Paul’s First Missionary Journey
Overview
Walk in Paul’s footsteps
Visit the Ancient Sites of Paul’s First Journey
This private tour takes 6 days, starting from Cappadocia after a stop in Istanbul and following St. Paul’s return during his first missionary journey from the west of Cappadocia to Lystra and Derbe. You will then head west to Ikonyum (modern-day Konya) and then Pisidia Antakya (modern-day Yalvaç) and south to the Mediterranean port city of Antalya (Attalia).
7 Nights 8 Days
Itinerary
Day 1 – Istanbul
Your guide and driver will meet you at the Istanbul Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the center of Istanbul. You will have free time this evening to explore Sultanahmet on your own!
Day 2 – Istanbul
With your guide, you will visit the highlights of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and its monuments. After lunch, you will continue your tour by visiting the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. That evening you will return to your hotel for dinner.
Optional Programs in Istanbul:
Day 3 – From Istanbul to Cappadocia
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel to take you on your Bosphorus boat tour. During your Bosphorus tour, you will see Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anatolian castles and Ottoman Residences. After lunch, you will visit Topkapi Palace and Egyptian Market. End of the tour your guide and driver will take you to Istanbul airport for a short flight to Cappadocia. Your guide will welcome you in Cappadocia and you will set off to your hotel.
Day 4 – Cappadocia
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel today and you will see the traces of the early Christian history of the monastery region of Ceasarea – Kayseri and the uniquely beautiful nature of Cappadocia. You will also discover rock-cut churches, magnificent frescoes and unforgettable views while visiting Uçhisar Castle, Mustafa Paşa. After lunch, you will visit Kaymaklı Underground City, where many Christians hid during the Byzantine empire. Relax and enjoy your hotel that evening
Day 5 – Cappadocia
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to discover Pasabagları, Zelve Open Air Museum. After lunch, you will head to Esentepe for a unique panoramic view of Goreme Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum (rock-cut churches, frescoes, monastery) and Cavusin and Cavusin Church. After your tour, you will return to your hotel.
Optional Programs in Cappadocia:
Day 6 – Cappadocia to Pisidia Antioch
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will experience the length of St. Paul’s first journey (Acts 13 and 14) as you set off to Iconium, Lystra and Pisidia Antioch. . You will have attractive stops in a Caravanserai and see the Mevlana Museum as well as the ancient mound in Konya. After lunch, you will continue in St.Paul’s footsteps, visiting Lystra, from which he escaped twice. Afterwards, visit the Museum of Antakya. At the end of the tour, you will arrive at your hotel in Egridir.
Day 7 – Antioch to Antalya
Your guide will pick you up from the hotel in the morning and you will arrive in Antalya after a pleasant journey in the Taurus mountains. . Before arriving at your hotel in the city center of Attallia (Antalya), you will visit this ancient excavated city and its museum.
Day 8 – Departure
Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Antalya airport for your back flight to Istanbul.
Price
Inclusions/Exclusions
