Istanbul: Missionary Journey of St. Paul 14-Day Turkey Tour

Istanbul: Missionary Journey of St. Paul 14-Day Turkey Tour
Location: Aegean Coast Region, Turkey
Price: $7,056 per person
Supplier: Castle Travel

A Journey Through Ancient Christian Roots in Turkey
This 14-day tour takes you deep into the heart of Turkey, retracing the steps of St. Paul and exploring the seven churches of Revelation. Starting in Istanbul, you’ll journey westward across historic sites like Ephesus, Pergamon, and Pamukkale, then venture into Cappadocia and Antioch, finishing back in Istanbul. The tour is priced at around $7,000 per person, which reflects the comprehensive experience of guided tours, entrance fees, domestic flights, and many included meals.

What we really like about this tour? First, the way it combines famous ancient ruins with biblical history, offering a tangible sense of connection to early Christianity. Second, the balanced itinerary, allowing enough time at key sites without feeling rushed, plus the inclusion of domestic flights that save travel time.

A possible consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and site visits, some of which are on uneven or narrow surfaces—so good footwear and moderate fitness are advisable. While the price may seem steep, the value lies in the all-inclusive nature, expert guiding, and the chance to see rare historical sites.

This tour suits travelers who love history and religion, especially those eager to see the sites of St. Paul’s missionary work in person. If you’re prepared to walk, enjoy learning about early Christianity, and appreciate culture, this could be a memorable journey for you.

Key Points

• Historical depth: Visit both ancient sites and biblical landmarks associated with St. Paul.
• Comprehensive experience: All site entrance fees, guided tours, and domestic flights are included, making it stress-free.
• Authentic exploration: Discover places like Ephesus, Hierapolis, and Tarsus, where history and faith converge.
• Well-paced itinerary: Enough time at major sites without feeling overly hurried, with a good balance of sightseeing and travel.
• Practical details: Includes local meals, transportation, and clear guidance, catering to serious history buffs and pilgrims alike.
• Suitability: Ideal for those interested in religious history, biblical archaeology, and authentic travel experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into Your 14-Day Journey

Starting in Istanbul: The Gate to History and Faith

Your adventure begins in Istanbul, a city where East meets West, and history seeps from every corner. The afternoon orientation tour, if timing allows, will give you a taste of the city’s highlights — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. These sites set the tone, illustrating the city’s layered past, and the blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences.

Staying overnight in Istanbul offers a chance to adjust to the time zone and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, which is a great way to start a journey rooted in history.

Day 2: Exploring Istanbul’s Christian Heritage

You’ll visit the St. Irene Church and the Chora Museum, famous for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes. These sites are more than just tourist stops—they are windows into the city’s early Christian roots.

Days 3-4: From Nicea to Bursa, and Troy

The journey continues with a drive to Iznik (Nicea), where the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils took place. This is where the doctrine of the early church was shaped, making it a must-see for those interested in church history.

Next, you’ll head to Bursa to see the Green Mosque and Mausoleum, marveling at Ottoman architecture and religious history. The drive then takes you to Troy, famed for its legendary walls and stories of the Trojan War, and on to Gallipoli, a site imbued with both historical and emotional significance, especially for those interested in modern history as well as biblical connections at Alexandria Troas.

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Days 5-6: Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, and Ephesus

This segment is a highlight for biblical travelers. In Pergamon, you’ll see the Asclepion, an ancient medical center, and the Acropolis, offering panoramic views. The Red Court, dedicated to St. John, provides a glimpse into early Christian life.

Then, visiting Thyatira and Sardis ties into the biblical narrative, with the latter being the capital of Lydia, where Lydia’s conversion is recorded, and the Church of Sardis is a significant early Christian community.

In Ephesus, you’ll explore one of the most impressive ancient cities, walking along the marble streets and visiting the House of the Virgin Mary and the St. John Basilica. These sites are especially moving because you can literally walk where early Christians gathered and worshiped.

Day 7-8: Miletos, Didyma, and Patmos

A short drive takes you to Miletos, where Paul delivered a famous speech. The Temple of Apollo in Didyma is an awe-inspiring ruin.

