In Cappadocia, nature and history comes hand in hand to form one of the most beautiful scenes of the world. While wind and water formed the fairy chimneys (Peri Bacalari) in thousands of years, humanity built thousands of years old civilizations with carving houses and churches within the rocky pillars and decorated them with beautiful frisks. Cappadocia was derived from the word Katpatuka, which means "the land of beautiful horses" in the Hittite language. Besides a fantastic cycling in Cappadocia the next step is nice ‘around trip‘ in Taurus Mountains area. The Taurus Mountains its highest peak is Demirkazik (3756m) are the Western branch of the great mountain chain that stretches across all of Asia. The Turkish section of this massive range follows the Southern border of Anatolia and is itself made up of four major sections. Made of sedimentary material such as limestone and dolomites, the range reveals excellent examples of nappes, or folds in the layers of rocks. The trip ends with a refreshing swim in the crystal clear blue waters of the Midetarrenan sea!
Departure dates: 1 may 2010; 02 October 2009.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kayseri and transfer to the hotel in Goreme for overnight.
Day 2: We start from Goreme cycling up and down enjoying the nice overviews over The Cappadocia Valley. You will pass through the towns of Ortahisar, Urgup, Mustafapasa, Taskinpasa and Sahinefendi and visit the Keslik Monastery (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: 65 km, uphill/downhill cycling: 500/205m).
Day 3: 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, 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. We stay overnight in Guzelyurt. (cycling distance: 69 km, uphill/downhill cycling: 315/180m).
Day 4: In the morning we continue cycling towards Duvarli, Azatli , Melendiz and Sultanpinar. 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: 53 km, uphill/downhill cycling: 630/740m).
Day 5: The cycling starts just outside 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 village at the foothills of Aladaglar Mountains. (cycling distance: 62 km, uphill/downhill cycling: 450/310m).
Day 6: 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 town of Alpu where we stay overnight. (cycling distance: 62 km, uphill/downhill cycling: 450/310m).
Day 7: Today we cycle mainly downhill in direction to the Mediterranean sea. We pass through small villages, reach Kurtcucuru and a small lake with a nice restaurant for lunch. Then we go with the bus for a while and start cycling again along a ridge enjoying superb views over the surrounding ridges. The road goes downhill, descending all the time to the Mediterranean Sea. After passing through Uzurkent, a refreshing swim in the blue Mediterranean waters is awaiting you. (cycling distance: 78 km, uphill/downhill cycling: 350/985m).
Day 8: Transfer to Adana airport for departure.
Included in the price: accommodation and boarding as mentioned; all ground transfers and luggage transportation; English-speaking guide/driver; rent of a bike and technical support.
Accomodation and food: We stay in family-run hotels, guest houses or pensions with private facilities, 6 days on fullboard (all meals included), 1 day on half board (breakfast and dinner included).
Practical information:
BIKES: You can choose (depending on the availability) from 2 types of bikes: 1 hardtail performance mountain bike “RAM” with road tires, 24 gears and 80mm front suspension fork and 2. quality road touring bike “DRAG” with 21 gears, 28 inch rims and Shimano components.
TOUR INFO: All bikers receive a detailed roadbook and map. 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. Bikers can always skip some harder stages using the supporting vehicle
RECCOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. You can bring your own helmet or rent one from us. Cycling gloves are also advisable.
ROAD CONDITIONS: We use mostly two-way roads (one band per direction) with an asphalt covering. The country roads are quite peaceful, sometimes without any cars. The asphalt roads we cycle on are in a very good condition. As for cycling security recommendation for cyclists is to watch out with Turkish drivers. They just don't respect the traffic ordinance, especially in towns and villages. The itinerary is mostly on isolated asphalt roads, but it's always good to watch out.
FLIGHTS TO KAYSERI: Please check Turkish airlines.
Recommended travel period of the year: March - April; September - November
Tour difficulty: moderate. For bikers in good physical condition.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Single supplement: 100 euro;
- Rent of a helmet: 10 euro/week;
- Rent of a rear saddlebag: 10 euro/week;
- Rent of a handle-bar bag: 5 euro/week
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
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