Join Nichols Expeditions on an exciting Multi-sport Adventure in Turkey. The tour highlights include cycling along the exquisite southwestern  coast, hiking to ancient ruins, sea kayaking and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, and sailing on a traditional Turkish gulet. Chuck & Judy Nichols, the owners of Nichols Expeditions, will accompany this tour, so get ready for a great adventure!
In Turkey, the continents of Europe and Asia are separated by only a narrow waterway making this region the “Land in the Middle.” Here, thousands of years of history merge with the 21st century making Turkey a vibrant, exotic land. Our route is away from the bustle of the cities, and the friendly local people live in a culture of mixed religious backgrounds and traditions. The countryside is filled with forested mountains that lead to the deep blue waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. But the real surprise of Turkey is summed up in the saying, “One comes for the history, but stays for the cuisine!”
The cycling is van supported on a superb coastal route we selected especially for its breathtaking vistas and beaches…anyone up for a dip in the sea while lunch is being prepared? Uncrowded roads take us through small towns and near a number of fantastic Greek, Roman, and Lycian ruins. Each evening comfortable lodging and warm Turkish hospitality awaits.
 On foot we will have time to hike among the ancient cities and temples and learn about the fascinating history while we photograph the inspirational scenery. From the dazzling boulevard of Ephesus and the amphitheater of Milletos to the seaside ruins of Knidos, this tour will reignite your curiosity in the ancient people who lived here and shaped the past.
Besides swimming, we will spend a morning in sea kayaks observing nature and exploring the ruins of a sunken city that lies below the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. We top off our seaside activities with a night on a traditional wooden Turkish Gulet. Great company, scrumptious food and a starlit sky – life is good!
We invite you to join us on this fantastic Multi-Sport Tour in Turkey. Riding, sea kayaking, swimming and hiking – this is an Adventure Vacation you will remember for a lifetime!
PLEASE NOTE: This tour is designed for fit riders of varying levels. Daily riding distances will average between 30 – 65 km through hilly terrain. A support vehicle will accompany the tour for rider assistance.
All meals and lodging are included on the tour beginning with Dinner Day 1 through Breakfast Day 12.
Day 1: Meet in Izmir and transfer to our lodging in the scenic town of Selcuk. We'll have an afternoon tour orientation and bike fitting followed by a tour of the incomparable city of Ephesus, an incredibly well preserved center of the Ioni an culture. Among its archaeological triumphs are the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the grand Library of Celsius and an impressive ancient theater. (The day’s schedule will be finalized in a Pre-Tour Letter.)
Day 2: We transfer to Priene to begin our first ride, an easy pedal to the ruins of Milletos, known for its extraordinary Roman Theater. We end at a comfortable lodging near Lake Bafa, a splendid paradise with over 225 species of birds. RIDE: Priene to Lake Bafa, 42-65 km
Day 3: After a morning transfer we ride forested back roads to Bodrum. Here we find one of the Aegean’s most picturesque yacht harbors and an impressive medieval castle that houses a remarkable museum on underwater archaeology. RIDE: Dorttepe to Bodrum, 40 km
Day 4: Grab your camera and get ready for a spectacular day! A morning ferry takes us from Bodrum to the exquisite Marmaris Peninsula, and after a short van transfer we begin a rollercoaster ride along the scenic Mediterranean coast with grand views of idyllic coves and rugged headlands. After a beach lunch and a dip in the Mediterranean, we cycle on to the end of the Datca Peninsula. This magnificent setting, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, is the site of Knidos, a splendid 7th century Greek trading city. Here we will enjoy a relaxing night on board a comfortable traditional wooden Turkish gulet. RIDE: to Knidos, 30 km
Day 5: Relax and sleep in! Today is a rest day and we travel aboard the gulet to Kumlubuk. En route we will stop to swim and enjoy the Mediterranean in style. We say goodbye to our gulet crew later in the afternoon and spend the night in a lovely hotel overlooking the sea.
