Turkey
Ipsala - Istanbul
Cyril and Methodius Route in Turkey
Through mountains and valleys, along riverbeds, past lakes and seaside, villages and cities, the ancient Via Egnatia route goes 1000 km eastward to Istanbul. Parts of the old road have survived and are still there to enjoy for the observant hiker. Making use of the former Roman stations, this is a journey into history that will change your views on Europe. Via Egnatia stands for the cultural connection between East and West. Walking here offers a special insight into the amalgam of cultures that have become the Balkans.
The route starts at the western border with Greece and continues along the coast of the Sea of Marmara, ending in Istanbul, the former centre of the Byzantine Empire.
What's ahead of us?
- Starting point: Ipsala (TR)
- Ending point: Istanbul (TR)
- Distance: 312,7 km
- Estimated travel time: 87:59 hod
- Difficulty: medium
- Altitude: ascent 3 568 m, descent 3 568 m
- Surface: asphalt road, mostly forest and field paths
Our tip:
Take plenty of food and drink with you, as there are sections of the trail with no food available for purchase during the hike.
Which way are we hiking?
Recommended distribution of one-day stages including accommodation at the end destinations.
Ipsala - Istanbul
STAGE 1:
Ipsala - Kermeyan
STAGE 2:
Kermeyan - Mamara ereglisi
STAGE 3:
Marmara ereglisi - Istanbul
STAGE 4:
Pella - Thessaloniki
STAGE 5:
Pella - Thessaloniki
STAGE 6:
Thessaloniki - Apollonia
STAGE 7:
Apollonia - Amphipolis
STAGE 8:
Amphipolis - Philippi
STAGE 9:
Philippi - Kavala
STAGE 10:
Kavala - Genisea
STAGE 11:
Genisea - Kipi
STAGE 13:
Torre di Mosto - San Dona di Piave
STAGE 14:
San Dona di Piave - Quarto d´Altino
STAGE 15:
Quarto d´Altino - Mestre
Rome - Bari
STAGE 1:
Rome (San Clemente) - Castel Gandolfo
STAGE 2:
Castel Gandolfo - Velletri
STAGE 3:
Velletri - Cori
STAGE 4:
Cori - Sermoneta
STAGE 5:
Sermoneta - Priverno
STAGE 6:
Priverno - Terracina
STAGE 7:
Terracina - Fondi
STAGE 8:
Fondi - Formia
STAGE 9:
Formia - Minturno
STAGE 10:
Minturno - Carinola
STAGE 11:
Carinola - Capua
STAGE 12:
Capua - Maddaloni
STAGE 13:
Maddaloni - Montesarchio
STAGE 14:
Montesarchio - Benevento
STAGE 15:
Benevento - Buonalbergo
Why walk the trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route?
The long-distance trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route invite you to pilgrimage sites and archaeological sites that have contributed significantly to the development of Slavic culture. They are signposted in both directions and encourage wandering without borders, not only state borders.
- Experience: you'll be surprised what you can do
- Great signposting: tourist signposting
- Incredible landscape: we wander through the countryside off the busy stretches
What can be obtained?
Perhaps everyone likes to bring back something from hiking, be it various tourist and souvenir items. If you will be hiking the Cyril and Methodius Route, we have prepared the following printed materials to motivate you to hike the trail:
- Pilgrimage passports: collecting stamps for a special passport
- Memorial letters: a souvenir letter at the end of the journey
- Maps: printed guide