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 archaelogical site of Dalyan where cliffside tombs stand testament to a time forgotten, the exotic and charming towns of Kalkan and Kas, and the Ottoman city of Antalya, where we treat you to an ancient hammam and the luxuries of the Hotel Alp Pasa.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
  • Each of our trips in Turkey has a local guide and support vehicle driver.- traveling with us every day, they add immensely to the experience.
  • A ride you will never forget: Kalkan to Kas on our coastal route with lunch on arrival at the sublime Doy Doy restaurant.
  • Our private yacht, with captain and crew and a chance to sail.
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks, such as Kokadon, in Bodrum.
  • Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

In Turkey we offer extensions to both Istanbul and Cappadocia. Although the Istanbul extension would normally be done before your trip and the Cappadocia afterwards, you can do them before or after. See prices and inclusions below.


After a 4-year hiatus we started running trips in Turkey again in 2019. Some of the road surfaces (on Bodrum loop ride in particular) are chipseal (asphalt and aggregate combined). We spend two nights in Bodrum and if you prefer not to do the ride on Day 2, we can offer a day sail on a traditional gullet and time to visit the underwater museum and other sites in Bodrum. FYI, both Conde Naste and Bloomberg named Bodrum one of the best places to travel in 2019. Business Insider wrote: “Forget Bali and Mykonos: An ancient port city in Turkey is the under-the-radar luxury hotspot to visit in 2019.” We stay at a charming hotel in the center, the Su Hotel. Draped in bougainvillea and with a delightful pool, excellent restaurant and friendly staff. We stay in a variety of hotels on this trip, and we hope you’ll find each authentic, comfortable and memorable.

Straight Talk

Location

Bodrum

Bodrum, Muğla Province, Turkey

Day 1+2

Hisarönü Bay

Hisarönü, Ölüdeniz Belediyesi/Fethiye/Muğla Province, Turkey

Day 3

Dalyan

Dalyan, Muğla Province, Turkey

Day 4+5

St Nicholas Island

Gemile Adası, Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey

Day 6

Kas

Kaş/Antalya, Turkey

Day 7

Kekova Island

Kekova Island, Demre/Antalya, Turkey

Day 8

Olympos

Olympos Teleferik, Kemer/Antalya, Turkey

Day 9

Antalya

Antalya, Turkey

Day 10+11

İstanbul

İstanbul, Turkey

Optional Extension

Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Göreme Belediyesi/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey

Optional Extension

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
Support vehicle
10 nights lodging
All meals, except 2 lunches and 1 dinner
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off

Not Included

Bike rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Apr 6-16
May 4-14
Sep 12-22
Sep 26-Oct 5

2024

Apr 4-14
May 2-12
Sep 10-20
Sep 24-Oct 3

Trip can start at any date. Custom trips available and can start any date. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

11 days / 10 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Bodrum / Antalya

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate/intermediate. Suitable for energetic novice (with shuttles).
20-40+ miles daily
Van shuttles are available at anytime

TERRAIN

Roads are paved with elevation changes moderate and some steeper hills.

COST

Land Cost:
US $4,450 pp

Single Supplement: US $990
This is for the hotel rooms and ensures single travelers will have private rooms. On the 3 nights on the cruise, single travelers may be required to share 2 bed cabins with other single travelers of the same sex.

Bike Rental: US $460
Our bicycle fleet for this trip are Cannondale hybrids which are suitable for the roads in Turkey. Bikes come with flat pedals, handlebar bag and map cover.

E-Bike Rental: US $800

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 and race 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.  

Optional Extensions

Istanbul:

  • US $495 – 2D/2N
    Single supplement US $495
  • US $695 – 3D/3N
    Single supplement US $695

Cappadocia:

  • US $495 – 2D/2N
    Single supplement US $495
  • US $695 – 3D/3N
    Single supplement US $695
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us.

Getting There

 Our trip begins in the coastal resort town of Bodrum; your hotel is included on arrival day and most people will arrive late afternoon from Istanbul.


1

Day 1

Bodrum

Welcome to Bodrum! Arrive late afternoon; airport pick-up is included and we’ll whisk  you to our hotel. Our hotel is in the historic center and is charming and intimate, with a swimming pool, cozy bar and excellent restaurant. We’ll meet for dinner at 7:00 and prepare you for the trip.

2

Day 2

Bodrum

If you are keen to ride today, we offer a loop along the coast, stopping for lunch in a village along the way. If you prefer instead to go for a sail, we can offer a leisurely cruise exploring the bay on a traditional Turkish gullet. Back in town, stroll the town, market and enjoy a late afternoon drink at one of the cafes. We will dine at a favourite restaurant for dinner.
Ride Distance: 44 km, gain 540m.*

3

Day 3

Hisoronu 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 – join in if you like, or laze by the pool for a mid-day break. Our ride concludes with a descent to Hisaronu Bay where we’ll overnight at an exclusive hotel with private beach and tranquil setting.
Ride Distance: 59 km, gain 860 m.*

4

Day 4

Dalyan 

There will be an option for an early morning ride to Turgut to visit a carpet co-operative, or you can relax on the private beach at our hotel, play tennis or kayak out into Gokova Bay. Just before lunch, we will shuttle (1 hour) to the small village of Dogusbelen to ride along a quiet road with little traffic that finishes with a fun river crossing by boat into Dalyan. We stay at a local hotel with pool and hammam. 
Ride Distance: 30 km, gain 390m; or 59km; gain 835m*

 

5

Day 5

Dalyan

Daylan 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; gain 280 m.*
Hike: 6 km.

