Turkish South Coast Bicycle Tour

You will spend a week discovering the southern coast of Turkey from Marmaris to Fethiye with a gulet . You will get to know the Turkish coast and inland countryside between Marmaris and Fethiye with the aid of a trek or mountain bike. Your tour guide will point out the unique natural wonders and historical cities that grace the area, allowing you to be transported back in time. Admire the famous graves of Kaunos, which were cut into the cliffs between 4 and 2 BC by the Lykian coastal inhabitants, or let you be mesmerized by the breathtaking Saklikent Canyon. Spend your evenings in the deserted bays and let yourself be rocked to sleep by the ocean or make the most of the pulsating night life in the port cities and their many cafes and bars.

South of the majestic Taurus Mountains, lie the stores of the Mediterranean Sea its beaches of fine sand, its vistas of uncommon beauty, its many ancient ruins, its hidden coves and alluring vacation gateways. Here history and mythology are inseparably intertwined and there are many legendry stories that prove this fact. Let us briefly share two of them. The monster Chimera, who spews fire out of his mount, is supposed to have lived in the mountains west of Antalya. The Lydian hero, Bellerofontes, cut the monsters head off with his sword. Today, the fire rises out of the ground on the mount of Chimera. The second legend is related to one of the unlucky love affairs of Apollo, the god of all the fine arts. Apollo falls in love with a beautiful girl named Daphne, but the girl is unresponsive to his overtures. One day while chasing Daphne in an area close to Antakya. Daphne’s feet turn into tree roots and her hands and arms become branches and limbs and she turns into a laurel tree, which is called `defne` in Turkish.

On the Turkish coast a Gulet motor yacht is a synonym for greatest possible comfort and best material. These ships are powered by two Volvo Penta engines with 400-500 HP, which enables them to maneuver without difficulties and lie calmly in the water. The decks of the ships are 33-37 meters long. They three-misted ships of highest standards.

Then have 8-12 spacious cabins, furnished with air conditioning and a shower/toilet. The crew form an experienced team and offers delicious specialties to the guests.

We use a German operator for these holidays, and as other agents in Europe and America, such as ourselves, sell these tours it is likely you will have a mix of German and other nationalities ob this tour adding to the cultural enjoyment.

Day 1 Arrival

Fly into the airport of Izmir or Dalaman and be transferred to Marmaris. After dinner enjoy an evening stroll through the city’s labyrinth of winding streets.

Day 2 Marmaris-Sarsala 22 miles

A short two-hour cruise will bring you to a picturesque bay ideal for swimming. From here you will traverse a 250m high pass in the Dalaman plain by bike, on route to Sarsala, a quiet bay, where you will stay the night.

Day 3 Sarsala-Fethiye 31 miles

After breakfast you will sail to Fethiye, passing many small islands on the way. After a cycle tour through the pine forest you will arrive in the Greek city of Karakoy, which was once home to some 6500 inhabitants- it has been uninhabited since 1922. Then you will continue to the lagoon of Oludeniz, which is mentioned in every travel brochure about Turkey. You can then choose to either cycle back with the tour guide via an interesting and challenging route, or to be picked up and driven back to the boat.

Day 4 Fethiye-Gocek 25 miles

After a short trip of about 50 minutes you will arrive at the start of your cycle ride to Xantos. Form here you will bike to the Saklikent Canyon, where you can enjoy a packed lunch at the source of the river. The gorge is spectacular and can be admired on foot without any problems. You will then travel northwards to Kemer, where you and your bike will be picked up and transported to the boat in Fethiye (a 39 minutes ride). From here the boat will sail to Gocek, where you will stay in night.

Day 5 Gocek-Dalyan 25 miles

From Gocek you will cycle over a 350m high pass, enjoying views that encompass the whole bay. After cycling through the pine forest you will continue along a side-road down to the Dalaman plain, through fertile and lush vegetation to Dalyan. From here a small boat will take you down the Delta River to your boat, where you will stay the night. On the way you will be able to visit the historical city of Kaunos.

Day 6 Dalyan-Ekincik 24 miles

In the morning the boat will take you, via the Lykian rock graves, back to Dalyan, where you will circle the big sweet-water lake. After a 350m climb you will arrive in the little village of Ekincik, where the cook will be waiting for you with a large dinner.

Day 7 Ekincik-Marmaris 34 miles

After two-hours crossing with the Your Luxury Gulet you will arrive at the Bozborun Peninsula. After traversing a deserted mountain road you will reach a 300m high mountain village with its 1500 years old trees. Another 200 meters further on you will make a spectacular descent down to Icmeler’s coastal road. The boat and a delicious evening meal will be awaiting you in Marmaris.

Day 8 Marmaris

Breakfast and then ready for departure for home.

Includes

• 7 nights on board a Standard Plus ship (based on 2 people sharing)
• 7 breakfasts
• 7 evening meals
• 21 speed bike
• Map and route information
• Local tour guide

Optional Extras

Single supplement none available