Then, a boat trip to the Greek island of Patmos offers a chance to see the Cave of Revelation and St. John Monastery. These spiritual sites provide a profound sense of the origins of Christian prophecy and are highly rated by travelers for their atmosphere.

Days 9-10: Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea, and Philadelphia

Next, you’ll visit Pamukkale, known for its thermal mineral terraces—a surreal landscape of natural pools. Nearby, the ruins of Hierapolis reveal a once-thriving Roman spa city.

Continuing to Laodicea and Philadelphia, you’ll see the churches mentioned in Revelation, completing the biblical puzzle. The St. John Basilica at Philadelphia is another meaningful stop, emphasizing the importance of early Christian communities.

Days 11-12: Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys and Tarsus

Touring Cappadocia, you’ll explore its famous Open Air Museum, the Zelve Valley, and underground cities—places that seem straight out of a fairy tale but are deeply historical.

Then, traveling to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, you’ll see St. Paul’s Well and the Cave Church in Antakya, where early Christians would gather in secret, adding a tangible sense of faith and resilience.

Final Days: Back to Istanbul and Reflection

Returning to Istanbul by flight, you’ll have a chance for a farewell walk through its bustling streets or visit sites you might have missed at the start. The tour concludes with your transfer to the airport, carrying memories of a journey that blends faith, history, and culture.

The Practicalities and Experience

The tour’s guided approach, with experienced guides like Michelle or others, ensures you get context and background at every site, making the sightseeing meaningful rather than just viewing ruins. Entrance fees are included, so no surprises there, and transportation between sites is comfortable and efficient, including domestic flights that save time.

Meals are included for lunch and dinner, giving you a chance to sample local flavors and connect with fellow travelers. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking, often on uneven grounds or narrow streets, so sturdy shoes are a must. The tour recommends bringing a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially as Turkish summer sun can be intense.

One highlight noted by travelers is the mix of religious sites and archaeological wonders, allowing a balanced experience of spiritual reflection and cultural exploration. However, some might find the schedule busy, with a lot of sites packed into each day, so travel stamina is important.

The cost of around $7,000 may seem high, but when you consider the all-inclusive nature—guiding, entrance fees, domestic flights, and some meals—it offers solid value for those serious about history and faith.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This journey is perfect for history buffs, religious pilgrims, or anyone interested in early Christian history in a setting that combines ancient ruins with breathtaking landscapes like Cappadocia and Pamukkale. It suits travelers who don’t mind walking and want a comprehensive, guided experience without the hassle of planning each step.

If you’re eager to stand where St. Paul and early Christians once stood, and enjoy a well-organized itinerary that emphasizes meaningful encounters with history and faith, this tour offers a rare opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Because the tour involves a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, it’s not ideal for those with mobility challenges or wheelchairs.

Are meals included?
The tour provides local lunch during the tour and dinners, but not all meals. It’s best to check if you want additional snacks or drinks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, water, and perhaps a scarf or shawl for modest dress at religious sites.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees to the sites listed are included in the tour price.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later, offering flexibility.

What is the maximum group size?
While not specified, guided tours like this are often moderate-sized, balancing personal attention with group camaraderie.

Is there free time during the tour?
The itinerary is quite packed with site visits, but there may be limited free time, especially at larger stops like Istanbul or Cappadocia.

Are domestic flights part of the package?
Yes, included in the price are flights from Istanbul to the southern sites and back, saving hours of travel.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not recommended for children under 6 or those with back problems, as walking and site visits can be strenuous.

What makes this tour different from other Christian pilgrimages?
The comprehensive coverage of seven churches of Revelation combined with visits to stunning landscapes like Pamukkale and Cappadocia makes this both a spiritual and cultural adventure.

To sum it up, this 14-day pilgrimage through Turkey offers a detailed, respectful, and immersive experience for those eager to connect with the roots of Christianity. While the pace is active and the price reflects the inclusions, the opportunity to walk through ancient sites, see biblical landmarks, and enjoy Turkey’s diverse scenery makes it a compelling choice. If history, faith, and authentic exploration are your priorities, this tour is well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: