A fifteen-day tour of pilgrimage. Following the route of a native Anatolian, St.Paul of Tarsus, we try to find out the cultural background which nourished the rise of the Cross as well as the others.
SAINT PAUL
TARSUS – Birthplace [Acts 21:39]
GALATIA, EPHESUS, COLOSSAE – Letters to churches, preaching in Ephesus [Acts 19]
ANTIOCH – Starting place for the 3 missionary journeys [Acts 13, Acts 15, Acts 18]
ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA – Preaching in the synagogue [Acts 13:13-16]
Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, meet your local lecturer-guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul
Morning start sightseeing of major highlights in Istanbul which was the capital city of three Empires. Tour includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque famous for interior Blue colored Iznik tiles, St Sofia Church- Museum which was once the biggest Roman Cathedral of the world, the Underground Cistern. Lunch will be served in the historical restaurant at the Topkapi Palace overlooking the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. After lunch continue, visiting the major sections of Topkapi Palace which was the royal seat of Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years. Late afternoon enjoy, exploring the streets and alleys of the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul
Morning departure for Troy. A scenic coach drive will go along the northern shores of the Sea of Marmara and then crossing Dardanelles by a ferry. Afternoon visit the ruins of Homeric Troy where St.Paul made a visit during his second campaign to Asia Minor and Macedonia. Dinner and overnight in the hotel
Departure for Ephesus at Selcuk. En-route, visit the ruins of Hellenistic city Pergamum where one of the seven churches of Apocalypse was located. Then stroll through the colorful traditionally preserved streets of modern Bergama. Continue driving towards the southern Aegean region bypassing Izmir, so-called, the pearl of the Aegean Se, arrive at the town of Selcuk. Dinner & overnight in Selcuk.
Day to explore Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved Greco-Roman cities of the ancient world. Tour starts with a visit to Mother Mary's House which was announced as to be a pilgrimage place for Roman Catholics by Pope Paul VI. Then visit the spectacular remains and edifices of the city of Ephesus including the State Agora, Odeon, Curetes Street, Marble Road. Temples of Hadrian and Trajan. Then onto Celcius Library and finally the famous Amphitheatre where St.Paul preached to Ephesians. Lunch will be served at one of the local restaurants in Selcuk. Afternoon, continue visiting St.John's Basilica and the local museum where the major findings from Ephesus on display. Dinner at Sirince village located 7 Km. from Selcuk on a mountain and famous for house wines.
Drive to Pamukkale. En route visit the ruins of Aphrodisias, a Roman city dedicated to Aphrodite the goddess of Love and beauty. The city houses a rich-variety of Roman sculpture. After lunch in a local restaurant continue driving to Pamukkale. Before reaching Hierapolis, visit the ruins of Laodecia of which people were addressed by St Paul in one of his letters written from Patmos Island. Late afternoon, arrival at Pamukkale, 'The Cotton-Castle', world-famous geological formation with eye-taking white travertine caused by the calcareous hot spring waters. Enjoy your time walking in the thermal waters and white slopes before checking in the hotel. Dinner and accommodation in Pamukkale.
Morning sightseeing of Hierapolis, visits include Necropolis, the Amphitheatre, The Temple and Baths of Trajan. Then continue driving to Konya. En-route visit Yalvac, Antioch ad Psidia and after lunch by the Egridir Lake, continue driving to Konya, Upon arrival Konya, Icononium, visit the Tomb of Mevlana, the founder of Mevlevi Sect, the Whirling Dervishes, Karatay Medrese and Yivli Minaret the early Seljuk Empire edifices. Dinner and overnight in Konya.
After departure for Tarsus, visit the ruins of 1001 churches en route. Then drive along Konya Plateau and cross the Taurus Mountains arriving at Tarsus, the home town of St.Paul. Upon arrival enjoy your lunch in a typical Kebab-House. Afternoon, explore the ancient remains of Tarsus which was once a rich harbor city enjoying a rich cultural and political life. It was the place where Antonius Caesar and Kleopatra first met each other and fell in love. Sightseeing includes the St.Paul's Church, the ruins of his house and the well, ancient road, Kleopatra Gate, The Grand Mosque, The Kubad Pasha Medrese and the Bedesten (Bazaar). Dinner and accommodation in Tarsus.
Drive to Antakya via Adana and Issos where Alexander the Great defeated the Persians Afternoon arrive at Antakya, Antioch ad Orontes. Afternoon visit St.Peter's grotto and church, Mosaic Museum, Seleucia of Prieria and Titus Tunnel. Dinner at Daphne, accommodation in Antakya.
