Biblical and Christian Heritage

Turkey is the Biblical Holy Land of Asia Minor. It was the center stage where faith first flourished and spread. It provided both the earlier Jewish settlers and the later Christians a safer land to survive. Many Biblical (Old and New Testament) events took place in Asia Minor. Two-thirds of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament were either written to or from Asia Minor. The lack of awareness of this fact stems from the use of different names for the same place in different ancient and modern languages, Hittite, Lydian, Lycian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, or Turkish.

Antioch, a city located in southern Turkey, was where the believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
The three great apostles—Paul, Peter, and John— are linked with churches in Asia Minor, which is modern Turkey.
The Garden of Eden is believed to have been in Eastern Turkey, the Tigris and Euphrates have their headwaters in Turkey.
Abraham lived in Turkey (and perhaps was born here).
St. Paul was born and lived much of his life in Turkey.
St. John lived in Ephesus.
All seven Ecumenical Councils were held in Turkey.

Walking in the footsteps of early believers provides a rare chance to look into the roots of faith. Their path reflects deep devotion and lasting perseverance. Visiting these sites reveals the weight of their sacrifices and the commitment that shaped the early church.

Our immersive itinerary follows steps of St. Paul and opens doors of Biblical Turkey to travelers.

Tour Highlights

Major stops on St. Paul’s journeys
Attaleia
Perge / Perga
Patara beach
Laodicea
Hierapolis
Sardis
Philadelphia
Smyrna
Ephesus

Tour can be re-designed to your specifications, travel plans and expectations, expanded to include other regional tours, or further exploration of Turkey’s rich biblical heritage.

On the Steps of St. Paul

John of Patmos and Paul of Tarsus left a profound mark on the history of Christianity. Their time and works in Asia Minor defined Christianity as we know today. This itinerary focuses on their life and works, as well as covering other historic locations of prominence.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Welcome to Antalya

We'll meet at 1 p.m, at the pleasant garden of our hotel located with the historic city walls of ancient Attaleia. After an introduction and orientation, you will stroll the streets of the Old Town and savor breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains, which formed part of Paul’s journeys. You will take a break at the St. Paul Cultural Center located in a restored mansion, visit with the congregation and make local friends. Sleep in Antalya, 2 nights

Walking: 2-4 miles. Moderate on cobblestone streets with mild uphill/downhill.

Day 2: Perge and Aspendos

You will spend the day east of Antalya, visiting ancient Perge / Perga and Aspendos. The day will start with Perge / Perga - extensively excavated and well studied for time of Paul. It was visited by Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark (Acts 13:13-14) on their first journey. In Aspendos, you will see the one of the best preserved and most complete Roman theatres. Afternoon is yours to visit the award winning Archaeological Museum of Antalya, to rest in your hotel or to take a dip in the Meditearranean.

Walking: 2-4 miles. Moderate, on marble slabs in Perga.

Day 3: Phaselis, Demre/Myra, Simena

The day starts with a scenic drive westwards. First visit of the day will be to the idyllic Phaselis ancient city -mentioned in 1 Maccabees 15:23. You will see all the three harbors, the harbor street, ancient theatre and the aqueducts in a thick forest by the sea. In modern Demre -ancient Myra- you will visit the ancient harbor where Paul changed ships on his way to Rome (Acts 27:5–6). After a surprising visit to to the Church of St. Nicholas—Yes, St Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus was indeed a native of the Mediterranean coastline—without a reindeer-pulled sleigh—have a pleasant trip in a glass bottomed boat to see the ruins of sunken Simena off the coast of Kekova island. Sleep in Kaş, 2 nights.

Walking: 2-4 miles. Moderate, unpaved ground in Phaselis.

Day 5: Patara and Xanthos

You will visit two Lycian cities this morning, Patara on the beach where Paul, Luke, and other travelers changed ships here at the end of their Third Missionary Journey according to the book of Acts (Acts 21:1–2). Then you will visit the ancient capital, Xanthos, famous for its legendary defense against the Persians in the 6th century BC -despite their bravery, the city fell to Persians, and Xanthians heroically chose death over slavery burning the city along with themselves!

Walking: 2-4 miles. Moderate, unpaved grounds in Patara and Xanthos.

Day 6: Colossae and Laodicea

Bidding farewell to the coastline, you will head north over the Taurus Mountains for Colossae, mentioned in the books of Colossians and Philemon. In nearby Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (3:14-22) you will witness the remnants of grand Roman economy, whose citizens were chastised for being lukewarm and not truly dedicated (3.14-22).
Time to enjoy the thermal pool built over Roman ruins. Sleep in Pamukkale, 1 night.

Walking: 2-4 miles. Moderate, unpaved grounds in Colossae and Laodicea.

Day 7: Hierapolis, Didyma, Miletus

In the morning, you will explore the ancient city of Hierapolis where Christianity was introduced by Epaphras (Colossians 4:12–13), a local of Collosae.

Paul wrote from prison: "Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis."
— Colossians 4:12–13
You will see the theatre, agora, colonnaded street and the Martyron of St. Phillip who was a local in Hierapolis.

With a short detour, visit the Temple of Apollo in Didyma—the largest marble temple of the archaic period—approximately twice the size of Parthenon in Athens- and ancient Miletus where Paul bade farewell to the elders of the church at Ephesus at the end of his Third Missionary Journey (Acts 20). Sleep in Kuşadası, 2 nights.

Walking: 4 - 6 miles. Moderate to strenuous. Partially unpaved grounds in the ancient cities, uphill walk on dirt to Martyron of St. Phillip.

Day 8: Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus holds a remarkable place in biblical history. It was one of the seven cities of Revelation (1:11), home to St. Paul for almost three years and the site of the third Ecumenical Council. Your day is dedicated to discovering the ancient and biblical history of Ephesus and its surroundings. Your comprehensive tour in the ancient city includes Terrace Houses, Marble Street, Theatre, Harbor Street, the Agoras, the famous Library of Celsus, and all other significant public structures.

Your day will continue with visits to Basilica of St. John, the traditional site of the burial place of John, and the House of Virgin Mary.

Walking: 4 - 6 miles. Moderate to strenuous. Irregular marble slabs throughout Ephesus.

Day 9: Sardis, Philadelphia and Smyrna

On the way to ancient Smyrna, visit Sardis (3:1-6) and Philadelphia (3:7-22), both of which were among the Seven Churches of Revelation. Sardis was home of Lydian King Croesus who minted the first coin and inspired the term “as rich as Croesus”. Here you will visit the colossal synagogue, the gymnasium, ancient shopping arcade and the Temple of Artemis. Before the day concludes, visit the Roman Agora of Izmir (one of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2.8-11), home of those who were promised the crown of life as they remained faithful in spite of the persecution they suffered. Sleep in Izmir, 2 nights.

Walking: 2 - 4 miles. Moderate, unpaved grounds in Sardis.

Day 10: Pergamum and Thyatira

On the last day of your pilgrimage, you will visit two of the Seven Churches of Revelation, ancient Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29) which was the original home of Lydia (Acts 16:11-5), and Acropolis of Pergamum where the throne of Satan resided. Before returning to Izmir, visit the Asclepion healing center in the lower valley that was part of ancient Pergamum.

Walking: 3 - 5 miles. Strenuous, unpaved grounds and steep uphill/downhill walks in Pergamum.