TRAILS OF THE TURQUOISE COAST

Day 1
Fly to Dalaman; transfer to Gombe.

Day 2
After breakfast we transfer to the start of our first ride near Elmali. We soon arrive at Avlan Lake where we take a short break to enjoy the scenery; this is a great spot for a photograph with the blue water of the lake framed by the snow-capped mountains. After lunch we begin the 6km journey to the Ordubek Plateau. This is the highest point of the day, so from here it's a nice descent with fabulous views on offer. Tonight brings an insight into Turkish hospitality as we stay with a local family in the village of Gursu. Ride approx 35km.

Day 3
Today we pick up near the point we finished riding the previous day. We climb the 18km to Yazirbeli, a varied and interesting route as we reach 1500m. There will be well timed stops along the way to give us ample opportunity to take in the surroundings. After a diy BBQ lunch in the forest we start our descent, initially on rough off road tracks, leading to asphalt down to the sea as we close in on our finish point of the fishing town of Finike. Ride approx 40km.

Day 4
We take a transfer up the mountain to start our ride. After an initial climb we join parts of the Lycian Way, passing rock tombs on the way to our picnic spot. We then continue though the valley, some of which is still being carved away for its precious marble towards Myra. Myra was one of the 6 biggest cities of Lycia, now a popular attraction with its amphitheatre, tombs and the church of St Nicholas. From here we transfer to Kas. Ride approx 45km.

Day 5
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, taking a boat trip or even paragliding. Alternatively a stroll aorund the town, looking at the variety of shops or sipping a traditional coffee followed by a swim in the hotel pool is an equally rewarding way to spend a day.

Day 6
We transfer into the mountains before saddling up for our day's ride. Today has a few challenging climbs in between the big downhills as our route winds through ancient cedar forests. After a very filling late lunch at a village house we transfer to our hotel we are free to lounge by the pool with refreshments and watch the sunset! Ride approx 50km.

Day 7
After our transfer to our start point in Sutlegen we head up into a cedar forest and follow the trails traversing the wooded valleys with some fast descents and a few challenging climbs to the highest point at Izne. After a picnic in the forest we continue along our route heading back towards the sea. Being nearer the coast, the route has many fine views over the Mediterranean and the Kas peninsula. The day ends with long fast descents on rough tracks, and ultimately on to mountain roads all the way back to our hotel in Kas. Ride approx 40km.

Day 8
Transfer to Dalaman; fly to London.