Embark on a profound 18-day pilgrimage and cultural odyssey tracing the historical journey of the Apostle Paul across the diverse landscapes of Turkey. This comprehensive tour begins in Istanbul, where the echoes of ancient empires meet the spiritual significance of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. From the vibrant markets of the Grand Bazaar to the scenic shores of the Bosphorus, you will immerse yourself in a city that bridges two continents before traveling deep into the heart of Anatolia.
The journey continues through the rugged beauty of Cappadocia, home to the Goreme and Zelve Open Air Museums, where early Christian history is carved directly into the volcanic rock. You will walk the very ground of biblical significance in Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, and visit the Grotto of St. Peter in Antakya, a site of immense importance to early Christian communities. Throughout the itinerary, you will explore the ancient ruins of Antioch-in-Pisidia, Perge, and the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, gaining a deep understanding of the historical and theological foundations established during the early years of the faith.
Beyond the biblical narrative, this tour offers a rich tapestry of Turkish history, including the Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara, the mystical Shrine of Mevlana in Konya, and the legendary city of Troy. A domestic flight from Istanbul to Ankara, seventeen nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, guided sightseeing, coach transport, entrance fees and travel insurance are all included. You will wander through the remarkably preserved streets of Ephesus, marvel at the theater of Aspendos, and witness the natural wonder of the white travertine terraces in Pamukkale. This fully guided experience provides a seamless blend of spiritual reflection, archaeological discovery, and cultural exploration, ensuring an unforgettable connection to the past.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 Days 17 Nights |
| Price | From β¬4,808 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 18 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
On arrival in Istanbul you are driven to your hotel and given a short orientation of the city; the rest of the day is free. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the history of the Old City. Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace and the 6th-century Hagia Sophia. After a break for lunch (at your own expense), explore the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, the subterranean Basilica Cistern, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
Start your morning with a visit to the historic Spice Market, followed by a scenic ferry cruise along the Bosphorus. Enjoy a relaxing coffee break in the charming village of Ortakoy. The afternoon is free for your own personal discoveries. Overnight in Istanbul.
A domestic flight takes you from Istanbul to the capital, Ankara. On arrival you see Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Ataturk, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its Hittite and Phrygian treasures, and the old citadel known as Angora Castle. Overnight in Ankara.
Travel to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Your exploration includes the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Zelve Open Air Museum, the town of Avanos, and the panoramic views from Uchisar Castle. Overnight in Urgup.
Spend the day further exploring the land of early Christians. Wander through the beautiful valleys, discover ancient underground cities, and visit traditional Christian villages carved into the unique volcanic terrain. Overnight in Urgup.
Depart for Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. The road crosses the Taurus Mountains, and in Tarsus you see the Roman gate known as St Paulβs Arch or Cleopatraβs Gate and St Paulβs Well, whose water is considered blessed. You then continue to Adana. Overnight in Adana.
Embark on an excursion to Antakya, the biblical Antioch-on-the-Orontes. Visit the Grotto of St. Peter, the ancient site of Seleucia Pieria, the Titus Water Tunnel, the Mosaic Museum, and the area of Samandag. Overnight in Adana.
Set off for Konya, the historic center of the Seljuk Empire. Here you visit the tomb and museum of Mevlana Rumi, the 13th-century Sufi poet whose order became known for the whirling ceremony, as well as some of the Seljuk mosques of the city. Overnight in Konya.
Travel to Yalvac to visit the ancient city of Antioch-in-Pisidia, where St. Paul delivered his first recorded sermon. In the afternoon, proceed to the coastal city of Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
Explore the ruins of Perge, a city visited by St. Paul, followed by the impressive Roman theater of Aspendos. Conclude the day with a visit to the Temple of Apollon in Side. Overnight in Antalya.
Today you drive to Pamukkale and explore Hierapolis, where the Apostle Philip is said to have been martyred, set above the white travertine terraces. Later you can unwind with a soak in one of the thermal pools. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Visit the ancient city of Laodicea and its church ruins. Continue to the archaeological site of Aphrodisias to see the Temple of Aphrodite, the ancient theater, and the Hadrian Baths. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Explore the spectacular ruins of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Archaeological Museum, and the Basilica of St. John. Stop at the picturesque village of Sirince before heading to Izmir. Overnight in Izmir.
Visit the Church of St. Polycarp, symbolizing the community of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Continue to Kadifekale, the "Velvet Castle" of Izmir associated with Alexander the Great, the ancient Lydian city of Sardis, and the remains of the Philadelphia Church in Alasehir. Overnight in Izmir.
An early start brings you to Akhisar, where the remains of the church of ancient Thyatira can be seen. You then continue to Pergamon to explore its hilltop acropolis and the Asclepion healing sanctuary before driving on to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale.
Visit the legendary ancient city of Troy in the morning. Begin the journey back to Istanbul for your final evening. Overnight in Istanbul.
Your tour ends today with a transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home; extra nights in Istanbul can be arranged if you wish to stay longer.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul β Istanbul Old City β Spice Market, Bosphorus, Ortakoy β Ankara β Goreme, Zelve, Avanos, Uchisar β Cappadocia valleys and underground city β Tarsus, Adana β Antioch, Seleucia Pieria β Konya β Pisidian Antioch, Antalya β Perge, Aspendos, Side β Hierapolis, Pamukkale β Laodicea, Aphrodisias, Kusadasi β Ephesus, Sirince, Izmir β Smyrna, Sardis, Philadelphia β Thyatira, Pergamon, Canakkale β Troy, Istanbul β Departure
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
π₯ 55 Seats
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul, Istanbul Old City, Spice Market, Bosphorus, Ortakoy, Ankara, Goreme, Zelve, Avanos, Uchisar, Cappadocia valleys and underground city, Tarsus, Adana, Antioch, Seleucia Pieria, Konya, Pisidian Antioch, Antalya, Perge, Aspendos, Side, Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Laodicea, Aphrodisias, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Sirince, Izmir, Smyrna, Sardis, Philadelphia, Thyatira, Pergamon, Canakkale, Troy, Istanbul, Departure.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!