Biking on the Lycian Coast

Day 1: Arrival at Antalya. Transfer to the hotel in Kemer. A brief orientation. Overnight in Kemer.

Day 2: Off time in the morning after breakfast to prepare the bikes and a short meeting about the program. Today we cycle to Phaselis, an ancient Lycian city, which was founded in 700 BC. It had been the most important harbor city of the western Lycia for centuries. Phaselis has 3 small bays, which acted as perfect natural harbors. We will explore the elegant Roman Aqueduct, Monumental Gateway, Paved Avenue, Baths and Theater. We will continue to Ulupinar and then to Chimera, home of the legendary Homeric Dragon, which was killed by Bellerophon and was buried seven layers below the ground. The flames of the monster can still be seen, as believed for centuries by both the Lycians and the local people. There will be some time to swim on the preserved beach of Chimera and to visit the ruins of the coastal city of Olympos. Overnight in Kemer.

Day 3: Drive with the bus to Kumluca. Then we cycle to the ancient city Lymra. Visit to Lymra. Continue to Arycanda, a unique Lycian city, built upon five large terraces ascending from a mountain slope (950 m high above the see level). Overnight in Finike.

Day 4: Today we will drive to Demre. Then continue with our bikes to the ancient city of Myra. At this site many marvelously carved rock tombs overlook to a magnificent Roman theater. St. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra during the 4th century. We will visit the church where he was buried to. Cycle to the Kekova area for a boat trip. During the boat trip, we will see the sunken city under the crystal clear waters. Drive to Kas for overnight.

Day 5: Drive to Xanthos, the capital city of the ancient Lycians. Visit of Saklıkent Canyon, the second largest canyon in Europe. Canyon is 300 meters deep and 18 km long, resulting from the abrasion of the rocks by flowing waters over thousands of years. Then we cycle to the ancient city of Tlos. Drive to Fethiye for overnight.

Day 6: Visit to Ölüdeniz, one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of Ölüdeniz, on a blue lagoon. Free time in Ölüdeniz. Then we cycle to Kayaköy, ancient Levissi. Kayaköy was largely abandoned after a population exchange agreement was signed by the Turkish and Greek governments in 1923. The ghost town, now preserved as a museum village, consists of hundreds of rundown but still mostly intact Greek-style houses and churches. Bike to Fethiye, visit of Amynthas Stone Tomb. Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 7: Departure for Antalya. Then we cycle to Termessos, the safest and most impressive city of the Mediterranean region. We will have a nice, relaxed hike through the ruins scattered on the mountains. Picnic lunch at Termessos and drive back to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport. Departure.