Itinerary
Islandhopping – Bike & Boat
South Greek Aegean from/to Bodrum
8 days / 7 nights | from/to Bodrum | Guided bike tours
max. 114–120 miles /184–194 km by bicycle |Level 2–3
On this tour, we explore the Dodecanese Islands in the Southern Greek Aegean by bike and boat. Let yourself be mesmerized by the towering volcano crater of Nissyros and the charm of Symi with its wonderful neo-classical buildings. A true highlight of the trip is the bike tour on the Datca Peninsula that leads through spectacular nature to the beautiful bay of Knidos with its ancient remains. Come with us on a journey through time and discover the rock throwing Poseidon, the Knights of St John, and the famous sponge divers of Symi. They have all contributed to the unique character of these islands through their legacies, both in the form of exciting legends and incredible historical structures.
On all dates the South Greek Aegean MTB & Boat Tour takes place on the same ship. One of the tour guides leads the hybrid cyclists while the other guide takes care of the MTB group. We are pleased to send you detailed tour itinerary of the MTB & Boat tours on request.
Highlights of this bike and boat trip
✔ The thermal bath of Kos
✔ Sunny Islans in the Greek Aegean Sea
✔ The monastery of St. John of Chora
✔ Stay on traditional luxe bike cruise boats
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sat): Bodrum (Embarkation)
Individual arrival to Bodrum harbour. A collective transfer from Bodrum Airport to the harbour is available for an extra cost on request. Check in begins on the Gullet at 2 pm. Use the evening hours to enjoy the lively atmosphere in the city of Bodrum and relax with a typical Turkish tea. In the evening, a shared dinner on board can be enjoyed in the company of your travel companions and tour guides.
Day 2 (Sun): Bodrum – Yalıçiftlik (round tour) – Kos (Cycling aprx. 23 mi./38 km)
After breakfast we raise the anchor for a short cruise to Yaliciftlik. From here we start our first bike ride through the local pine forests to Camlik where we will have the chance to refresh ourselves with a short coffee break. We continue cycling through silver-green olive groves to the small village of Etrim. Ancestors of the Turkmen tribes continue to live semi-nomadic lives in the region. We can marvel at their fascinating hand crafts and during a lunch break at a local restaurant we can discover some local cuisine. After lunch we return to Yaliciftlik where we board the boat and cruise to the island of Kos. A wealth of cultural sights in Kos town provide an insight into the town’s turbulent historical past including the Roman Forum, the Crusader fortress, and the mosques from the time when Kos was part of the Ottoman Empire. The evening can be spent in one of the numerous bars or cafes in the town.
Day 3 (Mon): Kos Island/Kos Town - Nisyros Island (Cycling aprx. 19 mi./30 km)
Today we bike in the direction of the world-famous archaeological excavation site of the Asclepion in Kos, the former home of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. From here we cycle along the coast back towards the town of Kos, where we board the boat and cruise to the volcanic island of Nisyros.
Day 4 (Tue): Nisyros Island – Tilos Island (Cycling aprx. 19 – 25 mi./30 – 40 km)
Today’s cycle tour leads us first to Nikia - a mountain village built directly on the edge of the volcanic crater at 1,400 ft./430 m above sea level. From here we can enjoy a spectacular view into the crater of the volcano. The volcano, white houses, and numerous pebble mosaics are a truly special highlight of this tour. From here we cycle on along the crater with its steaming sulphur springs before heading back to the small port town of Mandraki where our boat is already waiting to take us to Tilos Island, inhabited since ancient times.
Day 5 (Wed): Tilos Island - Chalki island (Cycling aprx. 14 mi./ 22 km)
Our morning bike ride takes us from Livadia to Megalochorio. Here, those interested have time to visit the pygmy elephant museum, before returning to the boat. A tasty lunch awaits us on board followed by a relaxing cruise from Tilos to the island of Chalki. The picturesque island capital offers a first impression of the classic architecture style which we will see on Symi.
Day 6 (Thu): Chalki Island – Symi Island (Cycling aprx. 16 mi./25 km)
In the morning we sail to Panormitis Bay, which lies just off the island of Symi, to visit the local monastery. Afterwards, we head off for the other side of the island. Cycling up several switchbacks, we slowly conquer the hill, allowing ourselves enough time to enjoy the picturesque views on the way up. Our destination is the island’s capital, Symi, with its classical cityscape and harbour. In the evening, we can head to the upper part of Symi town. From the top we have a breath-taking view over the harbour and the coastline of the bay. An evening visit to a remote tavern allowa us to enjoy the evening away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Day 7 (Fri): Datça (Datça-Peninsula) – Knidos - Bodrum (Cycling aprx. 26 mi./41 km)
In the morning, we make our way from Symi to the neighbouring Datça Peninsula, back in Turkey. Today’s bike tour takes us from the Datça district along the peninsula to the historical ruins of Knidos (4th century BC) with its wonderfully preserved amphitheatre. After a visit to the impressive archaeological site, you will cross over to Bodrum. We say farewell to guests, guides, and crew with a festive evening on board.
Day 8 (Sat): Bodrum (Disembarkation)
Disembarkation after breakfast. Collective transfers to Bodrum Airport.
Itinerary changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be run in reverse order. Our tours are dependent on weather conditions and the final decision is that of the captain.
