Tour-5 9-Day Following the Footsteps of St. Paul in Asia Minor

Visit St. Pierre’s Church, traditionally regarded as one of the earliest Christian gathering places and closely associated with the first Christian community in Antioch. Continue to the Hatay Mosaic Museum, whose Roman mosaics provide insight into daily life, beliefs, and artistic traditions of the period in which Paul lived. In the afternoon, visit the Titus Tunnel, a monumental Roman engineering project illustrating the infrastructure that sustained major cities of Paul’s world. Biblical Context: Antioch served as Paul’s missionary base and the starting point of his journeys with Barnabas. (Acts 13:1–3) Overnight in Hatay.

Drive westward via Adana toward Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul and a major Roman city of Cilicia. Visit St. Paul’s Church, Cleopatra’s Gate, and preserved sections of the ancient Roman road, highlighting Tarsus’ importance as an intellectual, political, and commercial center that shaped Paul’s identity as both a Jew and a Roman citizen. Continue to Mersin. Biblical Context: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city.” (Acts 21:39) Overnight in Mersin.

Travel inland from the Cilician coast, passing Silifke (ancient Seleucia ad Calycadnum), an important Roman city connected to the region of Paul’s early life. Continue toward Lystra, where Paul healed a cripple, was mistaken for a god, and later stoned after opposition arose. Proceed through the region traditionally identified as Derbe, where Paul found greater acceptance and strengthened the early Christian community. Arrive in Konya (ancient Iconium) in the late afternoon. Biblical Context: Paul and Barnabas preached in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, facing persecution yet establishing enduring Christian communities. (Acts 14:1–21) Overnight in Konya.

Drive to Yalvaç, the site of Pisidian Antioch, one of the most significant cities Paul visited during his First Missionary Journey. Explore the remains of the Roman colony where Paul delivered a pivotal sermon connecting Israel’s history with the message of Jesus, marking a decisive moment in his outreach to Gentile audiences. Continue south to Antalya. Biblical Context: Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch marks a turning point in his mission toward the Gentiles. (Acts 13:14–52) Overnight in Antalya.

Visit Perge, one of the earliest cities Paul entered in Pamphylia. Walk through its colonnaded streets, gates, and public spaces, gaining insight into the urban environments encountered by early Christian missionaries. Continue to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, illustrating the civic and cultural life of the Roman East. Biblical Context: Paul passed through Perge during his missionary travels through Pamphylia. (Acts 13:13; 14:24–25) Overnight in Antalya.

Transfer to Antalya Airport for a domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, continue by road to Kuşadası, a coastal town near ancient Ephesus and a traditional gateway to the region. The remainder of the day is free. Biblical Context: The province of Asia became central to Paul’s later ministry, with major cities serving as hubs for teaching and correspondence. (Acts 19) Overnight in Kuşadası.

Visit Ephesus, one of the most important cities in St. Paul’s missionary journeys and the place where he spent the longest continuous period of teaching. Explore the ancient city, including the Great Theatre, where Paul’s preaching caused significant public reaction, the Library of Celsus, and the Marble Road. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, an active pilgrimage site, and St. John’s Basilica, traditionally believed to be the burial place of the Apostle John. Biblical Context: Paul taught in Ephesus for over two years, influencing communities throughout the province of Asia. (Acts 19:8–10) Overnight in Kuşadası.