The Journeys of Apostle Paul
11 Full Sightseeing Days - 12 Nights

Extension Includes:

• Escorted by Professional Tour Director
• Choice of Deluxe, Superior First-Class or First Class Hotels
• Comprehensive Sightseeing
• Transfers, Porterage and Entrance Fees
• Deluxe Document Case
• USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - En Route to Turkey

Depart the U.S.A. on your overnight flight. Enjoy complimentary meals and beverages en route to Turkey.

Day 2 - Ataturk International Airport - Ankara

Upon arrival at Ataturk International Airport, clear customs and board your awaiting flight to Ankara - the capital of modern Turkey and the Cradle of Christianity. This is where Apostle Paul preached from 45-58 A.D. Upon arrival you are met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Ankara.

Day 3 - Ankara - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations - Cappadocia

This morning visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations which graphically displays the 5000+ year history of the region. See the Column of Julian and the Temple of Augustus, which was converted into a church in the 6th Century. This afternoon, travel to the fascinating city of Cappadocia (Acts 2:9). Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 4 - Cappadocia - Goreme Valley - Fairy Chimneys

Today visit some of the churches carved from solid rock in the Goreme Valley which also contains priceless frescoes dating from the 7th Century. View incredible shapes of cones, needles, pyramids and pillars carved from solid stone - a lunar-like landscape called “Fairy Chimneys.” Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5 - Cappadocia - Kaymakli - Adana

Begin this morning by walking in the footsteps of early Christians through the underground city of Kaymakli. Discovered in 1964, four levels are open to the public. Here, as in most of the other cave dwellings, rooms and passages are kept separate and are equipped with a ventilation system, living quarters, store-rooms and water cisterns. Communication between the living quarters was via a system of small holes in the walls. Above the underground city, some simple graves were recently uncovered on a hill. In the afternoon, drive through Clien Pass through which Alexander the Great as well as the Crusaders passed as you travel to Adana situated on the the Mediterranean coast. Arrive at your hotel in time to enjoy a swim in the clear blue turquoise water. Overnight in Adana.

Day 5 - Cappadocia - Kaymakli - Adana

Today visit some of the churches carved from solid rock in the Goreme Valley which also contains priceless frescoes dating from the 7th Century. View incredible shapes of cones, needles, pyramids and pillars carved from solid stone - a lunar-like landscape called “Fairy Chimneys.” Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6 - Adana - Antioch - Bema - Church of St. Peter - Hatay Museum

Today’s excursion visits Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire. Antioch offered the most openness for new ideas, philosophies and religions. First to preach here were St. Paul and Barnabas whose extensive efforts proved to be very fruitful for Christianity. See the Bema from which Paul and Barnabas preached and visit the Grotto and the Church of St. Peter. Also, tour the Hatay Museum with its extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics. Overnight in Adana.

Day 7 - Adana - Tarsus - Paul’s Well - Cleopatra’s Gate - Daphne - Lystra - Kony

Visits Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire. Antioch offered the most openness for new ideas, philosophies and religions. First to preach here were St. Paul and Barnabas whose extensive efforts proved to be very fruitful for Christianity. See the Bema from which Paul and Barnabas preached and visit the Grotto and the Church of St. Peter. Also, tour the Hatay Museum with its extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics. Overnight in Adana.

Day 8 - Konya - Psidian Antioch - Pamukkale (Hierapolis)

This morning, drive to ancient Psidian Antioch (Acts 13) - modern city of Yalvac - where Paul changed history by teaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. Continue to Pamukkale where its thermal hot springs spill over the plateau’s edge creating dazzling while formations called Cotton Castles. While here visit ancient Hierapolis - which is also the home of Papias and Epicitus, early Christian writers and Philip the Evangelist. Also visit the recently discovered Martyrium of St. Philip. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 9 - Pamukkale - Alasehir (Philadelphia) - Salihli (Sardis) - Denizli (Laodicia) - Izmir (Smyrna)

Today retrace Paul’s journey to Alasehir - the location of ancient Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7 - the city of brotherly love. Nearby is Salihli - ancient Sardis (Rev. 2:1-3:22) - one of the most picturesque areas. Travel next to Denizli - and nearby Laodicia (Rev. 3:14-21). In Apostle Paul’s day, this city became rich - one of the most important and flourishing cities of Asia Minor - due to its location on the cross roads of travel between Sardis and Perge, the Euphrates and Ephesus. And, at a very early period it became one of the chief seats of Christianity. Conclude the day in Izmir - ascend Mt. Pagus, known as the Velvet Castle, for a commanding panoramic view of this ancient, biblical city of Smyrna (Rev. 2:8). Overnight in Izmir.

