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Biblical Turkey: In the Footsteps of St. Paul & St. John

(12 Days / 11 Nights – The Ultimate Pilgrimage Tour)

Tour Code: BIB 012
Route: Antioch -> Tarsus -> Cappadocia -> Iconium -> Seven Churches -> Nicea -> Istanbul
Start: Hatay Airport (HTY) End: Istanbul Airport (IST/SAW)
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Style: Religious Heritage / Cultural Tour (Private or Group)

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Biblical Turkey: In the Footsteps of St. Paul & St. John

Turkey is the “Other Holy Land.” From the rock-cut churches of Cappadocia, where early Christians sought refuge, to the ancient streets of Ephesus where St. Paul preached, Anatolia preserves some of the most important chapters in the history of early Christianity.

This comprehensive 12-day Biblical Turkey Tour takes you on a remarkable journey through the Seven Churches of Revelation, the birthplace of St. Paul in Tarsus, Antioch—the city where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians—and the historic sites of the Ecumenical Councils.

Designed for church groups, Christian travelers, Bible study groups, pilgrims, and travelers interested in biblical history, this private journey combines Scripture, archaeology, ancient cities, and the cultural heritage of Turkey.

Why Choose This Biblical Turkey Tour?

  • Follow the footsteps of St. Paul and St. John through some of the most important biblical sites in Anatolia.
  • Visit the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
  • Explore early Christian heritage in Antioch, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and other ancient cities.
  • Discover the birthplace of St. Paul in Tarsus.
  • Visit historic Council sites, including Nicaea and Constantinople.
  • Travel comfortably with private transportation and an experienced English-speaking biblical guide.

Itinerary: A Journey of Faith

Day 1: Arrival in Antioch — The Cradle of Christianity

Arrival: Upon arrival at Hatay Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Antakya.

Antioch: Settle into the historic city where, according to the Acts of the Apostles, the disciples were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).

Evening: Enjoy some free time to relax and discover the atmosphere of this historic city.

Overnight: Antioch (Antakya).

Day 2: The First Church & The Mosaics

St. Peter’s Cave Church

Visit St. Peter’s Cave Church, an important early Christian site traditionally associated with the Apostle Peter and the first Christian community of Antioch.

Hatay Archaeological Museum

Explore the region’s remarkable collection of Roman and Byzantine mosaics, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient life in Antioch and surrounding cities.

Seleucia Pieria

Continue to the ancient port of Seleucia Pieria, associated with the departure of Paul and Barnabas for their first missionary journey (Acts 13:4).

Visit the impressive Titus Tunnel, an extraordinary Roman engineering achievement carved through the mountain.

Journey to Adana

Continue to Adana for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Adana.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 3: Tarsus — The Home of St. Paul & Cappadocia

Tarsus

Visit Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. See St. Paul’s Well and explore the remains of the ancient city where Paul grew up.

Crossing the Taurus Mountains

Travel through the historic Cilician Gates, the natural mountain passage connecting Cilicia with the Anatolian plateau.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Continue to Cappadocia and descend into the remarkable underground city of Derinkuyu. Explore the tunnels, chambers, places of worship, storage areas, and living spaces used by communities seeking protection during periods of conflict and persecution.

Overnight: Cappadocia — Cave Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 4: Cappadocia — The Land of the Early Christians

Goreme Open Air Museum

Explore the famous rock-cut churches and monasteries of Cappadocia, decorated with Byzantine frescoes depicting biblical scenes and Christian figures.

Pasabag — Monks Valley

Walk among Cappadocia’s distinctive fairy chimneys and learn about the region’s tradition of Christian monasticism and ascetic life.

Uchisar & Pigeon Valley

Enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia and visit an authentic cave house for tea, offering a glimpse into traditional local life.

Avanos & Devrent Valley

Visit Avanos for a traditional pottery demonstration before continuing to Devrent Valley, famous for its unusual natural rock formations.

Overnight: Cappadocia.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 5: Iconium & Pisidian Antioch

Sultanhani Caravanserai

Leave Cappadocia and travel west along the historic Silk Road. Stop at the impressive 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai, once used by merchants and travelers crossing Anatolia.

Konya — Ancient Iconium

Visit Konya, ancient Iconium, where Paul and Barnabas preached during their first missionary journey according to Acts 14:1.

Visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the Sufi mystic Rumi, one of the most influential spiritual figures in Anatolian history.

