TU-SP1 In The Steps of St. Paul
An 18-Day tour, traveling to all the cities in Turkey, that St. Paul visited on his missionary journeys
 Hotels

Included Services
 Dates & Rates
 
Itinerary
Day 1 New York - Istanbul
Departure from New York's JFK airport to Istanbul, Turkey.

Day 2 Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul in the morning. Upon arrival half day sightseeing of Istanbul including the remnants of Roman period Hippodrome and the 17th century Bluse Mosque. Then transfer to your hotel for overnight. Overnight in Istanbul (D)

Day 3 Istanbul
Full day sightseeing in Istanbul: The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the magnificent Byzantine church Haghia Sophia and the undeground cistern from the 6th century. In the afternoon is the sightseeing of Chora Church which was originally built around 5th century, then renovated in 14th century. The magnificent mosaics and frescoes form the best examples of Byzantine art. Then a short tour of Grand Bazaar. Welcome dinner in the evening. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, D)

Day 4 Istanbul - Antakya
After breakfast, fly to Adana from Istanbul and continue to Antakya, the ancient Antioch which was the starting point of St. Paul's first and second Missionary journeys and where this new religion was called Christianity for the first time (Acts 11:19-30, Arcts 13:1-3, Acts 15:30-39). Upon arrival we will visit Antakya Museum which is famous for its collection of Roman mosaics which vividly depict the lively days of Roman period. Overnight in Antakya. (B, D)

Day 5 Antakya
In the morning we will have an excursion to Samandag, the ancient Seleucia Pieria, from where SS Paul and Barnabas sailed to Cyprus on their first Missionary journey (Acts 13:4). In the afternoon is the visit of Church of St. Peter. Overnight in Antakya. (B, D)

Day 6 Antakya - Mersin
After breakfast, we wil drive to Tarsus, which was the birth place of St. Paul (Acts 21:39, Acts 22:3). After sightseeing we will continue to Mersin. Overnight in Mersin. (B, D)

Day 7 Mersin - Cappadocia
In the morning we will drive to Cappadocia region. Upon arrival we will start visiting the natural rock formations and early Christian and Byzantine period rock churches. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Day 8 Cappadocia
Full day tour of Cappadocia region. The region of wonderful scenery of unusual natural formations and man-made dwellings, churches and chapels from early Christian and Byzantine periods. Our visits will include Goreme Openair Museum, Uchisar, the valley of Zelve, undeground city of Kaymakli. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Day 9 Cappadocia - Konya
After breakfast, we will drive to Konya, today's city of ancient Iconium (Acts 13:51-14:7). Upon arrival we will visit the Mevlana Museum and Karatay Medrese both from the period of Seljuk Turks and Archaeological Museum. Overnight in Konya. (B, D)

Day 10 Konya - Antalya
After breakfast we will drive from Konya to Antalya, ancient Attalia (Acts 14:26), on the Mediterranean coast. On the way we will visit Antiocheia in Pisidia, which was also visited by SS Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:14-51). Overnight in Antalya. (B, D)

Day 11 Antalya
Full day excursion to Perge (Acts 13:13,Acts 14:25), Aspendos and Manavgat river. A day full of history and beautiful nature of Mediterranean. Overnight in Antalya. (B, D)

Day 12 Antalya - Pamukkale
After breakfast we will drive from Antalya to Pamukkale. In the afternoon is the sightseeing of Laodiceia (Revelation 3:14-22) and Hierapolis. Here we will see the fascinating necropolis and theater from Hellenistic and Roman periods and enjoy the view of cotton white lime cascades. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B, D)

Day 13 Pamukkale - Kusadasi
In the morning we will leave Pamukkale and drive to Aphrodisias, which was maybe the most important city of the region in ancient times. After visiting the wonderful ruins and museum we will drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B, D)

Day 14 Ephesus
Today is the tour of Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21, Acts 19:1- 20:1). This glorious city which was founded about 4000 years ago, still surprises the visitors with its ruins. We will also visit the House of Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John from 6th century and the Museum. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B, D)

Day 15 Kusadasi - Assos
After breakfast we will eave Kusadasi for Assos. On the way we will visit Bergama, ancient Pergamon, which is one of the seven churches of Revelation (Revelation 2:12). In the site of the ancient Pergamon, we will visit the Acropolis, including the theater, temple of Trajan, altar of Zeus, the Asclepion, famous medical center of the Roman times, and the Red Basilica of the Byzantine period. After sightseeing in Bergama, we will continue for Assos, another point in the Third Missionary Journey of St. Paul (Acts 20:13-14). (B, D)

Day 16 Assos - Istanbul

In the morning we will leave Assos for Istanbul. But before noon we will visit Alexandria Troas (Acts 16:8-11, Acts 20:5-12) and Troy, the legendary city, which became the stage for Homer's Iliad. After a short cruise by car ferry, we cross the Dardanelles from Canakkale to the European side of Turkey to continue for Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, D)

Day 17 Istanbul
Full day sightseeing in Istanbul: In the morning is the sightseeing of Topkapi Palace, which was the residence of Ottoman Sultans from 15th to 19th century. After lunch we will visit the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

Day 18 Transfer
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for departure from Istanbul. (B)
 
Hotels
 Cities Hotels
Istanbul Richmond****
Antakya Buyuk Antakya****
Mersin Mersin Hilton*****
Cappadocia Cappadocia Lodge****
Konya Dundar****
Antalya Falez*****
Pamukkale Colossae*****
Kusadasi Fantasia*****
Assos Eden Garden****
 
Included Services
16-night hotel accommodation
16 breakfasts, 15 dinners.
Government-licensed English speaking tour guide.
Transportation by a/c van or a/c deluxe motorcoach depending on the size of the group.
All tours mentioned in the itinerary; related entry fees.
Airport - Hotel - Airport transfers (for land/air option only).
Domestic flights in Turkey.
Porterage at hotels and tips for included meals.
Service charges and local taxes in Turkey.
 
Not Included: Airport tax, visa for Turkey, gratuities for guide and driver,
items of a personal nature such as drinks with meals (except tea or coffee with breakfast), medical services, phone calls etc.
 
 
Departure Dates and Rates
This tour is operated upon request.
The rate for April/May 2000 and October 2000 departures is
$2,560 per person in double occupancy for a group of 6 guests,
$2,830 per person in double occupancy for a group of 4 guests
 
Including round-trip air from NY to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines.
 
For other dates and group sizes, please call 1-888-TOURCOM or
send e-mail to tour@tourcom.com