Follow in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey

Your extraordinary biblical journey begins upon arrival at Istanbul Airport. After passport control and baggage collection, a representative from The History Travel Agency will welcome you with a personalized sign and assist with your transfer to the domestic terminal. You will then board your domestic flight to Adana, the gateway to southern Anatolia and Cilicia — the Roman province where Paul was born and raised.

Upon arrival in Adana, your private, air-conditioned vehicle will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The evening is free to settle in, rest after your international flight, and prepare for the remarkable historical journey ahead over a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Adana  ·  Meals: Dinner

Church of St. Peter, Antakya (ancient Antioch)

Today begins with one of the most spiritually significant destinations of the entire journey: ancient Antioch, modern Antakya. Antioch was one of the great cities of the eastern Mediterranean and became an extraordinary center of early Christianity — it was here, according to the Book of Acts, that the followers of Jesus were first called Christians.

Your visit includes the famous Church of St. Peter, a cave sanctuary traditionally associated with the earliest Christian community in Antioch. Standing inside this ancient rock-cut space offers a powerful moment of reflection — its rough stone walls and intimate atmosphere contrast dramatically with the monumental cities you will encounter later on the journey.

You will also visit the Antakya Archaeological Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics that reveal a world of wealthy villas, mythology, religious traditions and everyday life in the ancient region. After sightseeing, enjoy lunch and sample künefe, a warm, fragrant local dessert of shredded pastry and cheese for which Antakya is celebrated.

The journey continues to Seleucia Pieria, the ancient port of Antioch — one of the most evocative places on the itinerary, since it was from this harbor that Paul and Barnabas departed on their first missionary journey. Standing at this quiet ancient port, imagine it filled with ships, merchants and sailors preparing to cross the Mediterranean, and reflect on the courage long-distance travel demanded in antiquity. Return to Adana.

Overnight: Adana  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Cleopatra's Gate, ancient Tarsus

Today takes you to one of the most personally significant destinations of the entire pilgrimage: Tarsus, the traditional birthplace of Paul. Positioned between the Mediterranean world and the great mountain routes into Anatolia, Tarsus was an important crossroads city of ancient Cilicia. Here you will explore the Roman remains of the ancient city, including the Roman baths, the historic quarter near the Cydnus River crossing, and the Cardo Maximus, the principal north-south street of the Roman city — walk it and imagine Roman Tarsus as a busy urban center filled with merchants, officials and craftsmen. You will also see Donuktas, an enormous Roman temple structure and one of the most impressive architectural remains of ancient Tarsus.

After lunch, the journey continues into the mountains through the dramatic Cilician Gates, one of the most important natural passages across the Taurus Mountains and a corridor that has connected Cilicia with central Anatolia for thousands of years. The landscape changes dramatically as the Mediterranean lowlands give way to rugged peaks.

The road continues to Derbe, a place Paul visited repeatedly; according to Acts, Paul and Barnabas preached here and gained converts. The remoteness of the landscape makes the visit particularly evocative — unlike the monumental archaeological centers ahead, Derbe offers the quieter, more contemplative side of biblical archaeology. Continue to Konya for the night.

Overnight: Konya  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Your morning begins in Iconium, corresponding to modern Konya, which played an important role in Paul's missionary journeys as one of the major inland centers of ancient Anatolia. Explore the archaeological remains of the ancient acropolis, then visit the Konya Archaeological Museum, where inscriptions and artifacts associated with ancient Iconium, Lystra and Derbe help transform the names encountered in biblical texts into tangible historical realities.

Continue to Sille, a remarkable historic settlement near Konya, where a visit to St. Helena's Church introduces another layer of Anatolia's long Christian history. Sille's stone architecture, narrow streets and surrounding landscape create a very different atmosphere from the monumental Roman ruins elsewhere on the tour.

In the afternoon, continue to ancient Lystra, associated with Paul's missionary journeys and traditionally connected with Timothy, his close companion and disciple. At Hatunsaray, visit the small open-air collection displaying antiquities recovered from Lystra — an important stop for anyone wishing to understand the geographical world of the New Testament. Return to Konya.

Overnight: Konya  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Street through the West Gate, Pisidian Antioch, near Yalvaç

Depart early for Yalvaç, home of ancient Pisidian Antioch — one of the most important archaeological sites on the entire pilgrimage. Paul visited Pisidian Antioch during his missionary journeys, and the city is particularly significant because of the sermon recorded in Acts 13. Explore the remains of the Roman colony and imagine the ancient city filled with public buildings, streets, religious institutions and commercial life — this is not simply a city mentioned in Christian history, but one where the New Testament records Paul's actual preaching.

