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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
April 29-May 9

September 30-Oct 10

Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

2009
April 28-May 8

September 29-Oct 9

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

11 days/ 10 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Bodrum/Antalya

Accommodations:

Su Hotel, Bodrum

Pupa Yacht Hotel, Marmaris

Aydos Club, Daylan

Blue Cruise

Hotel Odile, Olympos

Hotel Alp Pasa, Antalya

Activity Level:

Moderate-intermediate

20-40+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

Cycling routes will have options between 20-40+ miles daily; roads are paved with elevation changes moderate.

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $3250
Includes all meals

Single Supplement:
US $420

Bike Rental:
US $220

Extension-Istanbul (optional):
US $ 395

Extension-Cappadocia (optional):
US $ 395

This trip combines cycling and 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Itinerary

Getting there :
Bodrum: 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.

DAYS 1+2:
Bodrum - We'll meet for dinner at 7:00 and prepare you for the trip. The next day options include cycling along the coast or a leisurely sail exploring the islands off-shore on a tradtional Turkish gullet. Our hotel here is located in the center, near to the historic port, markets and cafes.

DAY 3:
Marmaris - We'll ferry across the Aegean, then cycle the Datca Peninsula where the climbs are compensated by shaded pine forests and dramatic coastal vistas. Our ride concludes with a long descent into Marmaris where we'll overnight at an exclusive hotel with private beach and tranquil setting, located away from the bustle of town.

 

 

DAYS 4+5:
Daylan - Riding out of Marmaris, we pass traditional Turkish villages on our way to Caunos and its Lycian tombs. We spend 2 nights in Daylan at an impressive hotel with pool & hammam. On our second day here, we'll visit Iztuzu Beach, where the famed loggerhead sea-turtles are found, and visit the ancient city of Caunos with tombs and theatre to explore.

DAY 6:

Oludeniz - Ride to European port of Gocek for lunch before boarding yachts to begin our blue voyage. Reaching Oludeniz Beach, snorkel and dive tranquil waters or watch with wonder as hundreds of parapenters jump from nearby mountains drifting to the beaches.

DAY 7:

Kas - We sail along the coast, stopping at Patara Beach (recently 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 relax under sail, you have that option.

DAY 8+9:

Olympos - 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. Next day, we'll cruise to Kale allowing cyclists to ride a dramatic stretch of road from Andriake to Finike visiting the infamous Church of St.Nicolas (where the legend began) and ruins at nearby Myra. In the late afternoon, we continue to Olympos and its incomparable beach. Explore impressive ruins here, and hike up to Chimaera to see the eternal flames (where the Olympic flame comes from).

DAY 10:

Antalya - After a relaxing morning at Olympos beach, 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.

DAY 11: Transfer at your leisure to airport or see extensions below.

Extension Istanbul - (recommended on arrival, before the tour):

Guided visits to the most impressive sites, including Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, Tokapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and more. You'll stay at a 3-star hotel in Sultanamet steps away from the important sites. Depart on the morning of the 3rd day. Cost: US $395

Extension Cappadocia - (recommended after the regular tour):

Fly to Cappadocia and transfer to hotel. Meet with private guide for walk to Ushigar. On second day, you can choose from full-day tours to visit sites around Cappadocia including the underground cities, Goreme open-air museum and other sites. Depart on the morning of the 3rd day. Cost: US $395