BikeHike Turkey-Aegean Coast from Istanbul to Cappadocia

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Ride Description and Overview: Türkiye is a land steeped in History and blessed with natural wonders. With influences from the Ottoman Empire, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean this fascinating region truly is the center of the world. This 14 day/ 13 night exploration takes in some of the best highlights. Starting on September 5th in Istanbul (IST), formerly Constantinople, and before that Byzantium. We explore the old quarter of Sultanahmet before venturing further down the Bosphorus by boat. Leaving the capital, we begin our ride on the Aegean Coast, close to the ancient city of Ephesus, exploring over 4 rides and 2 hikes on sections of the Carian Trail and Lycian Way, travelling south along the coast, visiting many sites along the way. The final leg of this bike & hike journey takes place in Cappadocia, one of the world's most incredible landscapes, formed by a unique combination of geological features shaped by ancient wisdom. From Fairy Chimney houses to an underground city hewn from the rock, we will even stay in a cave hotel as we journey through the landscape by bike and on foot. An optional hot air balloon ride is available for those wishing to fully enjoy the lunar landscapes. Our Turkish adventure ends on September 18th in Goreme, Cappadocia (NAV). Our ride is supported by WeAdventure, a European based bike touring and adventure travel specialist with the necessary expertise and facilities to carry out this program. WeAdventure prioritizes the experience, local economy and environment before all else. Bike rentals, pre and post nights, transfers and extensions can be arranged through WeAdventure, and should be requested directly after ride coordinator acceptance.

Flights This ride requires 2 internal flights, which must be booked directly. These flights are not included in the tour cost. Presently the first flight is $ 46-$100, and the second is $100-$150. Prior to leaving, we will attempt to get group rates.  WeAdventure can help with the required details for flight options and timings to arrange these. The ride begins in Istanbul (IST), and ends in Cappadocia (NAV), with plenty of inbound/ outbound international or domestic options available.

Daily Breakdown

Daily Breakdown Meals Provided (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, HH=Happy Hour)

Day 1 (Thu Sep 5th) – Welcome to Istanbul

Once the Ancient Greek city of Byzantium, renamed Constantinople when the Roman Emperor Constantine moved his capital to the Bosporus strait. Our crew will meet us at the airport today and transfer us to our first hotel. This evening, we will meet for a welcome happy hour and introductions in the lobby at 6pm. Afterwards, we can enjoy some free time relaxing and explore the historical Sultanahmet area surrounding our hotel. Dinner tonight is at leisure, but we will have plenty of options within a short walk.

·       Ride –

·       Accom - Tria Hotel Istanbul - https://www.triahotelistanbul.com/

·       Meals - (-/-/-/HH)

 Day 2 (Fri Sep 6th) - Istanbul Highlights

Istanbul is the only city to straddle Europe and the Middle East. Today we take a guided full day walking tour of this historied and fascinating city, including the must-see sites such as The Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia, The Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace. Over dinner tonight we will hear about our adventure to come.

·       Walk - 4-5hrs

·       Accom - Tria Hotel Istanbul - https://www.triahotelistanbul.com/

·       Meals - (B/L/D/HH)

Day 3 (Sat Sep 7th) - Bosphorus Exploration

Today we will explore further afield and some interesting areas that are less well known to tourists. The Galata Tower, Taksim, Istiklal Avenue and Kadikoy. Later we take to the Bosphorus by boat, to explore the riverside industries and sights. In the evening, we head to the airport and take a short 1-hour flight to Izmir, where we meet our support drivers and transfer for 1 hour to the beautiful rural village of Sirince, just inland from the ruins of Ephesus.

·       Walk - 2-3hrs

·       Accom - Kirkinca Houses Boutique Hotel, Sirince

·       Meals - (B/L/D/-)

Day 4 (Sun Sep 8th) - Sirince - Ephesus - Dilek National Park

Today offers a relatively challenging start to our ride, allowing for around 2 hours exploring the ruins at Ephesus, we should have a good amount of the day in the saddle! From Sirince we take a new road through vineyards and forested countryside, enjoying great views en route to Selcuk, to visit the wonderful ruins at Ephesus, perhaps Turkey’s number one must-see site! Along the way to Camlik, we experience an authentic Turkish tea shop. Our route winds through fruit orchards and vineyards over rolling hills to Kirazli with a final climb to the small village of Yayla Koy for lunch. From here we descend to the coast via Sogucak village to enjoy a wonderful traffic-free cycle lane right on the seafront to the Dilek Peninsula National Park riding to the end of the peninsula road (Karasu Beach). We may have time for a quick swim before the 1.5 hour drive to Lake Bafa and our overnight lodgings.

