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TRACING
THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL
A journey through Anatolia
15 days
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Day 1: ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul. Assistance at the airport and transfer to your
hotel. Day
2: ISTANBUL
Istanbul full day sightseeing to include the Hagia Sophia, the
underground Byzantine cistern of Yerebatan, also known as the Sunken
Palace and the Church of St. Savior in Chora.
Day 3: ISTANBUL - CAESAREA (KAYSERI) - CAPPADOCIA
Morning flight to Caesarea, the largest city in Cappadocia and the birthplace of three
Cappadocian fathers; St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Gregory of Naziansus. Visit the highlights of the city, such as
the Ulu Camii, the Huant Hatun Complex, the Archaeological Museum and the city walls. In
the afternoon drive to Cappadocia for dinner and overnight. |
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Day
4:
CAPPADOCIA
Full day excursion of Cappadocia, famous for its cone-shaped rock formations and
underground cities. Dominated by Mt. Erciyes, Cappadocia offers amazing rock-cut Churches
and Monasteries dating back to the Byzantine period. Visit the open-air museums of Goreme,
and Zelve. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. |
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Day
5: CAPPADOCIA - KONYA
Morning visit to the underground city of Kaymakli, carved during the early Christian era
as a refuge from persecutions. Drive to Konya, one the oldest cities of Turkey. Konya,
known as Iconium in Roman times, was visited by Saint Paul during his missionary journeys.
Konya is also the city of Mevlana and the Whirling dervishes. Visit the Mevlana Museum and
the Mausoleum. Dinner and overnight in Konya.
Day 6: KONYA - PSIDIAN
ANTIOCH - ANTALYA
Proceed to Psidian Antioch (Yalvac) where Paul preached to the Gentiles, and opened the gates
of Christianity to the pagan world. Drive by Egridir Lake and arrive in Antalya the
largest city of the Turkish Riviera.
Day 7: ANTALYA -
PERGE - ASPENDOS
Morning visit to Perge, where Saint Paul preached for the first time on Anatolia soil
during his first Missionary Journey. Continue to Aspendos to see the best preserved
Roman theater of the ancient world. Dinner
and overnight in Antalya.
Day 8: ANTALYA -
HIERAPOLIS - LAODICEA
Drive North through the Taurus Mountains and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which
is blessed by hot mineral springs and Roman ruins. Continue to Laodicea, one of the Seven
Churches of the Revelation.
Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 9: PAMUKKALE -
MILETUS - KUSADASI
Morning visit of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, which rivals Ephesus in the magnificence
of its monuments and its school of sculpture. Proceed to Miletus, where
St. Paul met with
the Elders of the Effusion Church during his third Missionary Journey. Dinner and
overnight in Kusadasi.
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Day
10: KUSADASI - IZMIR
Morning visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Addressed by St. John as one of the Seven
Churches, Ephesus was the site of the Artemis Temple, considered as one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, the Selcuk Museum
and the remnants of the Basilica of St. John. Day
11: AKHISAR - SARDIS - PHILADELPHIA - IZMIR
Departure for Thyatira, one of the Seven Churches, home town of Lydia, the first Christian
convert met by St. Paul in Philippi. Drive to Sardis, capital city of the Lydian kingdom.
Here you will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the greatest temples in Antiquity, the
Gymnasium and the Synagogue complex. Continue to Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love.
Return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.
Day 12: IZMIR -
PERGAMUM - ISTANBUL
Excursion to Pergamum known in ancient times as a medical center dedicate to
Aesclepios, God of Health. Drive to Izmir airport and fly to Istanbul. Overnight in
Istanbul.
Day 13: ISTANBUL
Visit the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Museum of Turkish and
Islamic Art.
Day 14: ISTANBUL
Cruise on the Bosphorus. Visit the private Museum of Sadberk Hanim. Lunch at a fish
restaurant. End your day at the Grand Bazaar.
Day 15: Transfer to the
airport for departure back home.
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