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 15 day/ 14 night exploration takes in some of the best highlights. The tour starts on September 14, 2027 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 28 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. 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 two internal flights, which are included in the tour cost. WeAdventure will request details for flight bookings and confirm timings prior to departure. The ride begins in Istanbul (IST), and ends in Cappadocia (NAV), with plenty of inbound/ outbound international or domestic options available.

Daily Breakdown

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

Day 1 (Tue Sep 14, 2027) – Welcome to Istanbul. Transfer from Istanbul to Tria Hotel. 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.

• Accom - Tria Hotel Istanbul - https://www.triahotelistanbul.com/
• Meals - (-/-/-/HH)

Day 2 (Wed Sep 15, 2027) - 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  historical 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 (Thu Sep 16, 2027) - Bosphorus Exploration -Flight Istanbul to Izmir

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 (Fri Sep 17, 2027) - 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 (Sat Sep 18, 2027) - 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 (Sun, Sep 19 2027) - Yukari Mazikoy - Oren – Akyaka

This is an optional ride day.  There is van support for a “partial” ride, or to take the day as a rest day.  If you complete the full ride described below, the BAC ride level is a “4B” instead of the “3A.”  Description of full ride is as follows:  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 (Mon Sep 20, 2027) – 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/+4,600ft.
• Accom – Dalyan Pansiyon, Dalyan - http://www.dalyanpansion.com/en
• Meals - (B/L/-/-)

Day 8 (Tue Sep 21, 2027) – 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.

• Hike - 9km/5.5miles, 3hrs
• Accom - Misafir Evi, Kayaköy: https://www.misafirevim.com/
• Meals - (B/-/D/HH)

Day 9 (Wed Sep 22, 2027) – Transfer to Cirali (4 hours drive) Lycian Way Hike Pt 2: (optional) Ancient Olympos & Chimerea 

After breakfast we have a long drive, often through scenic countryside, up and over the Taurus Mountains to regain the coast at Cirali, where the next part of our hiking on the Lycian Way begins. The afternoon’s hike is optional, but recommended. We begin by exploring the ruins of ancient Olympos and then walking for approximately 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 kayaking). 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 – Plaj Otel, Çiralı: https://www.plajotel.com/en/home/
• Meals - (B/-/D/-)

Day 10 (Thu Sep 23, 2027) – Extra day in Cirali

Free time in Cirali. Relax on the expansive, wild and natural beach, swim in the ocean, or simply unwind in the relaxing atmosphere of our hotel. For an active day, we can guide you to the ruins at Olympos, where there are a lot of antiquities to explore, amongst a green and pleasant landscape. Afternoon drinks at one of the famous backpackers’ treehouse hostels can be a real highlight of the trip!

• Accom – Plaj Otel, Çiralı: https://www.plajotel.com/en/home/
• Meals - (B/-/-/-)

Day 11 (Fri Sep 24, 2027) – Lycian Way Hike Pt 3: Ancient Termessos – Antalya to Kayseri. 

Transfer to Mustafapasa 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 Mustafapasa, a formerly Greek town with wonderful old buildings and a modern, liberal atmosphere.

• Hike - 6kms/3.5miles, 3hrs
• Accom – Upper Greek House - https://www.uppergreekhouse.com/
• Meals - (B/L/D/-)

Day 12 (Sat Sep 25, 2027) – Mustafapasa - Gomeda Valley – Ortahisar (lunch) – Ibrahimpaşa - Goreme

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 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 - Heybe Boutique Hotel, Goreme - https://www.heybehotel.com/en
• Meals - (B/L/D/HH)

Day 13 (Sun Sep 26, 2027) – Göreme Gravel and the Rose Valley

This circular ride from Goreme circumnavigates the tabletop 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 is a circuit, leaving us free to explore as much or as little as we like - 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 – Heybe Boutique Hotel, Goreme - https://www.heybehotel.com/en
• Meals - (B/L/D/HH)

Day 14 (Mon Sep 27, 2027) - 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 - Heybe Boutique Hotel, Goreme - https://www.heybehotel.com/en
• Meals - (B/L/D/HH)

Day 15 (Tue Sep 28, 2027) – The Love Valley & Göreme OpenAir Museum. 

Transfer to Kayseri/Nevsehir Airport for onward travel 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, assistance with transfers to the airport or to an onward hotel is available.

• Trek - 4 km / 2.5miles
• Accom - N/A
• Meals - (B/L/-/-)

Health and Safety: No additional vaccinations are required to visit Turkey. When traveling to Turkey you should consider making sure that Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and 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) 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.

Ride Rating: This ride is rated 3A!! In total, the required days riding cover approximately 163 mi /262 km, and climbs +4877m/+16,070ft elevation, over 5 riding days and 6 hiking days. There is an optional ride day, adding 52 miles with 4600 ft elevation gain to the totals.  The terrain for the first section of the ride is mostly on asphalt, and the section in Cappadocia is a mix of asphalt roads and gravel tracks. 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 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, and rider meetings each day. Accommodation: Our adventure in Turkey uses a range of accommodations, from simple clean pensions (guesthouses) 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 begins September 14, 2027 at Happy Hour at 6pm in Istanbul at our first hotel and ends after lunch in Cappadocia on September 28. Transfers to and from the airports (Istanbul (IST) and Cappadocia (NAV), are available. Storage for bike boxes will be available at the first hotel in Istanbul and will be transported 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 - 680USD (only 4 available)

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 $6000 USD per person, based on sharing a room. The final payment is due 4/14/27. Single supplement is 1250 USD. 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.
• 14 nights accommodation with 14 breakfasts - 11 Lunches (day 1, 8, 9 excluded)
• 11 Dinners (day 1, 7, 15 excluded)
• 6 Happy Hours
• 2 Internal Flights
• Riding Guides
• Vehicle support
• Entry fees when mentioned
• Snacks & drinks while riding.

The cost does not include:

• International airfare
• 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.

Please note that there will be a $150 non-refundable charge in the unlikely event that the ride must be cancelled by BAC.  This charge is to cover the vendor’s incurred expenses to establish initial reservations and obligations.

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 a 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.

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 21, 2027 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 $ 1250 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 30, 2027and can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle: On your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org, initiate a payment, and in the Message block, enter the name of your ride. If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and 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.

Insurance: BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website. Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered). While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.

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.