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Ταξίδια στο Εξωτερικό: Asia


Adana - Antalya - Aspendos - Cappadocia - Konya

In the Footsteps of St. Paul

8 Days / 7 Overnights Adana - Antalya - Aspendos - Cappadocia - Konya



St. Paul was perhaps the only one among Jesus' worshipers and Apostles that had never seen Jesus before His Crucifixion. He, nevertheless, made numerous missionary journeys in Asia Minor, Greece and almost all around the Mediterranean; It is known that his ship stranded in one of Malta's bays, renamed after him to St. Paul's Bay. To Asia Minor he went after his visit to Cyprus: he, together with Apostle Barnabas, visited Antioch on the Orontes, Seleucia, Tarsus, Pisidian Antioch, Lystra (Hatunsaray) and Derbe (Kerti Hüyük), Colossae, Hierapolis, Assos, Alexandria Troas, and Miletus. Most of these places are included in the itinerary of this excursion.



Day 1


Istanbul

Istanbul

Istanbul's Aghia Sophia

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2


Istanbul - Adana (Antioch)

Istanbul - Adana (Antioch)

Sabanci Merkez Mosque

Today we transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Adana. We meet you at Adana airport and take you to your hotel in Adana, where you will have dinner and overnight.

Day 3


Adana - Antioch - Adana

Adana - Antioch - Adana

The Cave of St. Peter

After breakfast we set off for Antioch-on-the- Orontes, Daphne and Seleucia Pieria. Antioch has been founded in 300BC, and became the craddle of new ideas, philosophical theories and religions. Apostles Paul and Barnabas were the first to visit the city and preach the new Christian religion; as a result, a very important nucleus of Christianity was created here. By the way, the term Christians to define the followers of the new religion was first used in Antioch. The vigorous and wealthy community of Antioch contributed financially to the needs of the Christian community of Jerusalem. Highlights of our visit include the Museum which houses a superb collection of mosaics from Antioch, Daphne and Seleucia Pieria, and St. Peter's Grotto, the cave church that came to be known as the meeting place of the early Christians. We will also visit Daphne. Our next visit will be to the site of Seleucia Pieria, which was the port city of Antioch in ancient days. The most interesting monument here is the Tunnel of Titus, which is a tremendous canal, dug for the purpose of diverting waters of Orontes River. Another highlight here will be the rock tombs with their impressive façades pertaining to the Hellenistic period. Return to Adana for dinner and overnight.

Day 4


Adana - Tarsus - Cappadocia

Adana - Tarsus - Cappadocia

Cappadocia

After breakfast we will drive straight to Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. During St. Paul's time Tarsus was a University City surpassing Athens and Alexandria. Cicero was a governor here in 51-50 BC and the romantic meeting between Cleopatra and Mark Anthony took place in Tarsus. Highlights here will be St. Paul's Well, the Tomb of Sardanapulus and Cleopatra's Gate. Then, we drive north to Cappadocia and at first we stop at Derinkuyu. This is an underground city, carved into soft rocks, a huge labyrinth of tunnels, rooms, kitchens, wine cellars and passageways. A huge chimney ventilates this 8-level dwelling, used by the Christians hiding from their Roman and Byzantine persecutors. Their colorful frescoes remain as vibrant as when they were first made; Derinkuyu is a really fascinating site!
Further on we come to Cappadocia, a Grimm's Fairy Tale for adults. What Turks commonly call "Fairy Chimneys" are jutting pieces of volcanic rocks that have been beaten and shaped by the wind and rain. Highlights will be The Apple Church, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church with a Buckle in Goreme.

Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Included


  • 7 overnights at 4 star hotels
  • All transportation in Turkey by private a/c tour coach
  • All meals as stated in the itinerary
  • All entrance fees to the sites and to the museums mentioned in the program
  • Comprehensive sightseeing as in itinerary
  • Special pre-departure information pack
  • English speaking professional guide throughout
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers

Not Included


  • Drinks & Tips
  • Domestic flight from Istanbul to Adana–Antalya –Istanbul