St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)
Overview
This guided trek starts from the ruins of Perge (east of Antalya) and follows parts of the eastern branch of the long-distance walk from Perge to Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvaç), deep in the Taurus mountains. The trek allows us to immerse ourselves in the way of life of the inhabitants of the old stone and timber villages along the route; we will frequently stay in village houses, see the local handicrafts, watch cheese and yogurt making and enjoy the tasty village foods. The trip includes a visit to the major Greek/Roman city of Perge as well as many opportunities to look at bulbs and birds during the walks. Our trail follows beautiful sections of Roman roads and migration routes in use since Roman times (and perhaps even walked by st Paul himself) in this spectacular area of forests, canyons, rivers and peaks.
St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day) Overview
This guided trek starts from the ruins of Perge (east of Antalya) and follows parts of the eastern branch of the long-distance walk from Perge to Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvaç), deep in the Taurus mountains. The trek allows us to immerse ourselves in the way of life of the inhabitants of the old stone and timber villages along the route; we will frequently stay in village houses, see the local handicrafts, watch cheese and yogurt making and enjoy the tasty village foods. The trip includes a visit to the major Greek/Roman city of Perge as well as many opportunities to look at bulbs and birds during the walks. Our trail follows beautiful sections of Roman roads and migration routes in use since Roman times (and perhaps even walked by st Paul himself) in this spectacular area of forests, canyons, rivers and peaks.
Explore the ancient Greek/Roman city of Perge and witness its fascinating ruins.
Journey deep into the Taurus mountains and discover meaning and purpose on a guided pilgrimage.
Step back in time as you walk ancient Roman roads, stopping in small villages where you’ll savour local specialties.
Enjoy cultural sightseeing in Turkey, taking in the ancient mansions, mosques, hamams, and numerous ruins.
Trip map for St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)
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Itinerary for St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)
Arrival
Meeting with your guide and driver at Antalya airport. Transfer to Kaleiçi, the historical city centre of Antalya (30 mins) where you are surrounded by old mansions, hamams and mosques. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in a hotel in Kaleiçi, Antalya.
Perge & short walk
You’ll be driven from Antalya to the Köprülü Canyon (1,5 hrs). On the way, you’ll explore ancient Perge, an important harbour city in the Roman period. The drive inland takes you to the beautifully preserved Roman bridge (Oluk Köprü) across the Köprülü canyon. Nearby, icy cold waters feeding the river spring directly from the sources. After a short walk on the st. Paul Trail, you’ll reach the farmhouse with wooden bungalows for your dinner and overnight.
Selge - Çaltepe
Transfer up to the ancient city of Selge (30 mins).
After exploring Selge with its many house ruins, a huge theatre and public buildings spread over several hillsides, you’ll start to walk on the old Roman road to Çaltepe village following the st. Paul Trail.
Dinner and overnight at pension in Çaltepe.
S Kesme - Kasımlar
Drive to Kesme (1hr) and walk to Kasımlar, passing rural huts, ancient ruins and meeting many goats along the way. The spectacular route takes you over the rim of the canyon on old paved paths, down through unusual rock formations to a bridge across the river. The village of Kasımlar is located high on the slopes, with incredible views down the whole length of the canyon.
Dinner and overnight in village house in Kasımlar.
Tota Pasture - Kasımlar
You’ll be transferred to the Tota pasture (20 mins) and walk back to Kasımlar. The walk takes you along a ridge top to the ruins of a Byzantine church and settlement. The descent is through the forest, which has an abundance of miniature wild tulips and other bulbs. From your high position, you can enjoy spectacular views. Dinner and overnight in same village house in Kasımlar.
Adada & walk Sipahiler - Serpil
Transfer to Adada ancient city (20 mins) where three major Roman temples are still standing along with the smallest ancient theatre in Anatolia. You’ll walk down along a well-preserved section of ancient Roman road where St. Paul may have walked himself (!). You’ll be driven to Sipahiler (20 mins) to start your hike over a pass in the forest, across spectacular limestone ridges and through an indigenous oak forest. The route descends to the small village of Serpil surrounded by orchards from where we drive to Eğirdir.
Kasnak forest - Davraz ski resort
Today your walk starts (after a 30 min transfer) from a National Park for the protection of the endemic ‘volcanic oak’ forest. You’ll follow a forest path up to Belkuyu pass (from ca. 800 to 2100m). You’ll descend to the other side and to the Davraz ski resort. Your vehicle meets us here for a short transfer to Eğirdir.
Dinner and overnight at same pension in Eğirdir.
Ascent of Mt. Davraz
After a transfer to Akpınar village (20 mins) you’ll walk to the Prostanna ruins and to the top of Sivri Hill (1800m). Here you’ll enjoy amazing views across lake Eğirdir and the town as well as the surrounding mountains. You’ll walk back along the same route and enjoy a traditional lunch in Akpınar at a family-run restaurant with terraces viewing the lake before you drive back to Eğirdir.
Sivri hill
After a transfer to Akpınar village (20 mins) we walk to the Prostanna ruins and to the top of Sivri Hill (1800m). Here you’ll enjoy amazing views across lake Eğirdir and the town as well as the surrounding mountains. You’ll walk back along the same route and enjoy a traditional lunch in Akpınar at a family-run restaurant with terraces viewing the lake, before being driven back to Eğirdir where you’ll spend the last night.
Dinner and overnight in same pension in Eğirdir.
Sagalassos & Departure
You’ll head to Antalya (2,5 hrs) but on the way first take time to visit the site of ancient Sagalassos. It is impressive to see the fountain of the city which has been repaired with clay pipes and filled with water coming from the original source just as it did 2000 years ago.
If time allows, there is some free time for relaxing or last-minute shopping in Antalya before the airport transfer.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)
This guided tour in the Turkish Mediterranean Region is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group.
Prices below are per person:
What’s included for St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)
Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes airport pick up and drop-off as well as luggage transfers. This tour doesn’t include any local or international flights and you will be hiking between your overnight locations yourself.
Also Included
- Guide services
Not Included
- Any domestic or international flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Entrance fees to museums and monuments
Optional Extras
- Single supplements
Accommodation for St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)
This tour is based in pensions, village houses and small hotels. Although the accommodation on this tour is basic but full of character and coziness.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible (pricing is on request). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Frequently asked questions for St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)
How hard is the St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The trails are not technical, and the elevation is minimal, however, you should be ready to hike for up to 8 hours daily.
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day)?
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover (activity). Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Antalya to start this tour?
Fly into Antalya Airport, from where you will be picked up.
Is the St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day) in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the St. Paul Trail Pilgrimage (10-day) end?
The tour ends in Antalya, where you will be transferred to an airport for your flight.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Turkey?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Turkey?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Turkey for this tour?
The best time to travel to Turkey for this hike is between April and October, however, August tends to get very hot.
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