6

Day 6

Blue Cruise

Departing Dalyan, we’ll ride across a flat plain before climbing mid-morning along lesser used roads passing through rural villages. Arrive to lovely harbor of Gocek where we will board our luxury yacht to begin our blue voyage. We will cruise to Saint Nicholas Island, and overnight in a quiet cove with dinner under the stars.
Ride Distance: 43 km, gain 690 m.*

7

Day 7

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 where we’ll have lunch at a favorite restaurant overlooking the port. Those who wish to cycle can continue from here along a scenic stretch of coastline road to Kas; for those that prefer to cruise by yacht, you have that option.
Ride Distance: 28 km, gain 550 m.*

8

Day 8

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.
Hiking activity (no biking).

 

9

Day 9

Olympos

Next day, we’ll cruise to Kale where you can ride a dramatic stretch of road from Andriake 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. After dinner, with torches and headlamps, we’ll hike up to Chimaera to see the eternal flames (where the Olympic flame comes from).
Ride Distance: 53 km, gain 690 m.*

10

Day 10

Antalya

After a relaxing morning at Olympos beach (The Telegraph ranks it as the most beautiful beach in Turkey), 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. We’ll stay in the old town above the port at Hotel Alp Passa, formerly an Ottoman Palace, now a posh hotel. We’ll celebrate our final night with dinner at our exquisite hotel with memories of turquoise waters and eternal sun.

11

Day 11

Departure Day

Transfer at your leisure to airport or see extensions below.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

12

Istanbul

Optional Extension Istanbul

(recommended on arrival, before the tour)

Guided visits to the most impressive sites, including Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and more.
You’ll stay at a 3-star hotel in Sultanamet literally steps away from the important sites.

Additional Cost:

  • US $495 – 2D/2N
    Single supplement US $495
  • US $695 – 3D/3N
    Single supplement US $695
13

Cappadocia

Optional Extension Cappadocia

(recommended after the regular tour)

Fly to Cappadocia and transfer to hotel to relax with vistas over Goreme. Next day, a full day tour with local guide will include a morning hike in the Rose or Pigeon Valley; visits to Monks Valley (Pasabag); Avanos, with its 4000 year old art of kickwheel pottery; a vist to the underground city of Kaymakli.

Additional Cost:

  • US $495 – 2D/2N
    Single supplement US $495
  • US $695 – 3D/3N
    Single supplement US $695
Su Hotel, Bodrum

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.


Chillos Beach Hotel, Orhaniye

Located on one of the most beautiful bays along this stretch of coastline, this casual hotel boasts a private beach on its 10 acre property. The guest rooms have AC and there is a large pool and restaurant.


Alla Turca, Dalyan

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.


Blue Cruise

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 3 and a maximum of 12 guests you will be well looked after.


Canada Hotel, Olympos

This family owned and managed casual hotel is located a 7 minute stroll away from Olympos Beach. There is a swimming pool and in the gardens comfortable hammocks to enjoy a good book. Carrie is from Canada and together with her Turkish husband Saban provide a warm welcome.


Hotel Alp Pasa, Antalya

The Hotel Alp Pasa enjoys a convenient location in the historical center of Antalya. Fully renovated in 2004, this posh Ottoman Palace boasts a courtyard with swimming pool and enclosed gardens, Turkish bath, and fine dining room.
The enchanting, historical boutique hotel provides warmly decorated and luxuriously furnished rooms. Note that in 2023, we will be using the Crowne Plaza Antalya, a 5-star hotel on the beach instead of historic center.



			

Trip Reviews

March 28, 2021

“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.”

March 28, 2021

“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.”

October 22, 2019

“Enjoyed the County and our guide. The last 3 days of cycling were the most enjoyable. Guide’s knowledge and passion for Turkey’s history and culture was so wonderful. We enjoyed all the side trips and learning more about Turkey. The second half our the trip was more of what I expected, cycling along the waters edge. The roads were also easier to bike on. Ride options were good. There was a variety of hotels we stayed in, some better than others but the overall they were fine. Most of the meals we had at restaurants were good, our guide did a great job of recommending where to eat and what to order.”

September 23, 2015

“We loved Turkey more than we expected. We loved: the people, the history, the food, the weather, the beach and ocean.”

May 14, 2015

“Our first trip to this area of the world. We loved it right away and our appreciation grew as the trip unfolded.”

October 23, 2014

“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.”

April 23, 2014

“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.”

September 28, 2010

“We loved the combination of riding, sight seeing and rich artistic culture of Turkey.”

October 12, 2007

“Turkey is fascinating from its geographic, ethnic, religious and historical points of view. The season and climate is ideal for the October trip. It certainly exceeded my expectations…”

September 10, 2007

“Great food, amazing history and beautiful coastal scenery with the boat portion of the trip being a nice compliment to the biking.”

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