e-Bike the UNESCO Sites of Aegean Turkey
With some of the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, the Aegean Coast of Turkey is bursting with a storied history of world firsts and a modern culture of deliciously simplistic food and wine, quaint village architecture, and unmatched local hospitality.
This tour combines these five sites with five scenic cycling routes showcasing the region’s pastoral and forested countryside. We’ll visit coastal cobblestone streets, groves of olive and fragrant fruit, picturesque local villages, and of course, some of history’s most important sites, places that have shaped the course of our modern era.
Highlights
- Cycling quiet village roads
- Diverse and beautiful landscapes
- Hilltop city of Pergamon
- Structures and sculptures of Aphrodisias
- Ancient daily life in Ephesus’ Terrace Houses
- Stunning sunset views in Pamukkale
- Fresh, healthy, and delicious Aegean food
e-Bike the UNESCO Sites of Aegean Turkey
Dates: September 22nd – 28th, 2026
Region: Aegean Coast
Trip Length: 7 days
Activities: Biking, Sightseeing
Arrival/Departure Airport: Izmir ADB
Price: Starting from €4800 per person
Tour Details
Five days, five scenic rides, and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is history, nature, and activity to the max.
DAY ONE - Fly to Izmir. Arrive at Cunda.
Upon arriving we’ll head to the island of Cunda, famous for its narrow, stone-paved streets and traditional houses. Explore as much as possible, taking advantage of the town’s laid back atmosphere, great restaurants, and picture-worthy corners.
DAY TWO - BIKE Cunda to Pergamon 55km. VISIT Pergamon.
Pergamon
After breakfast in the sea air, we’ll be transferred to the village of Yenikoy for the start of today’s ride. Our cycling route runs under towering nut pines and through a boulder-covered landscape before approaching the hilltop site of Pergamon. The northernmost of the seven churches of Asia, Pergamon once served as the capital of the Attalid Dynasty (281-133 BCE) and was a major center of culture and learning in the Greek World. We’ll spend the evening in the town of Bergama, an extension of the ancient ruins flowing out across the hillside.
DAY THREE - Transfer. Visit Sardes. BIKE to Birgi 49 km.
Sardis
Today’s UNESCO site is the ancient city of Sardis, the capital of the Lydians, known as the first civilization to mint coins and, therefore, standardize currency. This Iron Age (8th-6th centuries BCE) had a distinct language and religion before falling under the control of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. After a guided tour of the ruins, we’ll ride from Sardis up through high pastures and down to the village of Birgi. High in the hills, Birgi has preserved its traditional village houses and culture of local production.
DAY FOUR - Transfer. BIKE to Pamukkale 56 km. VISIT Hierapolis
Pamukkale
Pamukkale has become world famous for its bright white travertines and endlessly photographable landscape, but the site is also home to the ancient city of Hierapolis. The site served as somewhat of a thermal spa or holiday destination for the ancients living in the region; strikingly similar to the purpose it still serves today. Today’s ride traverses the pastoral hillside, passing fields of wheat and grapevines with the mountains of Denizli providing a scenic backdrop. We’ll spend the night in the touristy town of Pamukkale, visiting the ruins and travertines at sunset, when they are most stunning.
DAY FIVE - Transfer. BIKE to Aphrodisias 42 km. VISIT Aphrodisias
Aphrodisias
After breakfast we’ll head to the town of Babadag; high in the mountains, Babadag is characterized by its verdant fields and fruit groves, where waters flow freely in contrast to the often-dry coast. From there, we’ll cycle towards our next UNESCO site: Aphrodisias. After cycling through forest and quaint villages, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the underrated and little-visited ancient city, known for its sparkling white marble, ancient school of sculpture, and the gorgeous structures and statues that the two created. This evening will be spent in a nice, local guesthouse, far from the bustling crowds of more popular destinations.
DAY SIX - Transfer. BIKE to Ephesus 23 km. VISIT Ephesus
Ephesus
Today we’ll be cycling through the villages, fruit groves, and scenic hills nearby Ephesus, one of Turkey’s best-known and most popular ancient sites. One of the 12 members of the Ionian league, one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation, and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus is world-renowned for good reason. In addition to the grand ruins, today we’ll also enjoy lunch and wine tasting in a local winery and spend the evening scoping relaxing in the village of Sirince.
DAY SEVEN - Transfer Out.
Based on flight times, we might visit some of Ephesus’s nearby sites including the Ephesus Museum, St. Jean Basilica, and the Isa Bey Mosque, before our departure from Izmir Airport.
Level 2: Generally fit, Easy asphalt riding
All transfers, bike rental and maintenance, refreshments during activities, professional guide, hotel accommodation, all meals.
Orbea Kemen e-bikes
Istanbul – Spend a couple exciting days before or after this trip in the legendary crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Accommodation
Cunda – Despot Evi
Bergama – Attalos Suites
Birgi – Saliha Hanim Tas Konak
Pamukkale – Haltur Hotel
Aphrodisias – Anatolia Hotel
Sirince – Nisanyan Houses
Why travel with Roots
Embark on an unforgettable adventure travel journey through the ancient wonders of Turkey, Greece, and beyond with our travel experiences that seamlessly blend historical marvels with modern delights.