Sufi Trail July 2025

  • Home from the Sufi Trail
  • Davide Travelli back on track
  • Leave Your Mark for Future Travellers!
  • Registration has started for hiking caravan 2026
  • šŸ”„ LAST SPOT! šŸ”„ Cycling caravan on the Rumi Trai
ā€Š

Walcome dear

A Warm Welcome to This Month's Sufi Trail Chronicles

There’s something magical about returning home with a backpack still carrying the scent of sun-warmed earth, the faint traces of paint from marking trails, and the lingering warmth of shared tea with strangers-turned-friends. After weeks of walking the Sufi Trail—where every step felt like a prayer and every encounter a small miracle—we’re back, hearts full and feet just a little wiser. The journey was nothing short of a collaboration with the universe itself: days blessed with golden sunlight (with just one exception we’ll gladly forget), villages that opened their doors and hearts to us, and the quiet satisfaction of leaving behind a trail of painted arrows, guiding future pilgrims toward their own adventures.

 

And speaking of adventures, we’re thrilled to share the road with Davide Travelli, a true modern-day wayfarer whose bicycle has carried him across continents—88,000 kilometers and counting. Now tracing the Sufi Trail, he brings his unique spirit of slow travel and deep connection to this ancient path. His journey, documented in vivid stories and Sunday vlogs, reminds us that the best adventures are those that leave room for curiosity, serendipity, and the occasional life-changing slice of pizza.

But the Sufi Trail isn’t just about the footsteps or tire tracks left behind—it’s about the people who make it possible. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers like Hakan and Fikri, whose signboards have become silent guides for wanderers, the trail remains alive with stories. Now, you can help write the next chapter by supporting new signboards, ensuring this path continues to inspire for years to come.

And for those ready to step (or pedal) into their own pilgrimage, the call is open: one last spot remains on the Rumi Trail Cycling Caravan, a 30-day journey through Turkey’s heartland, where every mile is a meditation. Or, if you prefer walking boots to bike wheels, mark your calendar for the 2026 Hiking Caravan—800 kilometers of camaraderie, chaos, and the kind of memories that stick like trail paint under your nails.

 

So here’s to the roads behind us, the paths ahead, and the community that makes it all meaningful. Whether you’re joining us on the trail, from your couch, or through a donation, thank you for being part of this journey. After all, home isn’t just where you rest—it’s where you take off your socks and think: Yes, that was worth every step.

With gratitude and dusty boots,
The Sufi Trail Team

Love,
Sufi Trail team ā¤

Home from the Sufi Trail

with a backpack full of sun, paint stains and magic

 

After weeks of pilgrimage, drinking tea with strangers who became friends, and walking until our feet started to pray themselves, we are back home. And what a journey it has been! As if the universe itself cooperated:


The weather? As if Rumi personally set the thermostat – not a drop of rain, just golden sun and the occasional cooling breeze (okay, one day it was a bit too hot, but let’s forget that).


The people? From villagers who invited us for homemade soup to shepherds who admired our route markers as if they were works of art – Turkey gave us a masterclass in hospitality.


Route maintenance? Yes! We not only walked, but also painted as if we were considering a secret career as street artists. For a whole week we left arrows and dots that now whisper: ā€œFollow me, pilgrim, here the adventure continues.ā€


We returned with bodies that say "ouch" a little more than before, but also with hearts that sing softly. And yes, our backpacks still smell of herbs, dust and endless roads - but that is precisely the smell of successful pilgrims.


Thanks to everyone who walked with us, thought along or enjoyed from the couch. The Sufi Trail is not just a route, but a home that stretches from Rotterdam to Konya. And us? We are the lucky ones who were allowed to maintain a piece of it.


"Home is not where you sleep, but where you take off your socks and think:

Yes, this was totally worth it." šŸŒ™āœØ


Until the next step!

- You pilgrim drillers


PS: The paint under our nails? We'll keep that as a souvenir for a while. šŸŽØšŸ˜‰

Davide Travelli ~ Back on the Sufi Trail ā¤ļø

Adventurer. Vagabond. A modern-day wayfarer on two wheels. Since 2015, Davide Travelli has been on an extraordinary round-the-world bicycle journey, weaving through continents, cultures, and countless untold stories. From the rugged wilderness of the Americas to the sweeping landscapes of Africa, he has pedaled nearly 88,000 kilometers—a distance that could circle the globe twice. Now, he’s back in Europe, tracing the mystical Sufi Trail, where history, spirituality, and adventure converge beneath his wheels.

Davide isn’t just cycling; he’s living a philosophy—one of slow travel, deep connection, and boundless curiosity. His journey is documented in weekly vlogs (every Sunday!), where raw landscapes, chance encounters, and the quiet beauty of life on the road come alive. Through his blog (Alaska2Patagonia.com), Instagram (@davidetravelli), and YouTube channel, he invites us to wander alongside him, if only through a screen.

Now, as he rides the Sufi Trail—a path steeped in ancient wisdom and nomadic tradition—his journey takes on a new layer of meaning. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about the whispers of history in the wind, the hospitality of strangers, and the relentless pursuit of the horizon. We are so happy Sufi Trail is a Trail to come back to, especially if it is Davide, such an honour!

