THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST PAUL IN TURKEY
Discover the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamon, Asclepion of Galen, walk in the streets of the ancient Roman City of Ephesus, be amazed by the Temple of Artemis that was one of the seven wonders of antiquity, heal in the thermal pools of Pamukkale, and visit Hierapolis, once the largest necropolis in Roman Empire.
Also, join mass service in the House of Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. This tour is customizable for your all travel needs and includes a qualified guide with knowledge of biblical sites and the history of Christianity.
Day 1: Istanbul
Meals: No Meals
Day 2: Full Day Tour of Byzantine & Ottoman Highlights
Today you will have a full day tour of visiting St Sophia Museum, the pride of the Byzantine architecture, the Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles; and enjoy shopping in the Grand Bazaar. After lunch, visit Topkapi Palace, famous palace of the Ottoman Sultans (The harem section is not included in the tour).Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3: Istanbul - Antakya
Transfer to the airport for an early flight to Hatay (Antakya). Upon arrival, meet your guide and drive to the Archaeology Museum (Antakya Mosaic Museum) famous for its mosaic and coin collections. Then visit the first Catholic Church of the world, Saint Pierre. We will also tour other Catholic & Orthodox Churches still used by Christians in the city. After visiting an old traditional house, enjoy free time at the bazaar before checking into your hotel. Stay overnight in Hatay.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Highlights of Antioch
Discover highlights of the city including St Simone Monastery, Tunnel of Emperor Titus, the Armenian Village, and Harbiye, a famous and beautiful plateau promenade and important district for uncovered statues and touristy souvenirs. Stay overnight in Antakya.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Tarsus - Izmir (Smyrna)
After an early breakfast, we will go 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 House, water well in the garden and Church. We will also see Cleopatra's Gate built by Marcus Antonius. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Izmir where we will stay overnight.Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6: Pergamon
After an early breakfast, begin the tour of Smyrna, nowadays a modern Turkish city called Izmir. In ancient times, it was a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbours, commerce, and marketplaces. We will see Polycarp church, then drive to Pergamon, located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey.The city, described in the Book of Revelations as having the throne of Satan, is “praised for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized” (Rev. 2:12-17). Here you will see the Acropolis, Greek & Roman Temples as well as the unique Greek theatre built into the steep hillside. Also visit the Asclepion, the ancient medical centre for the Greeks. Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay in Pergamon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia
After breakfast drive to Thyatira, known for its textiles and dyeing trade. It is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar and was “praised for its increasing faith and service, but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel, an immoral woman who calls herself a prophetess” (Rev. 2:18-29).We then head to Sardis, located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor. “The church of Sardes is described as dead, and it must wake up. However, there are some who have not "soiled their clothes."” (Rev. 3:1-6). End the day with a visit to ancient Philadelphia that was known for its variety of temples and worship centres. “The church of brotherly love that endures patiently” (Revelation 3:7-13). Arrive in Pamukkale and stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Hierapolis, Laodicea - Kusadasi
After breakfast, visit the ancient City of Hierapolis as well as the world famous travertine of Pamukkale. Lunch will be eaten on the way to Laodicea, located in the Lycus River Valley of western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. "The "lukewarm" church with a faith that's neither hot nor cold" (Rev. 3:14-22). Stay overnight in Kusadasi.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Ephesus
After breakfast, join Mass held in the House of the Virgin Mary, then visit Ephesus, the most influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. "Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance, but criticism for forsaking its "first love"" (Rev. 2:1-7). Explore well preserved theatres, fountains and buildings, and see the nearby Basilica of St John which stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation).Stay overnight in Kusadasi.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Fly Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or port for your departure flight to Istanbul or ferry to Samos, Greece (flight to Istanbul or ferry ticket to Samos is not included in the price).
We do not have an online booking system because most of our services are personalized and different conditions may apply for specific requests. You can call us, send an email, or complete a tour request form so that our Turkey travel specialists can help you to select the best tour for your travel needs. When you submit our tour contact form, one of our specialists will contact you within 24 hours to confirm availability.
What do you need from me to begin a proposal for a customized Turkey tour?
Fill out a customized tour request form that provides us with useful insight on how to design a trip that will suit your travel needs. If you are interested in customizing one of our tour packages, you can email us the name of the tour package and estimated date you have chosen to start the tour.
Can TSC design a customized trip for our group’s interests?
We will gladly work with you to offer a Turkey tour package tailored to your group’s interests. For this, you need to provide us your group details, interests, and travel needs.
Is airfare included in programs? Can I book my international flight through you?
Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point. You can purchase your airfare tickets through the internet or a wholesaler. By booking your own flight, you have more flexibility and control of your choices - in real time.
What type of accommodation do we use?
TSC Travel use hotels situated at excellent locations and close to all amenities. Room types range from double rooms to junior suites, depending on the package of choice. Amenities and facilities may differ from those in South America, North America, Australia or Malaysia.
What type of transportation is used on tours?
TSC Travel utilize a variety of transportation methods including public and private minivans, cars, coaches, trains, flights, ferries, boats, etc. We use whichever method provides travellers with the safest and most efficient transportation option.
Do you cooperate with travel agents?
If you are a registered travel agency with a wish to co-operate in business, please fill out our contact form.
Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We require a deposit payment at time of booking to secure your reservation. The deposit payment is payable by credit card or bank transfer.
Credit Card: For your protection, we need you to sign the credit card payment form upon receipt and return it with verification of legal identification (e.g. copy of your passport or driver’s license) after your credit card has been charged. We will inform you in advance of purchase of any credit card fees that may apply.
Bank transfer: Payment can be sent to our company bank accounts. Our representative will send you detailed information for the booking process including bank transfer details. Please note our rates do not include the transfer costs of your bank or their agents. Please be sure that all costs paid additionally!
What is your cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be made in writing directly to TSC Travel. No responsibility is taken for cancellations of airfare, hotel bookings, or any other extra services which have been made directly by the client.The following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is notified for all land packages, tours and programs;
Prior to arrival:
Charge 60 days or more: 10% of selling price (Administrative Fee)
59-46 days: non-refundable deposit 35% of selling price
45-21 days: 50% of selling price
20-0 days: 100% of selling price
* Special conditions apply for canceling of tailor-made tour programs.
The following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is notified for tours that include a Cruise program:
Prior to arrival:
Charge 60 days or more: 10% of selling price (Administrative Fee)
59-46 days: 35% of selling price
45-21 days: 50% of selling price
20-8 days: 75% of selling price.
7-0 days: 100% of selling price.
* Special conditions apply for cancellation.
If you have to withdraw from a tour after it has begun for reasons such as illness, be sure to obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We are unable to make refunds for absences from a tour, including but not limited to missed meals or entrance tickets.
Flight/ferry/train/bus tickets are not included in the above cancellation policy. Once your program is confirmed and the tickets are purchased, any changes to the dates of the program will incur a change fee or in case of cancellation, (this is additional to the service fee), 100% cancellation fee for the tickets will be incurred regardless of the above cancellation policy. For further information, please read our Terms and Conditions page.
When and How I will receive my tour documents?
Travel documents and electronic flight tickets are usually sent 21 days prior to departure. However, you will receive tour vouchers, maps, ferry, bus or train tickets and other required information upon arrival in Turkey. This will be included in a welcome package waiting for you upon arrival at your hotel.