PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY
Signature Faith Pilgrimage Itinerary (Acts 13:1–14:28)
St. Paul’s First Missionary Journey marked the beginning of one of the most influential missionary movements in Christian history. Departing from Antioch in Syria around AD 46, Paul and Barnabas traveled across Cyprus before entering Anatolia (modern-day Türkiye), preaching the Gospel, establishing early Christian communities, and laying the foundations of the early Church.
Trip Experience Guide
St. Paul’s First Missionary Journey marked the beginning of one of the most influential missionary movements in Christian history. Departing from Antioch in Syria around AD 46, Paul and Barnabas traveled across Cyprus before entering Anatolia (modern-day Türkiye), preaching the Gospel, establishing early Christian communities, and laying the foundations of the early Church.
Recommended Pilgrimage Itinerary (10 Days / 9 Nights)
Day 1
Arrival in Antioch (Hatay) & Seleucia Pieria
- Biblical Reference: Acts 11:26 & 13:1–4
- Highlights:
- St. Peter’s Cave Church: The grotto where followers of Jesus were first called “Christians”.
- Ancient Antioch: The sending church and major missionary hub of the early Apostolic Age.
- Seleucia Pieria (Çevlik): The ancient harbor from where Paul and Barnabas set sail for Cyprus.
- Overnight: Hatay
Day 2
Hatay – Adana – Tarsus
- Biblical Reference: Acts 9:11 & 22:3
- Highlights:
- Tarsus: Birthplace and hometown of Apostle Paul.
- St. Paul’s Well & Wellhead: Historic site linked to Paul’s early life.
- Roman Road & Ancient City Ruins: Walk where Paul walked in ancient Cilicia.
- Overnight: Adana
Day 3
Adana – Cyprus (Flight)
- Biblical Reference: Acts 13:4–12
- Highlights:
- Salamis: Ancient port city where Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the Word of God in synagogues.
- St. Barnabas Monastery: Burial site and shrine of Apostle Barnabas.
- Famagusta Old City: Medieval ramparts and early Christian heritage.
- Overnight: Cyprus
Day 4
Cyprus (Paphos & Western Coast)
- Biblical Reference: Acts 13:6–12
- Highlights:
- Paphos: Site of the Roman governor’s palace where Proconsul Sergius Paulus believed.
- St. Paul’s Pillar: Where tradition holds Paul was bound and scourged for his faith.
- Archaeological Park of Paphos: UNESCO World Heritage Roman mosaics and ruins.
- Overnight: Cyprus
Day 5
Flight to Antalya – Perga & Attalia
- Biblical Reference: Acts 13:13 & 14:25–26
- Highlights:
- Perga: Entry port to Anatolia where John Mark departed for Jerusalem, and where Paul later preached on his return.
- Attalia (Antalya Old Town – Kaleiçi): The ancient port from where Paul and Barnabas sailed back to Antioch.
- Overnight: Antalya
Day 6
Antalya – Pisidian Antioch (Yalvaç)
- Biblical Reference: Acts 13:14–52
- Highlights:
- Pisidian Antioch (Yalvaç): Magnificent ancient city where Paul delivered his first recorded major synagogue sermon to Jews and Gentiles.
- Yalvaç Archaeological Museum: Inscriptions and artifacts from ancient Pisidia.
- Overnight: Yalvaç / Isparta Region
Day 7
Konya Region (Iconium, Lystra & Derbe)
- Biblical Reference: Acts 14:1–20 & 16:1
- Highlights:
- Iconium (Konya): Major commercial city where Paul and Barnabas preached extensively in the synagogue.
- Lystra (Hatunsaray): Hometown of St. Timothy; site where Paul healed a lame man and survived stoning.
- Derbe (Ekinözü): The final destination of Paul’s First Journey, establishing a steadfast church.
- Overnight: Konya
Day 8
Konya – Cappadocia (Optional Extension / Departure Connection)
- Highlights: Early monastic rock-cut churches and biblical landscapes of Cappadocia.
- Overnight: Cappadocia or Flight Connection
Day 9
Cappadocia to Istanbul
- Highlights: Explore Göreme Open Air Museum / Underground Cities before an evening flight to Istanbul.
- Overnight: Istanbul
Day 10
Departure from Istanbul
- Transfer to airport for international flights home.
Tour Extensions & Combination Options
- Cappadocia Extension (2 Days): Rock-cut cave churches, Ihlara Valley, and early monastic centers of St. Basil.
- Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece Extension (4 to 6 Days): Continue across Europe through Philippi, Neapolis (Kavala), Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
Key Highlights
- Antioch & Seleucia Pieria: Cradle of early Christian missions and port of departure.
- Cyprus: St. Paul’s first overseas missionary destination.
- Perga & Attalia: Anatolian coastal entry point and return departure harbor.
- Pisidian Antioch: Site of St. Paul’s landmark first recorded sermon.
- Lystra & Derbe: Hometown of Timothy, miracle healing, and early Church resilience.
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Day 1
Arrival in Urgench – Khiva -
Day 2
Khiva -
Day 3
Khiva – Bukhara -
Day 4
Bukhara -
Day 5
Bukhara – Samarkand -
Day 6
Samarkand – Tashkent -
Day 7
Tashkent – Departure
Detailed itinerary available upon request Tour can be customized based on group size and travel dates.
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