Biking in Turkey
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Practical Info

Practical Info

We’re here to give you the best Turkish biking experience with the minimum of hassle. Check out the information below about things like travel, visas and transfers.

Getting here:

Unless you are coming from a neighbouring country, the easiest way to get here is by air. Turkish Airlines are the best place to go as they offer connecting flights to regional airports such as Kayseri (Cappadocia), Izmir or Dalaman (Aegean) and Erzurum (Kackar). Our parent company middleearthtravel based in Goreme, Cappadocia, is a fully affiliated Turkish Airlines sales agent and offers highly competitive prices. We can also include flights in your tour package- please email or comment on this page with your request. It’s our job to help you find the flight you need.

Travelling with your bike:

Whether you travel by air, sea or land, travelling with a bike can present challenges but is on the whole straightforward as long as you find out the rules and regulations from your carrier before hand! We have found the best way to fly with a bike is to package it with the minimum of cardboard so only the fragile bits are protected. That way, airport staff cn clearly see it’s a bike, and are more likely to treat it as such. Remember to let down the tyres, remove the pedals and turn the handlebars straight though! Bike boxes and purpose build carrying cases are another option. We can often store these at your arrival point. Note that we will go to all possible lengths to assist you with packing up your bike for the return journey!

Transfers:

We will meet the flights specified by you on the booking form but please let us know if you make any changes. Transfers are included in the price of the tour.

Vehicle Support:

We use high quality modern minibuses to transport passengers and baggage, plus purpose built bike trailers for the bikes. We don’t cut corners on here- on many occasions it is our only link with the outside world so we choose vehicles and drivers very carefully! The best thing about a fully vehicle supported tour is that, road network permitting, you can ride as much or as little as you like!

Visas:

Certain nationalities are required to purchase a Turkish visa on entering the country, others must arrange it before hand. Check out our page Travelling to Turkey and Tom Brosnahan’s Turkey Travel Planner to find out what you need! Note it is your responsibility to obtain the correct visa!

Vaccinations:

No special vaccinations are required but we recommend bikers are up to date for their tetanus boosters.
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Food and Drink

On all tours drinks (apart from bottled water whilst riding) are extra, so please keep some Turkish Lira currency handy.

Drinking Water

Most tap water in hotels is drinkable (although it doesn't always taste great). Generally, springs (with taps) in the countryside (or by cemeteries or mosques) are also safe to drink- your guide will advise.

Turkey Practical Basics

Turkish SIM cards are a good idea to avoid roaming charges

Turkey Practical Basics

Turkey uses European-style sockets

Turkey Practical Basics

ATMs are common and these are a safe and convenient way to withdraw money.

Money

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY) and although exchange rates do fluctuate you can budget on around 55 TRY to the US Dollar or Euro and 65 TRY to the GBP Sterling (August 2026 rates). Turkey has become quite expensive in recent years, but the quality of services (accommodation, restaurants, vehicles etc) available reflects this. ATMs are common and these are a safe and convenient way to withdraw money. Credit cards are also widely accepted and cash (in all major currencies) is easily changed. Spending requirements vary, so please consider your own spending habits when allowing for drinks, shopping, optional activities, and tipping. Please note that during the course of your tour we are responsible for your baggage but you are responsible for your money, tickets and passport. Please be careful not to forget any belongings in hotel rooms- particularly hotel keys!

Travel Insurance and Travel Formalities

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips and we require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please let us know your travel insurance details (policy number and claim line) in advance so should there be any need for medical treatment we can organise the red tape with no additional hassle or expense to you. Please also make sure you have access to an additional US\$400 (or equivalent), to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control. While we always endeavour to provide the best possible biking experience, due to the nature of adventure travel, the areas we visit and the activities we carry out, sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your guide immediately.

It is very important to check the required passport validity in plenty of time before the tour in case you need to apply for a new passport! The Turkish government website states which nationalities require a visa, and which can travel with only a valid passport or ID card. Please check this web page in advance.

Feedback and Tipping

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. We have a Testimonials page on our website where you can share your opinions, plus a Trip Advisor account which is invaluable in boosting our presence. If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service and is a key feature of the tourism industry. As a rough rule, we suggest a total amount of 5-10% of tour basic cost, divided between guide, driver and any other staff you'd like to tip.

Dogs

Almost always more bark than bite, normally guard dogs will be chained up or fenced in and any other dogs are likely strays and very timid. If a dog (especially a dog guarding farm animals) does look nasty, get off your bike at once, put it between you and them (like a weapon) and shout aggressively. Never try to outrun a dog- it is more likely to bite if it's chasing you!

Taking Pictures

It's always polite to ask if you can take someone's picture, but people normally won't mind. Men taking pictures of women should exercise extreme discretion though.

Getting Here

Unless you are coming from a neighbouring country, the easiest way to get here is by air. Turkish Airlines are the best place to go as they offer connecting flights to regional airports such as Kayseri (Cappadocia), Izmir or Dalaman (Aegean) and Erzurum (Kackar). Our parent company middleearthtravel based in Goreme, Cappadocia, is a fully affiliated Turkish Airlines sales agent and offers highly competitive prices. We can also include flights in your tour package please email or comment on this page with your request. It’s our job to help you find the flight you need.

Travelling With Your Bike

Whether you travel by air, sea or land, travelling with a bike can present challenges but is on the whole straightforward as long as you find out the rules and regulations from your carrier before hand! We have found the best way to fly with a bike is to package it with the minimum of cardboard so only the fragile bits are protected. That way, airport staff cn clearly see it’s a bike, and are more likely to treat it as such. Remember to let down the tyres, remove the pedals and turn the handlebars straight though! Bike boxes and purpose build carrying cases are another option. We can often store these at your arrival point. Note that we will go to all possible lengths to assist you with packing up your bike for the return journey!

Transfers

We will meet the flights specified by you on the booking form but please let us know if you make any changes. Transfers are included in the price of the tour.

Vehicle Support

We use high quality modern minibuses to transport passengers and baggage, plus purpose built bike trailers for the bikes. We don’t cut corners on here on many occasions it is our only link with the outside world so we choose vehicles and drivers very carefully! The best thing about a fully vehicle supported tour is that, road network permitting, you can ride as much or as little as you like!

Visas

Certain nationalities are required to purchase a Turkish visa on entering the country, others must arrange it before hand. Check out our page Travelling to Turkey and Tom Brosnahan’s Turkey Travel Planner to find out what you need! Note it is your responsibility to obtain the correct visa!