Randonnée Tours - Travel with the President

Turkey

This trip combines cycling with 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.

• 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.

DAYS 1+2:

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. 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.

DAYS 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).

DAYS 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

Departure Day:

Transfer at your leisure to airport or see Post-trip extensions below.

Pre or Post-trip Option: Istanbul (pre-trip recommended)

• Fly to Istanbul with 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
• What's included in the cost of your post-trip?
  
• Airport transfer to hotel
• 2 nights lodging with breakfast
  
• Great Explorations Guide to Istanbul with historical information, restaurant recommendations etc.
• licensed Istanbul guide for 1 day

Pre or Post-trip Option: Cappadocia (post-trip recommended)

• Fly from Istanbul 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
  
• What's included in the cost of your post-trip?
  
• Airport transfer to hotel
• 2 nights lodging with breakfast daily
  
• Great Explorations Guide to Cappadocia with historical information, restaurant recommendations etc.
• Walking guide for Ushigar walk