This trip combines cycling with yachting along the Turkish coast, where the Mediterranean is never far. Outstanding monuments from the Ottoman Empire, delicious cuisine and friendly locals eager to welcome visitors ensure rewarding travel. Highlights include the resort town of Bodrum, the archaeological site of Dalyan where cliffside tombs stand testament to a time forgotten, the exotic and charming towns of Kalkan and Kas, the stunning beaches at Izutu and Olympos and the Ottoman city of Antalya.
Only Great Explorations:
Turkey has seen many improvements over the years, particularly road paving and bike lanes. We stay in a variety of hotels on this trip, and we hope you’ll find each authentic, comfortable and memorable. On the 12 day trip, there is up to 8 days cycling (no cycling on arrival or departure day and there are two other days with non-biking activities).
Straight Talk
Bodrum, Muğla Province, Turkey
Day 1+2
Hisarönü, Ölüdeniz Belediyesi/Fethiye/Muğla Province, Turkey
Day 3
Dalyan, Muğla Province, Turkey
Day 4+5
Gemile Adası, Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey
Day 6
Kaş/Antalya, Turkey
Day 7
Kekova Island, Demre/Antalya, Turkey
Day 8
Olympos Teleferik, Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Day 9
Antalya, Turkey
Day 10+11
İstanbul, Turkey
Optional Extension
Cappadocia, Göreme Belediyesi/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
Optional Extension
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Apr 10-21 *Special departure to coincide with Bodrum Gran Fondo | Apr 27-May 8 |
| Apr 28-May 9 | May 11-22 |
| May 12-23 | Sep 21-Oct 2 |
| Sep 22-Oct 3 | Oct 5-16 |
| Oct 6-17 |
Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate/intermediate
20-40+ miles daily
Van shuttles are available at anytime
TerrainSome of the coastline is hilly, but strategic shuttles are available at any time
CostLand Cost
US $4,850
Includes 12B/8L/9D
Single Supplement
US $1,450
Although we guarantee a departure with 4 participants, the yacht requires minimum 8 participants. If there is between 4-7 participants on an open departure, we will substitute the yacht with a hotel stays for those 3-days. If there is between 4-7 participants on a private departure, and the group is interested in the yacht option, there will be a supplement of:
6-7 participants: US $500 per person
4-5 participants: US $750 per person
On an open departure, in the unlikely event there are less than 8 participants, we reserve the right to provide the land-based itinerary – we would still visit Kekova by boat on Day 8 as a day trip; there would be a rebate of US $750 per person.
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $620
E-Bikes*: US $880
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Pre- or Post-trip Extensions
In Turkey we offer extensions to both Istanbul and Cappadocia. Although the Istanbul Extension would normally be done before your trip and the Cappadocia Extension afterwards, you can do them before or after.
Istanbul
US $695
Single supplement US $295
Includes 2N/2D with transfers, 1/2 day walking tour, and City Guide for Istanbul.
US $995
Single supplement US $450
Includes 3N/3D with transfers, 1/2 day walking tour, 1/2 day walking or food tour, and City Guide for Istanbul.
Cappadocia
US $695
Single supplement US $295
Includes 2N/2D with transfers, full day walking tour, and City Guide for Cappadocia.
US $995
Single supplement US $450
Includes 3N/3D with transfers, full day walking tour, and City Guide for Cappadocia.
Getting There
Our trip begins in the coastal resort town of Bodrum. Both Condé Nast and Bloomberg named Bodrum one of the best places to travel recently. Your hotel is included on arrival day and most people will arrive late afternoon from Istanbul. We include airport pick-up for those arriving on the late afternoon flight, otherwise there is a convenient bus that meets all incoming flights and whisks you straight to Bodrum center.
Bodrum
Welcome to Bodrum! Our hotel is in the historic center and is charming and intimate (and quiet, located away from the bustle of sea-side restaurants etc.), with a swimming pool, cozy bar and excellent restaurant. We’ll meet for welcome wine reception at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. and prepare you for the trip.
Bodrum
Start your trip with a ride along quiet roads outside of Bodrum on an undiscovered peninsula. Stop at a sublime beach and pass through villages lost in time. There is an add-on option for those keen for extra miles. We’ll arrive back to Bodrum with time to visit the castle in town and explore market shops, or kick back by the pool and relax.
