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HIKING IN THE TAURUS MOUNTAINS
ST. PAULS TRAIL - HIKING IN THE TAURUS MOUNTAINS
St. Pauls trail, the second long-distance hiking trail in Turkey, cross the Taurus Mountains up to the Anatolian plateau. It is difficult to say exactly whether the Apostle Paul took this path on his first missionary journey. What is certain, however, is that you expect an impressive natural experience! On pastoral trails and ancient Roman roads, St. Pauls trail leads you through the rugged landscape of the Taurus Mountains with a view of snow-covered peaks. They pass through dense oak and pine forests and come to alpine landscapes. In the Köprülü Canyon National Park, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Köprücay river. Over wide elevations, you will reach traditional farms where hospitality is still a tradition, and visit ancient ruins. At the end of the trip, you will reach Lake Eğirdir. The third-largest lake in Turkey with turquoise shimmering water lies at the foot of the mighty Barla Mountain. Hiking in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul through this fascinatingly original landscape!
TOUR ITINERARY
1st day: Arrival
Flight to Antalya. Transfer to your accommodation in the old town of Antalya.
2nd day: Karabük
A transfer takes you into the middle of the Taurus Mountains to the ancient village of Demirciler. Through pinewoods, your way leads you first towards the mighty mountain Bozburun (2.505 m). Afterward, you hike through cedar forests and with beautiful views to the Pisidian ruin city Selge. Transfer to your accommodation to the village of Karabük where you stay twice (GZ: 6 hrs.).
3rd day: Köprülü Canyon
Transfer back to Selge. Ancient Roman paths lead you through the bizarre rock landscape of the Köprülü Canyon National Park. Enjoy the wide views of the Taurus Mountains and the deep canyon of Köprülü Canyon, which will accompany you back to Beşkonak (WH: 4 1/2 hrs).
4th day: Çaltepe
A transfer takes you to Gövez. Through dense pine forests and rugged Taurus villages, you will be taken up to a viewpoint from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Köprülü Canyon and the surrounding mountains! Walking on ancient pastoral trails, you will finish your hike in the Çaltepe village (GZ: 5 1/2 hours).
5th day: Kasımlar
After transfer to the village of Kesme, you will pass through ancient Roman paths through a wild, rocky landscape. This is characterized by mountains, conical rock formations, and canyons, which are almost 3,000 m high. In between are juniper forests and small, steep valleys. Again and again, you can enjoy magnificent views of Sarp mountain. Your hike ends in the mountain village Kasımlar (WH: 5 hrs.).
6th day: Lake Eğirdir
Via forest roads and paths, you hike in the alpine regions of the Taurus Mountains. From Tota, you will be transferred to the ancient Roman city of Adada, situated on a high plateau. After visiting the imperial temple, the theater, and the agora, you continue by transfer to Eğirdir at the lake with the same name. You stay here twice (WH: 4 1/2 hours).
7th day: From Sipahiler to Kovada National Park
For the last hike, you will be transferred to Sipahiler village. From here you can enjoy a varied walk through the Kovada National Park. Through spruce and oak forests it continues on wide plateaus on which cattle and goats graze. On old trade routes, you then descend into the Kovada valley. From the village Serpil transfer back to Eğirdir (WH: 5 hrs.).
8th day: Departure
Transfer to Antalya (2 1/2 hours) and return flight or extension in Eğirdir for further hikes on your own.
INCLUDED SERVICES
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7 nights in rooms with shower/WC based on half board
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6 times dinner (days 2-7)
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5-times picnic (days 3-7)
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all transfers due to program
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luggage transportation from/to the accommodations
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detailed roadbook
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hiking map
IDEAL TRAVEL TIME
Every day in the periods below
Beginning of April till the mid of June
Beginning of September till the end of October
Additional nights possible
You can book this trip also as a single person!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Starting point: Antalya
Finish point: Eğirdir
Arrival: flight to Antalya
DIFFICULTY
Moderate hikes with longer arrivals and descents on mainly marked hiking trails, partly rocky ground. Daily walking time 4 1/2 to 6 hours ascends 260-600 m, descents 200-650 m.
INQUIRY