·       Ride - 68km/ 42miles, +950m climb/ +3,120ft

·       Accom - Selenes Pension, Bafa / Kapikiri https://selenespansiyon.com

·       Meals - (B/L/D/-)

Day 5 (Mon Sep 9th) - Latmos Mountains to Milas & Bodrum

Today we explore inland. After meandering the lake for 8km we descend to Selimiye before a big climb into the Latmos Mountains (for those who prefer, a shuttle up the climb is available). From the peak we continue through pristine mountain scenery amongst a landscape of huge granite boulders, mature pine trees and small villages where time has stood still. There are no shops, restaurants or hotels here so we eat a picnic lunch outside a local tea room in Goldere village before tackling today’s second big climb to the hilltop village of Narhisar, (from where the views are breathtaking!) From Ikiztas we enjoy a sweeping 10km downhill, past Comakdag to the town of Milas. Arriving at the town, we take a short transfer past inland salt-flats inhabited by Flamingoes to nearby Bodrum. Tonight we stay in a fantastic little boutique hotel right on the water’s edge.

·       Ride - 62km / 39miles, +1350m / +4,400ft

·       Accom – Zena Hotel, Bodrum - http://www.zenahotelbodrum.com/tr/hosgeldiniz

·       Meals - (B/L/D/HH)

Day 6 (Tue Sep 10th) - Yukari Mazikoy - Oren – Akyaka

 A short drive today, takes us high on the rugged Bodrum rural hinterland, set amongst rolling, pastoral hills and Mediterranean garrigue. We begin riding with a descent to the coast on a deserted asphalt road that runs right along the seafront at Cokertme, the perfect place for a morning tea. We trace the coast eastwards to Oren, to enjoy a restaurant lunch in the shade of palm trees on the beach. Here we will taste the wonderful food of the Aegean region - fresh salads, mezze and seafood. Exploring Oren, we climb to an elevated position called Alatepe village where the panorama is breathtaking. We then descend again to the coast at Akbuk, a protected area with some camping and one or two small markets supplying a handful of yachts with essential supplies. The shingle beach and jetty make a perfect diving board for a cooling dip! The last section of the ride today is pure magic, it is often called ‘the best cycling road in Turkey!

·       Ride - 83km / 52miles, +1500m / 4,900ft.

·       Accom – Gumus Konak Hotel, Akyaka - https://akyakagumuskonak.com/en/

·       Meals - (B/L/D/-)

Day 7 (Wed Sep 11th) – Koycegiz - Dalyan (Lunch options) - Iztuzu Beach

After a 1-hour transfer today, we take an easy pedal along backroads to the lakeside town of Koycegiz and enjoy a morning tea at the lakeside. We then embark on a fantastic tour around Koycegiz Lake. Riding through Sultaniye and Candir before stopping to explore the ancient city and the massive Lycian rock tombs at Kaunos. Arriving at the riverside, we take a taxi boat across the water to Dalyan, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we ride the 26km round trip to and from Iztuzu Beach, one of Turkey’s wildest and most beautiful protected sandy beaches, home to nesting Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead) turtles in the summer season.

·       Ride - 64km / 40miles, +1400m climb / +4,600ft.

·       Accom – Dalyan Pansiyon, Dalyan - http://www.dalyanpansion.com/en

·       Meals - (B/L/-/-)

Day 8 (Thu Sep 12th) – Lycian Way Hike Pt 1: Kayaköy-Ölüdeniz

Pack today for a hike and maybe a swim. We transfer (2hrs) from Dalyan to Kayaköy to the start of our walk. Once a thriving Greek village, Kayaköy has over one thousand houses, two churches, fourteen chapels, and two schools. It was completely deserted in 1923 when the Christian inhabitants fled to Greece following the Turkish War of Independence. We cross a green headland to reach the famous white beaches of Ölüdeniz lagoon, where we can take a dip in the cool waters before heading to our next hotel. We will stay here for 2 nights, so unpack and get that laundry done!