Antioch of Pisidia — Yalvac

Continue to Yalvac and explore the ancient city of Antioch of Pisidia, an important location in Paul’s missionary journeys.

Discover the remains of the ancient city and sites associated with Paul’s preaching.

Lake Egirdir

Continue to the beautiful Lake Egirdir for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Egirdir.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 6: Colossae, Laodicea & Hierapolis

Colossae

Visit the archaeological area of ancient Colossae, the city associated with the Letter to the Colossians attributed to St. Paul.

Laodicea — One of the Seven Churches

Explore Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Walk among its excavated streets, theatres, monumental structures, and Christian remains while reflecting on the message recorded in Revelation 3:14–22.

Hierapolis & Pamukkale

Continue to Hierapolis, where you will visit the Martyrium of St. Philip, the ancient Necropolis, and other Roman remains.

Then explore the spectacular white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most recognizable natural landscapes.

Overnight: Pamukkale — Thermal Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 7: Ephesus — The Light of Asia

House of the Virgin Mary

Visit the peaceful shrine on Mount Koressos traditionally associated with the final years of Mary.

Ancient Ephesus

Explore Ephesus, one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean and a major center of early Christianity.

Walk along its ancient marble streets and discover the Celsus Library, Great Theatre, and other monumental remains. The Great Theatre is also associated with the dramatic events described in Acts 19.

Basilica of St. John

Visit the Basilica of St. John, traditionally associated with the burial place of the Apostle John.

Overnight: Izmir (Smyrna).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 8: The Seven Churches — Smyrna, Thyatira, Sardis & Philadelphia

Smyrna

Explore ancient Smyrna in modern Izmir. Visit the Agora and the Church of St. Polycarp, associated with Polycarp, an important early Christian leader traditionally connected with the Apostle John.

Thyatira

Continue to Akhisar, ancient Thyatira, and visit the archaeological remains associated with the fourth Church of Revelation.

Sardis

Explore Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia. See the impressive Temple of Artemis, Gymnasium, and ancient Synagogue.

Philadelphia

Continue to Alaşehir, ancient Philadelphia, and discover the remaining structures associated with this early Christian community.

Overnight: Pergamum (Bergama).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 9: Pergamum, Troas & Troy

Pergamum

Visit the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum, including its ancient theatre and monumental remains.

Explore the area associated with the “Throne of Satan” mentioned in Revelation 2:13 and visit the impressive Red Basilica.

Alexandria Troas

Continue to Alexandria Troas, the ancient port associated with Paul’s missionary journeys and the vision of the Macedonian man described in Acts 16:9.

Troy

Travel to legendary Troy, immortalized in Homer’s Iliad. Explore the archaeological layers representing thousands of years of settlement.

Overnight: Canakkale.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 10: Nicaea & Istanbul

Nicaea — Iznik

Travel to Iznik, ancient Nicaea, one of the most important cities in Christian history.

Nicaea was the setting of the First Ecumenical Council in AD 325 and the Seventh Ecumenical Council in AD 787.

Visit the historic Hagia Sophia of Nicaea and explore the remains of the ancient city.

Journey to Istanbul

Continue to Istanbul, crossing from Asia into Europe.

Overnight: Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 11: Constantinople — Christian Heritage of Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Visit Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest architectural monuments of the Byzantine world and for centuries one of Christianity’s most important churches.

Chora Church — Kariye

Explore the historic Chora Church, famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Hippodrome & Blue Mosque

Discover the monuments surrounding the ancient Hippodrome and explore the historic Sultanahmet district.

Topkapi Palace

Visit the former residence of the Ottoman sultans and explore its magnificent courtyards and collections.

Overnight: Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 12: Bosphorus & Departure

Spice Bazaar

Begin the final day with a visit to Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar, where traditional spices, dried fruits, Turkish sweets, and local products fill the market.

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a cruise between Europe and Asia, taking in Istanbul’s historic waterfront, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, and traditional waterfront mansions.

Departure

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your international flight home or your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast included.

Tour Package Details

What’s Included

Accommodation: 11 nights in selected 4-star and 5-star hotels.

Meals: Daily breakfast, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners.

Guide: Expert English-speaking biblical tour guide.

Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle, with van, minibus, or coach depending on group size.

Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to the museums, churches, archaeological sites, and ancient cities listed in the itinerary.

Airport Transfers: All airport arrival and departure transfers.

Pergamum Cable Car: Cable car fee for the Pergamum Acropolis.

Hotel Service: Hotel tips are included.

