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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights 2-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1590USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SPT

Trip highlights


  • Traverse through Koprulu Canyon National Park
  • Discover Ancient Roman paths and authentic villages enroute to beautiful Lake Egirdir
  • Explore Perge, the city of Selge and Sagalassos, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the country
  • Experience genuine cultural exchange with the local people

The St. Paul Trail traces the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, who embarked on missionary journeys across Asia Minor in the 1st century AD. This ancient route, meticulously mapped out by Cartographer Kate Clow, revives the path Paul likely took during his first journey to spread Christianity. Beginning near Perge, a significant ancient city with grand colonnaded streets and ancient baths, the trail extends 500km through the Taurus Mountains all the way to Lake Egirdir. Our journey experiences the highlights of the route. Walk along mountain trails winding through pine and cedar forests and connecting small villages, descend into the Köprülü Canyon, where the turquoise waters of the Köprü River carve a path through steep cliffs adorned with ancient Roman bridges and climb up to Sivri Dagi (1.750m), with spectacular views to Lake Egirdir, a chance to take in the ever-changing hues of Turkey’s fourth largest lake. Experience walking through a living museum, dotted with archaeological sites that tell the story of the many civilizations that have left their mark on this land. The route takes you to the ancient city of Selge on the slopes of Mount Taurus, where the echoes of St. Paul's footsteps resonate through the ruins of Roman temples and theaters. Throughout your journey, the hospitality of the local people is a highlight with a chance to taste freshly baked bread, tangy goat cheese, and local honey. With the help of your guide, learn about the traditions and culture of the region on this unique and inspiring walking holiday.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Meet at the Antalya airport with our representative and take a group transfer to your first hotel in Antalya old city centre. It is uncertain when the site was first inhabited. It is believed that the city was founded around 150 BC by Attalos II, king of Pergamon, but excavations uncovered remains from the 3rd century BC. The city grew and prospered during the ancient Roman period and today includes sites with traces of Lycian, Pamphylian, Hellenistic -but mainly Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman-architecture and cultures. Transfer time 20mins; 15km/9.3mi

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast, we leave Antalya and drive to the ancient city of Perge, one of the most important cities of Pamphylia and home to a large site of ancient ruins, including an acropolis dating back to the Bronze Age. The remains of the former city today include a theatre, a temple of Artemis and two churches. After visiting Perge, we continue towards Koprulu National Park, a famous canyon, 400m deep and stretching 14 km along the Kopru River. Here we head out for a hike through amazing rock formations, set on the southern slopes of the Taurus Mountains. leading us via walking paths and gravel roads to the ancient site of Selge, an important city in Pisidia on the southern slope of Mount Taurus. The remains of the city consist mainly of parts of the encircling wall and of the acropolis. Other important ruins are the gymnasium, the stadium and a basilica. There are also the outlines of two temples, but the best conserved monument is the theatre. In the late afternoon we drive to our accommodation close to Beskonak, Karabuk village. We will spend two nights in Beskonak, Karabuk village. Distance: 10 km/6 miles; +754 m/2474 ft, - 66 m/216 ft Transfer distance: 90 km/55 miles (Antalya to Beskonak, Karabuk village via Perge)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we drive back to Selge and the start of today’s trek which follows a mixture of tracks, dirt roads and old roman roads. The area is today part of the Koprulu National Park famous for its mature forests. We pass the small villages Oren, Delisarnic and Kestanelik (Kestane means chestnuts). The last part of the way we walk on small shepherd’s paths. It is only during the summertime that it is possible to meet some shepherds grazing their animals. Our vehicle will be waiting for us at the end of our trek in Caltepe. Drive back to Beskonak, Karabuk village. Overnight in Beskonak, Karabuk village. Walking distance: 13km/ 8 miles; +215 m/705 ft; -675m / 21017 ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast transfer to Kesme village. We drive for about one hour on asphalted mountain roads through the national park offering beautiful views down to Koprulu River, known for white water rafting during summertime. In Kesme village we start our hike following fields and pastures and walk on tractor roads until we reach a small pass at Bel sarnic. From the pass we walk down to Kasimlar village where we spend the night in a small village pension. Walking distance: 11km/36 miles; +253m/157 ft; -582m/361 ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After a short transfer we start our trek today at the Tota yaylasi, a beautiful mature forest protected because of its massive old pines and cedars and rare species of oak and juniper. On dirt roads and walking paths we hike around Sarp Dagi Mountain, through pine and oak forests, through fields and past a Roman church ruin down towards Kasimlar village. Overnight in Kasimlar village at a pension. Walking distance: 15 km/9 miles; +280m/918 ft; -800m/2624 ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we start our hike today by the ruins of Adada, called by the locals also as Baulo or Karabaulo, said to be named by St. Paul. The main attractions are the remains of an acropolis, the Hellenistic towers, the basilica and a theatre. The route follows the line of an old roman road. We descend to the wooded banks of a stream and along a rocky gorge towards tractor tracks. Afterwards we hike along a forest path through large green plains surrounded by oak, pine and juniper trees to Sipahiler. Our vehicle is waiting for us, and we drive to Egirdir town near Egirdir Lake. Overnight in Egirdir town in a small authentic pension. Walking distance: 10km/6.5 miles; +190 m/623 ft; -190/623 ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final hike takes us to Akpinar village. On stabilized roads and walking paths we climb up to Sivri Dagi (1.750m), with spectacular views to Turkey’s fourth largest Lake Egirdir and it is surrounding with stunning landscape covered with pine and cedar forests. We leave Egirdir and drive to ancient Sagalassos, in Roman Imperial times known as the 'first city of Pisidia'. Today the site is known as one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the country, featuring a huge Roman bath complex, a library, an urban mansion as well as other fantastic monuments from the city’s 1000 year history. In the late afternoon we arrive in Antalya where it is possible to walk through the old city centre (Kaleici) with its narrow-cobbled streets of historic Ottoman era houses, with streets and buildings still bear the marks of Antalya’s history. The old city centre has been restored to retain much of its historical character; most famous the Hadrian’s gate, the clock tower, Yivli Minare and Hidirlik tower. Walking distance: 8 km/ 5 miles; + 520m/1706 ft; -520m/1706 ft Transfer distance:190 km/ 118 miles (3 hours)

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast; one group transfer to Antalya airport where the trip concludes.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L) and 5 dinners (D) - Breakfasts is Turkish style and will generally include cheese (feta), olives, eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, jam, honey, bread, tea or coffee, fruits. Lunch is either a packed lunch or at restaurants where available. Dinner is a fixed menu; soup or hot and cold appetisers with fresh baked bread, main course (usually kebab varieties), salad, and dessert (fruits or baklava)
  • 7 nights in comfortable 2-3 star hotels and pensions on a twin share basis usually with ensuite facilities
  • One group arrival transfer Antalya airport to Antalya Kaleici on Day 1 and one group departure transfer to Antalya airport on Day 8
  • Private transfers throughout as described in the itinerary
  • English speaking guide

  • Travel to and from Antalya
  • Drinks and snacks, meals not noted as included
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • All entrance fees for historical and natural sites (allow EUR 50)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips
  • Transfers not detailed as included in the itinerary
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel

Grading

moderate  

The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily walks of around 3-8 hours per day. There are some steep sections over loose trails during the walk and such sections of the trail require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.


Departure dates


Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1590USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$450
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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