Day 10 - Akhisar (Thyatira) - Bergama (Pergamon)

First drive north to Akhisar - ancient Thyatira - mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 2:18) by Apostle John. See the ruins of the early Christian Basilica and a colonnaded road. Next, continue to the modern city of Bergama - the Hellenistic city of Pergamon (Rev. 2:12). This afternoon, visit the grand theater with its almost perfect acoutistics, the Red basilica and the Asclepion - ancient medical center. Conclude your day on top of the majestic acropolis which has a commanding view of the entire city. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 11 - Izmir - Basilica of St. John - Ephesus - Istanbul

This morning journey to the traditional "last home" of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Tradition holds that John the Apostle brought Mary here to enjoy peace in her final years. Nearby, visit the Bascilica of St. John erected over his grave by Emperor Justinian. Next a special treat awaits you - explore the ancient city of Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8), for here Biblical history truly comes to life. Not only was it one of the Seven Churches spoken of in Revelation (Rev. 2:1), it was also home to the Apostle Paul for at least three years during his third missionary journey (Acts 19). During the Hellenistic and Roman periods Ephesus was the most important port and cultural center of the Eastern World. Today it remains as the most impressive and best-preserved archaeological site in Asia Minor. First, view one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Roman Temple of Diana, known to the Greeks as the Temple of Artemis. Throughout this ancient city you'll find yourself face to face with innumerable monuments - witnesses of the past. Stroll down the marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots where Paul would have walked towards the ancient harbor. Visit the Odeon, the Forum, Arcadian Way, the Library of Celsus and the Thermal Bath of Scolastika. Before leaving, take time to enter the Grand Theater, capable of seating 24,000. It was here that Paul's ministry ended with a great riot (Acts 19:23-41). Late this afternoon fly from Izmir to Ataturk International Airport and arrive overnight in Istanbul.

Day 12 - Cruise on the Bosphorus - Topkapi Palace Museum - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul - formerly Byzantium, and later Constantinople - was once the center of the Eastern Roman Empire. This once walled city is built on seven hills and situated astride two continents; here East meets West in every way. Today begins with a cruise on the Bosphorus by private boat. Zigzag along the shores as you enjoy the old wooden villas, marble palaces and ancient fortresses. Disembark at the charming town of Yenikoy, on the Asian coast. This afternoon visit the Topkapi Palace Museum to enjoy the dazzling displays of the Treasures of Ottoman Sultans - robes worn by the sultans and their families, famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury and a most unique porcelain collection. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the Blue Mosque, famous for its magnificent interior created with blue Iznik tiles and its 6 minarets. Then, its off to the famous Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets - each having its own specialty - and over 4,000 shops in all, where there is something for every shopper's taste - carpets, leather goods, copper and brass goods, spices and gold jewelry. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 13 - Dolmabache Palace - St. Sophia Museum - Hippodrome - Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent - Kariye Museum - St. Savior in Chora

This morning depart the hotel for sightseeing in the heart of Istanbul. The first stop is the Dolmabache Palace, a 19th century masterpiece built in the Renaissance style, located along the Bosphorus. You'll marvel at the rich interior with the world's largest crystal chandelier - 750 bulbs and weighing 4.5 tons! Drive to St. Sophia Museum which was once the religious center during the Christian era. Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, it was known as the Church of Divine Wisdom. In fact, it was so fantastic that the 6th century historians remarked "(Such a church) Had not been since Adam and never would be again". Your next stop is the Hippodrome, scene of ancient chariot races and athletic events. This afternoon visit the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent where he and his wife are buried. Built by Sinan, whose wish it was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia, it's considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul. Conclude your day at the Kariye Museum and the old church of St. Savior in Chora. Here, find a treasure of marvelous Byzantine mosaics and frescoes on a gold background which represent scenes drawn from the lives of Mary and Jesus. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 14 - En Route

Departure transfer to Ataturk International Airport for your flight(s) home. Enjoy complimentary meals and beverages while en route. Treasure your experiences in Turkey - Memories that will last a lifetime!