{"id":62197,"date":"2026-04-27T11:31:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T08:31:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/along-the-61st-presidential-cycling-tour-of-turkiye-1133-kilometers\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T11:56:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T08:56:02","slug":"presidential-cycling-tour-of-turkiye-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/presidential-cycling-tour-of-turkiye-route\/","title":{"rendered":"Along the 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of T\u00fcrkiye: 1,133 kilometers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When is the 2026 Presidential Cycling Tour of T\u00fcrkiye?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 61st Presidential Cycling Tour of T\u00fcrkiye will run from April 26 to May 3, 2026. The route will start on April 26 in \u00c7e\u015fme and end on May 3 in Ankara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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61st Presidential Cycling Tour of T\u00fcrkiye route:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1st stage: April 26, 2026, \u00c7e\u015fme-Ayd\u0131n, 203.1 km
2nd stage: April 27, 2026, Ayd\u0131n-Marmaris, 158 km
3rd stage: April 28, 2026, Marmaris-K\u0131ran, 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A day that begins with the wind and ends with an ancient city: \u00c7e\u015fme – Sel\u00e7uk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A panoramic aerial view of yachts at \u00c7e\u015fme Marina, the coastline, and historic \u00c7e\u015fme Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The TUR begins on the \u00c7e\u015fme Peninsula, home to the gentlest breezes of the Aegean. With its historic castle dating to Bayezid II\u2019s reign, the bougainvillea-lined cobbled streets of Ala\u00e7at\u0131, and beaches that rank among the world\u2019s leading windsurfing spots, \u00c7e\u015fme offers a perfect source of inspiration for this vast journey. You can start your day by wandering through the antique shops in Ala\u00e7at\u0131\u2019s Hac\u0131memi\u015f neighborhood, unwind in the warm waters of Il\u0131ca in the afternoon, and end your evening by watching the sunset in the shadow of the windmills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first stop after leaving \u00c7e\u015fme and passing through Urla and Seferihisar is Sel\u00e7uk. The greatest treasure here is, without a doubt, the UNESCO World Heritage site<\/a> of the Ancient City of Ephesus<\/a>. 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 Sel\u00e7uk, be sure not to miss \u015eirince, one of the Aegean\u2019s most photogenic villages, known for its stone houses, vineyards, and local beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From olive groves to hidden coves: Ayd\u0131n – Marmaris<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Marmaris
Marmaris Castle, the yacht marina, and the coastline<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On the Presidential Cycling Tour of T\u00fcrkiye route, the second stage begins in the fertile plains of Ayd\u0131n, traverses the mountainous terrain of Mu\u011fla, and ends in Marmaris, the heart of the Mediterranean. Known for its figs and olives, Ayd\u0131n is also home to captivating ancient sites, including Tralleis, Magnesia, and Nysa, that reflect the richness of antiquity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \u0130\u00e7meler and Turun\u00e7 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\u2019s famous pine honey aroma. As evening approaches, you can elevate the day by savoring local Aegean flavors at restaurants along the marina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The first decisive point of the general classification: Marmaris – K\u0131ran<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cyclists climbing steep slopes in an intense battle on the Marmaris-K\u0131ran stage<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We are on the third day of the 2026 Presidential Cycling Tour of T\u00fcrkiye. 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 Mu\u011fla\u2019s mountainous villages to K\u0131ran, 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 Mu\u011fla\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The land version of the blue voyage: Marmaris – Fethiye<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A panoramic aerial view of \u00d6l\u00fcdeniz and Belcek\u0131z Beach in Fethiye<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At the fourth stage, the route reaches Fethiye, where nature reveals its full generosity. The world-famous turquoise lagoon of \u00d6l\u00fcdeniz, Babada\u011f, the peak for paragliding enthusiasts, ancient Lycian settlements, and the ghost houses of Kayak\u00f6y await you. If you have only one day in Fethiye, we recommend a short paragliding flight from Babada\u011f, followed by a beautiful sunset walk through Kayak\u00f6y.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Sakl\u0131kent Canyon. One more note, Fethiye is also the official starting point of the legendary 535-kilometer Lycian Way<\/a>, one of the world\u2019s most beautiful long-distance hiking routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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