Turkey‘s Southern Coast by bicycle and ship

We spend a week discovering the Southern Coast of Turkey from Marmaris to Fethiye with a Turkish gullet. Since ancient times this area is called Lykia. Our charming and stylish swimming accommodation is built to the highest of standards. We get to know the Turkish coast and back-country with the aid of a trekking or mountain bike. Our tour guide will point out the unique natural wonders and historical cities which grace the area, allowing us to be transported back in time. Admire the famous graves of Kaunos, which were cut into the cliffs between 4 and 2 BC by the Lykian coastal inhabitants, or let yourself be mesmerized by the breathtaking Sakklikent Canyon. Spend your evenings in the deserted bays and let yourself be rocked to sleep by the ocean or make the most of the pulsating night life in the port cities and their many cafes and bars.

Individual arrival to the airports of Izmir, Bodrum or Dalaman and group transfer to Marmaris. Check in on board from 2 pm. In the afternoon you can enjoy a stroll through the city‘s labyrinth of winding streets and if you want, you can also visit the famous bazaar. The trip starts with dinner on board.

After breakfast we sail to Fethiye, passing many small islands on the way. We cycle through a pine forest until we reach the since 1922 uninhabited Greek city of Kayaköy, which was once home to some 6.500 inhabitants. On foot we discover the ruins of Kayaköy and afterwards our bike tour leads us to Fethiye. Here is still enough time to go on a worthwhile walk through the lively town. Especially the close to the mosque of Eski Cami situated old town with its narrow alleys and typical corner houses as well as the Lykian tombs high above the city – for instance the gorgeous rock cut temple tomb of Amyntas – are worth seeing.

A bus transfers (50 min) us to Xanthos, the starting point of today’s cycling tour. From here we bike to the Saklikent Canyon, where we can enjoy lunch at the river bank. In Turkish “Saklikent” means “Hidden City”. The canyon is spectacular and can be easily explored on foot. Afterwards we continue our cycling northwards to Kemer, where we are picked up by a bus and transported to the boat in Fethiye (ca. 30 min). From here the Bahriyeli takes us to Göcek, where we spend the night.

From Göcek – due to its important Marina one of the most significant places of tourism along the Turkish south coast – we bike over a 1.150 ft./ 350 m high pass, enjoying panoramic views. Afterwards we cross a pine forest before we cycle along a quiet minor road down to the Dalaman plain, through fertile fields and lush vegetation to Dalyan. From here a small boat takes us down the river – passing the impressive Lykian rock cut tombs of Dalyan – to the Bahriyeli, where we stay overnight.

In the morning once more a small boat picks us up and takes us to the ancient city Kaunos which is worth a visit before we cycle along the Köycegiz lake until we reach the thermal baths that invite us to a healing bath. After a 350 m / 1.150 ft climb we arrive at the little village of Ekincik, where we spend the night.

On the Turkish coast a Bahriyeli is a synonym for greatest possible comfort and best material. These ships are powered by two Volvo Penta engines with 400-500 HP which enables them to maneouvre without difficulties and lie calmly in the water.  The decks of the ships are 33-37 metres long. They are three-masted ships of highest standards.

The Bahriyelis have 8-12 spacious and luxurious cabins, furnished with air conditioning and a shower/toilet.The huge sundeck is equipped with comfortable mats for sunbathing or spending the nights outside.