Launched in April 2024, the HIKE project has begun revealing exciting preliminary details and locations for its upcoming hikes across Türkiye, Italy, and Greece. Explore the provisional programme below and join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of these three countries.
In November 2024, we will host a series of hikes in the scenic and historical landscapes surrounding Izmit on the Tolerance Way. Scheduled from November 1st to 3rd and from the 8th to 10th, the hikes vary from leisurely strolls through historic areas to more challenging treks through rural settings, including local landmarks such as Izmit’s waterside, the Beşkayalar Nature Parks, and the villages of Servetiye and Kırıntı, as well as the ancient aqueducts near Gölkay Park. Engaging animations along these paths will enrich the experience, blending active exploration with educational insights into the region’s rich history.
The Tolerance Way itself stretches approximately 126 kilometers from Izmit (ancient Nicomedia) to Iznik (ancient Nicaea). Inspired by the routes once traveled by notable explorers like the French traveler Charles de Peyssonnel and the Canadian botanist Robert Chamber, this itinerary has historical roots dating back to the Roman era, highlighted by the Edict of Tolerance issued by Emperor Galerius in AD 311, setting early foundation for religious freedom.
In Italy, the HIKE project’s September 2024 itinerary includes six free excursions along the scenic Via Francigena in the Apulia region, stretching from Bari to Brindisi. Scheduled over the weekends of September 12-15 and September 27-29, these hikes will guide participants from Bari’s urban charm through the coastal allure of Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Ostuni, ending at the historic sites in Brindisi. Timed to coincide with the European Week of Sport, these events are designed to blend lively celebrations with workshops that enrich the hiking experience, focusing on physical preparation and safety along the routes.
The Via Francigena, a medieval pilgrimage path, stretches from Canterbury’s cathedral city through France and Switzerland, reaching its climax in Rome and extending to Santa Maria di Leuca in the southern Italy. This itinerary has been historically significant in facilitating cultural, commercial, and religious exchanges across Europe, linking the British Isles to the heart of the Roman Catholic Church.
Lastly, in Greece, this October, the historic Via Egnatia invites hiking enthusiasts to traverse a route steeped in ancient Roman engineering. The journey begins on October 11th, starting from the picturesque waterfalls of Edessa and continuing through the plains of Agras, ending beside the serene Lake Vegoritida in Arnissa. The adventure resumes the following weekend with a 17-kilometer loop around Prophitis Ilias, culminating on October 20th with a 10-kilometer educational trek highlighting Edessa’s historical and industrial sites.
Built between 146 and 120 BC, the Via Egnatia is a testament to the ingenuity of Roman infrastructure, stretching approximately 1,120 kilometers from Durrës to Byzantium. This route, named after Gnaeus Egnatius, the Roman governor of Macedonia, played a crucial role in the Eastern Roman Empire’s prosperity.
Each destination along our hiking paths offers unique experiences, ensuring that every hiker, regardless of skill level, finds something inspiring. Keep an eye on our updates as we draw closer to the event dates for more information.
Culture Routes Society
The European Association of the Via Francigena ways
The Paths of Greece
Write a comment: