An eleven-day scheduled group pilgrimage through the lands of the Bible, from imperial Istanbul to the summit of Mount Nemrut and across the plains of ancient Mesopotamia, departing on fixed dates for faith groups and independent travellers alike. Following the footsteps of patriarchs, prophets and apostles, you journey with a professional English-speaking guide in a comfortable air-conditioned coach, stay in good hotels along the way and include one domestic flight to cover the long distance east. Travelling as a shared group makes this profound route — weaving together the Old and New Testaments, early Christianity and the great empires of Anatolia — both companionable and better value.
You begin in Istanbul, exploring the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, before flying to Malatya and driving to Adiyaman for a dawn visit to the colossal stone heads of Mount Nemrut. From there you reach Harran, with its distinctive beehive houses and biblical associations with Abraham, and Sanliurfa (ancient Urfa), where you see the sacred carp pool and the cave traditionally honoured as the birthplace of Abraham. Continuing to Antakya — the Antioch where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians — you visit Seleucia Pieria and St Peter’s Grotto, counted among the oldest churches in the world.
The journey then turns north through Adana and Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul, crossing the dramatic Cilician Gates into the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia. Here you explore the cave churches of the Goreme valley, the fairy chimneys of Uchisar and Zelve and the Kaymakli underground city carved deep into the rock. A visit to Ankara and the mausoleum of Anitkabir precedes the return to Istanbul. This tour is designed for faith-based travellers, church and study groups and curious explorers who want to experience the biblical and early-Christian heritage of Turkey in depth, with the comfort and flexibility of a private tour.
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
After breakfast you set out on a full day of sightseeing in the historic heart of Istanbul, taking in the ancient Hippodrome, the magnificent Blue Mosque, the great church-mosque of Hagia Sophia and the imperial Topkapi Palace with its treasury and sacred relics. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast you transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Malatya, the apricot capital of Turkey. On landing you drive across the Euphrates region to Adiyaman, the gateway to Mount Nemrut. Overnight in the Adiyaman area.
You rise early for the unforgettable climb to the summit of Mount Nemrut, where giant stone heads of gods and kings guard the tomb-sanctuary of King Antiochos. Later you visit Harran, famous for its conical beehive houses and its biblical links to the patriarch Abraham, then continue to Sanliurfa. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
In Sanliurfa you explore the pool of sacred carp, the cave revered as the birthplace of Abraham, the old bazaar and the castle. Afterwards you travel west towards the Mediterranean to Antakya, the ancient city of Antioch. Overnight in Antakya.
Today you discover the early-Christian heritage of Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians, and visit Seleucia Pieria with St Peter’s Grotto, the Tunnel of Titus and the rock tombs. You then drive along the coast to Adana. Overnight in Adana.
After breakfast you visit Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul, seeing St Paul’s Well and the historic Cleopatra’s Gate, before climbing through the dramatic Cilician Gates mountain pass into Cappadocia. Overnight in the Cappadocia region.
A full day among the fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches of Cappadocia. You explore the Goreme valley with its Byzantine cave churches and biblical frescoes, the panoramic citadel of Uchisar and the carved valleys of Zelve. Overnight in the Cappadocia region.
This morning you descend into the Kaymakli underground city, an astonishing multi-level refuge carved deep into the rock where early Christians once sheltered. You then drive to the capital, Ankara, visiting Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Ataturk. Overnight in Ankara.
After breakfast you travel back to Istanbul, with time to relax or enjoy some last-minute shopping and sightseeing in the city on arrival. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey home, bringing your biblical journey through Turkey to a close.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category — the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul → Istanbul, Malatya, Adiyaman → Mount Nemrut, Harran, Sanliurfa → Sanliurfa, Antakya → Antakya, Seleucia Pieria, Adana → Tarsus, Cappadocia → Cappadocia → Kaymakli, Ankara → Ankara, Istanbul → Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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Extra day tours you can add along your route — Istanbul, Istanbul, Malatya, Adiyaman, Mount Nemrut, Harran, Sanliurfa, Sanliurfa, Antakya, Antakya, Seleucia Pieria, Adana, Tarsus, Cappadocia, Cappadocia, Kaymakli, Ankara, Ankara, Istanbul.
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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 — 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!