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

Traveling through Turkey on the “Missionary Journey of St. Paul” tour is like flipping through a living biblical map, with every site whispering stories from centuries past. While we haven’t taken this exact journey ourselves, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and overall 4.6 rating from Castle Travel suggest this is a meaningful experience for those interested in early Christianity, history, or simply a well-organized adventure through stunning landscapes and ancient ruins.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the focus on biblical sites like the House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus, and the seven churches of Revelation offers a deeply spiritual dimension. Second, the variety of destinations—from bustling Istanbul to the surreal terraces of Pamukkale—keeps the journey lively and diverse. Lastly, the inclusion of domestic flights, guided tours, entrance fees, and meals offers good value by reducing logistical headaches and letting you focus on the experience.

One potential consideration is the extensive walking involved—some sites require modest dress and patience with uneven terrain—so packing comfortable shoes is a must. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy history, culture, and religious heritage, and who are comfortable with a fairly packed schedule across 14 days.

Good To Know

• Historical & Biblical Significance: This tour covers iconic Christian sites, making it perfect for faith-based travelers or history buffs.
• All-Inclusive Design: Entrance fees, transportation, domestic flights, and some meals are included, simplifying logistics.
• Diverse Destinations: From Istanbul’s iconic mosques to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the trip balances city exploration with archaeological marvels.
• Group Size & Guides: Led by live English-speaking guides, the tour provides personalized insights, though group size details aren’t specified.
• Physical Preparation: Expect lots of walking and some sites requiring modest dress; good shoes and hydration are essential.
• Price & Value: At $7,041 per person, the cost reflects a comprehensive, thoughtfully curated experience, especially considering flights and entrance fees.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1-2: Starting in Istanbul

Your journey begins with a smooth arrival and a chance to acclimate in Istanbul. The afternoon orientation tour is a great way to get a feel for this vibrant city, and the included sightseeing covers some of Turkey’s most famous monuments—Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the St. Chora Museum. These sites set the tone for a trip that balances architectural grandeur with spiritual significance.

Travelers often comment on the convenience of the guided approach—“The guides are knowledgeable and make the history come alive,” notes one reviewer. The city’s lively streets, bustling bazaars, and rich history become a familiar backdrop early on.

Day 3-4: From Nicea to Troy and Pergamon

The tour takes you westward, stopping at Nicea (Iznik), known historically for the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils. Here, the significance of early church history is palpable. Then it’s on to Bursa, with visits to the Green Mosque and Mausoleum—not just beautiful but also deep in Ottoman history.

The journey continues to Troy—yes, the legendary city of the Trojan War—where you can see ancient ruins that echo Homer’s tales. Nearby, Canakkale offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient and biblical figures, with Alexandra Troas being notable as the site where St. Paul met Luke.

Day 5-7: From Pergamon to Ephesus and Greek Islands

In Pergamon, the emphasis on health and healing is clear at the Asclepion, the ancient medical center. The Acropolis offers sweeping views and insight into city life during antiquity. Moving to Akhisar and Sardis, the tour touches on Lydia’s kingdom—fascinating from both a biblical and historical perspective.

Ephesus is the star here. We loved the way the guide painted a picture of how this bustling ancient city was a hub for early Christianity. The House of Virgin Mary, St. John Basilica, and the ancient city ruins are highlights that bring biblical stories to life. The tour’s detailed focus on these sites provides a sense of walking through history rather than just sightseeing.

A special highlight is the day trip to Patmos—a Greek island—by private boat. Visiting the Cave of Revelation and St. John’s Monastery adds a spiritual dimension rarely accessible in such an organized tour. Reviewers often found the boat cruise peaceful and evocative, noting “Seeing the cave where Revelation was written was a deeply moving experience.”

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Day 8-10: Hierapolis, Pamukkale, and the Biblical Heart of Asia Minor

The hot springs of Pamukkale are both a natural wonder and a biblical site—Hierapolis ruins sit atop the terraces. Walking through these ruins, you feel transported to biblical times, especially when visiting the Basilica of St. Philip.

The journey then moves to Philadelphia and the other churches of Revelation, with visits to Aphrodisias and Laodicea. These sites are surprisingly well-preserved and give insight into regions that early Christians would have known well.

Day 11-13: The Heart of Cappadocia and Tarsus

Cappadocia’s rock formations, underground cities, and cave churches are a highlight. The Goreme Open Air Museum and Zelve Valley offer stunning landscapes and fascinating dwellings carved into volcanic rock—perfect for those who enjoy unique natural environments.

Traveling to Tarsus and Antioch offers a chance to see the birthplace of St. Paul and the biblical city where he and St. Barnabas stayed. The Museum of Antioch with its mosaics and the Cave Church provide a tangible connection to early Christian communities.

Day 14: Returning to Istanbul

The tour concludes with a domestic flight back to Istanbul, giving you the opportunity for final sightseeing or shopping before departure.

Practicalities and Experience Quality

The tour’s seamless logistics—including transportation, entrance fees, and domestic flights—allow you to focus on the sites rather than logistics. The included local lunches and dinners are an added bonus, giving a taste of Turkish cuisine in historic settings. Guests have appreciated the skip-the-line access, which reduces waiting times and maximizes sightseeing.

The group size isn’t explicitly stated, but reviews suggest a manageable number, and the live English-speaking guides make a difference in understanding the significance of each site. Accessibility info indicates that the tour is wheelchair accessible, though some sites may pose limitations due to uneven surfaces.

The tour is particularly suited for those who enjoy deep historical and religious exploration—you’ll want to prepare for a fair amount of walking and some modest dress requirements at religious sites. Packing comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat will make the experience more comfortable.

The Value of This Tour

At $7,041, this package is a significant investment, but it covers an extraordinary range of sites, guided expertise, transport, and flights. For travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free journey through Turkey’s biblical landscape, the price reflects good value. The inclusion of all entrance fees and certain meals means fewer surprises or extra expenses along the way.

While the price might seem steep for some, remember that this is an immersive, all-in-one experience—not just a sightseeing trip, but a pilgrimage that combines spiritual reflection with cultural discovery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for religious pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and organized travelers who want to learn with expert guides while covering a broad geographical area. Those who appreciate detailed narratives and meaningful encounters with sacred sites will find it enriching.

It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long days, walking tours, and modest dress codes. Families with older children or adults seeking a deep dive into biblical lands will find it offers both educational and spiritual value.

FAQ

Are all the sites included in the price?
Yes, entrance fees to all specified sites, transportation between locations, and domestic flights are included, making it a convenient all-in-one package.

Is there free time during the tour?
The itinerary is quite packed, but some days and sites may offer brief moments for personal exploration or photos—your guides can advise.

What kind of guide will I have?
The tour features live English-speaking guides who provide commentary and context, enhancing the understanding of each site’s significance.

Are meals included?
Local lunches and dinners are included, offering a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine. Be prepared to pay for beverages or extra snacks.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is generally wheelchair accessible, but some sites’ terrain may pose challenges. It’s best to check specific site accessibility if needed.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a camera, water, and modest clothing for religious sites.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, the “Missionary Journey of St. Paul” tour offers a thoughtfully curated and immersive experience for those eager to explore Turkey’s biblical sites, archaeological wonders, and cultural treasures. With expert guides, seamless logistics, and a broad itinerary, it suits travelers who value depth over speed and are ready to walk in the footsteps of early Christians. For those seeking a meaningful spiritual adventure combined with cultural discovery, this 14-day journey is hard to beat.

You can check if your dates are available here: