Cycling Cruise Lycian Coast Turkey; Fethiye to Bodrum 7nts (Fridays)

Cruise ship: Gulet Admiral
From Price lead-in price
€2,049 pp
Starts
FethiyeFethiye Port
Ends
BodrumBodrum Port
Duration
7 nights
Departures
Fridays
Max Guests
40
Ship Style
Premium
Overview

This eight-day one-way cycling cruise traces the ancient Lycian coast in the opposite direction, from Fethiye northwest to Bodrum, aboard a traditional wooden gulet that changes anchorage almost daily. Starting in the lively harbour town of Fethiye and finishing in Bodrum, it strings together classical ruins, a spectacular gorge, river deltas and secluded bays into one continuous coastal journey. The week opens with a transfer inland to ride to the dramatic Saklikent Canyon, whose name means hidden city, and the Lycian town of Tlos, before boarding the gulet at Gemiler Bay, the island of Saint Nicholas. A ride through pine forest reaches the haunting abandoned village of Kayakoy, once home to thousands, then continues to Fethiye and the peaceful anchorage of Sarsala. Crossing the fertile Dalaman plains of cotton and orchards, you arrive at the Dalyan delta, where a small boat glides past the famous rock-cut tombs. At Kaunos you explore a once-great port city now lying inland, enjoy a healing mud bath near Lake Koycegiz, and reach the fishing village of Ekincik and the bay of Ciftlik. A secluded mountain road leads past a fifteen-hundred-year-old plane tree to the Bozburun peninsula and across to Datca, capital of its peninsula. The final ride climbs the Datca peninsula to around 450 metres, with the Greek islands of Nisyros, Tilos and Rhodes in view, before descending to the ruins of Knidos and the last crossing to Bodrum. Daily rides run to roughly 27 to 49 kilometres over demanding, mountainous terrain on rough but quiet roads, best suited to fit, experienced cyclists, with e-bikes and gravel bikes available. Nights are spent aboard the gulet in sheltered bays and harbour towns, with meals from the galley and clear-water swim stops throughout. It is a rewarding, one-directional ride through Lycian history and wild Turkish coastline.

Route: Fethiye, Saklikent Canyon, Gemiler Bay, Sarsala Bay, Dalaman, Dalyan, Kaunos, Ekincik, Ciftlik, Serce Limani, Datca, Knidos, Bodrum

ItineraryHide details Show details Day 1Fethiye (Embarkation)Day 2Fethiye - Saklikent Canyon - Gemiler BayDay 3Gemiler Bay - Fethiye - Sarsala BayDay 4Sarsala Bay - Dalaman - DalyanDay 5Kaunos - Ekincik - Ciftlik BayDay 6Ciftlik - Serce Limani - DatcaDay 7Datca - KnidosDay 8Knidos - Bodrum (Disembarkation)
Day 1
FridayFethiye (Embarkation)

Individual arrival by plane to Dalaman Airport and transfer to Fethiye. Check-in on board starts at 4 pm. Take the afternoon to stroll through the famous harbour town with its local bazar. The old town, marked by the Eski Cami Mosque is also worth a visit, with its narrow, winding alleyways and the typical corner houses. The week begins with a dinner on board.

Day 2
SaturdayFethiye - Saklikent Canyon - Gemiler Bay

A bus transfers (60 min) takes us to Cavdir, the starting point of today's cycling tour. From here we bike to the Saklikent Canyon, where we can enjoy lunch on the riverbank. In Turkish "Saklikent" means "Hidden City". The canyon is spectacular and can easily be explored on foot. Afterwards we continue our cycling tour to Kadikoy. From here, a short transfer takes us to the ancient town of Tlos which was once one of the largest towns in Lycia. After visiting the historic site the shuttle bus takes us to Gemiler Bay, where we board the boat off the coast of Gemiler Island - also known as St. Nikolaus Island due to the church constructed here in his name in the 5 Approx. 27 km.

Day 3
SundayGemiler Bay - Fethiye - Sarsala Bay

In the morning we cycle through a pine forest to the 1922 abandoned Greek city of Kayakoy, once home to 6,500 people. From here we continue our bike ride to Fethiye where we have the chance to extend our tour by a few kilometres: a small peninsula nearby tempts with its quiet bays and beautiful beaches, perfect for a picturesque swim stop. Alternatively we can spend the time exploring the city of Fethiye with its local bazar. The old town, marked by the Eski Cami Mosque is also worth a visit, with its narrow, winding alleyways and the typical corner houses. Back on board, the boat takes us to Sarsala Bay where we spend a peaceful night on anchor. Approx. 33 km.

Day 4
MondaySarsala Bay - Dalaman - Dalyan

After breakfast we cross the fertile Dalaman plains with its cotton fields and orchards before taking a well-deserved break in a tea house in Dalaman. We then cycle on through a small pass to the estuarial area of the Dalyan delta, where we have lunch in a charming restaurant. From here it's only a few more kilometres to Dalyan. A small boat takes us passed the impressive rock-cut tombs and the Dalyan delta to our ship, which waits on anchor near a small rocky island. Approx. 42 km.

Day 5
TuesdayKaunos - Ekincik - Ciftlik Bay

After breakfast the boat brings us close to the ancient city of Kaunos, the first destination of today's bike tour. Once directly on the seaside and an important port town, the harbour now lies 8km from the coast. Only the ruins are silent witnesses of the former wealth of the city. After visiting the site, we continue on by bike to the shores of Lake Koycegiz, where we have the opportunity to enjoy a healing mud bath close to Sultaniye. After crossing another small pass with fantastic views we finally reach the tiny fishermen's village of Ekincik, where we board the boat and spend the night in the bay of Ciftlik. Approx. 31 km.

Day 6
WednesdayCiftlik - Serce Limani - Datca

A secluded mountain road takes us to a mountain village located at 300m above sea level, home to a 1,500-year-old plane tree and a lively bazar that is well worth a visit. A short walk around the plane tree is said to ensure a long and lucky life. After lunch we continue to a small bay at the peak of the Bozburun Peninsula. From there we cross over to Datca, the capital of the peninsula of the same name. The evening can be spent wandering through the lively harbour town. Approx. 49 km.

Day 7
ThursdayDatca - Knidos

Today's bike tour leads us along the Datca peninsula. The first ascent takes us to a height of 450m before we head back down to the sea. On a clear day it is possible to see the Greek islands Nissyros, Tilos and Rhodes. A scenic road leads first along the coast and then through more rural areas, before taking us to Knidos. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we stay in one of the most picturesque bays on the Turkish coast. Approx. 42 km.

Day 8
FridayKnidos - Bodrum (Disembarkation)

In the morning we cross over from Knidos to Bodrum. Check-out after breakfast. On request collective group transfer to the airport and individual return home.

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