TRAILS OF THE TURQUOISE COAST

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Dalaman; transfer to Elmali.

Day 2

The Dokuz Gol trail. 1000m descent.
After breakfast and sorting out the bikes we transfer to the start of our first ride. This is high up on the Elmali plains where there is one of the largest cedar forests in the world. Our ride takes us through many small villages, with fabulous views of the mountains, which remain snow covered until June. Tonight brings an insight into Turkish hospitality as we stay with a local family in the village of Arif. Ride approx 35km

Day 3

Arycanda trail. 1500m descent.
Today's route heads down the Sulun Valley, where we start off with a visit to the ruins of Arycanda, renowned in ancient times for being in constant debt due to the inhabitants' love of the good life. We pass through some charming villages today, some with excellent examples of the old Ottoman architecture, and we will no doubt stop off at a teahouse for a welcome break. Ride approx 40km.

Day 4

Sogutcuma forest trail. 1200m descent.
Today we head deeper into the mountains for some big descents and fast trails. After transferring through the Kuzdere Canyon and taking in the high views we saddle up and descend into the Alakir valley. Following the path of the river we have some big down hills and a few small climbs along fast sweeping tracks that in turn bring us to the ruins of Kitanaura, an ancient Lycian town. Having explored the tumbledown ruins amongst the trees we carry on until reaching the valley floor and the river, an ideal stop for a picnic and some bathing. From here we follow the trail as it undulates along the valley until we reach the coast road. Transfer to Kas. Ride approx 45km.

Day 5

Seyret trail. 1500m descent.
A short transfer takes us up into the mountains before saddling up for our day's ride. Today has a few challenging climbs in between the big downhills and our route passes through ancient cedar forests. Being nearer the coast, the route has many fine views over the Mediterranean and the Kas peninsula, and of course on return to our hotel we are free to lounge by the pool with refreshments and watch the sunset! Ride approx 50km.

Day 6

The day is free for relaxing and exploring Kas. In ancient times Kas was known as Antiphellos, and has been just a small port until recently. Although tourism has discovered Kas it has managed to retain much of its old charm. There are opportunities to walk to the theatre on the peninsula and the rock-cut tombs in town. There is also the option of a half or full day's diving, sea kayaking or a boat trip. For those suffering from the excesses of the night before it is rewarding just to wander around the village admiring the traditional architecture, hillside tombs, and the fine Greek theatre that overlooks the sea.

Day 7

Sutlegen flyer. 1200m descent.
A big one for our last day! It's a short transfer up to the village of Assas high in the hills behind Kas. From our start point we head up into a cedar forest and follow the trails traversing the wooded valleys with some fast descents and a few climbs. After a picnic in the forest we continue along our route heading back towards the sea passing through sleepy villages. The day ends with long fast descents on rough tracks. From the village of Kasaba we transfer back to Kas. Ride approx 60km

Day 8

Transfer to Dalaman, fly to London.