Cycle Turkey

8 Days Starting in Dalyan and ending in Kas

Visiting: Dalyan, Köyceğiz, Gökbel, Göcek, Fethiye, Saklikent Gorge, Tlos Ruins, Sütleğen, Patara Beach, Kaş

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

CTT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 15

Physical rating:

None

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $1320 $1130 Operator discount: -$190 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 26-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Pedal from Dalyan to Kas on this scenic tour of the Lycian coast. Cycle through rustic farmland, peaceful orange groves and along the beautiful Turquoise Coast, ticking off ancient icons along the way. Follow the path alongside Lake Koycegiz and get a step closer to village life at a homestay, before unwinding at the golden sands of Patara Beach.

Discover ancient Lycia - Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Xanthos and the archaeological delights of Patara.

Experience Turkish hospitality - Stay with a host family in a traditional village house and refuel with homecooked food.

Relax in Kas - Cycle along the rugged coast, finishing up in the peaceful seaside town of Kas.

Highlights

  • Cycle through beautiful scenery and interesting hill villages on Turkey's Turquoise Coast

  • Experience local culture with a night in a village house and delicious fresh local food

  • Visit the ancient Lycian ruins at Xanthos and Patara

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join Trip In Dalyan

Location: Dalyan

Accommodation: Hotel, Caria Royal Dalyan

Accommodation Name: Yagmur Hotel

Our cycling tour of southwestern Turkey kicks off in Dalyan. The quaint fishing town is surrounded by natural and ancient beauty - the meandering River Dalyan lead from the town through the marshes to the golden sands of Iztuzu Beach, while above the town, the Lycian rock tombs are cut into the towering cliff face. The ancient city of Caunos is also just a short walk or boat ride away.



There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Dalaman Airport (DLM), which is a 30-minute drive from Dalyan.



For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and the opportunity to go out for dinner. For those who miss the meeting, our tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible.

Day 2: Cycle Along The Shore Of Lake Koycegiz

Location: Dalyan, Köyceğiz

Accommodation: Hotel, Caria Royal Dalyan

Accommodation Name: Yagmur Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Starting out on our bikes for the first ride from Dalyan, we'll cycle to the river, cross via the river taxi and continue our ride to the hot springs of Sultaniye, our first stop. This ancient spot has been used as a source of wellness since Roman times and entrance is included. After our visit, we'll continue our ride along the shore of the lake before arriving through orange groves to the peaceful town of Koycegiz. There, we'll stop for refreshments before hopping on our bus back to Dalyan. For a relaxing end to the day, you could head to the wonderful beach at Iztuzu for a dip and visit the Turtle sanctuary or visit the stunning location of the ancient Lycian port of Caunos.



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres/22 miles with a total 300 metres/980 feet accumulated ascent. The undulating ride takes us along pine forested banks of the lake, with one significant ascent of 160 metres/525 feet, before a descent to the flat alluvial plains of pomegranate and orange orchards.

Day 3: Pedal To Gocek Bay And Cross To Fethiye

Location: Gökbel, Göcek, Fethiye

Accommodation: Hotel, Minu

Accommodation Name: Yeniceri Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving Dalyan, this morning we'll cycle along country roads following the flood plain around Dalyan and Sulungur Lake. We'll climb over the Gokbel pass (140 metres/460 feet) and descend to the plains of Dalaman. Once the Sultan's hunting ground, after the declaration of the Republic in 1923, this land was granted to the freed Ottoman slaves to be used as farmland and there is still an unusual ethnic mix today. From here, we'll take the thrilling descent to Gocek Bay.



We'll continue our journey by private boat, however, where we join the crossing depending on the sea conditions. The crossing time is two hours and takes us across the bay to Fethiye, our base for the night. During the boat ride, there'll be the opportunity to cool off with a swim in the waters.



Our total cycling distance today is around 40 kilometres/25 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 350 metres/1,150 feet.

Day 4: Visit Telmessos, Gokben And Saklikent

Location: Fethiye, Saklikent Gorge

Accommodation: Gorge Club

Accommodation Name: Gorge Club

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we'll enjoy a relaxing breakfast before taking a walk around Fethiye to look at the remains of Telmessos and the Amyntas tomb carved into the rocks above the town. Telmessis is situated in a natural harbour and has both Lycian and Carian influences. Equally cursed and blessed, this harbour town has good water supplies and fertile farmland, however frequent and powerful earthquakes periodically wreak havoc; the last major one was in 1953.



Later, we'll drive to the village of Gokben, where we'll get on our bikes. Our ride today starts with a descent through charming, terraced lands before the road begins to undulate towards the village of Minare, where we'll enjoy a homemade lunch. After a rest, we'll pedal on, gently descending to the Xanthos Valley. We'll cross the River Xanthos and follow its path to our lodgings at the mouth of the Saklikent Canyon. Later this afternoon there will be the opportunity to visit Saklikent Gorge.



Our total cycling distance today is around 33 kilometres/21 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 380 metres/1,250 feet.



Tonight, we'll stay the Gorge Club in the protected Saklikent National Park. As the area is heavily protected and no permanent structures are allowed, our accommodation comprises of simple wooden chalets (with private toilets) and tree houses (with shared bathrooms) in and amongst the pine trees. The club has a swimming pool to cool off in and dinner is served by the waters of the river as it exits the Saklikent Canyon.

Day 5: Cycle Through The Hills To Sutlegen

Location: Tlos Ruins, Sütleğen

Accommodation: Village House - Sutlegen

Accommodation Name: Village House - Sutlegen

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we'll drive for 20 minutes to the ancient site of Tlos. Set on a rocky promontory, these largely unexcavated ruins offer great views over the Xanthos Valley. The elevation and cool water gushing down from the mountain, made this an ideal summer retreat for the wealthy way back when - as evidenced by the bathhouses, public squares, and grand stadium. The most famous resident of Tlos was Bellerophon, who tamed the mythical Pegasus and slayed the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster.