Morning departure for Kayseri and onto Cappadocia. Upon arrival Kayseri, Caesarea a busy trade colony since the Assyrian and Hittite periods. St.Paul made many missionary visits to this city. After lunch in a local restaurant enjoy short sightseeing in the town. Then continue driving to Cappadocia via Soganli Churches. Dinner and accommodation in Cappadocia
Full day sightseeing of Cappadocia including visits to Göreme Rock-hewn churches, Uchisar, Zelve Valley, Avanos, the pottery town, continue to visit a hand-made carpet workshop. Lunch in a local restaurant, dinner in the hotel.
Morning visit to Kaymakli and Derinkuyu underground cities where the early Christians once sheltered from non-Christian tribes. Afternoon free at leisure Dinner in the hotel.
Morning flight from Nevsehir to Istanbul. Upon arrival. Visit Chora Church and Sergius & Bachus Churches. Then check in hotel and overnight in Istanbul.
Morning enjoy Bosphorus Cruise and a short excursion to the Asian side. Afternoon free for last-minute shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Transfer to the airport for departure.
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul is an ideal Istanbul lodging choice for your trip to Turkey. With numerous amenities for guests such as 24 hour front desk, gift shop, hot tub or spa, you will wake up at Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul feeling excited every day for your time in Istanbul. Don’t let this amazing reservation opportunity pass you by, book your stay at Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul today to make the most of your time in Istanbul, Turkey.
Property Location
With a stay at Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul, you'll be centrally located in Istanbul, steps from Turkish and Islamic Art Museum and Serpentine Column. This 4-star hotel is close to Hippodrome and Blue Mosque.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 54 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and coffee/tea makers.
IRIS Hotel is situated in close proximity to Gallipoli Peninsula, Historic National Park and Martyrdom, Troy, Assos, Bozcaada, Gokceada and Mount Ida. Thanks to this excellent location, you can organize daily trips and enjoy these natural and historical attractions.
IRIS Hotel is situated on the Anatolian Side of Çanakkale, where several major events of the world history took place, from the legends of Iliad and Odyssey to the legendary Battle of Gallipoli in World War I. It is in close proximity to the ancient settlements such as Troy, Alexandria Troas and Assos.
Famous, long established family hotel from 1980’s, built and landscaped in the style of an Ottoman inn using traditional materials.
Charming atmosphere in the heart of antiquities…
Cosy lounge with fire place for cold days…
Family collection of antique keys, photographs, textiles with real stories…
Memories of the past in every corner…
Large attractive garden and a swimming pool with a view of the castle…
A tranquil setting among blooming roses, jasmines and lemon and cherry trees after a busy day of excursions…
With 315 rooms, healthy thermal springs and grounds set among pine trees, Richmond Pamukkale Thermal invites you to rejuvenate both physically and emotionally. Located just 3 kilometers from Pamukkale, this thermal hotel has been providing all the comforts of home to guests traveling for business, health or pleasure for 25 years. This unique destination is just one hour from Denizli’s Çardak Airport.
Hilton Garden Inn Konya is an ideal Konya lodging choice for your trip to Turkey. With numerous amenities for guests such as fitness center, dry cleaning service, laundry, you will wake up at Hilton Garden Inn Konya feeling excited every day for your time in Konya. Don’t let this amazing reservation opportunity pass you by, book your stay at Hilton Garden Inn Konya today to make the most of your time in Konya, Turkey.
This hotel is a historic ottoman building that has been lovingly renovated and is furnished classically. We had no idea that it was such a beautiful property when we booked it.…
Our trendy hotel is conveniently and literally located at the heart of all on Saray Caddesi in Antakya, an ancient metropolis going back some eight thousand years and thirteen civilizations, according to leading world historians.
At our hotel, you will find yourselves within walking distance to Antakya's most eminent historical attractions, commercial activity and other worthy points of interest.
Specifically, we are a few hundred meters, namely just under a mile away from the renowned Habib-i Neccar Mosque, the first in Asia Minor and still to this day the only active one named after a Christian deity, a testament to the multicultural and tolerant mentality of our proud city.
In addition, our hotel is just more than a kilometer, about a mile, to the famous church of St. Pierre, undoubtedly one of the most important religious points of interest in the whole Levant.
The Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia is a 41 room upscale hotel located in the heart of Cappadocia, Nevsehir district, catering to the sophisticated traveler. With its elegant decor and unique design, the Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia is the perfect combination.
The Alfina Cave Hotel is located about 300 m from the center of the town Urgup Cappadocia. The city Urgup hosts a historical turkish bath, a local museum, the ruins of the old town, bars, restaurants and the typical shopping streets.
