Antioch and the Apostle Paul Tour

3 Days Antioch and the Apostle Paul Tour from Izmir

If you are 'interested' in biblical/religious literature or if you like historical places connected with religious characters, this is a must-visit place. Saint Paul of Tarsus, born here, is considered by many to be the architect of Christianity, as his letters dominate the New Testament. This area is also an interesting part of Turkey, it is a great place to visit as a typical Turkish town and historical setting.

However, Turkey's St. It's nice that he pays homage to Paul. If you are in Tarsus (an interesting city) the church is a great resting place. If you have major travel plans such as a pilgrimage or a biblical Turkey tour, do not miss out on Castle Travel's short Turkey tours. In this 3 days tour, you will visit Paul's birthplace in Tarsus and relive history in Antioch, an early Christian stronghold settlement for the apostle.

St. Pierre Church is known as the first church of Christianity. The exact construction date is unknown. It is believed that St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, was the first place to preach and that the congregation was called Christian for the first time in the cave. The cave became a gothic church with the additions made after Christianity was accepted as an official religion by the Roman State. With the adoption of St. Peter as the first Pope, he became the center of the spread of the Catholic faith to the world. In 1983, Pope Paul VI declared as a place of pilgrimage for Christians. Every year on June 29, the Catholic Church organizes a ritual.

TOUR OVERVİEW(PRİVATE TOUR)

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Duration:

3 Days

Departing:

Everyday

Time:

08:00

Pickup Point:

Izmir

Highlights:

Cleopatra’s Gate, House of Apostle Paul, The Well of St Paul, The Church of St.Paul, Tarsus Old Houses, Samandag, Titus Tunnel, Bakras Castle, St. Simon Monastery, Local Lunch, St. Pierre Church, Antakya Archaeological Museum, Habibi Neccar Mosque, Uzun Carsi (Long Bazaar)

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12 Pax

Day 1: Fly to Adana- Tarsus St.Paul House- Overnight in Adana

Pick up From Izmir Hotels at 04:30 am
Drive to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airpot, Fly to Adana about 06:45
Arrive at Adana Airport, Meet with your guide in Adana
Drive to Tarsus
Cleopatra’s Gate
The House of Apostle Paul
The Church of St.Paul
Tarsus Old Houses
The Well of St Paul
Local Lunch (Drinks Extra)
Drive back to Adana. Overnight and dinner in Adana

Day 2: Samandag- Titus Tunnel-St.Pierre Church-Overnight in Antakya

Drive to Samandag
Visit the Titus Tunnel
Bakras Castle
St. Simon Monastery
Local Lunch
St. Pierre Church
Drive back to Antakya. Overnight and dinner in Antakya

Day 3: Antakya Archaeological Museum - Transfer to Adana Airport

Habibi Neccar Mosque
Uzun Carsi (Long Bazaar)
Antakya Archaeological Museum
Local Lunch
Drive to Adana airpot. Fly to Izmir or Istanbul
Arrival in Izmir. Transfer back to your hotel

Note: If you wish, you can extend your tour, or you may request a transfer service from us to other cities such as Gaziantep, Adiyaman, Sanliurfa, and Cappadocia.

*3 Days Biblical Short Turkey Tour runs every day and is available all year round. Also, documents with details and confirmations will be e-mailed to you after your booking.

Day 1: Fly to Adana - Tarsus - St Paul House and Well

Pick up from Hotel and transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Flight to Adana. Arrive in Adana, meet with your guide and transfer to Tarsus. It is only 40 km/25 miles far away. Traveling from Adana to Mersin on the coast you can pass thru the city of Tarsus. Famous as the birthplace of St. Paul it has a number of interesting attractions. Cleopatra's Gate is one of them.

Just an ancient city gate located in the middle of a busy roundabout in Tarsus. Built by the Romans and the water came up to Tarsus it commemorates the first meeting (here) of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. But it is also known as St. Peters Gate because the probability is high that the Apostle frequently used this gate due to the proximity of where his house is speculated to be located within the city. Visit Old Tarsus houses, you can see Turkish-style, Greek-style, and Armenian-style house side by side and this makes them very interesting.

Some of them are restored and now are cafes, restaurants, pubs, and hotels. If you like old houses and photography in general, the design and colors are for you. Walking in the streets of Tarsus, which turns out to be full of treasures, where time stops and will be the biggest surprise for you. These old gates and beautifully preserved houses are fabulous for history buffs. The St.Paul house, One of the most important characters at the beginning of Christianity is St. Paul. This is St. A memorial dedicated to Paul is a museum and church (orthodox).

