Get on Your Bike and Take an 8 Days Cycling Tour in Turkey

Once you have been collected from the airport, the tour starts in the riverside town of Dalyan where you will get a chance to meet your fellow travellers and tour leader and sample some of the excellent local food.

Protected by the enormous mountains to the north and with a rugged coastline on the other sides of the Peninsula, the Lycian civilisation grew in this beautiful land from 2000BC, developing a language, arts, alphabet, and an architectural style unique to themselves.

The Lycians came onto the stage of history during the time of the Trojan war when they defended the Trojans, but later were conquered by the Persians in 545BC, and Alexander in 334BC and the area became Hellenised, and the Lycian alphabet fell into disuse.

Lycia flourished during the Roman empire, a golden age that ended in Byzantine times when a series of earthquakes, plagues, and finally the Arab raids ended the trading importance of the region, becoming a quiet backwater during Selcuk and Ottoman times.

Starting from Dalyan, we will cycle to the river, cross by river taxi and ride to the hot springs of Sultaniye where we will make a stop.

Entrance fees to this ancient source of wellness that has been used since Roman times are included.

We then continue to ride along the shores of the lake before we arrive through orange groves to the quiet lakeside town of Koycegiz, with some time for some refreshments before we take the bus back to Dalyan.

For some relaxation at the end of this strenuous day, you could visit the beautiful beach at Iztuzu for a swim and visit the Turtle sanctuary, or visit the stunning location of the ancient Lycian port of Caunos.

Today's undulating ride is along the forested pine banks of the lake, with one significant ascent of 160m, before a descent to the alluvial plains full of pomegranate and orange orchards.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres (Total 300 metres accumulated ascent).

Leaving Dalyan we cycle along the beautiful country roads following the flood plain around Dalyan and Sulungur Lake, we then climb over the Gokbel pass (140m) before descending to the fertile plain of Dalaman.

Once the Sultan's hunting lands until the declaration of the Republic in 1923 when the fertile delta was cleared to give farmland for freed Ottoman slaves, and you will still find an unusual ethnic mix here.

Where we join the boat depends on the sea conditions, but there will be a thrilling descent to the stunning Gocek Bay where we will board our private boat.

We will take a 2-hour boat journey across the bay to Fethiye town, and there will be an opportunity to take a dip during the boat trip.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres (Total 350 metres accumulated ascent).

Today after a relaxing breakfast on the rooftop, we will have a walk around the town of Fethiye and look at the remains of Telmessos and the Amyntas tomb carved in the rocks above the town.

Telmessos is situated in a perfect natural harbour, and have both Lycian and Carian influences, as displayed in the collection of monumental tombs impressively cut into the cliffs.

We will then drive to the village of Gokben where we start the bike tour with a descent through beautiful terraced lands, and the road begins to undulate with no significant climbs, heading towards the village of Minare where we will enjoy a tasty lunch.

The roads descend to cross the Xanthos river where you can have an optional visit to the ancient city of Pinara.

Seemingly picked for its ideal position nestled in the hills, with stunning views of the snowy peaks of the Taurus mountains, Pinara is popular for the hundreds of rock tombs of different levels of decoration in the cliffs behind the city, and a charming preserved theatre.

We continue by bike and cross the Xanthos Valley, on to our hotel near Saklikent and an opportunity for an optional visit to Saklikent Gorge.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres (Total 380 metres accumulated ascent).

This morning we will drive 20 minutes with the bikes to the ancient site of Tlos which is set on a rocky promontory, and these mostly unexcavated ruins have great views over the Xanthos Valley.

The elevation and refreshing water that flows down from the mountain made this an ideal summer retreat for the wealthy, as you will see by the elegant bathhouses, public squares and the grand stadium built here.

The famous resident of Tlos was Bellerophon, who tamed the mythical Pegasus and slain the Chimera, a fire breathing monster. We will have a chance to explore the site (optional) before starting our fantastic alpine bike ride at Arsakoy and climb up the white mountain slopes of Akdag.

High up at Arsakoy, follow the twisty alpine road, where you will be glad of the low gears on the bikes, passing apple orchards, cedar forests, snowmelt ravines, and quiet villages, before you arrive at the market village of Sutlegen, where we spend the night in a local village house.

The group will be split among five rooms, all with beds and full bedding provided, and two bathrooms with toilets and showers.

We should also have time to visit the local blacksmith and mosque before dinner.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 29 kilometres (Total 1000 metres accumulated ascent).

Leaving Sutlegen behind we will start with a cool descent through the Cedar forests and those who feel strong can take the 230m pass of Belmuar (those who prefer can take the bus and enjoy a refreshing tea at the scenic pass instead). Then descend to the lush valley of Islamlar, where we can stop for a tasty lunch at a trout farm (Other dishes are available).

After lunch, continue downhill to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xanthos which was once the proud capital of Lycia and stood up to both the Persian and Roman armies although tragically defeated both times, and the survivors chose to kill themselves rather than be enslaved.

However Xanthos flourished under both the Persians, and the Romans, and the exquisite artwork of the Lycians is shown both here in situ, and also forms one of the first exhibits of the British Museum.

We will drive to our hotel in Patara, from where you can explore the Roman ruins (birthplace of Saint Nicholas) and also have some time to relax on the golden beach (optional).

Our total cycling distance is approximately 45 kilometres (Total 410 metres accumulated ascent).

We have a gentle start today across the low lands of Patara before climbing 250m to the pass above Kalkan before descending to the rugged coast.

We cycle through a productive agricultural area with greenhouses before passing the pretty harbour town of Kalkan and finish our journey with a fantastic coastal ride into Kas.

The road to Kas follows the coast and is one of the most stunning coastal rides anywhere, crossing canyons and following the jagged coastline.

We will arrive in Kas in time for lunch on the harbour, and there will also be a chance to have a swim during the ride.

On arrival in Kas, you will have the option to relax and wind down with a massage in a local Turkish bath.

Our cycling distance today is approximately 42 kilometres (Total 715 metres accumulated ascent).

After breakfast, the tour finishes in Kas.

Kas is one of the most stunning ports on the Turkish Riviera, with a dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs.

Kas is an excellent place to relax, with many cafes and restaurants spilling out onto the cobbled streets and a maze of tiny back-alleys to explore. You may want to extend your stay and book additional nights accommodation and an airport transfer if you wish.