Journey V/VII: Turkey – Spots still open – Sept. 25 to Oct. 09. 2026

TURKEY / ASIA MINOR (Part V / VII)

The section of the Jerusalem Way through Turkey is scenically, culturally, and historically unique – simply wonderful! On this international peace and culture route, our path leads from Istanbul to the Dardanelles (Europe/Asia) and from there continues along the Jerusalem Way across Turkey to Adana.

On this stage, we encounter traces of early Christianity, ancient Greco-Roman culture, and Islamic mysticism surrounding Rumi. We visit churches, mosques, and holy sites of various traditions – supported by the great hospitality of the people in Turkey.

This brings us to the largest country by area on the Jerusalem Way – at the same time, it boasts the longest route of all countries, spanning approximately 2,100 km (details on the Turkey Route). On this extraordinary pilgrimage, we experience cultural highlights of Asia Minor, visit significant sites of early Christianity where the Apostles Paul and Barnabas worked, and also follow parts of the historical route of the III. Crusade under Emperor Frederick I “Barbarossa.”

Thus, old paths of conflict become paths of encounter, peace, and reconciliation. Step by step, we walk as peace pilgrims to where separation once prevailed, opening spaces for understanding and hope.

In a balanced combination of hiking and bus travel, we personally experience the highlights of the Jerusalem Way on this special stage. Daily hikes typically range from approximately 10 to 15 km, with a maximum of 20 km per day.

As a special new feature, this trip has been extended by two additional days. This means you can expect new, impressive hikes along the Jerusalem Way, as well as even more time for encounters, reflection, and shared experiences.

Date
15-day pilgrimage including flights
September 25, 2026 – October 09, 2026

Travel price with early bird bonus: €2,699
(Early bird bonus for bookings until March 31, 2026)

Note: For bookings after July 17, 2026, an expected flight price increase of €75 is to be anticipated due to airfares.

Highlights / Overview

Istanbul → Dardanelles / Gallipoli → Çanakkale → Troy / Troad Peninsula → Alexandria Troas → Assos → Pergamon → Caravanserai Obasya → Izmir → Ephesus → Pamukkale / Hierapolis → Laodicea & Colossae → Isparta / Eğirdir Region → Antioch in Pisidia → Konya → Sille / Sufi Trail → Kilistra & Lystra Region → Çatalhöyük / Binbirkilise → Taurus Mountains → Göksu Canyon → Kızkalesi → Tarsus → Adana

1. Istanbul
   Historic world city on two continents, with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Bosphorus.
2. Dardanelles (Gallipoli / Çanakkale)
   Several historical sites, views over the strait between Europe and Asia.
3. Troy (Troya)
   Legendary ancient city, setting of Homer’s Iliad.
4. Troad Peninsula
   Region of ancient coastal cities, part of the classical pilgrimage route through Asia Minor.
5. Alexandria Troas
   Ancient city, visited multiple times by the Apostle Paul.
6. Assos
   Ancient port city with ruins and Mediterranean mountain panorama.
7. Pergamon (Bergama)
   Ancient metropolis with a steep theater and acropolis.
8. Caravanserai Obasya
   Historic caravanserai and cultural accommodation station in the interior.
9. Izmir (Smyrna)
   Major city on the Aegean with a rich history.
10. Ephesus
    World-famous ancient ruin city and significant UNESCO site.
11. Pamukkale & Hierapolis
    Natural terraces and ancient city above hot travertine pools.
12. Laodicea & Colossae
    Ancient cities on Paul’s route of the first missionary journeys.
13. Isparta & Lake Eğirdir
    Region in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains with traditional cultural landscape and lake scenery.
14. Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvaç)
    Important ancient Pauline site in Central Anatolia.
15. Konya (Iconium)
    Center of Sufi culture with Mevlana Museum and ancient roots.
16. Sille & Sufi Trail
    Historic village with early Christian remnants.
17. Kilistra & Lystra Region
    Ancient rock settlements and sites of early Christianity.
18. Çatalhöyük & Binbirkilise
    Early Neolithic settlement and ruins of the “Thousand Churches.”
19. Taurus Mountains
    High mountain landscapes with old pass routes and natural sections.
20. Göksu Canyon & Barbarossa Memorial
    Spectacular canyon landscape and site of the end of the Third Crusade.
21. Kızkalesi / Mediterranean Coast
    Mediterranean section with ancient ruins and coastal landscape.
22. Tarsus
    Birthplace of the Apostle Paul with Roman and early Christian sites.
23. Adana
    Modern metropolis with the second-largest mosque in Turkey and the world’s oldest navigable stone arch bridge.

Photos & Impressions

• Photo Album Journey Autumn 2022
• Facebook Post with Photos Journey Autumn 2022
• Photo Diary Journey Autumn 2019
  
• Photo Diary Journey Autumn 2016
  
• Photo Diary Journey Spring 2016

Itinerary / GPS Map:

• Route Asia Minor / Turkey (Google Maps)
• Link to the Turkey Travel Program 2022
• Link to the Turkey Travel Program 2020

And finally:
The end once again becomes the beginning – Jerusalem, here we come! The perfect transition to the journey through the Holy Land and to the destination of the Jerusalem Way (Part VII / VII).

Organization & Booking:
This pilgrimage is carried out in cooperation with our experienced partner travel agency: → HEUBERGER REISEN

In cooperation with our local partner in Turkey: → AURA Tour Istanbul (local implementation & support)