St. Paul's Trail Tour

Initial region St Paul Trail

Duration 9 Days

Language English

Price € 725 _{/ person}

• Aspendos-See the best preserved Roman theatre.
• Adada-Stroll around the city where St .Paul preached the gentiles.
• Walks-Enjoy the most spectacular parts of the trail.
• Village Houses-Experience the rural village life
• Eğirdir-Admire the sunset over lake Eğirdir.
• Sagalassos-Explore flourishing city of Pisidia,enjoy stunning view form acropolis.

St Paul Trail is the second long-distance trekking and cultural route of Turkey.It follows the footsteps of the apostle St Paul who started one of his journeys from Perge to Antioch in Pisidia in 46 A.D.500 km long trail passes through the farmlands,forests,canyons,rivers and lakes.It offers a spectacular walk with an uninterrupted history.The tour starts from Antalya and follows wild mountain route through the ancient cities and high pasture villages towards the lake district.It ends at the peaceful town of Eğridir.

DAY 1 Arrival to Antalya.Transfer to the hotel.(30mins)

Meet our guide and driver at Antalya airport.We drive to old town of Antalya(30mins).Depending on the flight time we have an optional old city tour in Antalya. The old town(kaleiçi) has always been the heart of the sprawling modern city.Roman city remains and Ottoman style houses create its unique character.We walk along narrow lanes and explore the major parts of the town.Overnight stay in Antalya.

DAY 2 Visit Selge ancient city,walk to Çaltepe.(ascent 378m / descent 867m / 17km / 6-7 hrs)

Today we have atransfer to Selge ancient city.(1. 30mins)Selge was a mountainous city in the boundaries of ancient Pisidia.According to Strabo it was founded by Calchas who were the famous soothsayer in the Greek world during Trojan War.Although it is located on a hill top,it was a considerable rich city exporting timber,olive oil,wine and storax.The ruins which are scattered around the village date back to 2.century A.D.We stroll around the city and head on to the walk.The route follows ancient roman road and forest path to Deli Sarnıç where we admire the conglomerate rock formations similar to fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.After lunch in the village we continue through the chesnut trees and descend to Çaltepe on a sheperds path.Overnight stay at family run pension in Çaltepe.

DAY 3 Walk from Kesme to Kasımlar (ascent 260m/descent 598m/12km/5-6hrs)

Transfer to Kesme.We follow St Paul trail to Kasımlar.The path starts with a gradual ascent through the fields and shepherd huts it continues over the rim of conglomerate canyon.It is a spectacular route with the view of Dedegöl Mountain range and ruins scattered around.We have lunch at the pass by the sheperd hut.We then dip down diagonally to Kasımlar following the goat's path. Stay at a village house in Kasımlar.

 DAY 4 Tota Yaylası to Kasımlar (ascent 284m/descent 848m/18km/6hrs)

We start from Tota forest park on the north slopes of Sarp mountains.We follow the forest dirt road through monumental pine and juniper trees.Some are 35m tall 5m round the trunk.We visit an early Byzantine church amongst walnut trees en route.A wall of good quality masonary and arched windows are well located on the hill slope.Then the route undulates along the fields to Kasımlar.Stay at the same village house in Kasımlar.

DAY 5 Saray yolu to Sağrak via Adada ancient city(Ascent 120m/descent 650m/14km/5-6hrs)

Short transfer to Saray yolu (20mins).Today our route starts from the Saray yolu fountain and it follows goat path to the wide plains then to Yenikoy village.You can see the wild horses grazing en route.We walk along the the village settlements descend to Adada.Probably it is the the most outstanding Roman city of ancient Pisidia.Well preserved temples,theatre,forum and roman roads remind its glorous days.Christians who were influenced by St Paul's letters came to visit the cities where Paul first preached to the Gentiles.Some must have visited Adada as the name of the city remained as Karabavlu which means the Black Paul.We have lunch at the site then descend to Sagrak on a paved roman road which is one of the landmarks of St Paul Trail.Stay at the pension in Eğirdir.

DAY 6 Hike  to Yazılı kanyon 80m/descent 650m/15km/6hrs)

Transfer to Yazılı kanyon .(30mins)Today's walk starts with a climb from  village and follows a forest path through large green plains surrounded by oak,pine and juniper trees.We have a picnic in the forest then descend to Curuk with the view of orchards and snow capped Davraz mountain.Late afternoon we have an optional visit to Eğirdir local market where you can taste localy grown apple and cherry.Stay at the same pension in Eğirdir.

DAY 7 Walk from Bedre to Barla (ascent 650m/descent 580m/14km/5hrs)

Short transfer to Bedre.(15 mins)We start with a challenging climb to the pass where we we enjoy the view of Lake Eğiridir then the path leads to Bağören village.It is a tiny village located on the east slopes of Barla Mountain.Timber and stone houses,all facing to same direction form an invincible authenticity.Undulating path winds its way to Barla.Both Barla and Bağoren villages are known for cultivation of roses for making rose oil and rose water.Barla is also a place of pilgrimage for the followers of Sheikh Nursi who acquired a reputation as a scholar and debater and founder of Nurcu movement(movement of light).Drive to Eğridir.Stay at the same pensionl in Eğirdir.

DAY 8 Drive to Antalya,visit Sagalassos (drive 4 hrs)

Today we drive back to Antalya.On the way we visit Sagalassos.It was always a prosperous city throughout history on account of its fertile lands and plenty of water sources.It lives its golden era in the 2.century AD.Most of the present ruins date back that period.Thanks to archaeolgists' great work,it stands out from others with its monuments.We visit major remains then continue on to Antalya.Overnight stay at the hotel in Antalya.

DAY 9 Transfer to airport.

Transfer to Antalya airport.

• All meals (except for Antalya)
• All transfers
• Air conditioned bus
• English speaking licensed tour guide
• Passenger insurance
• Enterance fees at the sites written in the itinerary.

• Drinks
• Gratitudes for tour staff
• Personal expenses.
• Flights