The visit continues at the Yalvaç Museum, including its dedicated St. Paul Room, where archaeological material helps contextualize the ancient city's history. After the archaeological visit, enjoy a scenic drive through Turkey's beautiful lake country as the road crosses toward the Taurus Mountains and descends into the fertile Pamphylian plain. Arrive in Antalya.

Overnight: Antalya  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today explores the ancient cities of the Pamphylian coast, beginning with Perga, one of the great archaeological sites of southern Anatolia, visited by Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey. Perga is especially impressive for its monumental urban planning: an enormous ancient stadium, colonnaded streets with a central water channel, monumental avenues, public baths and water channels reflecting the wealth of Roman Pamphylia. The long colonnaded street creates one of the most striking visual experiences of the tour.

Return to Antalya and explore historic Attalia, ancient Antalya. Among the city's highlights is Hadrian's Gate, a magnificent Roman triumphal arch marking the entrance to the historic old town, along with further remains of the Roman city. Enjoy lunch at the St. Paul Cultural Center before visiting the excellent Antalya Archaeological Museum, which offers a superb overview of the civilizations that flourished across southern Anatolia.

Later in the afternoon, board a boat from the harbor traditionally associated with the port from which Paul and Barnabas sailed at the conclusion of their first missionary journey. Viewing the ancient coastline from the sea rather than the land provides a wonderful change of perspective. The excursion ends near Magydus, with an optional opportunity for swimming near the spectacular Düden Waterfalls, weather permitting. Return to Antalya.

Overnight: Antalya  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Lycian rock-cut necropolis above Myra, near Demre

Today follows the spectacular Mediterranean coast, passing landscapes associated with ancient Phaselis and Olympos, where mountains descend dramatically toward the turquoise sea. Arrive at Myra, famous for its extraordinary Lycian rock-cut tombs and well-preserved Roman theater — a city that combines two fascinating historical worlds, Lycian civilization and Christian heritage.

Myra is particularly associated with St. Nicholas, who served as bishop here during the fourth century; visit St. Nicholas Church, an important Christian heritage site. Continue to Andriake, the port of Myra and one of the most significant stops on the pilgrimage, because it was here that Paul changed ships during his voyage toward Rome. Visit the Museum of Lycian Civilizations and see the newly excavated ancient synagogue — a fascinating window into the religious diversity of the ancient Mediterranean world. Continue to Kalkan.

Overnight: Kalkan  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today takes you from the Mediterranean coast deep into the ancient interior of Anatolia. Your first destination is Patara, one of Lycia's most important ancient cities and a major Mediterranean harbor and political center, with a restored assembly building, ancient streets, monumental ruins, an ancient lighthouse and harbor landscapes. Paul changed ships here during his third missionary journey — standing at Patara makes clear how important maritime transportation was to the ancient missionary world.

The route then crosses the mountains toward Laodicea, one of the important cities of the ancient region and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, connected with the early Christian communities addressed in the New Testament. Continue toward Colossae, near the foothills of Mount Honaz. Unlike some of the monumental cities on this tour, Colossae remains comparatively undeveloped archaeologically, which makes the visit different — and deeply evocative, as the landscape itself becomes part of the historical experience. Colossae is associated with the Letter to the Colossians and the Letter to Philemon, making it particularly meaningful for travelers interested in the Pauline epistles. Continue to Pamukkale.

Overnight: Pamukkale  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Pamukkale

The Roman theatre of Hierapolis, above the travertines of Pamukkale

Today begins at Hierapolis, one of the most spectacular ancient cities of the region, perched above the dazzling white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Walk through the extensive ancient necropolis, where monumental tombs line the ancient road, then continue toward the magnificent Roman theater, one of the best-preserved architectural features of the city. The visit also includes the Martyrium of St. Philip and its basilica, adding a profound Christian dimension to the archaeological experience — Hierapolis represents the remarkable intersection of Roman civilization, ancient religion and early Christianity.

Travel westward through the fertile Meander Valley, one of the great agricultural corridors of western Anatolia since antiquity, passing the ancient city of Tralles. Continue to Magnesia on the Meander, another important ancient city whose churches became part of the expanding Christian world of Asia Minor. This evening, participate in the inspiring Ephesus Meeting, a moment to reflect upon the spiritual and historical significance of the journey so far.

Overnight: Kuşadası  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today explores some of the most impressive ancient cities of western Anatolia, beginning at Miletus, an important ancient city with multiple harbors and a magnificent theater that originated in the Hellenistic period and was enlarged in Roman times. For Christian pilgrims, Miletus has exceptional importance because it was here that Paul delivered his emotional farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20). A visit to the site museum provides further context for the city's long history.

