Penguin Travel

Explore Cappadocia fairytale landscapes and mountains on a bike! 

This trip will take you on an exciting journey through the lands of Central Anatolian plateau and Taurus mountains. We start from Cappadocia, the land of fairy chimneys (Peri Baclari) where humanity built thousands of years old civilizations by carving houses, churches, monasteries and whole cities within the rocky pillars and volcanic tuff. We cycle southwards visiting many of the region’s historic and cultural sights, pass by vast mountainous areas and valleys with apple and vegetable gardens and herds of sheep and goat, spend a night in the lively Nigde city and enjoy the hospitability of Turkish people and the outstanding local cuisine. Besides a fantastic cycling in Cappadocia the next step is nice ‘around trip‘ in Taurus Mountains area with peaks reaching almost 3800m. The Taurus Mountains are the Western branch of the great mountain chain that stretches across all of Asia. We spend 3 days cycling in the beautiful mountain scenery of Aladaglar and Bolkar mountains (part of Taurus) and enjoy the quiet peaceful village life. The trip ends at the blue waters of the Mediterranean sea where we can enjoy a refreshing swim and rest.

Tour highlights:

♦ Cappadocia – a land of extreme natural beauty, mystery and rich history. •
♦ Ihlara Valley - the impressive gorge of the valley is 14 km long, 100 m deep and both sides are lined with rock carved churches from 9-12 c, about 100 in all.
♦ Derinkuyu Underground City is approximately 85 m deep and has 8 underground floors. It contains all the usual rooms found in an underground settlement (stables, cellars, refectories, churches, wineries etc.). 
♦  Gumusler Rock Monastery – The monastic complex was dug in the rocks in 10th c, the church has well preserved frescoes most interesting one being the smiling Virgin Mary with Jesus Christ.
♦ The imposing rocky Taurus (Aldaglar) mountains with altitude reaching 3800 m 
♦  Kizkalesi (Maiden’s castle) village and the beautiful Mediteranean sea and coast

 

Itinerary:

Day 1. Goreme
Arrival in Kayseri and transfer to the hotel in Goreme for overnight.

Day 2. Zelve open air museum - Keslik rock monastery
We start from Goreme cycling up and down enjoying the nice overviews over The Cappadocia Valley. You will pass through the towns of  Urgup, Mustafapasa, Taskinpasa and Sahinefendi and visit the Keslik Monastery and Zelve open air museum (dug into the rocks) before we reach Derinkuyu where we stay overnight. A must see is the unique Derinkuyu Underground City, going 85 m in the ground and comprising 8 floors. Cycling distance: 75 km

Day 3.  Derinkuyu underground city - Ihlara valley - Guzelyurt
Starting from Derinkuyu and biking on an even road, you reach Gosterli. The altitudes vary from 1275 to 1390 m a.s.l. In the charming Belisirma village the road passes along some nice restaurants by the river at the bottom of the spectacular Ihlara valley, where we can have lunch. The small village, perched on the valley’s slopes is interesting with its stone houses with flat roofs covered with grass. Going out of the valley we visit 2 rock churches with frescos from 12c. We stay overnight in Guzelyurt. Cycling distance: 69 km

Day 4. Nigde
In the morning we continue with an uphill ride with great views to Hasan volcano . For the whole day the track goes up and down slightly, running through a large area of oval hills. Further on we pass by a nice dam and just before reaching Tepekoy village we arrive at the highest point of today’s route – 2120 m a. s. l. At the end you enter the city of Nigde where we stay overnight. Cycling distance: 55 km

Day 5. Aladaglar mountains
The cycling starts from the hotel in Nigde city. After a while we reach the wonderful Gumusler Monastery, cut into the rock. After a visit of the monastery we cycle back and in around 20 km we reach the highest point for the stage - 1960 m. Further on we enjoy the magnificent views of Aladaglar mountains (part of Taurus) and its highest peak Demirkazik (3 756m). We stay overnight in Demirkazik/Cukurbag village at the foothills of Aladaglar Mountains. Cycling distance: 55 km

Day 6. Aladaglar mountains - Ciftehan spa
Already out of town you will be able to enjoy for a long time the stunning view of the mountain on your left  and the river running on both sides of the road. For most of the time the track goes slightly downhill, at altitudes between 1200 and 1400 m a. s. l. You will pass through some towns and villages Dagdibi, Menemecki, Kamisli and Findikli before the spa village of Ciftehan where we stay overnight. Relax in the hot thermal swimming pools. Cycling distance: 60 km

Day 7. Bolkar mountains - Mediterranean sea - Kizkalesi/Adana
Today you follow the old road  passing through the mountains to the Mediterranean sea. You cycle among beautiful landscapes of mountain ridges and peaks and green coniferous forests passing by small mountain villages and towns. You finish cycling before Tarsus town. Short transfer brings you to Kizkalesi (Maiden’s castle), famous for Koryokos fortress from 12c., the beautiful beach and castle built on an island in the sea. Cycling distance: 65 km

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to Adana airport for departure.

Included in the price: ►family-run hotels, guest houses or pensions with private facilities► 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners (day 2,3,5,6) ►all ground transfers and luggage transportation►English-speaking guide/driver►rent bike and helmet►map►techical support of the bikes

Not included:►flights►travel insurance►entrance fees►additional meals outside the program►tips►alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.

Other expenses: single supplement: 100 euro; rent of a rear saddlebag: 10 euro/week;

Good to know
♦ Bikes: hardtail mountain bike or hybrid bike (for details see OUR BIKES)
♦ Roads:  We use mostly two-way roads ( with an asphalt covering. The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. There are few stages with more traffic (Goreme-Urgup area, getting in and out of Nigde, etc).The asphalt roads we cycle on are relatively in a very good condition, but the asphalt covering is rough. Be careful when going downhill on a rainy day, roads gets very slippery. The itinerary is mostly on isolated asphalt roads, but it's always good to watch out for turkish drivers - they just don't respect the traffic ordinance.
♦ Guide/driver: The guide with the supporting vehicle and the luggage inside checks several times a day if everything is OK with the group, waiting by crossroads, accompanying them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and giving them talks by the most interesting sites en-route

How to get there: Please check Turkish airlines - http://www.thy.com/en-INT/index.aspx and Pegasus airlines - http://www.flypgs.com/en/default.aspx for information on flight schedules and prices.

We reccommend trip in the period:   April- May; September - October

Necessary equipment: We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. You can bring your own helmet or use one of ours. Cycling gloves, breathable clothes, waterproof gear, cycling shoes/trainers. (for list with recommended items see “General” in the trip dossier).

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