The St Paul Trail is Turkey’s second long-distance trekking and cultural route, offering a rare combination of historical pilgrimage, off-the-beaten-track hiking, and authentic rural encounters. The trail follows the footsteps of the Apostle St Paul, who began one of his missionary journeys from Perge to Antioch in Pisidia in 46 AD. Stretching over nearly 500 km, the route crosses farmlands, forests, canyons, rivers, and highland pastures, creating an uninterrupted blend of nature, archaeology, and history.

This journey is not only a trekking experience but also a cultural walking tour through ancient Pisidia, connecting Roman cities, early Christian heritage, and remote mountain villages. Walking sections are carefully selected to balance challenge and enjoyment, making the trail ideal for travelers seeking a guided, private trekking tour in Turkey rather than a mass trekking route.

The tour starts in Antalya and follows a wild mountain route through ancient cities and traditional highland settlements toward the Lake District, ending in the peaceful lakeside town of Eğirdir. Designed as a tailor-made trekking experience, the route emphasizes local interaction, village accommodation, and quiet landscapes far from mainstream tourism.

Day 1 – Arrival in Antalya & Old Town Orientation

(Transfer approx. 30 mins)

Upon arrival at Antalya Airport, you will be met by your private guide and driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. This first day allows time to settle in and prepare for the trekking journey ahead.

Depending on arrival time, an optional orientation walk is arranged in Kaleiçi, Antalya's historic old town. Roman remains, Ottoman houses, and narrow cobbled streets reflect the layered past of the city and offer a gentle introduction to Turkey's cultural landscape.
Overnight in Antalya.

Day 2 – Aspendos & Oluk Bridge Walk

(5 km | 1–1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Aspendos, home to the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD by the architect Zeno, the theatre still hosts cultural events today and stands as a testament to Roman engineering excellence.

After visiting the theatre and monumental aqueducts, lunch is served at a local village restaurant, offering an authentic regional experience. In the afternoon, transfer to Beşkonak Village, where today's walk begins at the ancient Roman bridge and follows a forest path along the St Paul Trail.
Overnight at a family-run pension in Beşkonak.

Day 3 – Selge Ancient City to Çaltepe

(Ascent 378 m | Descent 867 m | 17 km | 6–7 hrs)

A short morning transfer brings you to Selge, a mountain city of ancient Pisidia. Founded, according to Strabo, by the seer Calchas after the Trojan War, Selge was once a wealthy city exporting timber, wine, olive oil, and storax.

After exploring the scattered ruins, the walk follows an ancient Roman road through forest landscapes toward Deli Sarnıç, where striking conglomerate rock formations recall Cappadocia's fairy chimneys. Following lunch in a village setting, the route continues through chestnut forests before descending on shepherd paths to Çaltepe.
Overnight in a family-run village pension in Çaltepe.

Day 4 – Kesme to Kasımlar

(Ascent 260 m | Descent 598 m | 12 km | 5–6 hrs)

Transfer to Kesme, where today's section of the St Paul Trail begins. The route ascends gently through open fields and shepherd huts before reaching the rim of a dramatic conglomerate canyon.

With panoramic views of the Dedegöl Mountain Range and scattered archaeological remains, this section exemplifies the trail's off-the-beaten-track trekking character. After lunch near a shepherd hut, descend along traditional goat paths to Kasımlar.
Overnight in a village house in Kasımlar.

Day 5 – Tota Yaylası to Kasımlar

(Ascent 284 m | Descent 848 m | 18 km | approx. 6 hrs)

Today's walk starts at Tota Forest Park on the northern slopes of the Sarp Mountains. Following forest dirt roads beneath monumental pine and juniper trees—some over 35 meters tall—the route offers one of the most scenic walking days of the trail.

En route, visit the remains of an early Byzantine church hidden among walnut trees, reflecting the deep Christian heritage of the region. The path continues gently through cultivated fields back to Kasımlar.
Overnight at the same village house.

Day 6 – Saray Yolu to Sağrak via Adada

(Ascent 120 m | Descent 650 m | 14 km | 5–6 hrs)

After a short transfer to Saray Yolu, today's route begins at a historic fountain and follows goat paths across wide plains and village settlements. Wild horses are often seen grazing along this remote section.

Descending toward Adada, one of the best-preserved Roman cities of Pisidia, you explore temples, theatre, forum, and Roman roads reflecting the city's former grandeur. After lunch at the site, descend to Sağrak along a beautifully preserved Roman road.
Transfer to Eğirdir for overnight.

Day 7 – Sipahiler to Serpilköy

(Ascent 380 m | Descent 650 m | 15 km | approx. 6 hrs)

Transfer to Sipahiler, where the walk begins with a steady climb through forests and wide green plains surrounded by oak, pine, and juniper trees. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in the forest.

Descending toward Serpilköy, views open toward orchards and the snow-capped Mount Davraz. Late afternoon optional visit to Eğirdir local market to sample locally grown apples and cherries.
Overnight in Eğirdir.

Day 8 – Bedre to Barla

(Ascent 650 m | Descent 580 m | 14 km | approx. 5 hrs)

After a short transfer to Bedre, the walk begins with a challenging ascent to a mountain pass overlooking Lake Eğirdir. The trail continues toward Bağören Village, a small settlement preserving strong rural character.

The undulating route leads to Barla, known for rose cultivation and rose oil production. Barla is also an important pilgrimage site associated with Sheikh Said Nursi.
Drive back to Eğirdir for overnight.

Day 9 – Sagalassos Visit & Drive to Antalya

(Drive approx. 4 hrs)

Drive back toward Antalya with a cultural stop at Sagalassos, one of Turkey's most impressive archaeological sites. Flourishing during the Roman period, the city's monuments remain exceptionally well preserved.

After exploring the site, continue to Antalya for overnight accommodation.

Day 10 – Departure from Antalya

Transfer to Antalya Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of this private, tailor-made St Paul Trail trekking and cultural journey.