Today we arrive in the delightful village of Dalyan. Located in the heart of ancient Caria the setting is sublime, by a river overlooked by floodlit ancient tombs. We settle in and look forward to a week of cycling adventures.

Today we get equipped with our bikes. These are either well-maintained Giant Ferrazo or Bisan Mountain bikes. All 24 gears, equipped with V-brakes, front suspension, and gel saddle. Helmets are provided and must be worn when cycling. They are adjusted to our individual sizes to ensure a comfortable ride and then we are off!

Our first ride is a tour of around 30km, firstly down to the 4.5km-long beach, known locally as Caretta Caretta Beach where, for millions of years, the endangered loggerhead turtle has been nesting. Our route is fairly straightforward with one climb to the village of Gökbel where we stop to enjoy lunch and fine views over the beach and river delta.

Today’s ride is around 55km. Now we are limbered up we set off to explore the villages of the hinterland and gain a vivid insight into local Turkish life. We visit numerous villages, sample their local cuisine, tea and their generous amounts of warm hospitality.

Cycling through aromatic forests of frankincense trees, orange groves and crossing many babbling brooks we enter the ancient village of Eşkiköy, with its Ottoman houses, mosque and old gardens. We make several stops including some for swimming in the local rivers and shimmering warm lakes or the region.

A 60km ride in the environs of Köyceğiz and its lake. We start with a cruise up the river by traditional Turkish fishing boat to the Köyceğiz Lake where we continue to Köyceğiz a small market town, located on the north shore of the lake. Our ride around the lake takes us through gently sloping, cool forests and on to the tiny settlement of Sultaniye. In Sultaniye you can bathe in the relaxing hot springs where naturally heated sulphurous waters come steaming up out of the ground.

After lunch we cycle further down the lake to the world famous Dalyan mud baths. The naturally occurring mud bubbles up from the ground, and after generous application and washing it off in the small stream, your skin feels the softest it has ever been. Your skin’s pores open and wrinkles are smoothed away, perhaps albeit temporarily!

Our last stop of the day is at the ancient city of Caunos where ruins from thousands of years ago can be explored. Finally, old rowing boats take us the short distance back across the river to Dalyan.

Setting out by jeep we head 900m up Ölmez Mountain, where, at the top we are surrounded by historical ruins, built on the once fabled mountain of Olympus. From here we look down through forests and canyons to the delta and lake gleaming far below, and our descent. Usually the days are crystal clear in Turkey and so although a long way away, more often than not the Greek island of Rhodes can be seen on the horizon, as well as the bay of Marmaris.

Next we cycle 35km down the mountain through forests and fields to arrive in time for lunch in Ekincik, a small but stunning little village and beach. After swimming we head back by boat to the Dalyan delta and the town of Dalyan.

We start today’s ride at a height of 456m above seal level at Bozburun Hill, overlooking Dalyan. This is the longest day’s ride, but the most rewarding as it takes us to the idyllic bay of Asi Koyu, a remote beach out of reach of all but the most determined travellers, as it is found only by an experienced local guide who knows the country tracks intimately. After ample swimming in the azure sea the ride back is mountainous and will ensure a good night’s sleep tonight.

Today has mostly been left free to relax. We can enjoy the market, have a sail on the river or relax by the pool. At the end of the day we have a treat in store with a traditional Turkish Bath. We guarantee you’ll never feel as clean, refreshed and relaxed as when you emerge!

A steaming hot sauna relaxes the muscles and loosens the skin before a traditional scrub get you sparkling clean. This process has a soothing effect leaving you feel clean like never before. For a final treat and highly recommended finish you bath with an authentic soap massage - the ultimate relaxation experience. After your bath cool down as you relax with a glass of Turkish tea before dressing and returning to Dalyan

Today has mostly been left free to relax. We can enjoy the market, have a sail on the river or relax by the pool. At the end of the day we have a treat in store with a traditional Turkish Bath. We guarantee you’ll never feel as clean, refreshed and relaxed as when you emerge!

A steaming hot sauna relaxes the muscles and loosens the skin before a traditional scrub get you sparkling clean. This process has a soothing effect leaving you feel clean like never before. For a final treat and highly recommended finish you bath with an authentic soap massage - the ultimate relaxation experience. After your bath cool down as you relax with a glass of Turkish tea before dressing and returning to Dalyan.