·       Hike - 9km / 5.5miles, 3hrs

·       Accom - Misafir Evi, Kayaköy: https://www.misafirevim.com/

·       Meals - (B/-/D/HH)

Day 9 (Fri Sep 13th) – Lycian Way Hike Pt 2: (optional) Ancient Olympos & Chimerea

Today’s Hike is optional. After breakfast for those who decide to join, we will explore the ruins of ancient Olympos (approx. 6km along the beach). Otherwise, and after that, there is free time until dinner. Take a swim and lie on the beach or other activities are available (eg. sea kayak). After dinner we can take a short night walk to admire the eternal burning flames of Chimaera (natural gas coming from the the earth in Yanartaş)

·       Hike - 6-8km /3.5-5miles, 2-3hrs

·       Accom - Misafir Evi, Kayaköy: https://www.misafirevim.com/

·       Meals - (B/-/D/-)

Day 10 (Sat Sep 14th) – Lycian Way Hike Pt 3: Ancient Termessos – Fly to Cappadocia

Today we explore on foot the ruins of Termessos at the summit of Güllük mountain just outside of Antalya. Termessos is a unique site with its settlement on the steep slopes of the mountain offering wide views across the Antalya Plain. The ancient city was never occupied by its attackers; even Alexander the Great could not seize it! The site of the necropolis is one of the key sites we will explore in the ancient city. In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport and take a short flight to Cappadocia. We overnight in Goreme, a lively and youthful place, in touch with its roots as a backpacker hub and offering a wide range of cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s also right at the centre of an indescribable moonscape of needle splined ridges, steep sided canyons and “fairy chimneys”- stacks of rock carved into age old cave houses, churches, and beautifully decorated pigeon lofts.

● Hike - 6kms/ 3.5miles, 3hrs

● Accom - Old Greek House - https://www.oldgreekhouse.com/

 ● Meals - (B/L/D/-)

Day 11 (Sun Sep 15th) – Göreme Gravel and the Rose Valley

 This circular ride from Goreme circumnavigates the table top mountain known locally as Boz Dagi. Our route begins in the beguiling backstreets of the old village, past rustic caves and rock carved settlements turned into boutique hotels and charming shops. We explore the scenic Gorkundere valley, and the towering “fairy chimneys”. The route here is a circuit, leaving us free to explore as much or as little as we liker - or on foot to explore inside the caves. From there, we head out across the dusty plains to Cavusin, enjoying views of the Rose and Red Valleys. In Cavusin we visit the 5th century Church of St John the Baptist, then take a flat, sandy track via the “fairy chimneys” of Pasabagi to the barren landscape of Devrent Valley. Returning to asphalt we climb up and descend the valley wall to the vibrant town of Urgup- where we take lunch in the town square. From Urgup we take a gently climbing dirt road up a shady valley awash with butterflies and wildflowers. Arriving at the Panoramic Viewpoint above Red Valley we will be rewarded with breathtaking landscape views. We descend into the Rose and Kiliclar valleys, the final section of the tour. Even novice gravel riders will enjoy the smooth undulating trail as we wind back to Goreme via the stone stacks, rock-cut pigeon lofts and age-old churches of Swords Valley.

·       Ride - 33 km / 20miles, +500m / 1,650ft

·       Accom - Old Greek House - https://www.oldgreekhouse.com/

·       Meals - (B/L/D/HH)

Day 12 (Mon Sep 16th) – Gomeda Valley – Ortahisar (lunch) – Ibrahimpaşa ***Today we will offer an optional balloon ride across the swords valley***

