When is the 2026 Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye?
The 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye will run from April 26 to May 3, 2026. The route will start on April 26 in Çeşme and end on May 3 in Ankara.
61st Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye route:
1st stage: April 26, 2026, Çeşme-Aydın, 203.1 km
2nd stage: April 27, 2026, Aydın-Marmaris, 158 km
3rd stage: April 28, 2026, Marmaris-Kıran, 129.2 km
4th stage: April 29, 2026, Marmaris-Fethiye, 128 km
5th stage: April 30, 2026, Patara-Kemer, 196.7 km
6th stage: May 1, 2026, Antalya-Feslikan, 130 km
7th stage: May 2, 2026, Antalya, 149.5 km
8th stage: May 3, 2026, Ankara, 105.1 km
A day that begins with the wind and ends with an ancient city: Çeşme – Selçuk
The TUR begins on the Çeşme Peninsula, home to the gentlest breezes of the Aegean. With its historic castle dating to Bayezid II’s reign, the bougainvillea-lined cobbled streets of Alaçatı, and beaches that rank among the world’s leading windsurfing spots, Çeşme offers a perfect source of inspiration for this vast journey. You can start your day by wandering through the antique shops in Alaçatı’s Hacımemiş neighborhood, unwind in the warm waters of Ilıca in the afternoon, and end your evening by watching the sunset in the shadow of the windmills.
The first stop after leaving Çeşme and passing through Urla and Seferihisar is Selçuk. The greatest treasure here is, without a doubt, the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ancient City of Ephesus. Standing before the grand columns of the Celsus Library, you feel as if you are breathing the same air as those who walked these marble streets two thousand years ago. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Basilica of St. John; and the House of the Virgin Mary are also essential stops on this unique route. While you are in Selçuk, be sure not to miss Şirince, one of the Aegean’s most photogenic villages, known for its stone houses, vineyards, and local beverages.
From olive groves to hidden coves: Aydın – Marmaris
On the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye route, the second stage begins in the fertile plains of Aydın, traverses the mountainous terrain of Muğla, and ends in Marmaris, the heart of the Mediterranean. Known for its figs and olives, Aydın is also home to captivating ancient sites, including Tralleis, Magnesia, and Nysa, that reflect the richness of antiquity.
As cyclists cross the finish line in Marmaris, travelers’ journey of discovery is just beginning. Enchanting in every season, with its pine-covered peninsulas and turquoise waters, Marmaris offers a historic castle housing the Archaeology Museum, or a chance to step away from the lively center and explore the peaceful coves of Bozburun or Selimiye. İçmeler and Turunç offer excellent starting points for unforgettable boat tours. During these excursions, you can breathe in the refreshing scent of the sea, blended with the region’s famous pine honey aroma. As evening approaches, you can elevate the day by savoring local Aegean flavors at restaurants along the marina.
The first decisive point of the general classification: Marmaris – Kıran
We are on the third day of the 2026 Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye. Here, the first real test of the tour comes into focus for athletes and nature lovers alike. This stage, which runs across the rugged terrain of inland Marmaris, extends through Muğla’s mountainous villages to Kıran, a settlement connected to Fethiye. For travelers following this route by car or motorcycle, the greatest advantage is the chance to unlock a hidden door to Muğla’s lesser-known interior, where authentic village life unfolds. With their cool, pine-scented mountain air, centuries-old stone houses, and deep stillness, these villages offer a perfect escape for those seeking to step away from crowded coastal towns and be alone with nature.
The land version of the blue voyage: Marmaris – Fethiye
At the fourth stage, the route reaches Fethiye, where nature reveals its full generosity. The world-famous turquoise lagoon of Ölüdeniz, Babadağ, the peak for paragliding enthusiasts, ancient Lycian settlements, and the ghost houses of Kayaköy await you. If you have only one day in Fethiye, we recommend a short paragliding flight from Babadağ, followed by a beautiful sunset walk through Kayaköy.
