Self Guided Trekking Highlights of the St Paul Trail

You will be met at Antalya airport or bus station by your private driver and taken directly away from the city into the Taurus mountains.  The journey to Aglasun, the modern name of Sagalassos, is a scenic 90-minute drive.  You arrive at the Sagalassos Spa Hotel where you can enjoy the facilities and unwind after your journey.

Dinner is not included this evening to allow for late arrivals, however the hotel has a comfortable restaurant and bar.

After a hearty Turkish breakfast, your driver will take you up the winding mountain road to the gates of Sagalassos. You will have an hour and a half to explore this compact yet magnificent archaeological site using our detailed notes.

From there, you will begin your trek along a well-preserved Ottoman military road, ascending to a high mountain pass overlooking the ancient city. The trail then descends through dense black pine forests toward Gölcük, a remarkable volcanic crater lake (specifically a maar or caldera) situated at an altitude of 1,380 meters. As the only caldera in Western Anatolia, this freshwater lake spans 2.5 km and reaches depths of 32 meters, framed by dramatic volcanic ash hills and the lush Gölcük Nature Park—home to cedar, oak, and acacia trees.

After a potential dip in the crystal-clear waters, you will meet your driver for the scenic journey to Eğirdir. Our guesthouse there sits on the shores of a much larger lake and offers commanding views of the water and surrounding peaks.

Overnight in Lale or Charly's Pansiyon BB.

Dinner is available in the hotel or you can wander to the many fish restaurants on the Green Island.  

After a leisurely breakfast on the lake-view terrace, you will have the morning to explore the charming town of Eğirdir. Enjoy lunch at your own pace and visit the 13th-century Seljuk-period Madrasa and Mosque, which stand as beautiful testaments to the region's history.

In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the hillside village of Akpınar. From here, you will begin your ascent toward the summit of Sivri Dağ (affectionately known as "Mount Pointy"). Along the way, you will pass the ancient ruins of Prostanna, a minor but atmospheric archaeological site. Reaching the peak rewards you with an unequaled panoramic view of the town and the sprawling turquoise lake below.

After descending back to Akpınar, you will be transferred to Eğirdir for the evening. You may wish to indulge in a traditional Turkish Bath (Hamam) to soothe your muscles before enjoying a lakeside dinner.

Note: For those wishing to delve deeper into the region's history, it is possible to extend your stay in Eğirdir to visit Yalvaç and the impressive ruins of Pisidian Antioch.

A highlight of the St Paul Trail, for many, is the walk up the ancient stone-paved road to the ruins of Adada. The trail passes ruined temples and an ancient theatre before climbing to the wide highland pastures of Tota, roamed by feral horses. From the village of Yenikoy you leave all traces of civilization behind as you take to the pass above through dense forest, descending down to another lonely meadow where our driver will meet you at the spring. The short, scenic drive to Kasimlar village offers fine views of Mount Dedegol. You will spend the next 2 nights with a local family in their simple guest house, renowned for excellent home cooking.

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A very short drive takes you to the start of the walk, which rises through pine forest passing remote homesteads, eventually arriving at mysterious ruins. The name of this community has recently been identified as Zarzala / Zerzila and there are remains of a church and a bath-house which suggest it was a significant settlement on a trade route.  Continuing along a ridge with views of deep canyons on one side and the massif of Mt Dedegol on the other you descend through fields and pastures back to the accommodation in Kasimlar in time for lunch.  You have a free afternoon for exploring the village, washing some socks, writing your memoirs, or a well-deserved snooze!  

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A short drive to the bridge and then the climbing begins.  With improving views at every step, you arrive at the pass, a gateway to a totally different landscape.  You leave the limestone and arrive in eerily eroded conglomerate rock, worn into strange valleys and chasms.  You pass another ancient settlement and descend to the red fields and grey stacks as if out of a Salvador Dali composition.  Passing through areas where the roses are grown for the famous 'Attar of Roses' perfume, you arrive at the picture-postcard town of Kesme, in time for a cup of Chai before your transfer to Caltepe village.  Overnight in Erdinc Pansiyon, in a splendid location with excellent home cooking.

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A brief drive past the entrance to Koprulu Canyon takes you up to the fantasy landscape of Kestanelik village, with houses perched on rocks among chestnut trees.  Follow the St Paul Trail into the unique and convoluted valleys, including some ancient paved roads where the apostle may have walked.  The trail passes through the village of Delisarnic, meaning 'Crazy Cistern', this village has some excellent examples of cisterns made by walling off one end of a rock formation and rendering the inside to make freshwater depots.

A climb brings you through more strange landscapes to the start of the ancient Selge road, arriving at the magnificent theatre.  You will have time to explore the theatre and stadium before a drive down through the cypress forests to the Roman bridge at Koprulu Canyon.  Overnight in Selge Pansiyon.

After a morning spent enjoying a riverside breakfast we will take you to Antalya at a suitable time to meet your flight or bus. Before that, you may wish to wander up to the ancient bridges and gorge or try out the world-famous white-water rafting (arrange with the hotel). We can also arrange, en route to Antalya, a passing visit to Aspendos with its magnificently preserved theatre ( subject to guiding charge).​

To make bookings we just require 10% deposit, which would be transferable to other dates.

Balance is due 4 weeks before travel and would be refundable if you were unable to travel due to statutory COVID regulations.

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Unlike many local operators we take all payments with credit cards via the banking system, (not cash on arrival), all our income is declared and taxed in line with our responsible travel commitments.

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1 Person in single room 1768€

2 Persons sharing twin room 995€ per person

2 Persons in 2 single rooms 1195€ per person

3 Persons,1 twin + 1 single room 883€ per person

4 Persons 2 twin rooms 727€ per person

​Extra day in Egirdir hotel + trip to Pisidian Antioch. 199€ ( price for transport and 1 extra night in hotel for 1 room)

You can book with just a 10% transferable deposit, and your bookings are COVID safe.

Please see our generous booking conditions.

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Please get into contact by email to info@ambertravel.com