Day 6: After a morning transfer to Dogusbelen, we begin cycling a quiet route through a few small villages that lead toward the enchanting tree lined western shore of a beautiful lake. Lunch is on the lake shore at Sultaniye, a mud bath spa that has been used since Ottoman times. This is a must…really! Afterward we continue to the charming town of Dalyan where you can enjoy a wonderful dinner in sight of ancient Lycian rock tombs carved in the cliff face. RIDE: Dogusbelen to Dalyan, 33 km
Day 7: Today’s ride passes along a beautiful wetland area and then winds through small villages on quiet roads lined with fields, orchards and rock tombs. We spend the night in Gocek, a picturesque bayside town below Mount Mendos. RIDE: Dalyan to Gocek, 54 km
 Day 8: Morning transfer to Xanthos, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Turkey. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the Bronze Age and was the capital of the fiercely independent Lycian people. We ride a spectacular “postcard perfect” route along the sea with pristine beaches and crystal clear water. Our destination is Kas, a charming seaside town situated on the site of the ancient city of Antiphellos. RIDE: Xanthos to Kas, 46 km
Day 9: This morning’s ride is a challenging but doable climb from Kas to the turnoff that leads to the tranquil seaside hamlet of Kekova. Or, there will also be a van transfer that leaves a bit later for the top of the climb to begin a rolling back road ride to lunch in Kekova. The afternoon will be for exploring Kekova Bay by sea kayaking or on foot as determined by the weather. Sea kayaks are the perfect way to see the hidden coves and fantastic sunken ruins in the bay. No kayaking experience is necessary. RIDE: Kas to Kekova, 34 km
Day 10: If the seas were rough the previous day, we will paddle in the morning (weather permitting) and cycle in the afternoon. This riding stage takes us to Demre, the hometown of St. Nicholas; yes, there really was a Santa Claus! In real life he was the charitable Bishop of ancient Myra. The ride continues to Finike along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Turkey. RIDE: Kekova to Finike, 52 km
Day 11: Our final ride is the perfect ending to a great tour. We finish in the peaceful little haven of Cirali near the ruins of the ancient Lycian city, Olympos. Here we find a pristine beach, a pine forest full of marble temples and the mysterious Chimera, a natural eternal flame located on a mountainside near town. We will have our farewell dinner this evening. RIDE: Finike to Cirali, 47 km
Day 12: Morning transfer to the airport in Antalya for the flight to Istanbul. We arrive before noon in time for afternoon flights back home. If time permits, we strongly recommend spending at least a couple of days in Istanbul. We will be happy to assist you with hotel reservations and tour suggestions in this historic city.
ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR BY DISCRETION OF GROUP LEADERS. All
the services described above are arranged weeks or months in advance of
your trip. If airline schedule changes, unusual weather conditions or
other circumstances beyond our control prevent us from operating the services
according to the schedule described above, we will attempt to substitute
services of equivalent value. If we are unable to do so, passengers may
be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control.
TOUR BEGINS/ENDS: Izmir, Turkey / Istanbul, Turkey
TOUR DATE: 12 Days, October 12 – 23, 2008
TOUR PRICE: $3,000US/pp double occupancy, $300US/pp single supplement
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: 11 nights lodging (1 night on Turkish gulet), all meals starting with dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12, bilingual guide, van support, domestic flight from Antalya to Istanbul, entrance fees to sites on itinerary
TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: International flights, bike rentals (you may choose to bring your own bike or rent one for $150US), beverages, gratuities for local guides
TOUR LOGISTICS: Tour begins in Izmir, Turkey and ends in Istanbul, Turkey. Please note: lodging in Istanbul is not included in the tour, but we can assist you in selecting nice accommodations in Istanbul. Optional Tours to Cappadocia may also be arranged.
RESERVATIONS: For complete
reservation information & to book this tour, click here.
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