We'll have the option to explore the site before starting our alpine cycle ride climbing through the slopes of Akdag, the White Mountain. Starting high up at Arsakoy, we'll follow the twisting alpine road, where we'll make use of our low gears, passing apple orchards, snow-melt ravines, cedar forests, and quiet villages. We'll eventually arrive at the market village of Sutlegen, set on the shoulder of Mount Akdag, where we'll spend the night in a village house.?



Our total cycling distance today is approximately 29 kilometres/18 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 1,000 metres/3,280 feet.



Tonight, we'll be welcomed by our host, Fatima Ucar, into her village house. Our accommodation comprises of rooms with shared bathrooms above Fatima's own home. The rooms are various sizes - there are two rooms with double beds, one room with four beds, one with five beds and one with seven beds. The rooming will be explained by the tour leader and is luck of the draw according to the group make up of singles and couples, males and females. There are two bathrooms that will be shared by the group, both of which have a shower. The highlight of our stay has to be Fatima's cooking, which we'll eat in the garden by the cherry trees. Fatima's husband, Aziz, runs the local off licence, so a warming tipple is also available.

Day 6: Cycle To Patara And Visit Xanthos Ancient Site

Location: Patara Beach

Accommodation: Hotel, Patara Delfin

Accommodation Name: Patara Delfin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Sutlegen behind this morning we'll start with a cool descent through the cedar forests before coming to Belmuar. Those who feel up to it can tackle the 230 metre/755 feet pass, those who prefer can hop on the bus and enjoy a tea at the scenic pass instead. We'll eventually generally descend into the lush valley of Islamlar, where we'll stop for lunch at one of the trout farms (dishes other than fish will be available).



After lunch, we'll carry on pedalling downhill to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xanthos. This once proud capital of Lycia stood up to both the Persian and Roman armies and was tragically defeated both times. While the survivors chose to kill themselves rather than be enslaved, Xanthos flourished under the Persians and the Romans and Lycian artwork from the period is on display here in situ and some of the finest examples can be found in the British Museum in London. We'll visit the site before driving to our hotel in Patara, from where we can explore the Roman ruins (which also happens to be the birthplace of Saint Nicholas - better known as Father Christmas) and have time to relax on the golden beach.



Our total cycling distance today is around 45 kilometres/28 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 410 metres/1,345 feet.

Day 7: Ride Along The Turquoise Coast To Kas

Location: Kaş

Accommodation: Hotel, Club Phellos

Accommodation Name: Club Phellos Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll have a gentle start today, crossing the lowlands of Patara. Then, we'll climb the 250 metre/820 feet ascent to the pass above Kalkan before descending to the rugged coast. We'll ride through agricultural land, passing by the harbour town of Kalkan and finishing off our journey with a scenic coastal ride into Kas. Along the way, we'll stop for a spot of swimming, and we should arrive into the seaside town in time for lunch on the harbour. In the afternoon, there'll be the option to unwind with a massage in a local hammam.



Our total cycling distance today is around 42 kilometres/26 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 715 metres/2,350 feet.

Day 8: Trip Ends In Kas

Location: Kaş

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour ends at our hotel in Kas.



There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Dalaman Airport (DLM), around a three-hour drive from the hotel.

What's Included

  • Meals
    Breakfasts:7 Lunches:3 Dinners:1

  • Bike rental

  • Fully Guided

  • Accommodation

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

What's Not Included

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Meals

Breakfasts: 7
Lunches: 3
Dinners: 1

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Vanessa  

Cycle Turkey

My first of many trips with explore I hope they’re

My first of many trips with explore I hope they’re all asod

Sandra  

Cycle Turkey

This was my first experience of this kind of organ

This was my first experience of this kind of organised holiday and was a little unsure of what to expect. It was beyond my expectations. The organisation was excelent. The Guys from amber travel could not have been more helpful. Well done explore for using them.

Ade  

Cycle Turkey

A excellent trip. Very pleased all round

A excellent trip. Very pleased all round

Steve  

Cycle Turkey

A veryod trip. My first ever cycling holiday of an

A veryod trip. My first ever cycling holiday of any kind and I was very impressed overall. The cycling itinerary was about right given how hot the weather was (30 C). If it had been cooler then I would probably have wanted a few more miles every day.

William  

Cycle Turkey

It was a wonderful holiday.

It was a wonderful holiday.

Issa  

Cycle Turkey

Arrived sceptical about the whole idea of group tr

Arrived sceptical about the whole idea of group traveling but enjoyed myself thoroughly and finished raving about what an amazing opportunity this was both to challenge myself and to completely switch off from work and enjoy!

Pamela  

Cycle Turkey

We had a great holiday with reallyod company. Than

We had a great holiday with reallyod company. Thanks for everything!

Ade  

Cycle Turkey (19-Sep-2020)

A excellent trip. Very pleased all round

A excellent trip. Very pleased all round

Steve  

Cycle Turkey (19-Sep-2020)

A very good trip. My first ever cycling holiday of

A very good trip. My first ever cycling holiday of any kind and I was very impressed overall. The cycling itinerary was about right given how hot the weather was (30 C). If it had been cooler then I would probably have wanted a few more miles every day.

Pamela  

Cycle Turkey (19-Sep-2020)

We had a great holiday with really good company. T

We had a great holiday with really good company. Thanks for everything!

Read all 10 reviews

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