
Orthodox shrines of Istanbul
Blachernae, the iron church, the Patriarchate: five hours through the Orthodox city.
The birthplace of St Paul, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers and the Maiden's Castle: three traditions in a day.


Tarsus is the birthplace of St Paul and for that reason a fixed stop on Christian pilgrimage routes. The day opens at St Paul's Well and Church, which take their name from him; the well still stands in the church courtyard. Then the Roman-era city gate known locally as Cleopatra's Gate, the Tarsus waterfall and the Old Mosque. The afternoon takes in the cave of the Seven Sleepers, told in both the Quran and Christian tradition, and optionally the Maiden's Castle standing in the sea. The guide is chosen to know the narrative of all three traditions. The day targets the same guest as the Cappadocia pilgrimage route and the Orthodox programme in İstanbul, and the three can be sold together. Museum and site entrance fees and lunch are quoted separately.
Stops flex with the weather, traffic and your guest's pace.
What to know before you go
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Deepen the programme with these touches.

Blachernae, the iron church, the Patriarchate: five hours through the Orthodox city.

Two days through rock churches and monastery valleys, from Göreme to Selime.

The Patriarchate, Chora, Blachernae and Balıklı: the Orthodox memory of the city over four nights.

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı and the Bazaar: at the client's pace.

Fener and Balat on foot: four hours of colour, courtyards and the quiet layers of the old city.

European highlights first, then the Asian side and Çamlıca. Lunch optional.

April tulip displays at Emirgan and the old city, with photo stops.