Cycle Turkey
Experience 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
Trip Details
Product Code: 20379
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusBicycleBoatFerry
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: CTT
Starts: Turkey
Finishes: Turkey
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Explore Tour LeaderAccommodation
- Yagmur Hotel
- Minu Hotel
- Gorge Club
- Village House - Sutlegen
- Patara Delfin Hotel
- Ekici Hotel
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,740 ($218 /day)
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 300 metres/ 980feet.
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.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Sally - Traveled, May 2025
Even though I am a fit 65 year old, cycle very regularly and go the gym and not overweight, I found that the rating of the trip was more moderate to challenging, rather than moderate. Some of the hills were very long and arduous and were kilometres long with very little respite. Slogging your way up really steep hills just becomes monotonous. An option for e-bikes would transform this trip. The road surface was very uneven and bumpy for most of the cycling and was particularly uncomfortable during the downhills which could be long and very steep. The highlights of the trip were the scenery, learning about Türkiye and the food. Our guide always took us to great restaurants and we also learnt so much about the culture and history of Türkiye from him. Some of the scenery was just breathtaking. I would only recommend this trip to extremely fit individuals who enjoy the challenge of hills. Otherwise, like me and a few others, you’ll spend a lot of time on the bus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2025
Alison - Traveled, September 2024
Really great trip , lots of cycling and local knowledge from guide was amazing Fantastic holiday seeing the real Turkey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2024
Lizzie - Traveled, September 2024
An exquisite cycling holiday which fulfilled all the usual Explore essentials: plenty of variety both in cycling and other activities, beautiful accommodation throughout, rustic village hosts, great food/restaurant selections by the guide Paul, stunning scenery at every turn and plenty of ‘off the beaten track’. Paul has over 2 decades of experience in cycle guiding in Turkey, and it showed in his cycle guiding and knowledge of the language, culture and flora and fauna-I particularly enjoyed his linguistic insights and the visit to the local village mosque. Others in the group who were architecturally inclined enjoyed his love of history too. The bikes couldn’t have been better for the terrain and were very comfortable with plenty of gears. I tend to find Explore holiday bikes are usually not great quality, so this was a pleasant surprise. Turkey has far exceeded our expectations and this has been one of my best ever holidays. If you’re not afraid of a bit of hot weather and undulating terrain and want to get a glimpse into local Turkish life, then I highly recommend you book onto this trip! Thanks again Paul for the fantastic memories you’ve helped us make.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2024
Philip - Traveled, May 2024
Better than the brochure. A variety of accommodation and meals, hard cycling, but not all day, other interests/activities to fill or break up the day, eg swimming, bout trip, local mega history, local culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
Getting to the top of some long hills, the subsequent downhills, the knowledgeable guide, great company and great views.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2024
Charlotte - Traveled, November 2024
I have been on 5 cycling holidays, and Explore Turkey cycling rates as one of the best. It is jam-packed not only with cycling but a range of fabulous activities and visits, from a mud bath on the first day which "broke the ice", a stunning trip on a gulet boat to Fethiye, visits to ancient sites, ecological visits, an amazing Turkish Bath (optional but well worth the experience!), not to mention the fabulous, authentic, Turkish food and diverse places that we cycled to. The hills of Turkey are rich with forests, lakes and isolated villages with stunning scenery and although some of the hills are challenging, there is invariably a picnic or tea stop at the top which makes the climb so rewarding. And of course, there is the back-up bus if you feel the climb is too difficult. A special shout-out to Paul the leader, who is extremely knowledgeable on Turkish history and culture and a really excellent cycle leader where nothing was too much trouble. I thoroughly recommend this trip but worth noting the trip notes – you will need a towel for the shower in the family accommodation. Plus, in October it was still hot (no complaints there!) but you will need high protection sun cream plus mosquito spray for the evenings, remembering to put it on which was something I forgot one night and paid the price. All in all a trip that I will remember fondly and so pleased I went.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Happily recommend this cycling trip. My first time in this area of Turkey and really enjoyed the scenery, food and hospitality. Thanks again to Paul our tour leader for a fantastic week, kept us very well organised in a very nice manner, his patience whilst cycling was very kind, and his knowledge of history was quite something, and infectious. A varied itinerary which was busy so made the most of the week, but as optional activities were often before dinner this allowed opportunity to opt out if wanted some extra downtime. First couple of nights in the same hotel which was good whilst got into the swing of things - then we moved hotel every following day, with a nice variety of locations and accommodation. The cycling could be tough at times, especially the 'uphill' day, not helped by hot weather (even for us in October) but our whole group managed and the joint sense of achievement was just lovely. Highlights would be enjoying the hospitality of local families (one breakfast, two lunches and a dinner - all just delicious), the trip to mudbath/ hot springs, ferry transfer very relaxing, trip to Haman good fun and quite an experience! Generally food on the trip was great My only tips - perhaps ensure you pack some long trousers for evenings - despite applying insect repellent I succumbed to some mozzie bites in some towns which were a bit of a pest. I had a really fabulous week cycling in Turkey!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2024
Conor - Traveled, October 2024
Perfect mix of cycling, culture and cuisine. It was a nice group of people. Tour leader, Paul was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture and history. Most accommodation had pools - so plenty of opportunities to relax. The afternoon with our own private boat was great fun, and so were the mudbaths and hammam. Hills most days, but scenic descents and great views - always the option of the backup vehicle, if needed a break.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2024
Joanna - Traveled, October 2024
The entire trip was really fantastic. We got to travel to rural areas and experience Turkish cooking and village life. Paul was *the* most patient guide and made sure every box was checked so that we, as the participants, thought everything went perfectly and without a hitch. My only suggestion would be to include something on the itinerary indicating that the elevation for each day is mostly made up of 2-3 significant climbs as opposed to evenly spaced throughout the day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2024
Amanda - Traveled, May 2024
Bit of a mixed bag for me. I really enjoyed the mix of activities, including the boat trip (particularly the boat trip!), the stay at the gorge, lunches at local houses, home cooking, visits to ancient sites. The cycling wasn’t, in the main, pleasant. There were a LOT of steep hill climbs, and I was sick of them by the end of the week (and I’m good at hill climbs). I would say the grading is more ‘moderate to challenging’. However, the members of the group made for a really fun trip, and the guide Paul is very knowledgeable and informative about his country. Bayram, on support vehicle duties, was also very helpful. I think with some re-working of the routes this could be a fantastic trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2024
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
