From 16 to 18 February 2026, our trip focused on Tarsus, with arrival from Istanbul via Çukurova International Airport and onward travel to Cappadocia. The stay combined time in the historic center of Tarsus, several sites connected to Saint Paul and late antiquity, and a short excursion to Eshab-ı Kehf Cave and Mersin on the Mediterranean coast. What follows is a factual account of the route, accommodation, and places visited.
Arrival and transport
The journey began with an early morning flight on Monday, 16 February 2026, from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Çukurova International Airport (COV).
A rental car was booked with Avec Rent A Car. The experience was friendly, helpful, and economical. The vehicle was a Peugeot 2008 Automatic, with drop-off planned in Kayseri.
One practical point is worth noting: for anyone intending to drive into the old city of Tarsus and later Göreme in Cappadocia, a larger car is not advisable, as the streets are very narrow.
Where to stay in Tarsus
The hotel for 16–18 February was Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, located at Kızılmurat Mah. 2721 Sok. No:38/1, 33400 Tarsus, Türkiye.
The hotel offers free parking in front of the building. The property is a newly renovated complex of old houses, carefully restored and organized around an inner courtyard. Its architectural character fits naturally into the historic setting of Tarsus.
Monday, 16 February — Arrival in Tarsus
After arrival from Istanbul and driving to the hotel, the first day centered on settling into Tarsus and exploring the immediate surroundings on foot.
Directly across the street from the hotel is St Paul’s Well, traditionally identified as part of the site of Paul’s family home. Its location makes it one of the easiest places to visit upon arrival.
Lunch was at Kertvan Humus, described here as probably the best hummus place in Tarsus. A notable detail is that the hummus is served warm. For dessert, we had künefe at nearby Künefeci Sadık Usta.
The walk then continued to Cleopatra’s Gate, which is associated with the meeting of Cleopatra and Mark Antony in 41 BC. The monument reflects the fact that Tarsus had major political significance in the Mediterranean long before the Christian era.
Another nearby historic feature is the Roman Road, where visible sections of Roman paving remain. These remains recall the urban infrastructure of the imperial period and the networks that later helped shape the spread of Christianity.
Later in the day, there was tea in the square close to the hotel.
The afternoon was devoted to walking through the historic center. This included the bazaar, the Grand Mosque, the Mausoleum of Danyal, and the Old Mosque.
The Grand Mosque is notable for its layered history as a mosque, then church, then mosque again.
The Mausoleum of Danyal (Danyal Makamı) is a small complex in Tarsus consisting of a mosque and a tomb, believed to be that of the biblical figure Daniel.
The Old Mosque is also historically significant, as it was formerly a church.
The day also included a walk through the neighborhood of old houses adjacent to the hotel, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Tuesday, 17 February — Saint Paul, the Seven Sleepers, and the coast
The second day began with a visit to Saint Paul’s Church in Tarsus.
From there, the route continued by car to Eshab-ı Kehf Cave, about a 20-minute drive away. This site is also known as Ashab-ı Kehf Cave or the Seven Sleepers’ Cave. It is a show cave situated to the north of Tarsus.
Afterward, the trip continued toward the coast and Mersin, with the drive taking about 45–60 minutes. Mersin is the modern Mediterranean port city occupying the coastline of ancient Cilicia.
Dinner was at Mersin Marina.
Wednesday, 18 February — Museum visit and departure
Before leaving for Cappadocia, the final stop in Tarsus was the Tarsus Museum.
The museum contains artifacts from Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine Cilicia, providing archaeological context for the urban world in which Paul would have lived. For planning purposes, 60 minutes at most is sufficient.
After the museum visit, the route continued onward to Cappadocia.
Practical notes
- The old city of Tarsus is best explored on foot; a car is hardly needed there.
- A compact car is the better choice for Tarsus old city.
- The area around Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul allows several important sites to be reached on foot.
- Free parking in front of the hotel is a real advantage.
- The restored architectural character of the hotel fits well with the historic setting of Tarsus.
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