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LUXURY EDITION

Biking The Ionian Coast
This upgraded, road bike-friendly route follows some sections of Turkey’s only stretch of Eurovelo, taking participants through the scenic countryside of Izmir all the way to Ephesus, the most famous ancient city of Turkey. After cycling the coastal roads, cool off with swims in the crisp Aegean and relax in luxury accommodation each evening. 

Highlights


  • Exploring the Izmir Peninsula, Ionian Coast 
  • Picturesque stone villages 
  • Chance to swim everyday 
  • Ionian ruins of Erythrai, Teos and Ephesus. 
  • Vineyards of Urla 
  • Best Restaurants of Turkey 
SEASON

March to June, September to November

Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

MEALS

7 Breakfasts

Bikes

Gravel or E-Bike options available

Distance

316 km of total biking

AIRPORT

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport

1 Person

6955

Per Person

2 Person

3930

Per Person

4 Person

2795

Per Person

Tour Details

8 day luxury biking trip starting in Urla and finishing at Ephesus, passing through some of Izmir’s best coastal destinations: Karaburun, Ildır, Çeşme, Alaçatı and Sığacık. 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Izmir Airport. Transfer to Urla (35 min)

After arriving in Izmir Airport, you’ll be transferred to Urla. Depending on your time of arrival, you might be able to explore the town of Urla or its surroundings, which include many local vineyards.

Overnight in Teruar Urla.

Day 2. BIKE Urla – Karaburun 65 km +/-723m

 The first ride of your trip takes you from the pastoral rolling hills of Urla, to the dramatic coasts and mountainous backdrop of Karaburun, with endless sea views along the way. You’ll cycle straight to your hotel in Karaburun, with hopefully enough time for a swim or a relaxing dinner in one of the town’s quaint, seaside restaurants.

Overnight in Casa Mimosa (upgraded room).

Day 3. BIKE Karaburun – Ildir 68 km +/-1611m

The ride from Karaburun to Ildir is relatively remote with an optional stretch of dirt road taking riders to scenic Hamzabuku Beach. Along the way you’ll also see glimpses of Sazak, a once-Greek village emptied during the population exchange, and of course lots of gorgeous views of the Aegean. End the day in the quiet coastal town of Ildir.  

15 min transfer to Gaia By The Sea Hotel 

Day 4. BIKE Ildir – Cesme – Alacati 57 km +645

Today’s route leads riders through some of Izmir’s most popular destinations: Cesme and Alacati. Cesme is known for its intact castle and lively summer holiday feeling, while Alacati is home to quaint cobblestone streets full of traditional architecture and a popular windsurfing beach. The ride ends as you peddle through the narrow streets of Alacati straight to your hotel.

Overnight in Pachamama Hotel.

Day 5. BIKE Alacati – Sigacik 65 km +-774m

Heading out of Alacati, today’s ride winds through more hilly countryside before heading south back down to the coast. Pastoral scenery gives way to views of the Aegean as you pedal to your hotel in Sigacik.

Overnight in Hidden Bay Teos.

Day 6. BIKE Sigacik – Selcuk 78 km +-817 m

Our last ride of the trip follows a beautiful coastal road through small villages and past pristine beaches before turning inland towards Selcuk, the closest town to the world-renowned site of Ephesus. After spending some time in town, a transfer will take you to your hotel in Sirince.

Overnight in Nisanyan Houses.

Day 7. Explore Ephesus and surrounding sites. OPTIONAL Bike in the afternoon.

Spend the day visiting the ruins of Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Sirince, and the Ephesus Museum.

Those who would like can bike another 45 km visiting the surrounding villages.  

Overnight in Nisanyan Houses.

Day 8. Transfer to İzmir Airport

Our services end today as you are transferred to İzmir Airport (60 min).

Activity Level

With slightly tamer inclines than many regions of Turkey, this tour can be considered moderate. A good level of fitness is still recommended however, especially for those planning on doing the tour with a gravel bike (instead of ebike). 

What’s Included

  • 24 hr Concierge Level Support 
  • All Transport Private transfers to/from İzmir Airport
  • Luggage Transfers: Daily
  • Support Car with an English-speaking driver/mechanic.
  • Meals – 7 Breakfasts
  • Accommodation Upgraded rooms in boutique hotels.
  • Bike Rental: Premium E-Bike or Gravel Bikes

Excluded

  • Entrance Fees 
  • Lunches and Dinners 
  • Drinks at hotels or restaurants 
  • Flight Tickets 
  • Travel Insurance 
  • Tips 

Extensions

This tour can easily be combined with:

  • 4-day hiking tours like the Latmos Mountains
  • 8-day self drive tour from Dalyan to Bodrum
  • With a direct flight connection, our 4-day Cappadocia hiking tour is also a great choice

Equipment

Bikes: Orbea Kemen SUV 10 E-Bikes or Full Carbon Orbea Terra 1x gravel bikes with electronic shifting.  

Safety Equipment: POC helmets and gloves. Phone holders.

Tripbook: Detailed e-book outlining your tour program, with lots of pictures and relevant information.

GPS Coordinates: We provide a link to RideWithGPS app through which you can follow GPS coordinates

Hotels

We considered comfort, price, and location to choose the best hotels for your trip, seeking not just luxury but also authenticity. 

Teruar Urla

Casa Mimosa

Gaia by the Sea

Gaia by the Sea

Pachamama Hotel

Pachamama Hotel

Hidden Bay Teos – King Deluxe Room

Hidden Bay Teos – Standard Room

Nisanyan Houses

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a self-guided tour?

A self-guided tour provides holiday makers with the chance to escape the stress of booking hotels and planning a vacation without the need for a group tour or a guide. Think of all the ease of a standard tour, without the obligatory schedule that comes with traveling with a guided group.

After prearranging our customers’ transfers and hotel reservations, we prepare a detailed digital tripbook full of historical facts, important phone numbers, and hiking or driving directions, and more to provide you with all the information you’ll need along the way. You will also receive a link to Wikiloc app (free to use for our customers) through which you can follow our GPS coordinates. We provide 24/7 phone support via WhatsApp, Skype or any other phone line. In addition to dropping you off at trailheads when necessary, one of our drivers will pick up your luggage and transfer it to your next hotel during you’re daily hikes or excursions. Since everything has been prearranged for you, and there’s no guide or group you have to keep up with, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your holiday at your own pace.

Is it possible to make changes to a program?

Absolutely! When feasible, we are always happy to tailor any program to suit your schedule and wishes. Whether you want to add a couple days, extend some hikes, combine multiple tours, or come up with your own program entirely, we’ll try our best to make sure your tour is perfectly suited to you.

When is the best time to travel to Turkey?

The Turkish coast is best visited outside the heat and crowds of July and August and the rains of January and February. While the best times to hike on the coast are March-May and Late September-Early December, our self-drive tours are also great options all through the summer. Cappadocia is best visited May- Mid November.

Are the tours available any time of the year?

Yes, our tours are available any time. Since our tours are self-guided, there are no set dates, you can choose any time that suits your schedule. During the off-season some of the hotels we usually work with may be closed, so the hotels you stay in may be different than those listed on our website.

What equipment do you provide?

We provide a link to Wikiloc app through which you can follow GPS coordinates, a detailed document outlining your tour program, with lots of pictures and relevant information, hyper-links for google maps locations etc. Bikes and helmets are also provided, additional biking gear upon request.