Turkey’s Mediterranean Escape: Bodrum to Fethiye | Bike & Boat
Lycian Coast, Cycling Holidays in Turkey
8 days / 7 nights
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Price On Request
8 days / 7 nights
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7 nights in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom aboard a deluxe gulet.
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Daily breakfast, one warm meal, drinking water, English-speaking guides, group entrance fees and cycling support vehicle.
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Dalyan riverboat cruise to the Lycian rock tombs and transfers to Saklıkent Canyon.
Introduction
🌊 Breathtaking Nature & Ancient Wonders on the Turquoise Coast.
Explore the legendary Lycian Coast between Bodrum and Fethiye on a premium bike and boat holiday that exceeds the highest expectations. Sailing the vibrant Turquoise Coast, you will journey deep into the ancient past, combining the thrill of high-level cycling with the unmatched luxury of a traditional Turkish motor yacht.
This is part of our exclusive Islandhopping PLUS program, offering guests a premium all-around experience: a highly comfortable deluxe vessel, unlimited e-bike availability to conquer the steep coastal mountains, and exceptional guided cultural excursions. You will discover the spectacular Lycian Rock Tombs of Dalyan carved directly into sheer cliff faces, wander through the eerie and fascinating abandoned ghost town of Kayaköy, and hike the breathtaking depths of the Saklikent Canyon. By night, your floating hotel will rock you to sleep in secluded, starlit bays or dock in vibrant harbor towns buzzing with local Turkish culture.
- Ancient Civilizations: Cycle to the ruins of Kaunos, explore the ancient Lycian city of Tlos, and marvel at the 4th-century BC rock-cut tombs overlooking the Dalyan River.
- Natural Wonders: Take a healing dip in the Sultaniye mud baths, hike the ice-cold waters of Saklıkent (The Hidden City) Canyon, and swim in the secluded coves of Sarsala Bay.
- Abandoned History: Walk through the hauntingly beautiful stone houses of Kayaköy, a Greek settlement abandoned in 1922.
- Premium Comfort: Relax on a spacious, deluxe wooden motor yacht with climate-controlled cabins, en-suite bathrooms, and an onboard chef.
At A Glance
Tour Type
Guided
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Activity Days
6 days
Level
Challenging
Avg. Daily Distance
37 km
Most Enjoyable Months
apr, may, jun, sep, oct
Arrival/Departure Town
Bodrum / Fethiye
Journey Highlights
Ancient Civilizations
Cycle to the ruins of Kaunos, explore the ancient Lycian city of Tlos, and marvel at the 4th-century BC rock-cut tombs overlooking the Dalyan River.
Natural Wonders
Take a healing dip in the Sultaniye mud baths, hike the ice-cold waters of Saklıkent (The Hidden City) Canyon, and swim in the secluded coves of Sarsala Bay.
Abandoned History
Walk through the hauntingly beautiful stone houses of Kayaköy, a Greek settlement abandoned in 1922.
Premium Comfort
Relax on a spacious, deluxe wooden motor yacht with climate-controlled cabins, en-suite bathrooms, and an onboard chef.
Brief Itinerary
Day
Route
Meals
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Day 1
Bodrum (Embarkation)
D
Check In
Day 2
Bodrum – Körmen – Knidos
B, L
42 km | 26.1 mi
5 hrs
Cycling
Day 3
Knidos – Serçe Limanı – Çiftlik
B, L
49 km | 30.4 mi
6 hrs
Cycling
Day 4
Çiftlik – Ekincik – Kaunos
B, L
31 km | 19.3 mi
5 hrs
Cycling
Day 5
Kaunos – Dalaman – Sarsala Bay
B, L
42 km | 26.1 mi
5 hrs
Cycling
Day 6
Gemiler Bay – Fethiye
B, L
Gemiler Bay – Fethiye
5 hrs
Cycling
Day 7
Fethiye – Saklikent Canyon – Fethiye
B, D
27 km | 16.8 mi
5 hrs
Cycling
Day 8
Fethiye (Disembarkation)
B
Check Out
Day 1
Bodrum (Embarkation)
Day 1
Bodrum (Embarkation)
Meals
D
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Check In
Day 2
Bodrum – Körmen – Knidos
Day 2
Bodrum – Körmen – Knidos
Meals
B, L
Distance
42 km | 26.1 mi
Elevation
Time
5 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 3
Knidos – Serçe Limanı – Çiftlik
Day 3