Today is one of wonderful panoramas, through some of Cappadocia’s most awesome and memorable terrain. Towering “fairy chimneys”, giant rock stacks and deeply eroded rock corridors give the landscape a distinctly lunar feel. This is balanced by green, lush valleys brimming with fruit trees, vines and poplars. From Mustafapasa we follow a scenic trail Tour - Bike & Hike Turkey - Aegean Coast, Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Dates - Thur September 5th - Wed September 18th 2024 Ref. - BAC001/2024 across the Gomeda valley, stopping to explore rock cut cave churches. We easily arrive in the fortified hillside village of Ortahisar for lunch. Retracing our steps, we turn off to follow the Balkonderesi valley to Ibrahimpasa, where we take tea in a traditional teahouse there. We then begin a big climb on a beautiful dirt track that takes us up towards Ibrahimpasa village and unspoiled place with local charm. We admire the views on Karlitepe high above the Goreme valley. Following a farm track downhill to Uchisar an unmissable setting with its imposing rock hewn hill fort. From here we follow an easy dirt road skirting the canyon edge of Love Valley, surrounded by views of the fascinating geology. From the bottom of Love Valley, we take a sandy dirt road back to Goreme.

·       Ride - 35km / 22miles, +700m / 2,300ft

·       Accom – Boutique Cave Hotel, Goreme - https://www.heybehotel.com/en

·       Meals - (B/L/D/-)

Day 13 (Tue Sep 17th) - Ihlara Valley & Underground City

After breakfast, we drive 1.5hrs to Ihlara town centre. Stopping along the way to visit Aşıklı Höyük to experience ancient life in the region. The hike through the Ihlara Valley is one of the most popular day treks in the area. It is generally an easy walk, following the river. After 7 km/ 3 hours, we drive to Güzelyurt. This town is renowned for its quiet nostalgic atmosphere. We then continue in the vehicles to Güzelyurt - with its old name Gelverisurrounded by interesting natural formations and green valleys dotted with Orthodox churches. One of them, in use as a mosque today, is the earliest masonry-built church of Central Anatolia. After being guests to a Turkish family’s restaurant for lunch we will explore the old city on foot then drive back to Göreme. Our final dinner together tonight is in a popular local restaurant in town.

·       Hike - 7km/ 4.5miles, 3hrs + Transfers

·       Accom - Boutique Cave Hotel, Goreme - https://www.heybehotel.com/en

·       Meals - (B/L/D/HH)

Day 14 (Wed Sep 18th) – The Love Valley & Göreme OpenAir Museum This morning we take in the White Valley, passing through farmsteads, lush vegetation, and strange rock formations. Here we can find the most beautiful fairy chimneys hence the name, Love valley. We will stop for a break and try some fresh local orange juice. Then we visit the incredible Göreme Open Air museum. After Lunch transfers are available to the airport, or to an onwards hotel.

·       Trek - 4 km / 2.5miles ● Accom - N/A

·       Meals - (B/L/-/-)

Health and Safety: Vaccinations for Covid are recommended, but not required. Prior to the Covid19 outbreak, no additional vaccinations were required to visit Turkey. Post covid, it is always possible that a vaccination certificate or at least negative covid test requirement could be reinstated, but at the time of writing there is no such requirement. When travelling to Turkey you should consider making sure that Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Tetanus shots are up to date. Rabies could be considered as a very high level of caution, however it is extremely unlikely.

Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Insurance Statement: Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible.

Ride Rating: This ride is rated 4B, in total, the ride covers approximately 220 mi / 350 km, and climbs +6,400m/ +21,000ft, over 6 riding days and 6 hiking days. There is one day the ride is 52 miles.The terrain for the first section of the ride is mostly on asphalt, and the section in Cappadocia is a mix of asphalt and gravel roads. Throughout the ride we will have vehicle support and riding guides on hand, so distances are very achievable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

Cue sheets, maps, GPS files: GPS files will be provided prior to the ride.

Weather: While temperatures remain hot throughout Turkey in September, they tend to be less intense than in August, especially as the month progresses. Expect temperatures of around 75°F (24°C) in Istanbul and Cappadocia, and higher along the coast, at around 86°F (30°C).

For riding, light layers to start rides in the morning, and peel off in the warmth of the day with sun protective sleeves is the best strategy. Carry a light windproof or showerproof jacket. Support vehicles are always on hand to carry day bags which can be accessed easily.