We will enjoy dinner overlooking the Bodrum marina in a sublime setting.
Ride Distance: 30km; 220m or 50km; 840m* or 70km; 1,000m* (less distance & elevation is possible with a shuttle up the hills). *these routes are Bodrum Gran Fondo route options. We are running a departure April 10, 2027 to coincide with this event so you’ll enjoy closed roads.
Hisaronu Bay
We’ll ferry across the Aegean Sea, then cycle the Datca Peninsula where the climbs are compensated by shaded pine forests and dramatic coastal vistas. We will enjoy lunch at a beachside resort where windsurfers and kite-surfers frequent. You can stop at any point today or shuttle up the climbs and enjoy the descents. Our ride concludes with a descent to Hisaronu Bay where we’ll overnight at a beachside hotel with private beach and tranquil setting.
Ride Distance: 38km; 390m or 62 km; 960 m gain
Dalyan
We will begin the day with a beautiful loop on quiet sea-side roads in the Turgut peninsula. We will visit a lavender garden and taste the local pine honey here. You can also visit a carpet co-operative in Turgut; there are over 300 looms in the region. After some beach time we will shuttle towards Dogusbelen and have lunch before an afternoon ride along a splendid road that winds down towards Dalyan, finishing with a 2 minute ferry across the Dalyan river. We stay at a local hotel with pool and hammam.
Ride Distance: Morning ride: 21 km; 300 m gain; Afternoon ride: 30 km; 490 m gain
Dalyan
Dalyan is a wonderful town to explore. We’ll cycle to Iztuzu Beach, where the famed loggerhead sea-turtles are found, and walk a dramatic stretch of beach and have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll boat over to Caunos and hike up to the Lycian tombs and ancient theatre. Back at the hotel, enjoy some pool time. There are lots of great options for dinner in town for a night on your own.
Ride Distance: 15 km; 280 m gain
Hike Distance: 6 km
Blue Cruise
Departing Dalyan, we’ll ride across a flat plain on a road with dedicated bike lane before climbing mid-morning along lesser used roads passing through rural villages. Arrive to lovely harbor of Gocek where we will board our yacht to begin our blue voyage. We will cruise to Saint Nicholas Island, where you’ll have the chance to hike up to a splendid viewpoint. We will overnight in a quiet cove with dinner under the stars on a wonderful yacht.
Ride Distance: 43 km; 690 m gain
*Although we guarantee a departure with 4 participants, the yacht requires minimum 8 participants. If there is between 4-7 participants on an open departure, we will substitute the yacht with a hotel stay for those 3-days.
On an open departure, in the unlikely event there are less than 8 participants, we reserve the right to provide the land-based itinerary – we would still visit Kekova by boat on Day 8 as a day trip; there would be a rebate of US $750 per person.
Kas
We sail along the coast, passing Patara Beach (once voted the world’s most beautiful beach) and the charming sea-side port town of Kalkan full of artisan shops and cafes. We will cycle a dramatic stretch of road to charming village of Kas where lunch awaits. In the afternoon, we will anchor in a lovely setting and swim and relax.
Ride Distance: 28 km; 550 m gain or 38km; 580m
Kekova Island
Cruise to Kekova Island visiting a sunken Lycian city enroute to Simena, where we’ll hike up to the castle above the village overnighting in a bay off of Ucagiz. This is a day off the bikes and we are certain you will enjoy time on the yacht with kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels, etc.
Olympos
We’ll cruise to a small village where you can ride a dramatic stretch of road to Finike visiting the infamous Church of St. Nicolas (where the legend began) and impressive ruins at nearby Myra, metropolis of Lycia in early Christian times. These are some of the most impressive Greco-Roman and Lycian site in Turkey. In the late afternoon, we continue to Olympos and its incomparable beach (rated by The Telegraph as the most beautiful beach in Turkey). This beautiful stretch of coastline became a national park in 1972. Dine at one of the beachside restaurants with the sun setting over the Mediterranean. Sublime.