Knidos – Serçe Limanı – Çiftlik
Meals
B, L
Distance
49 km | 30.4 mi
Elevation
Time
6 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 4
Çiftlik – Ekincik – Kaunos
Day 4
Çiftlik – Ekincik – Kaunos
Meals
B, L
Distance
31 km | 19.3 mi
Elevation
Time
5 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 5
Kaunos – Dalaman – Sarsala Bay
Day 5
Kaunos – Dalaman – Sarsala Bay
Meals
B, L
Distance
42 km | 26.1 mi
Elevation
Time
5 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 6
Gemiler Bay – Fethiye
Day 6
Gemiler Bay – Fethiye
Meals
B, L
Distance
Gemiler Bay – Fethiye
Elevation
Time
5 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 7
Fethiye – Saklikent Canyon – Fethiye
Day 7
Fethiye – Saklikent Canyon – Fethiye
Meals
B, D
Distance
27 km | 16.8 mi
Elevation
Time
5 hrs
Activity
Cycling
Day 8
Fethiye (Disembarkation)
Day 8
Fethiye (Disembarkation)
Meals
B
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Check Out
Daily Journey Highlights
Day 1
Bodrum (Embarkation)
Day 1
Bodrum (Embarkation)
Welcome to the Aegean
Arrive individually in the vibrant, historical harbor city of Bodrum. Check-in on your deluxe gulet begins at 4:00 p.m. Take the opportunity to unpack, relax on the sun deck, and enjoy your first refreshing dip in the Aegean Sea. As evening falls, gather on deck for a shared welcome dinner, where you will meet your expert tour guides and fellow cyclists to discuss the week's adventure.
- 🌟 Daily Highlight: Watching the sunset over Bodrum harbor from the deck of your premium floating hotel.
- ⚓ Overnight: Bodrum Harbor
Day 2
Bodrum – Körmen – Knidos (42 km | 26.1 mi | 5 hrs)
Day 2
Bodrum – Körmen – Knidos (42 km | 26.1 mi | 5 hrs)
The Datça Peninsula & Views of the Dodecanese
In the early morning, the captain raises the anchor for a scenic sail across the gulf to Körmen. Here, you saddle up for your first ride along the breathtaking Datça Peninsula. The route immediately challenges you with a 450-meter ascent, rewarding your effort with spectacular, sweeping views over the sea to the Greek islands of Nisyros, Tilos, and Rhodes. A thrilling descent leads you along the rugged coast to the ancient ruins of Knidos, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. After exploring the impressive amphitheater, the ship drops anchor in a picturesque, secluded bay.
- 🌟 Daily Highlight: Conquering the 450m Datça climb and exploring the ancient seaside amphitheater of Knidos.
- ⚓ Overnight: Secluded Bay near Knidos
Day 3
Knidos – Serçe Limanı – Çiftlik (49 km | 30.4 mi | 6 hrs)
Day 3
Knidos – Serçe Limanı – Çiftlik (49 km | 30.4 mi | 6 hrs)
Mountain Villages & The 1,500-Year-Old Plane Tree
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruise to a small bay at the absolute peak of the Bozburun Peninsula. Today’s cycle route follows a quiet, twisting mountain road up to a traditional village situated 300 meters above sea level. Here, you will visit a lively local bazaar and marvel at a massive, 1,500-year-old plane tree—local legend promises a long and lucky life to anyone who walks around its trunk. After a traditional lunch, ride down to the diamond-blue waters of Çiftlik Bay, where you can cool off with a long swim straight off the back of the boat.
- 🌟 Daily Highlight: Experiencing authentic rural Turkish culture at a mountain bazaar hidden high above the coast.
- ⚓ Overnight: Çiftlik Bay
Day 4
Çiftlik – Ekincik – Kaunos (31 km | 19.3 mi | 5 hrs)
Day 4
Çiftlik – Ekincik – Kaunos (31 km | 19.3 mi | 5 hrs)
Healing Mud Baths & Lycian Rock Tombs
Enjoy breakfast as the yacht crosses to the small harbor of Ekincik. Today’s ride crosses a spectacular mountain pass before dropping down to the shores of Lake Köyceğiz. Here, you'll stop at the Sultaniye thermal springs for a unique, skin-healing mineral mud bath. Continuing over another small pass, you arrive at the mouth of the Dalyan River. Trading bikes for a small riverboat, you embark on a 30-minute cruise past the awe-inspiring Lycian Rock Tombs—intricately carved into sheer vertical cliffs in the 4th century BC—before returning to your yacht anchored near a rocky island.