What’s Not Included

  • Drinks during meals
  • Domestic flights, if required
  • Visa fees
  • Driver and guide tips
  • Optional activities, including hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia
  • Personal expenses

Important Tour Notes

This is an intensive biblical and archaeological journey covering a large part of Turkey. Several days involve long drives and walking through ancient archaeological sites with uneven surfaces.

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and suitable clothing are recommended.

For church groups and larger private groups, the itinerary can be customized according to group size, preferred hotel category, flight schedule, and biblical sites of particular interest.

A Journey Through the Biblical Heritage of Turkey

From Antioch and Tarsus to Ephesus, the Seven Churches, Nicaea, and Constantinople, discover the places where the early Christian story unfolded.

Planning a Church Group Tour? Contact us for special group rates and the best price of the season!

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    Title for This BlTerms & Conditions (Booking & Cancellation Policy)ock

    Terms & Conditions (Booking & Cancellation Policy)

    Welcome to Travel Mart Turkiye. By browsing this website and booking any tours, activities, transfers, or packages with us, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.

    1. Booking & Confirmation Process
      To ensure a seamless experience, our booking process is structured as follows:

    Reservations: All bookings must be made through our official website channels, email, or verified WhatsApp lines.

    Deposit & Payment: To secure your spot (especially for Hot Air Balloon flights which have limited capacity), a deposit or full payment is required at the time of booking. We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) via secure payment links or bank transfers.

    Confirmation: Your booking is considered confirmed only when you receive an official “Booking Confirmation” email or voucher from Cappadocia Mart. Please check all details (dates, names, hotel) carefully upon receipt.

    1. Cancellation & Refund Policy
      We understand that travel plans can change. We aim to be as flexible as possible while respecting the operational costs of our partners. Our cancellation policy is divided by service type:

    A. Hot Air Balloon Flights (Important) Ballooning is strictly weather-dependent. Here is how we handle cancellations:

    Cancellation by Civil Aviation (Weather): If your flight is cancelled by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority due to unsafe weather conditions (wind, fog, storm), you are entitled to a 100% FULL REFUND. No hidden fees, no deductions. Alternatively, we can reschedule you for the next day, subject to availability.

    Cancellation by the Guest:

    More than 48 Hours Notice: If you cancel more than 48 hours before the scheduled flight time, you will receive a full refund.

    Less than 48 Hours: Cancellations made within 48 hours of the flight are non-refundable due to seat allocation costs and limited capacity.

    No-Show: If you are not present at the designated pickup time/location, no refund will be issued.

    B. Daily Tours (Red/Green/Blue Tours) & Activities (ATV, Horse, Camel)

    Free Cancellation: You may cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

    Late Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are subject to a 100% cancellation fee (no refund).

    C. Private Tours & Large Group Bookings For private VIP tours or groups larger than 10 people, stricter planning is required:

    7 Days Notice: Full refund if cancelled 7 days prior to arrival.

    3-6 Days Notice: 50% refund.

    Less than 72 Hours: Non-refundable.

    1. Pricing & Inclusions
      Currency: All prices on our website are in Euros (€) or USD ($) unless stated otherwise.

    Price Protection: Once your booking is confirmed and the deposit is paid, the price is locked. We will not charge you extra even if market prices increase later.

    Exclusions: Unless specifically stated in the tour description, personal expenses, beverages during lunch, and gratuities (tips) for guides/drivers are not included in the price.

    1. Insurance & Liability
      Balloon Safety: All hot air balloon operators we partner with hold valid insurance policies covering all passengers in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.

    Travel Insurance: While our tours cover basic transportation and activity insurance required by Turkish Law, we strongly recommend that all travelers purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance to cover personal health issues, lost luggage, or international flight delays.

    Liability: Cappadocia Mart acts as a booking agent. We are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage sustained during the tour, except where such loss is caused by our direct negligence.

    1. Child Policy
      Hot Air Balloons: For safety and legal reasons, children under 6 years old are strictly not allowed to fly in hot air balloons. Children aged 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    Land Tours:

    0-2 Years: Free of Charge.

    3-8 Years: Discounted rates usually apply (varies by specific tour).

    Governing Law
    These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Turkey. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nevşehir, Turkey.

    Pick-up & Drop-off Times
    Pick-up times provided during the booking process are estimates. The exact time depends on the location of your hotel (Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, Avanos) and seasonal sunrise times. We will confirm the exact pick-up time with you via WhatsApp or Email one day before the tour.

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