arrangements:
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Land Arrangements including Domestic Flights and Airport Transfers.
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Guarantee Departure Tours - Land arrangements only
YOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:
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Medical Insurance.
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Drinks during meals.
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Other services not mentioned in the included items.
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Economy Round trip airfare from one of the airports stated below.
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For International flight booking assistant, please get in touch with us.
Guarantee Departure Tours