- 🌟 Daily Highlight: Floating down the Dalyan River while gazing up at the magnificent, illuminated rock-cut tombs of ancient kings.
- ⚓ Overnight: Anchored near the Dalyan Delta
Day 5
Kaunos – Dalaman – Sarsala Bay (42 km | 26.1 mi | 5 hrs)
Day 5
Kaunos – Dalaman – Sarsala Bay (42 km | 26.1 mi | 5 hrs)
Ancient Ruins & Cotton Fields
A short morning cruise brings you to the ancient city of Kaunos. Once a prosperous port city, its harbor silted up centuries ago, leaving behind silent, fascinating ruins located 8 km inland. After exploring the Roman theater and baths, you will cycle across the fertile Dalaman plains, riding past sprawling cotton fields and fragrant citrus orchards. Stop for a traditional Turkish tea break in Dalaman before tackling a final small pass that descends into the wildly beautiful Sarsala Bay, where your ship awaits.
- 🌟 Daily Highlight: Riding through vibrant, fragrant agricultural plains and exploring the rich archaeological ruins of Kaunos.
- ⚓ Overnight: Sarsala Bay
Day 6
Gemiler Bay – Fethiye (Gemiler Bay – Fethiye | 5 hrs)
Day 6
Gemiler Bay – Fethiye (Gemiler Bay – Fethiye | 5 hrs)
The Ghost Village of Kayaköy
Sail past numerous tiny islands to Gemiler (St. Nicholas Island), home to a 5th-century church. Back on the mainland, you will cycle through dense, pine-scented forests toward Kayaköy, a hauntingly beautiful Greek city completely abandoned during the 1922 population exchange. After wandering among its 6,500 roofless stone houses, continue riding toward the vibrant city of Fethiye. You may opt to extend your ride around the Fethiye peninsula for secluded swim stops before exploring the city’s lively bazaar and the narrow, winding alleys of the old town.
- 🌟 Daily Highlight: Walking through the eerie, history-steeped ruins of the Kayaköy ghost town.
- ⚓ Overnight: Fethiye Harbor
Day 7
Fethiye – Saklikent Canyon – Fethiye (27 km | 16.8 mi | 5 hrs)
Day 7
Fethiye – Saklikent Canyon – Fethiye (27 km | 16.8 mi | 5 hrs)
The Hidden City & Ancient Tlos
Leave the ship behind as a 60-minute bus transfer takes you inland to Cavdir. Saddle up for a ride to the spectacular Saklıkent Canyon ("Hidden City"), one of the deepest canyons in Turkey. You will hike through the ice-cold, rushing waters of the dramatic gorge and enjoy lunch on the riverbank. Afterward, cycle to Kadıköy, where a short transfer takes you to Tlos, once one of the most important and powerful cities in ancient Lycia. Explore the hilltop fortress and ruins before transferring back to Fethiye for a final farewell dinner.
- 🌟 Daily Highlight: Wading through the towering, dramatic rock walls and rushing glacial waters of Saklıkent Canyon.
- ⚓ Overnight: Fethiye Harbor
Day 8
Fethiye (Disembarkation)
Day 8
Fethiye (Disembarkation)
Farewell to the Lycian Coast
Enjoy a final, lavish Turkish breakfast on board your floating hotel. Check-out and disembarkation take place by 9:00 a.m. Upon request, a collective transfer to Dalaman Airport can be arranged for your journey home.
Inclusions
Twin/Double En-Suite Cabins
7 nights in a twin/double cabin below deck with en-suite shower/toilet.
Onboard Warm Meal Provision
7 breakfasts and 7 warm meals prepared onboard by the ship's chef.
Vessel Water Refill Station
Free drinking water provided on board.
Ride Assistance & Local Transfers
English-speaking tour guide, a support vehicle on all cycle tours, and necessary local transfers (including bicycle transport).
Archaeological Group Visit
Group entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites.
Guest Quarters Refresh Service
Daily cabin cleaning, bed linen, and towels.
Exclusions
Visitor Levy & Refreshment Inclusions
€80 per adult / €40 per child up to age 16 (payable in cash to the captain; covers drinking water, tea, and filter coffee).
Electric & Off-Road Bike Lease
Premium E-bike with Ortlieb pannier (€273/week) or Gravel bike (€240/week).
