Taurus Mountains FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cycling in Turkey

Our cycling holiday in Turkey's Taurus Mountains is called Hidden Anatolia, and it takes small groups by e-bike and on foot through cedar forests, along lake shores and into rural villages, past ancient cities few visitors reach, to our very own private tented camp above the Köprüçay River canyon. It is a part of Turkey that sees very little tourism, and it is a trip we get a lot of questions about.

We've put together a short guide to answer the questions we hear most often, from visas and flights to toilets at camp. If yours isn't here, please get in touch and we'd be happy to talk you through it.

FAQs: Before You Travel to Turkey

Do I need a visa to go to Turkey?

Not if you hold a full British passport. UK passport holders can visit Turkey for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days after the date you arrive, with at least one blank page. Other nationalities should check the requirements for their passport, and entry rules can change, so it is worth checking the latest guidance closer to your departure date.

What are the flight options from the UK and the US?

We recommend landing in Antalya at lunchtime or in the early afternoon on day 1, so that you can be transferred into the mountains to Lake Egirdir, a journey of around two hours. Direct flights to Antalya operate from several UK airports. From the US, most routes connect through Istanbul.

Airport transfers on arrival and departure are included in the price.

Is Antalya worth an extra night?

Yes. Flights from the UK to Antalya leave early, so many guests choose to arrive the day before the journey begins. We suggest the Ruin Adalia Hotel, in the heart of the Old Town.

What's the best time of year to go?

We run the Taurus Mountains journey between April and October. Our 2027 departures are 25 April, 13 June and 26 September. These are shoulder seasons, which means the weather is great for cycling, but there's little to no crowds

What should I pack?

Good, sturdy footwear is the most important thing, as the walks cover uneven ground and the hike on the final day is steep. Bring swimwear too, as there are several chances to swim in rivers, creeks and forest pools, and warm layers for the evenings in the mountains.

Can I extend the trip?

Many guests spend time in Istanbul before or after the journey, and Cappadocia is another favourite.

FAQs: Cycling and Walking in the Taurus Mountains

How difficult is the cycling? What's the activity level?

This is an Activity Level 2 out of 5 journey, by e-bike and on foot. Cycling days run from 20 to 65km on very quiet tarmac roads, and you will barely see a car. It is a mountainous region, so there are some steep ascents and descents. A moderate level of cycling fitness is needed, but the journey suits almost all levels of cyclists.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?

No. You ride a hardtail electric bike, which does as much or as little of the work as you wish. There will always be someone travelling at your pace, and a support vehicle is on hand (although never too close) if you would like a lift.

Is there any off-road cycling?

No. It is all tarmac road cycling in Turkey.

Is the hiking hard?

The hiking is one of the best parts of the trip. You even get to walk along a 2,000 year old Roman road. Walks take between two and three hours, and the terrain can be undulating, with some steep sections on uneven ground that can be hard on the knees. The hike on the final day is the steepest, so make sure you bring sturdy footwear. There is plenty of time to take it slowly.

Is it safe?

The roads we ride are very quiet, and there are stretches where you won't see another vehicle. A dedicated Slow Cyclist host travels with you throughout, alongside two local guides who know this corner of Turkey well, and your bags are driven ahead each day.

FAQs: Travelling in the Taurus Mountains

Do we visit any of the ancient sites?

Yes. On day 1 you visit Perge, and on day 2 you visit Adada, a 2nd century city that is barely excavated, walking an ancient road in the footsteps of St Paul. If time permits, we also stop at Aspendos on the final day on the way to Antalya.

What is the tented camp like?

We built our private camp outside the village of Cukurca, high above the Köprüçay river canyon, in what we call the Magic Valley were you spend two nights. There are proper toilets and showers a short walk from the tents. They are fairly basic, but the beauty of camp is the view and the quiet. Many guests tell us they wish they could have stayed longer.

Is there Wi-Fi at camp?

Yes, but only in the main dining tent.

Where else do we stay?

This part of Turkey is almost untouched by tourism, so the guest houses can be basic, but they are characterful and the hosts are welcoming. On your last evening, Erdinc's wife, Emine, prepares a feast at the guest house in Caltepe.

What's the food like?

Locally sourced and home-cooked, often in the homes, gardens and villages of local people. Lunches include a tiny family-run village restaurant by a creek and a garden lunch with Shevki and his family near Selge. All meals, drinks and snacks are included.

Why is the flight so late on the final day?

Because there is a full day planned. We start the morning with a 45 minute ride to Deli Sarnic, then walk through its rock formations, one of our favourite landscapes anywhere. After lunch in a family garden we drive to Antalya, stopping at Aspendos if time permits. Many guests book a late flight or stay a night in Antalya.

What's included in the price?

Everything from the moment you land. That's your electric mountain bike, a dedicated Slow Cyclist host, two local guides, airport transfers and luggage transport, accommodation, all food, drinks and snacks, and every activity and cultural visit, including Adada.

Private departures start from £3,395 per person, based on 12 guests. Scheduled departures are £3,585 per person for five nights.