- Cycle through seldom visited villages & valleys
-Visit bizarrely shaped rock forms and exotically contoured cliffs
-Explore an underground network of tunnels, rock-cut churches and cities

Rock-cut Churches of Ihlara
Our first ride takes us through the narrow valley of Ihlara, where majestic cliffs rise on either side - up to 170 metres in places. Dozens of rock-cut churches puncture the cliff sides, carved here in the Byzantine era by early Christians who painted wonderful frescoes in black, orange and carmine on the vaulted ceilings and walls.

Amongst the Fairy Chimneys
We explore the extraordinary underground city of Kaymakli and then cycle into the heart of the region, through valleys lined with cones and "fairy chimneys" (tall columns of ash rock protected from erosion by blocks of basalt perched precariously on top). Whilst the landscape itself is dramatic the route we follow is relatively undemanding, following gentle trails along the valley floor.

Anatolian Villages & Hospitality
Cycling from village to village and staying in small, family-run pensions, we encounter the hospitality for which Turkey is famous. Plenty of time is allowed each day for unplanned breaks: pause to watch the harvest being brought in, accept an invitation for tea or join the locals in a game of "tavla" (backgammon). During our time in this remarkable landscape we cycle through the perfectly contoured White Valley to Uchisar - a near vertical tower of rock honeycombed with tunnels and passages - climbing to the top for panoramic views of the whole region: a truly magical sight.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Ankara. 2 Drive Marmasun Dam, cycle through Ihlara Valley. 3 Visit Kaymakli Underground City, cycle to Mustafapasa. 4 Cycle to Damsa Lake and through Pancarlyk Valley to Ortahisar and on to Goreme. 5 Day ride from Kavak to Ibrahimpasa and Uchisar. 6 Cycle via the "Valley of Hermits" and Zelve to Avanos and Goreme. 7 Cycle from Red Valley to Urgup; drive to Ankara. 8 End Ankara.

Accommodation: 2nts staying at standard hotels, 5nts standard local pension; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: 21-27 - gear mountain bikes with front suspension, waterbottle/holder, pump, lock and rear pannier for day things.
Comment: Grade A/B, easy to moderate - 130km/6 days (average of 27km/cycling day). We cycle mainly on small, unsurfaced farm tracks and occasionally on minor rural back roads. There is relatively little ascent/descent each day, but routes can easily be extended for keener cyclists and your tour leader can show you some more challenging off-road sections. Cycle on 50% farm tracks; 50% asphalt.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus local guide and support driver. Luggage is moved on by a support vehicle; you carry only what you need for the day. The leader and guide cycle with the group while the support driver transfers luggage and is available to assist if
Trip Reference: CCF