Continue to Didyma, home to the monumental Temple of Apollo, whose enormous scale and surviving architectural elements offer a powerful reminder of the religious importance of the ancient Mediterranean world. After lunch, continue to Priene, one of the finest examples of a planned Hellenistic city, occupying a dramatic hillside position overlooking the former landscape of the Meander region. The visit includes the ancient synagogue of Priene, adding another important dimension to the multicultural religious landscape of western Anatolia. Return to Kuşadası.

Overnight: Kuşadası  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

The façade of the Library of Celsus, ancient Ephesus

For many travelers, today will be the emotional and historical highlight of the entire pilgrimage. Enter the extraordinary ancient city of Ephesus, beginning your walking tour in the upper city at the State Agora before descending through the urban landscape toward Ephesus's most celebrated monuments: the spectacular façade of the Library of Celsus, one of the defining monuments of Roman Ephesus; the Tetragonos Agora, one of the principal commercial areas of the ancient city; and the exquisite Terrace Houses, where wealthy citizens of Ephesus lived, their mosaics and frescoes offering a rare glimpse into elite Roman domestic life.

The tour culminates at the enormous ancient theater, famously associated with the disturbance described in Acts 19, when opposition to Paul's ministry contributed to a major public gathering connected with devotion to Artemis. Standing inside the theater is an extraordinary moment — you are no longer simply reading about the ancient city; you are standing in the very urban environment where Paul's preaching became part of a much larger social and religious confrontation. Make a brief stop at the remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, before continuing to St. John's Basilica, traditionally associated with the burial place of the Apostle John, and the excellent Ephesus Museum.

The final major destination of the day is ancient Smyrna, corresponding to modern Izmir and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Explore the ancient Agora, including its remarkable collection of Greek inscriptions and graffiti. Continue to Izmir.

Overnight: Izmir  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

The Acropolis of Pergamon, seen from the Sanctuary of Asclepius

Travel north along the Aegean coast toward Pergamum, exploring its spectacular acropolis, which rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape and offers one of the most impressive archaeological panoramas in Anatolia. The steep ancient theater is particularly breathtaking, and the Altar of Zeus and other monumental remains illustrate the political, artistic and religious importance of ancient Pergamum, which also occupies an important position in early Christian history as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.

Continue north to Adramyttium, an ancient harbor associated with the ship mentioned in the Acts narrative, as the maritime history of the region becomes increasingly important with the approach to Troas. Arrive at magnificent Assos, occupying a spectacular position above the Aegean Sea. Visit the panoramic Temple of Athena, dramatically positioned on the acropolis with an unforgettable view over the Aegean, then enter through the ancient West Gate and follow the historic road associated with Paul's arrival after traveling from Troas — one of the most atmospheric walking experiences of the tour.

Overnight: Assos  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Your final day on the ancient Anatolian route begins at Smintheion, visiting the ancient sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, whose archaeological remains provide a fascinating perspective on the religious landscape of the ancient Aegean. Continue to Alexandria Troas, one of the most important transit points in Paul's journeys — he passed through this port several times, and the site is associated with the episode in which Paul restored Eutychus after his fall, according to the Acts tradition. The enormous scale of the archaeological landscape here is easy to appreciate.

Continue to the legendary city of Troy, whose name carries enduring cultural power. The visit includes the famous replica of the wooden horse, a memorable conclusion to the archaeological portion of the journey. After visiting Troy, cross the Dardanelles, the historic waterway separating Europe and Asia, continuing on toward Istanbul — the city historically known as Constantinople. The final evening offers a wonderful transition from the ancient roads of Anatolia to the imperial world of Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

The final day of this extraordinary pilgrimage is devoted to Istanbul, a fitting conclusion because the city stands at the intersection of Europe and Asia and preserves layers of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. Begin at the historic Hippodrome, once the monumental center of Constantinople's public life, and explore the surviving monuments along its ancient central axis. Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's most recognizable landmarks, whose elegant domes, soaring minarets and richly decorated interior provide a beautiful introduction to Ottoman Istanbul.

Briefly stop at the historic route associated with the Egnatian Way, the important Roman road system connecting the Balkans and Constantinople, before visiting the magnificent Hagia Sophia, one of the world's most extraordinary monuments, whose immense dome and layered history represent centuries of religious, architectural and imperial transformation. Continue to the historic Hagia Irene Church, one of Constantinople's important early Christian monuments, and walk through the historic grounds surrounding Topkapi Palace.

Complete the archaeological journey at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, whose collection brings together artifacts from across the ancient world — an appropriate final chapter after two weeks of archaeological exploration, including celebrated pieces such as the Siloam inscription and the Gezer calendar. Conclude your pilgrimage with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, taking a final moment to reflect upon the extraordinary route you have traveled, from Antioch and Tarsus to Ephesus, Pergamum, Troas and Constantinople.

Overnight: Istanbul  ·  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner