Central Greek Aegean (Bike and Boat) – 8 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 3
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 15 Miles/day average
Dates: Saturdays: Apr 18-Jun 13, Sep 5-Oct 31, 2015
Tour price: €1390
Start city: Bodrum, Turkey
End city: Bodrum, Turkey
Tour Description
On a comfortable Turkish “Gulet”, a traditional two-masted sailboat, and by bicycle, explore the sun islands of the Greek Aegean. The islands are a magical and mythical world filled with historical monuments and an abundance of stories. It is a world painted by the sun and surrounded by the life-giving sea.
Come with us on a voyage of discovery and experience the Aegean from a special perspective, namely, by land and by sea. Relax while swimming in idyllic bays, enjoy the fabulous vistas, and walk in the footsteps of a turbulent, glorious past. Let us take you to the ancient Asclipion where Hippocrates, the famous physician, practiced his art. Enjoy the peaceful and lovely island Lipsi and dive into the atmosphere of the holy island Patmos. Be astonished by the unique panoramic views which are offered during the cycle tours.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Bodrum, Turkey (Boarding) Day 2: Island of Kos (15 miles/25 km) We spend the evening in Kos, the lively capital of the island. On a tour through the town, we come with each step across traces of the island’s great past. The Roman forum, the fortress of the Knights of St. John, and the mosques from the time when Kos was part of the Ottoman empire stand shoulder to shoulder. We can end the evening relaxing in one of the town’s numerous bars and cafes. Day 3: Leros Island (15 miles/25 km) Passing the idyllic harbour of the town we cycle on to the seaside chapel of Agios Isidoros, in which many couples get married. Following the sea we reach a beautiful sandy beach where we may stop for a swim or a coffe. In the afternoon we cross over to the island of Patmos- its snow white upper town and its towering monastery can be seen form afar already. Dinner takes place on board. Day 4: Island of Patmos and Lipsi (10+6 miles/16+10 km) After a visit we cycle past a wonderful beach until we reach the port. We meet the boat for lunch and cruise on to Lipsi. In the late afternoon we explore Lipsi by bike, taking us almost around the entire island. Do not miss to visit the legendary pastry shop at the port! Day 5: Kalymnos Island (25 miles/39 km) A mountain pass leads us eventually to the other side of the island where we have lunch before heading back to Pothia. In the afternoon we have enough time to explore Pothia and its old town on foot. One can clearly realise the influence of the sponge diving wealth for its inhabitants. Dinner on board. Overnight near Pothia. Day 6: Kos Island (25 miles/40 km) Day 7: Island of Kos (19 miles/30 km) Later on, our boat takes us back to Bodrum, where we can stroll again through the lively old town. The last evening aboard takes place traditionally and includes the communal dinner and a last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with crew and tour guides. Day 8: Disembarkation and departure Changes Included Services: Guided Bike Rentals: Guided All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: Additional specifications on the Hybrid touring bikes: Please note that the bikes are deliberately NOT equipped with water bottle holders. There is room in the saddle bag to carry a bottle of water, along with everything else you need for the daily rides. Additional specifications on the Electrically assisted bikes: The type i:SY Flyer ECO is available for all persons with a height of 150- 190 cm (it is not available for heights above 190 cm). Pedals: Seats: Helmets:
Individual arrival to the ship in Bodrum (you can book an transfer from the Bodrum airport to ship; more information under the dates and prices tab). After checking in on board the gulet from 2 pm on, we have the opportunity to visit the picturesque port town of Bodrum. Dinner on board.
Overnight near Bodrum.
Before lunch, we cross over to Kos. The first cycle trip begins here and leads us through green fields to Tingaki Beach or to the Embros therm, where we have the opportunity to have our first swim in the Aegean.
Overnight near Kos.
In the morning we have a longer cruise to Leros. Leros is green, varied and always offers new and surprising views into small harbours. Our cycle trip leads us to the fort of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in Agia Marina and into the small alleys of the town.
Overnight near Island of Patmos.
On a short panoramic cycle route we visit Patmos and its grotto. It is said that St. John received the Apocalypse during his captivity here. The world famous monastery of St. John of Chora is found in a village with numerous white alleys, 34 churches and chapels radiating heavenly peace.
Overnight near Lipsi.
Early in the morning we cross over to Kalymnos where we start cycling from the port of Pothia along a scenic coastal route and then through a surprisingly green valley until reaching the fishing village of Vathi. In a cozy tavern we have a coffee break.
At early morning the boat takes us to Mastichari of Kos. Today our daily tour takes us through varied landscapes, mostly along the coast and partly through the impressive mountains of Kos to the same named island’s capital. Along the way we stop for a longer lunch break in the old Greek mountain village of Zia. After dinner on board you may explore the bustling town of Kos.
Overnight near Kos.
In the morning, we take a cycle trip to the world-famous archaeological excavation site of the Asclipion, where Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, and later on also some personal physicians of the Roman empoerors did practice. From here, the bike ride leads us on to Zia, an old Greek mountain village, which tempts us to stay with its numerous, cozy taverns.
Overnight near Bodrum.
After breakfast, check out and head home or on for an extension of your holiday in the Turkish or Greek Aegean sea.
We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements.
Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:
The i:SY-Flyer ECO, a relatively light model of 50 pounds (21 kg), is a compact bike with a special low frame geometry for easy mounting and 20-inch wheels. The handlebar “Speedlifter Twist” is turnable, making the bike space-efficient for storage. This E-Bike model is equipped with an 8-gear-Shimano hub gearshift (Nexus), as well as Shimano V-brakes. It has a 10-amp battery along with an 8-amp back-up that allow for unlimited riding.
Bicycle insurance is available to buy. It costs 10 Euros/week for the hybrid touring bikes, and 20 Euros/week for the electrically assisted bikes.
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. The guide on board the boat can assist you in attaching them to your rental bike.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it is a universal seat post. The guide on board can also assist you if you bring your own seat.
It is required to wear helmets on this tour. In order to guarantee optimum protection, we request that you bring your own helmet and – for your own safety – wear it on all bike tours. A limited number of helmets are available on board to rent, at the time of booking, though it is highly recommended to bring your own helmet.