But such an adventure doesn’t happen without support. If his travels inspire you, consider fuelling his journey through a one-time donation (PayPal.me/davidetravelli) or a monthly contribution (*Alaska2Patagonia.com/support*). Every bit helps keep the wheels turning.

Follow Davide as he pedals onward—because the world is vast, and the road never really ends. Also, we are grateful as were Davide travels great movies follows, you can see the previous episodes on his YouTube channel and get inspired by Davide and off course his pizza.

 

šŸŒ Follow the Journey:
šŸ“– Blog: Alaska2Patagonia.com
šŸ“ø Instagram: @davidetravelli
šŸŽ„ YouTube: @DavideTravelli
šŸ‘ Facebook: Davide Travelli

The road calls. Will you answer? šŸš“ā™‚ļøāœØ

Leave Your Mark for Future Travellers!

Join Us in Supporting the Sufi Trail

The Sufi Trail is more than just a path—it’s a journey of history, spirituality, and connection. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers like Hakan Yavuz and Fikri Bekbaş, who tirelessly hung signboards along the trail, travelers can now navigate with ease, discovering hidden gems and sacred sites that might otherwise go unnoticed. These signboards have been instrumental in the trail’s success, guiding countless pilgrims and hikers safely through breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures.


Now, you can be part of this legacy! By donating for new signboards, you’re not just supporting infrastructure—you’re ensuring that future travelers have the same transformative experience you did. Every contribution helps maintain the trail’s magic, making it accessible for generations to come. Let’s honor the work of Hakan, Fikri, and all who came before us by paving the way for those who follow. Donate today and leave a lasting mark on the Sufi Trail!


Your support keeps the spirit of the journey alive—step by step, sign by sign. šŸŒæšŸš¶ā€ā™‚ļøāœØ

Registration has started for hiking caravan 2026

INVITATION: hiking caravan 2026 – The Sufi Trail Adventure in Turkey

Dear adventurer, zen seeker and fries lover,

Have you always dreamed of a journey where philosophical moments go hand in hand with a brisk walking rhythm? Where you are chased by friendly street dogs and existential questions? Then the hiking caravan 2026 – Edition Sufi Trail is exactly what you need!

After Victor's legendary report, we know for sure: this is no ordinary walking tour. This is a pilgrimage for the soul (and ankles). You don't just walk 800 km to Konya - you survive it.

So, daredevils and zen seekers: put June 2026 in your agenda. Come for the miles, stay for the chaos, the tea invitations from locals and the inevitable hamam experience refreshing as a plunge pool, meet your fellow travellers and immerse yourself in the flowery Turkish landscape.


Practical information:

Where: From home to Istanbul, because the plane won't wait. And then walk to Konya. 800 km in 40 walking days.

When: May 1 to June 11, 2026 - because May and June are the flower months.

What to bring? A smile, a dose of patience, and a tent for the wild nights.


Register before the walking caravan is full. Because one thing is for sure: this will be a journey to remember. Or, as Rumi would say: "The journey is the destination - but bring snacks."


See you on the trail! šŸŒ„šŸ•šŸŸ

The Walking Caravan Team

šŸ”„ LAST SPOT! šŸ”„ Cycling caravan on the Rumi Trail

30 days of cycling pilgrimage (12 Sept - 14 Oct 2025)

"Traveling brings strength and love back to your soul." – Rumi

Dear adventurer, pilgrim and freebooter,

There is one last spot available on our unique Rumi Trail Cycling Caravan – and it could be yours! Together with the creators of the Rumi Trail, we will cycle over 2000 km from Gaziantep to Konya, right through the heart of Turkey. This is no ordinary cycling tour, but a pilgrimage full of encounters, self-discovery and a lot of cycling fun (and maybe a bit of saddle pain every now and then).

Why join?

āœ… Pioneer feeling: You cycle along with the creators of the Rumi Trail themselves – knowledge of the country, the culture and Rumi's wisdom included!

āœ… Pilgrim life: We sleep where we end up (yes, sometimes we camp in the wild), eat local and live slow.

āœ… Small group: Max. 8 participants (excl. crew), so it will be intimate and cozy.

Practical

šŸ“… Dates: September 12 to October 14, 2025

šŸ“ Start: Gaziantep (with your bike and then ... adventure!)

šŸ Finish: At Rumi's mausoleum in Konya

šŸ’ø Costs: Everyone pays their own daily expenses (food, sleeping place, occasional coffee emergencies). You can register via this link and pay the registration fee for the trip: 

Agenda 2026

2026

1st May till 11th June 2026 Hiking caravan in Turkey, 

join the hiking caravan

ā€Š
ā€Š

Turkey hiking package

Sufi Trail Passport is part of the Sufi Trail membership. It connects pilgrims to the route and stampers on the trail.

A journey to Mevlana Rumi in Konya, on foot.

 

Hiking package Sufi Trail

Turkey cycling package

You can also cycle the Sufi Trail by bike in about two weeks. The cycling guide, Sufi Trail passport, Sufi stone, GPX and WhatsApp support and more are included in your cycling package.

 

Cycling package Sufi Trail

Contact Sufi Trail
Tel. 06 440 447 90
sufitrail@gmail.com
www.sufitrail.nl

Sufi Trail foundation
Hagestraat 10 H

2011 CV Haarlem

 

unsubscrbe from this newsletter here: click to unsubscribe