The aegean trail - From Istanbul to Cappadocia
During this Turkey motorcycle tour you will discover cities like Istanbul and Antalya, cities of the classical world, the crystal clear turquoise water of the Aegean Sea, the landscapes of Anatolia and the almost otherworldly lunar views of Cappadocia. We will savour the diverse and exquisite Turkish cuisine, all driving through roads with plenty of turns and in very good condition.
Istanbul, nestled in the mythical Golden Horn of the Bosphorus, is a fusion of civilizations from Asia and Europe. Its thousand mosques, bazaars and palaces and its more than lively western nightlife make it one of the most visited cities in the world.
Turkey's climate during our tour is just perfect for motorbike riding, with sunny days and perfect waters for bathing.
1500kms tour approx.
Day 1 Arrival to Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel in the centre of Istanbul. Free time to discover the city of a thousand mosques. Crossing the famous Galata Bridge on foot, to the European side of the city. Where you could visit several of the jewels that its old quarter hides. Among others the Topkapi Palace, the Blue and Hagia Sophia mosques or the Grand Bazaar. Possibility of boat trip on the Bosphorus and crossing to the Asian side full of cafes and restaurants. Meeting at 6 pm at the hotel for group briefing talk about the travel program. Night in Istanbul.
Day 2 Istanbul - Izmir - Selcuk. 2h30. We leave by plane to Izmir where our motorcycles and our assistance team await us. Leaving Izmir behind, we drive through the coastal road for lunch at the town of Sirince, 12 km from Selcuk. Return to Ephesus to visit its impressive Roman ruins, the best preserved in the entire Mediterranean. It was one of the twelve Ionian cities on the shores of the Aegean Sea, registered by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Arrival in the afternoon at our hotel in the city center. After check-in, dinner in the lively area of typical Turkish restaurants near our hotel. Night in Selcuk.
Day 3 Selcuk - Marmaris peninsula. 5h30hr. We do our first driving hour of the journey on a small road without traffic and through vineyards and olive groves. Stop for a chai (Turkish tea) at Lake Bafa, which was part of the Aegean Sea in ancient times. Two hour later we stop for lunch on the crystal clear beach of Akbuc bay. The last kilometres of our day we ride on a small mountain road surrounded by coniferous forests and enjoying its multiple turns. Our hotel is in front of the beach. Night in Marmaris peninsula.
Day 4 Turunc - Dalyan - Fethiye. 3hrs. We ride along olive trees, orange groves, views of Lake KöyceÄŸiz and after a short ferry crossing we reached Dalyan. Halt to see the Lycian tombs dating from the 5th century, carved into the rock atop the cliffs facing the river. Arrival at Fethiye for lunch at the restaurant on the beach next to the fishing port. Free time at the beach. Dinner at one of the many restaurants in its lively fish market. Night in Fethiye.
Day 5 Day off. A day to relax at the hotel, bathe on the beach, go paragliding in Oludeniz or even take the famous boat trip to the 12 islands. Possibility of touring its peninsula and eating on one of its beaches with crystal clear water. Overnight in Fethiye.
Day 6 Fethiye - Kas - Kekova. 5hrs. We leave the main road to climb the mountains surrounding Fethiye by a very little known road, with imposing views of the cliffs and Oludeniz bay passing by typical inland villages. Lunch in the main square of Kas, a typical fishing village. From there, we make our last 30kms on a curvy small road to Kekova Bay. Visit of its castle perched on the top and with spectacular views of the islands and the village. Night in Kekova.
Day 7 Kekova - Antalya.5hrs.Last day we rolled along the Aegean coast. The curvy coastal road is full of small inlets with sandy beaches where you can take a dip. Arrival to Antalya in the afternoon. Check-in at our hotel in the heart of the historic old town. Night in Antalya.
Day 8 Antalya - Goreme (Cappadocia). 8h30 hrs. Very early departure as today is the longest day on our motorcycles, 550 kms await us. We cross the Taurus Mountains, a mountain range that separates the Aegean coast from the Anatolian plateau. After the pass we go down the hill and the road becomes flat and straight along the highway. Arrival to Goreme late in the afternoon. Hotel at the centre of town. Night in Goreme.
Day 9 Goreme (Cappadocia). 4hrs. Those who wish can do a balloon flight at sunrise. This flight, a unique experience, will allow you to see one of the best landscapes in the world from the sky. Departure at 10 am by motorcycle to discover the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia. Optional visit of one of the underground cities where Christians took refuge in ancient times from the Romans. Today you would probably take most of the best photos of this tour. Night in Goreme.
Day 10 Goreme - Nevsehir- Istanbul. Local flight. Transfer from Goreme to Nevsehir airport to fly to Istanbul. Arrival at Istanbul International Airport at 10:40 AM in the morning. End of our services. Last hours before the departure of your international flight.
Tour duration:
10 days 9 nights (days 1 to 9 inclusive).Pilions wishing to make the trip can do it on a bike or in the support vehicle.
The price includes:
• Motorcycle rental for the entire trip, Honda NC750X
• 450€ supplement on BMW R 1200 GS.
• 250€Africa Twin model or BMW GS 800F.
• Hotels: Moslty Hotels equivalent to 3 * and 4 *.
• Entrance fees to monuments during motorcycle trip.
• Twin-share basis; (single room supplement, additional 495€). (1*)
• Breakfast, water and tea during the trip on the road.Highway tolls and parking.
• Highway tolls and parking.
• English speaker road guide during the motorcycle tour.
• Back-up vehicle and driver, for luggage and assistance on the road (from 4 participants onwards)
• Two local flights: Istanbul - Izmir and Nevsehir - Istanbul.
• Full petrol during the tour, tools, and third party insurance.first aid equipment and medicines.
• Transfers from Istanbul airport to hotel and from hotel to airport in Cappadocia.
• Transportation of motorcycles by truck from Istanbul to Izmir and from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
The price mentioned above does not include
• The international flight to Istanbul.
• Visa for Turkey. Most European citizens do not need a visa.
• Personal expenses such as, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages or entrance fees to monuments.
• Tips for the staff of the tour or of the hotels and restaurants.
• Dinners and meals not included in "the price includes". Average price of a meal in Turkey 3/4€ .
• Transfers or transport during free days.
• Travel assistance insurance. Required (2*)
• 800€ deposit for the motorcycle. The deposit is returned if the motorcycle has no damages.
Weather
During the tour period the average temperature in Turkey is 27 °/29 °. In Cappadocia the climate is more moderate with temperatures between 22 ° and 26 ° with sunny days although it can cool down at night or early in the morning. High level sun protection, sunglasses and gloves are recommended.
Motorcycle Gear
Motorcycle equipment:
Helmet (the best is a modular one) jacket, gloves, summer boots.
Suit for motorcycle rain (It is not the rainy season although it is not uncommon for a storm in the afternoon.). A magnetized bag to put on the gas tank is something practical to carry the camera, gloves and more.
1*- Registrations will be made in strict order of the reservation date. Which means that if you book last minute, you may have to opt for a single room if there is no other person to share a double. You know, the earlier you make the reservation, the more chances you will have to sleep in a double room.
2*- It is mandatory to subscribe a travel assistance insurance that covers the use of a motorcycle. If you don't have one with your credit card or with your car or motorcycle insurance. This type of insurance covers medical expenses abroad and repatriation by plane in case of illness or accident.