If you have more time, you can take a pleasant boat tour to Butterfly Valley or enjoy a refreshing walk through the icy waters of Saklıkent Canyon. One more note, Fethiye is also the official starting point of the legendary 535-kilometer Lycian Way, one of the world’s most beautiful long-distance hiking routes.
The longest stage in the embrace of history and the sea: Patara – Kemer
The fifth day, the longest and perhaps the most captivating stage of the tour, begins in Patara. A place that deserves a few days to itself, Patara was once the capital of the Lycian League and the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, known as Santa Claus. As you step into this ancient city through the Roman Triumphal Arch, you can visit what is known as the first democratic assembly building in history.
Another marvel of Patara is its legendary 18-kilometer beach. One of the longest beaches in Türkiye, this fine sandy shore is also a rare, protected area where Caretta caretta sea turtles have laid their eggs for millions of years. Exploring the ancient city in the cool early morning and then drifting into the refreshing waters of the beach in the afternoon create one of the most unforgettable days along the TUR route.
From here, cyclists pass through Kalkan, Kaş, Demre (ancient Myra and the Church of Saint Nicholas), Finike, and Kumluca, reaching Kemer, where pine forests meet the sea at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. When you arrive in Kemer, do not miss swimming in the pine-shaded coves of Phaselis Ancient City, breathing in the mystical atmosphere of Olympos, and visiting Yanartaş, where natural gas flames have burned for years without going out.
Queen stage at 1.850 meters: Antalya – Feslikan
In professional cycling, the most challenging and decisive stage that determines the fate of the tour is called the “Queen Stage.” The Queen Stage of 2026 is the magnificent Feslikan Plateau. Starting from the Mediterranean coast and climbing toward the Taurus Mountains, this stage ends with a breathtaking summit finish at 1.850 meters. While this climb tests riders’ knees and limits, it reveals to travelers that Antalya is not only about sea and sand, opening up its remarkable highland culture.
Feslikan Plateau, connected to the Akseki district, with its centuries-old cedar forests, crystal-clear air, and rich highland traditions, is a favorite refuge for those escaping the scorching summer heat. When you find yourself in this region, be sure to taste the area’s famous strained yogurt, fresh cheeses, and a hearty highland breakfast. In addition, the historic bay-windowed houses of Akseki and the architecturally remarkable button houses open the door to a new cultural layer.
A grand loop in the capital of the Mediterranean: Antalya – Antalya
The seventh stage comprises a grand loop centered on Antalya, encompassing some of the city’s most beautiful views. With 300 days of sunshine a year and a different kind of beauty in every season, Antalya is one of the most enjoyable stops on this route.
Be sure to set aside a full day for Kaleiçi. With its narrow cobbled streets, Yivli Minaret, Hadrian’s Gate, and the steps leading down to the old harbor, this historic quarter feels like a living open-air museum. You can dedicate another day to Aspendos, home to one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theaters, renowned for its perfect acoustics. To feel nature’s vitality, add Düden and Kurşunlu Waterfalls to your list; to dive into history, include the ancient cities of Perge and Termessos. Unwinding on the Konyaaltı and Lara beaches along the city’s long coastline is the perfect reward at the end of the day. If you would like to explore the city in more detail, check out our Antalya travel guide.
The grand finale in the capital: Ankara – Ankara
The TUR returns to the capital, Ankara, after a long break, and the grand finale unfolds along the axis of Beştepe, the Presidential Complex, and Anıtkabir. This vast journey, beginning among the ancient ruins of the Aegean, ends in the heart of modern Türkiye, in Ankara.
If you are staying in Ankara, Anıtkabir should be at the top of your list. Then you can visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which offers one of the most comprehensive overviews of Anatolian history, spanning the Neolithic period to the Ottoman era. The historic urban fabric of Ulus, the carefully restored Ottoman houses of Hamamönü, and Ankara Castle, where you can take in the city from above and enjoy the sunset, are among the ideal stops for truly experiencing the capital. If you would like to explore the city in more detail, take a look at our Ankara travel guide.