Ride Distance: 46km; 425m or 54km; 560m or 67 km; 800 m
Olympos
With a second day in Olympos you can cycle along the beachside road, but most will choose to walk on the beach or hike up into the lush forest to see the Roman ruins that include a large temple, theatre, Byzantine basilica, and Roman bath, all from the 3C. Within the boundaries of the national park are also the ruins of Phaselis, another Lycian city, and the wild and beautiful scenery of Mount Tahtali. A path runs beside the sarcophagi of the ancient necropolis up to a medieval castle from which there is a spectacular view. Or you can just sit back on the beach and enjoy the scenery. Numerous restaurants line the beach for you to choose between for dinner.
Antalya
There is time, should you wish to hike some of the Lycian way, a trail that passes right through Olympos. Mid-morning, we’ll transfer to Antalya to explore this thriving port city with beautiful harbour and ancient town where there is lots to see and do. There may be an opportunity to cycle a beachside path to the historic center. We will enjoy lunch at a favourite restaurant in the historic district. Enjoy a hammam at the hotel. We will staying at the luxurious Ruin Adalia in the historic center. We’ll celebrate our final night with dinner at an exquisite restaurant and toast a trip of turquoise waters and eternal sun.
Hike distance: 9.7km; 520m
Ride distance: 10km; 80m
Depart
Transfer at your leisure to airport or see extensions below. The Antalya airport is about 30 minutes taxi away.
This European-style boutique hotel is close to the center of town, with an artfully designed pool, charming restaurant and lounge bar. The Su Hotel showcases local crafts, art and antiques and its courtyard is rich with Mediterranean fig trees, oranges, cacti and pomegranates. Many of the comfortably rooms have balconies overlooking the courtyard and pool.
Located on one of the most beautiful bays along this stretch of coastline, this family-run seaside hotel boasts a private beach on its 10 acre property.
The guest rooms have A/C and there is a large pool and restaurant.
This hotel has two large swimming pools, comfortable rooms and traditional decor. The dining room serves excellent cuisine and the setting, with tables poolside and views of the tombs at Caunos is hard to beat.
Each night we’ll stay on board our comfortable yacht in an idyllic setting. The yacht we typically use is 23 m in length with 6 double cabins, each with private facilities; with a crew of 4 and a maximum of 12 guests you will be well looked after.
This casual hotel boasts two swimming pools, restaurant, spa and yoga. Located steps to Olympos beach. We dine out in Cirali as there are fantastic restaurants that line the beach.
Set in a group of Ottoman-style mansions, this hotel, located in the historic center just 3 minutes walk from Hadrian's gate, has cozy rooms with wood floors and ornate woodwork. There is a bar, outdoor pool, hot tub, garden and a Turkish bath.
Tour Reviews
“Great food, amazing history and beautiful coastal scenery with the boat portion of the trip being a nice compliment to the biking.”
“This was definitely more then a vacation, it was a great adventure. Every day brought new sights, experiences and an appreciation for the country of Turkey.”
“Turkey is a fascinating country and very beautiful. Fields of pomegranate, rugged mountains, tropical beaches, and tours of historic ruins were just some of the highlights. If you like variety, riding hills, and swimming in warm water, this is the trip for you.”
“We loved Turkey more than we expected. We loved: the people, the history, the food, the weather, the beach and ocean.”
“Turkey was amazing and the biking stunning. We were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and lodging. We enjoyed the trip immensely and made great friendships. Highly recommend the trip.”
“The trip was great. Turkey is a beautiful country with friendly people. The itinerary was varied and interesting. Our guides were attentive and upbeat and the camaraderie with fellow travelers terrific.”
“People were very kind and food was excellent. Cuisine was excellent. Our Travel Advisor was great. We had a lot of fun with our guides. The owner was one of our guides – I like his enthusiasm and passion for his business and biking.”
“This was our first guided trip with Great Explorations as we have always done self-guided trips. The combination of so much ancient history, delicious food & wine, incrediblewalks/hikes, quiet water side hotels, hospitable hotel staff, spectacular boating experience on the Mediterranean, and, most importantly, beautiful cycling routes made this trip over-the-top. Our guide was super special. Amazing human! Loved the walking tour in Antalya with Aysa. She taught us so much. You guys always provide the best support!”
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