THE PATH OF ST-PAUL

The importance of St Paul in History:

St Paul allowed the spread of Christianity in Western Europe. Jesus' message, aimed at amending the Jewish religion, was preached exclusively to the Jews of Judea and Jerusalem. But Paul conveyed this message to the Jewish diaspora as well as to worshipers of "traditional" Greek or Roman gods, and to other pagan cults.

During this process, he changed the religion from Christianity, in part by adding a lot of instruction on the forms of worship. This is why he was able to interpret Jesus' message quite freely.

If St Paul had not preached, Christendom would probably have died out when the Jewish rebellion of 66 BC. JC was crushed and Jerusalem burned. This is why Paul is a product of his time and a great influence in our time as well.

The path of St Paul:

The Chemin de St Paul is a long distance hiking trail, approximately 500 km long. The track goes from Perge, 10 kilometers east of Antalya, to Yalvac, Isparta, northeast of Egirdir lake. A second branch begins at Aspendos, 40 kilometers east of Antalya, and joins the main road at the ancient Roman site of Adada.

The name of the path is derived from the fact that part of it follows the route of the apostle St. Paul on his first trip as a missionary to Anatolia. It begins at sea level and rises to an elevation of 2,200 meters. It is marked all along with red and white paint signs according to Grande Randonnée standards.

After the Lycian Way, the Chemin de St Paul is the second longest long-distance hiking trail. For those interested in a true, deep country experience, St Paul's Path in Turkey is the ideal adventure.

Deep canyons, thick forests, historic sites, ancient villages and wildlife provide the perfect backdrop for this 500 km trek through the Taurus Mountains, an adventure that roughly follows St Paul's tracks. Lose your sense of time as you explore ancient ruins, cross rocky scrubland and the remains of Roman roads.

You will visit breathtaking panoramas of Lake Egirdir and the surrounding mountains. You will have a picnic in the middle of a vast flora and fauna. Climb loose rocks to reach vantage points flying over hot, dry canyons, while following the footprints of this famous historical figure.

Your knowledgeable guide will be by your side throughout the journey to ensure a safe trip and that you get the most out of this magical and unforgettable experience. From the moment you arrive at Antalya Airport, and throughout the duration of your trek, our team will attend to all your needs that arise during this adventure worth doing at least once in a lifetime.

Day 1: arrival in Antalya

Arrival at Antalya Airport and transfer to the old part of the city. Free time and overnight at the hotel

Day 2: Selge - Beskonak

Morning transfer (approximately 2.5 hours) to Selge - one of the ancient Pisidian cities with a history dating back 2,700 years to today. Selge sits on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains in a naturally fortified area that is difficult to access. After exploring the ancient ruins of Selge, you will begin your hike. Accompanied by magnificent views of large forests, mountains and canyons, on passes over large rocks to descend to the river. Walk over the historic Roman Empire bridge that takes you over the canyon, then back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Beskonak. Walking time: 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Day 3: Selge - Caltepe

Short transfer to Selge. Beginning of the hike to the village of Caltepe. This part of the path begins with an ancient Roman cobblestone lane and continues through forest and historic sites, streams, spectacular canyons and natural rock formations. Passing through the villages of Delisarnic and Kestanelik (which means "chestnut"), arrival at the village of Caltepe. Overnight stay in Caltepe. Walking time: 7 hours and 45 minutes.

Day 4: Caltepe - Degirmenozu

Beginning of the walk from the village of Caltepe located in the valley. The road passes through the village and continues all along the stream to the north. Today's trek is not that strenuous, as you may have to walk uphill and downhill trails in some areas. This route takes you along the canyon and passes through ancient cemeteries carved into the rock and the spectacular view of the frozen water spring floating among the rocks in the village of Degirmenozu. One night stay in the village of Degirmenozu.

Day 5: Kesme - Kasımlar

Transfer to the village of Kesme (30 minutes). From there, a spectacular road leads to Mount Sarp making it seem like it is close at hand. Following an ancient Roman road you will face a series of interesting rock formations, junipers and pines, ancient tombs and the remains of settlements from this period. You will then arrive at the high mountain village Kasimlar (5 hours 45 minutes). Overnight stay in Kasimlar.

Day 6: Kasimlar - Tota plateau

Today your walk begins at the pension through the forest of oak and juniper trees to the Tota plateau. Explore the forest, which also features miniature wild tulips and other wild plants. Enjoy the extraordinary landscapes here. Sometimes you can meet wild horses on the way.

The walk ends with your transfer to the same pension in Kasimlar (4-5 hours in total). Overnight stay in Kasimlar.

Day 7: Tota - Adada - Sagrak

Short transfer to the Tota plateau. Today your walk is long compared to previous ones with its climbs of 1,650 m in some areas. Most of you pass through dense forest and arrive at the ancient village of Adada. After a short exploration of the village, follow the road that leads to the village of Sagrak. The path to the village of Sagrak is the first region of your hike, leaving you speechless with its beauty, following the ancient Roman road through a rocky gorse bush.

Day 8: Sipahiler - Serpil

Start walking from the village of Sipahiler. The road goes over limestone ridges and through a forest of native oaks. So you arrive at the small village of Serpil surrounded by orchards. Then transfer to Egirdir, the third largest lake in Turkey. One night stay at the pension on the shores of the lake.

Day 9: Yalvac - Perge - Antalya

Visit of Antioch (Yalvac) - one of the most important cities where St Paul passed. Then on the return to Antalya, visit the ancient city of Perge, from where the path of St Paul begins. Overnight stay in Antalya.

Day 10: Departure from Antalya

Transfer from Antalya to the airport.

The highlights of the trip:

Follow in the footsteps of St. Paul along a Roman aqueduct in ancient Antioch in ancient Pisidia (now Yalvaç).

Trek between the well-preserved ruins of Roman cities, linked by ancient cobbled roads.

Stay on the beautiful island on Lake Egirdir and enjoy the breathtaking panoramas.

Look forward to the hospitality of the villagers, the quaint old houses in deserted corners, the deep forests and foaming waters of the canyons.

Immerse yourself in the magical forest of Kasnak oaks.

Take part in the exciting white water rafting activity in Koprulu Canyon

You will be relaxed and enjoy your afternoons at pensions and village houses in historic squares amidst natural beauty. Away from the stress of the cities, you will have a satisfying vacation. Overnight stay on Day 1 and Day 7 of the program is set to be spent in a guesthouse that was one of Antalya's historic houses before. On the second day, overnight stay in a guesthouse on the shores of Lake Eğirdir.

On the third day, the group stays near historic sites. Overnight stays are organized in village houses offered by local Turkish families (from the third to the sixth day). Take the chance to taste delicious traditional Turkish dishes. You will truly feel at home and delight in Turkish hospitality.