Sufi Trail August 2025

  • Davide Travelli – the world cyclist
  •  Roelant Meijer, Walking With Rumi
  • Ariane’s Blees amazing article
  •  The Arrival of Veertig
  • Registration has started for hiking caravan 2026

Walcome dear

 With feelings as warm as sunflowers, we share this newsletter as a heartfelt tribute to Davide Travelli – world cyclist, filmmaker, and modern-day pilgrim. His journey along the Sufi Trail, from Istanbul to Konya, is more than just a travelogue; it is an ode to simplicity, stillness, and connection. In his documentary series, Davide takes you deep into the mystical beauty of Anatolia – with greetings to village leaders, stories from small towns, and images that speak straight to the heart. Alongside these, he often shares practical tips and is a well-followed YouTube figure in the world of bike gear.

Beyond the joy of Davide’s cycling, you can also experience Roelant’s stunning walking-inspired art and read the stories of the walking caravan in Veertig. We also take you to Roelant Meijer’s exhibition at the Adelbertusakker, where words and faces meet in magical encounters. And we celebrate the retirement of our beloved writer Ariane, who now shines with renewed creative energy.

Finally, the newest edition of Veertig is on its way! A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made this woven tapestry of stories possible.
 Let yourself be inspired, filled with wonder, and above all—welcome on our path.

Love,
Sufi Trail team ❤

The latest news from our dear Davide! 🥰 new plans!

Things Took a Turn in Turkey…

Davide Travelli ~ Back on the Sufi Trail ❤️

Davide Travelli – the world cyclist and filmmaker who brought the Sufi Trail to life in his unique way – Davide is the living example of a traveler for whom travel has become a way of life. As ambassador of Sufi on Bike, he documented the journey from Istanbul to Konya in five powerful episodes, where every turn became a meeting with the hidden beauty of Anatolia.

His images capture not only the peace and mysticism of rural villages, the respectful greetings to locals and village heads, but also the spiritual richness of ancient Sufi shrines along the old pilgrimage route.

Davide Travelli is no ordinary traveler. He is a storyteller, filmmaker, and explorer who ventures into the world with his camera and an open heart. His journeys lead him to remote villages, spiritual sites, and encounters with people whose voices are rarely heard.

Travelli’s story is more than a travel report. His years-long solo mountain bike expedition from Alaska to Patagonia in full self-reliance is a testament to resilience and simplicity—a lifestyle where freedom, hardship, and compassion merge. He crossed continents alone, slept under the stars, faced bears, and rejected comfort in return for truth. Always on the road, unburdened, open to whatever comes his way.

The Call of the Road
 On his YouTube channel and social media, Davide doesn’t just share travel videos—he brings stories to life. Whether crossing the mountains of Georgia, capturing the mystical atmosphere of Istanbul, or speaking with nomads in Iran, his images breathe authenticity. He doesn’t seek the perfect picture, but the soul of the place.

His dedication also shines through in his contribution to the book Sufi on Bike, where he shares practical tips and translates the magic of the journey for others.

We’re delighted to share his images and insights in our newsletter, and to express our deep admiration for Davide Travelli—not only as a cyclist and filmmaker, but as a modern pilgrim. Out of all the paths one could choose, we are honoured that Davide returns once more to the Sufi Trail.

 

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.

 

🌍 Follow the Journey:
📖 Blog: Alaska2Patagonia.com
📸 Instagram: @davidetravelli
🎥 YouTube: @DavideTravelli
👍 Facebook: Davide Travelli

The road calls. Will you answer? 🚴♂️✨

Roelant Meijer, piece of art Sufi Portraits

Roelant Meijer
 Our dear Roelant—it truly feels that way. His ability to connect on so many levels has succeeded beautifully! His exhibition is now on display at the Adelbertusakker in the Netherlands.

Every Saturday, together with our dear Cor, we enjoy walking by with our walking group.

Our Ariane crafted it all into a beautiful piece and even the photographer from the Noord-Hollands Dagblad dropped by on a Saturday. Coincidentally, Cor was the next portrait subject, sharing his story of his pilgrimage to Mecca.

 

It truly warms the heart to admire all of Roelant’s encounters, life-sized. The magic of Rumi’s words makes the heart shine. And the radiant faces complete this wonderful experience. Roelant’s exhibition will remain through the summer—if you have the chance, you are warmly welcome. The artwork is also available in book form, featuring a personal message that creates your own unique connection to the Sufi Trail Encounters by artist Roelant Meijer.

Ariane’s Article

We’ve been enjoying the free time of many retirees lately—and now Ariane, recently retired but busier than ever! As a journalist, her “retirement hours” are quickly filling up. With all the holidays and walking days, it’s true: retirement brings oceans of time for the things you love.

As one of the “forty-somethings” from the Drie Bronnen pilgrimage route, Ariane is well known among many fellow walkers. And now her writing is blooming. Ariane is a columnist, and her book Bleestekens is available. You can also enjoy her beautifully written article, created especially for the Sufi Portraits exhibition. And of course, a visit from the newspaper photographer was part of that! Thank you, dear Ariane.

Registration has started for hiking caravan 2026

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

Dear adventurer, zen seeker and nature 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 12, 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! 🌄🐕🍟

The Walking Caravan Team

The Arrival of Veertig

 It’s that time again—our Veertig magazine is at the printer! Due to summer busyness and holidays, it’s taking a bit longer than usual. But for those eager for a sneak peek into this treasure trove of stories—tales of pilgrims and imams—the online version is already available.

Our lightning-fast Kees Reiniers has once again proven his talent for design. Design to the light—with our heartfelt thanks to Kees, and to all authors and photographers who have helped immortalize this sixth edition of Veertig.

It truly feels like a flying carpet, woven with threads through time. Thank you all—we are thoroughly enjoying this dance of art and creation.

For our donors, friends, and supporters: Veertig will soon be arriving on your doormat.

 

Note it's for the Dutch readers but online you can use trans,ate to also enjoy this very unique Sufi Trail magazine!

Agenda 2026

2026

1st May till 12th June 2026 Hiking caravan in Turkey, 

join the hiking caravan

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

 

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