Apostle Paul was Christianity's greatest missionary, responsible for writing over half the New Testament and spreading the gospel in the first century AD. This unique itinerary recreates his pilgrimages through Asia Minor, connecting the original Churches of Revelation and the magnificent remains of the great Roman Byzantine cities. Visit his birthplace then trace his journeys from the books of Acts and Corinthians, an expert guide expanding on the historic narratives.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul – The Earliest Traces of Christian History
Distant church bells and exotic sounds welcome you to Istanbul, formerly Constantinople and the capital of Roman Byzantine. Glistening mosque domes juxtapose with Christian frescos in the ancient district of Sultanahmet, your base for the first two days. After a transfer from the airport, settle into your hotel and watch the city slowly float by from the rooftop terrace. Fully relaxed, you visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum in the late afternoon, its vast walls filled with essential Biblical artifacts and iconic marble saved from ruined cities. Reliefs of the Virgin Mary are cracked yet resplendent, chronicles of Paul's journey are inscribed yet faded, and there's a feeling of grandeur that's set to remain throughout this historic vacation.
What's Included:
Day 2
Istanbul – The Magnificent Hagia Sophia and Ancient Mosaic Churches
Day 3
Antakya – Exploring the Cradle of Christianity in Antioch
Day 4
Antakya – Visiting Apostle Paul's Birthplace in Tarsus
Day 5
Pamukkale - Churches of Revelation and Beautiful Columned Streets
Day 6
Kusadasi - Evocative Church Ruins and Dazzling Greco Roman History
Day 7
Kusadasi – A Full Day Exploring Ephesus and the St. John Basilica
Day 8
Izmir - Recreating One of Paul's Missionary Journeys
Day 9
Cannakkale - Ancient Cities and Narratives of Struggle
Day 10
Istanbul – Completing Paul's Pilgrimage Through Asia Minor
Day 11
Istanbul – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Recreate the pilgrimages of Apostle Paul as you cross Turkey and visit the famous cities of Asia Minor
- Explore the Churches of Revelation and visit some of the world's earliest ever Christian churches
- Visit Paul's birthplace in Tarsus and relive history in Antioch, an early Christian stronghold and important settlement for the apostle
- Immerse yourself in magnificent Greco Roman ruins by visiting ancient cities like Ephesus, Hierapolis, and Pergamum
- Discover the sites that feature countless biblical references and follow the footsteps of the apostle credited with writing over half the New Testament
- Start the vacation in Istanbul, where early bible copies and stunning Byzantine churches welcome you to an historic land
- Enjoy the rich tapestry of ruins and relics that cover Asia Minor, some cities in redolent states of ruin and others magnificently preserved for exploration
Detailed Description
Apostle Paul forever changed the course of Christianity, his missionary journeys spreading the gospel of Christ and founding some of the world's first ever churches. For many years he journeyed across Asia Minor, now modern day Turkey, the chronicles portrayed in numerous books in the New Testament. Conflict was encountered beneath the towering temples of Ephesus, Satan's Throne was challenged in Pergamum, and the first ever Christian settlements blossomed under Paul's teachings. This unique itinerary recounts Paul's footsteps, from his Tarsus birthplace to the ancient Greco Roman cities that stand in conflicting states of preservation and ruin. Explore the seven Churches of Revelation, recount the Apostle's achievements with expert Christian guides, and trace the irrevocable course of history as you cross the verdant valleys of Asia Minor.
This 11-day vacation starts in Istanbul, exploring the remains of Roman Constantinople and the historic churches that spill grandeur and humbleness onto enchanting cobblestone. Day three takes you by scheduled flight to Antioch, one of the first ever Christian settlements. Labyrinthine Roman streets take you to variously dated churches before you spend the next day at Paul's birthplace in Tarsus. Head through the Roman gate and drink from the St. Paul Well as stories of the Saul of Tarsus are transformed into those of Paul the Apostle. Throughout the trip, an expert Christian guide brings the ruins and stones to life, recounting his missionary journeys and elaborating on the tales told in the books of Acts, Corinthians, and Revelation.
Over days five through ten you follow Paul's pilgrimages and visit numerous sites essential to the birth of Christianity. Cities like Ephesus and Pergamum are wonderfully preserved, evoking the glory of a bygone era with their towering temples and marble columns. Hierapolis and Aphrodisias are equally photogenic, imposing examples of Greco Roman brilliance that flow down fertile hillsides. Other cities are still being excavated, their cracked remains are overrun by moss and weeds. These sites, like Assos and Laodicea, might not have the imposing grandeur, yet they powerfully evoke the time of Apostle Paul and his challenges spreading the gospel. Each day features two or three different ancient cities of Asia Minor, each of them referenced in the Bible. As archaeologists continue to reveal the remains, you look closely at marble inscriptions and mosaics that paint sublime stories of the first-century AD.
Despite the pantheon of destinations, the tour runs at a relatively leisurely pace, with four-star hotels providing elegant stops after a day of exploration. Back in Paul's day, journeys were taken on foot. Going on modern roads with a luxury vehicle is the easier modern alternative. The Churches of Revelation cover a small geographic area that's easy to see in a short amount of time. Furthermore, the itinerary is tailored to ensure you avoid the peak hours and crowds at the most popular sites and have ample time to also visit the archaeological museums en route.
Starting Price
$4,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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