Planning tips for travelers along the route
Completing the entire TUR route in eight days is the work of professional athletes. You can turn this 1,133-kilometer route into a pleasant road journey of two or three weeks at your own pace. For example, you can plan the İzmir, Çeşme, Selçuk, and Aydın line as a wonderful Aegean holiday, and consider the Marmaris, Fethiye, Patara, Kaş, Kemer, and Antalya line as a legendary blue voyage route. You can also add Ankara to your list as a separate, culture-filled weekend trip.
It is no coincidence that the tour takes place between late April and early May. This period is when Türkiye’s coasts are at their most captivating. These spring days, when the sea is just beginning to warm, the tourist crowds have not yet arrived, and nature awakens in full color, are ideal for exploring ancient cities and coves without the oppressive heat.
If you want to divide this 1,133-kilometer route into segments based on your own plan, Turkish Airlines’ extensive domestic network makes it easy. Four airport gateways await you along the route, with numerous daily flights between them. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is the closest gateway to the Çeşme, Selçuk, and Aydın stages. From here, it takes about 1.5 hours to Çeşme, 1 hour to Selçuk, and 1 hour 15 minutes to central Aydın via Kuşadası. Muğla Dalaman Airport is ideally located for Marmaris, Fethiye, Patara, and Kaş. You can reach Marmaris in 1 hour 30 minutes, Fethiye in 45 minutes, and Patara in about 2 hours. Antalya Airport is the most practical option for Kemer, Feslikan, Antalya center, and Aspendos; it takes 1 hour to Kemer and about 2 hours 30 minutes to Feslikan Plateau via the mountain road. For the final stop of the route, Ankara, Esenboğa Airport is the right gateway; you can reach the city center in 45 minutes by airport buses. To discover the hidden paradises along the route of this grand event, explore domestic flight options and start planning your own adventure.
About the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye (TUR)
The Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye is a successful road race that has established itself among international sporting events. The race, which began in 1963 as the Marmara Tour, gained international status in 1965. From 1966 onward, it came under the patronage of the Presidency. TUR is also a highly valuable race, hosting cycling teams from around the world amid Türkiye’s natural and historical beauty.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye held?
The 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye will take place between April 26 and May 3, 2026. The event is held at the end of spring, during one of the most beautiful periods along Türkiye’s coasts.
What is the total distance of the 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye route?
The 2026 route spans 1,133.5 kilometers. It is divided into 8 stages and connects the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Central Anatolia regions.
Which cities does TUR 2026 pass through?
The race starts in the Çeşme district of Izmir. It follows the route through Aydın, Muğla, and Antalya, and finishes in the capital, Ankara. Along the route, it passes through 5 cities, more than 20 districts, and nearly 60 villages and towns.
How many days would it take to complete the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye route by car?
To explore the route at a comfortable pace, 2-3 weeks is ideal. For a shorter trip, you can split the route into two: the Çeşme-Selçuk-Aydın line can become a 4-5-day Aegean holiday, while the Marmaris-Fethiye-Patara-Kaş-Kemer-Antalya line can become a 7-10-day Mediterranean journey.
Which stage is best to watch the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye?
In terms of atmosphere and scenery, the Patara-Kemer stage (April 30) stands out for its length and coastal views. For adrenaline, the Feslikan summit finish (May 1) is unquestionably the most exciting moment. The final takes place in Ankara, with the 8th stage running along the Beştepe and Anıtkabir axis.
Is it possible to swim in the sea at the end of April?
Along the coasts of Marmaris, Fethiye, and Antalya, sea temperatures are around 20 degrees, making short swims possible. The sheltered coves of Patara and Kemer offer a particularly pleasant experience around midday.