Rental Cycle Safeguard Plan
€28 per week (optional).
Shore Dining & Bar Tab Charges
Unincluded meals and specialty/alcoholic beverages on board (tracked via tally sheet).
Marina Access Ground Transfers
Transfers to/from the ship in Bodrum or Fethiye.
Allergy-Safe Meal Prep Charge
€70 per person for vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free requests (must be pre-booked).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lycian Coast Plus tour suitable for standard hybrid bicycles?
Because this tour is rated as a Level 5 (Challenging) due to steep ascents (up to 400m), rugged terrain, and total daily elevations up to 900m, standard hybrid bicycles are not offered. We highly recommend renting an e-bike to comfortably manage the challenging Mediterranean gradients. If you choose to ride a gravel bike, you must possess an excellent level of physical fitness to maintain the group pace set by the e-bike riders.
What kind of footwear is required for Saklikent Canyon?
When visiting the Saklıkent Canyon on Day 7, you will be wading through ice-cold, rushing mountain water over slippery, rocky riverbeds. You must bring sturdy water shoes or sports sandals with excellent grip. Standard flip-flops are not safe or suitable for the canyon hike.
Are there paved bike paths along the Lycian Coast?
No, there are no designated cycle paths in this region of Turkey. The cycling routes take place on public roads. While we select the quietest rural side roads possible, traffic is to be expected in and around major coastal towns like Fethiye and Bodrum. Furthermore, rural asphalt in Turkey is extremely rough, featuring coarse chippings and potholes, which is why our rental bikes are equipped with thick tires and suspension.
How does the support vehicle work on this tour?
Unlike many standard bike and boat tours, the Lycian Coast Plus includes a dedicated support vehicle that shadows the group on all cycle tours. If a climb becomes too daunting, or if you simply wish to take a break from the saddle, you can easily load your bike into the van and ride in comfort to the next meeting point.
Can I skip a cycling day if I want to relax?
Absolutely. You are always welcome to leave your bike parked and spend a half or full day relaxing on the deck of the deluxe motor yacht. You can read, sunbathe, and enjoy a breathtaking scenic cruise while the rest of the group cycles to the next destination.
Which airport should I fly into for the Lycian Coast bike and boat tour?
Because this is a one-way route between Bodrum and Fethiye, airport logistics depend on your direction of travel. For tours embarking in Bodrum, fly into Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV). For disembarkation in Fethiye, Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the nearest airport (approx. 45-60 minutes away). Collective and private transfers can be pre-booked for both airports on embarkation and disembarkation days.
Can I ride a gravel bike instead of an e-bike on this Level 5 tour?
Yes, rental gravel bikes (€240/week) are available for riders over 165 cm tall. However, because the Lycian Coast Plus is an e-bike tour program, the daily group pace is set by riders on e-bikes. If you choose a gravel bike, you must be in excellent physical condition to manage the steep 300m to 900m daily elevation gains alongside electric-assisted cyclists.
What is the story behind the abandoned ghost town of Kayaköy near Fethiye?
Kayaköy (formerly the Greek town of Livissi) was home to roughly 6,500 Greek Christians until 1922, when it was permanently abandoned during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Today, it remains an open-air historical monument featuring over 3,500 roofless stone houses, chapels, and narrow stone pathways winding through pine-scented hills.
How does the riverboat excursion to the Dalyan Lycian Rock Tombs work?
On Day 4, after cycling past Lake Köyceğiz, you temporarily leave your bicycles at the mouth of the Dalyan River and board a small traditional riverboat. The boat navigates through the narrow reed channels of the Dalyan Delta, offering optimal water-level views of the 4th-century BC Lycian rock tombs carved high into the limestone cliffs above Kaunos.
What is the Sultaniye Mud Bath, and what should I bring?
Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Köyceğiz, the Sultaniye Thermal Baths feature natural, warm mineral mud pools renowned since ancient times for their therapeutic and skin-rejuvenating properties. You should bring a darker swimsuit and a dedicated beach towel from home, as the natural sulfur minerals in the thermal mud can discolor light fabrics.
What onboard cash payments are required during the cruise?
Upon boarding, guests must pay the captain in cash for the mandatory Tourist Tax & Basic Drink Package (€80 per adult / €40 per child up to age 16), which covers local port fees, drinking water, filter coffee, and tea. Any additional alcoholic or specialty beverages ordered from the onboard saloon bar are logged on a daily tally sheet and settled in cash at the end of the week.
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