The church is still used for Sunday services. The St.Paul Well, This is an important place for Christianity. It is one of the few places in the whole city of Tarsus. There is still water in the well. Some of the remains are visible through the glass covers, which is a good way to protect them without hindering observation. After the local lunch, We will drive back to Adana for overnight and dinner.

Day 2: Drive to Antioch - Antakya Archaeological Museum - Overnight in Hatay

Early depart from Adana to Hatay. It is only 193 km/120 miles far away. Titus water Tunnels, is near Antakya, Samandagi district. We will drive there in 50 minutes by car from Antakya. This place is very old, and historical. Amazing crafted stones, the cemetery in caves, trekking on a long way. It is hard to believe that this Tunnel was built only by manpower over 100 years during the reigns of Vespasianus, Titus, and his successors starting in the first century AD. Then we proceed to Bakras Castle, There are many holes in the castle chamber ceilings that lie near the pathways, some partially covered by weeds.

Ater that, If the time is available, we visit St. Simon Monastery, Young St Simeon Stylite is said to have spent 47 years on his column and died on top of it in 592. This is where it does it, with beautiful views of Kilic Mountain and the Mediterranean. In this place, they built a monastery consisting of three churches. The site holds some significance for the monastic movement, and the famous pillar monk Simeon is the main attraction. Then we will drive St.Pierre Church, A really amazing slice of Christian history in Antakya.

The church is built at the entrance of the church where St Peter the Apostle, at one point the bishop of Antioch, and then of Rome, used to preach. It was built by the crusaders who ruled the city from 1098-1268. Located a bit outside the city. It is believed that St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, was the first place to preach and that the congregation was called Christian for the first time in the cave. This is the place where Christianity was revived by St. Peter and St. Paul in secrecy when Christianity was in danger after the crucifixion.

The cave became a gothic church with the additions made after Christianity was accepted as an official religion by the Roman State. With the adoption of St. Peter as the first Pope, he became the center of spreading the Catholic faith to the world.

In 1983, Pope Paul VI declared this place a place of pilgrimage for Christians. Every year on June 29, the Catholic Church organizes a ritual.

The Antioch church is one of the most profound Christian churches in the Bible. you will feel the spirit still dwelling strongly in Antioch. They were called Christians first in Antioch. This place gave a new meaning while reading the book of Acts.

Day 3: St.Pierre Church, Titus Tunnels - Fly to Izmir

Early depart from Adana to Hatay. It is only 193 km/120 miles far away. Our first stop is Antakya Archaeological Museum, The new home of the Antakya Archeological Museum opened in 2014. A great museum if you are interested in ancient Greek mythology. Many well-preserved mosaics, sculptures, etc., from early history to Hellenistic, Roman, crusader, and modern times. What an amazing history this fascinating city has. This museum is an absolute gem of antiquities and knowledge. It is very well-maintained and curated. Timeframe starts 2300 years before the present. The many mosaics offer the most vivid portrait of Roman life by Romans I've seen anywhere. But also incredibly unique pieces like the statue of King Suppiluliuma.

Must see! One of the highlights of your short Turkey tour will be the Antakya mosaic museum. The next stop is Habibi Neccar Mosque, You will likely find it challenging to understand the actual events and protagonists behind the history of this mosque and the Christian martyrs, including Habib the Caroente, Habibi Neccar, in whose honor this mosque is named. The oldest mosque in Turkey. It is located in the city center. The mosque is small, but the interior decoration, albeit not lavish, is quite nice.

Habibi Neccar was one of the first persons to accept Christianity and this mosque is built in his name with graves of Christian saints inside. Muslim tradition says Habib Neccar was a man who died in Antakya. His name was mentioned in Qur'an. The old name of Antakia is Antioch and it was an important city in The Roman Empire. Uzun Carsi, Passing through the crowded streets will be a unique experience, An interesting place to shop and get lost in, you should definitely spend some time in these streets. Here are some of the best places to eat.

There is so much to see; The colors of the stores and the tempting smell emanating from there draw you into the shopping world with its flavors. You can find whatever you need. You can also feel the local people and their behavior. The real Turkish towns have a bazaar. Antakya certainly does. It's a real local bazaar, unlike say the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, in that it is where local people shop, and the prices reflect this. Dinner and Overnight in Hatay.

End of the day, we shall have an hour’s drive to Antakya airport. On the evening Flight to Izmir. Arrived in Izmir about 2 hrs later. Transfer to your hotel.

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What’s Included?