Lodging & Meals: Included will be daily breakfast, 11 group lunches and 11 group dinners.  There will be 6 Happy Hours. Accommodation Our adventure in Turkey uses a range of accommodations, from simple clean pensions to deluxe hotels. The accommodations are often small, local and family-run and always friendly and with a personal touch. Their style varies from simple to boutique.

Meals Turkish people love cooking and Turkish Cuisine is famous around the world. During the tour, we will enjoy natural, regional and rich Turkish foods accompanied by freshly pressed fruit juices, Turkish wines, beers or even raki- the famous aniseed spirit. Evening meals consist of a soup or salads to start, a main course and fruit or sweet for dessert. We also try plenty of trail snacks such as dried fruits and nuts along the way.

Logistics: The tour will begin September 5, 2024 at Happy Hour at 6pm in Istanbul at our first hotel and end after lunch in Cappadocia. Transfers to and from the airport are available. Storage for bike boxes will be available at the first hotel in Istanbul and will be tranported to the final hotel in Cappadocia.

Bikes: The ideal machine for this ride is a Hybrid Bike with at least 32mm tires, capable of carrying 2 water bottles. A lightweight Hardtail MTB or Gravel Bike fitted with 32mm tires would also be acceptable. If bringing your own bike, please make sure that you bring sufficient parts to maintain the bike in good order throughout the ride. Bike rentals are available from WeAdventure on request, as below. Tandem bikes permitted upon request.  

Touring/ MTB Bike - 380USD

Ebike - On request

Trekking Equipment :Trekkers should have good quality hard soled trekking boots/shoes, light rain gear, swimwear, sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen and a 30–40-liter day sack. Walking sticks are recommended.

Cost & Administration: Inclusions, Payments & Cancellations Total tour cost is $5800 USD per person, based on sharing a room. Second payment of $ 2000 due February 5, 2024. Final payment is due June 5, 2024 for $ 1800. The final payment may be adjusted based on the number of participants.  If you do not have a riding partner, we will do our best to assign one to you. Singles are welcome, and single rooms are available on request at a surcharge of per room.

The cost includes:

Arrival and departure drop off. - 13 nights accommodation with 13 breakfasts - Lunches (day 1, 8, 9 excluded) - Dinners (day 1, 7, 14 excluded) - 6 Happy Hours .

 Riding Guides - Vehicle support - Entry fees when mentioned, Snacks & drinks while riding.

The cost does not include:

International and domestic airfares. (2 internal flights are required, we will help with booking these).  

Bike rental

Soft and alcoholic drinks with meals

Tips and gratuities

Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride 

Cancellation Policy: The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined as per the WeAdventure policy below. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Any cancellation due to covid reasons in the destination will be refundable in full.

In all other cases the following policy is applied by WeAdventure;

● 120+ days : Admin Expenses Incurred*

● 46 – 119 days: 1450 USD

● 8 – 45 days: 2425 USD

 ● 0 – 7 days: 4850 USD - no refund cancellation policy applies.

*Admin Expenses are generally calculated as 150 USD, to cover bank fees and admin, unless additional non recoverable supplier costs must also be deducted.

Money & Expenses The best currency to take to Turkey is the local currency, the Turkish lira. US dollars and Euros are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices. It's a good idea to have some cash on you for incidentals. ATMs, which are commonplace in Turkey, are the easiest ways to get local currency. Almost all ATMs will accept foreign cards. Having some US dollars or Euros in cash will enable you to change some money, in case of card issues. Euro notes are accepted for payment in many places also.

Turkey Entry Conditions At the time of writing, Turkey has reinstated visa on arrival policy. US and Canadian citizens can either apply online at http://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/, or can apply for a visa on arrival at the airport, in both cases the fee is around 20-30USD. As usual, all nationalities require a valid passport, valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.  Prior to the covid19 outbreak, no additional vaccinations were required to visit Turkey.

Singles & Solos Policy It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until July 5, 2024 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the Solo Supplement  of $ 950 and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office by July 10th, 2024. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check. They should be mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

Ride Participant Responsibility: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Advisory – Outside USA Tours - Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not the quarantine. Coverage is subject to $1000 deductible. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. 

Sign-up: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL) and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.