Set yourself in motion and discover the Central Greek Aegean by bike and boat! The islands are a magical and mythical world vibrant in stories and cultural wonders. Packing your bags is a thing of the past, our beautiful boat is your home, restaurant and transporter for the duration of your stay.

Natural pathways and riding trails pave the way across the islands of Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi and Patmos as you discover them by bike. No adventures will be left out, limitless riding joy is guaranteed. After the tours the boat lays anchor in a blissful bay where you enter the clear blue with a leap from deck. Evenings can be whiled away strolling through picture perfect harbour towns or chilling in a rustic bar while enjoying your beverage of choice.

This tour is offered (on all dates) both as a hybrid cycle tour and as a mountain bike tour. Every tour is operated by two guides, one for the mountain bikers and one for the hybrid cyclists, who will give their best effort to provide tours at varying levels of difficulty.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY 

Day 1 (Sat) Bodrum/Turkey (Boarding)

Individual arrival to Bodrum port/Turkey. Collective transfers from Bodrum airport to Bodrum port are available for an extra cost on request. Alternatively, you can fly to Kos Airport and take the ferry across to Bodrum for check in (if you choose to arrive via Kos, make sure that your flight arrives no later than 2 pm in Kos in order to catch the ferry connection).

After checking in from 2 pm on the Gulet, we have the opportunity to explore the interesting old part of the town and the port. Dinner on board. Often, the last participants arrive late in the evening.

Day 2 (Sun) Island of Kos (approx. 25 km/16 mi. by bike)

In the morning we cross over to Kos. We cycle to the picturesque Tingaki Beach, where we can enjoy a lengthy swim in the sea. On our way we pass the world famous archaeological site of the Asclipion of Kos – the place where Hippocrates, the famous physician, practiced modern medicine. We continue our tour until we finally reach the town of Kos. An entourage of cultural sights in Kos town will give us an insight into the town’s turbulent historical past: The Roman Forum, the Fortress of the Knights and the mosques from the time when Kos was still part of the Ottomans Empire. The evening is rounded off in one of the numerous bars and cafes.

Day 3 (Mon) Island of Leros (approx. 28 km/ 17 mi. by bike)

In the morning we have a longer cruise to the varied and green island of Leros with its small harbours. Our cycling tour leads us to the fort of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in Agia Marina and into the small alleys of the town. Passing the idyllic town harbour, 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 coffee. In the afternoon, if the weather permits, we cross over to the island of Patmos. The snow white upper town and its towering monastery can be seen form far afar as we approach. Dinner takes place on board.

Day 4 (Tue)  Island of Patmos – Island of Lipsi   (approx. 16 + 10 km/ 10 + 6 mi. by bike)

On a short panoramic cycle tour 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. After a visit we cycle along the coast until we reach the port. We meet the boat for lunch and cruise on to Lipsi. In the late afternoon we explore Lipsi by bicycle, taking us almost around the whole island. Do not miss to visit the legendary pastry shop at the port!

Day 5  (Wed) Islands of Lipsi and  Kalymnos (aprx. 6 – 10 mi./ 9 – 16 km) – Island Kalymnos

In the late morning we explore Lipsi by bicycle and gain an impression of its rich agriculture as we follow our tour once around the island. A short crossing in the afternoon takes us to the green island of Kalymnos. Overnight stay in a bay.

Day 6 (Thu) Island of Kalymnos (aprx. 19 – 29 mi./30 – 45 km)

After a nourishing breakfast we cycle across the barren island. Starting at Emporios we first cycle along the western coast and continue over a mountain pass opening up into a surprisingly green valley. Our tour through varied landscapes leads us to the main village of Pothia. In the afternoon we have enough time to explore the old town center in Pothia on foot. One can clearly identify the wealth which sponge diving brought to the inhabitants of this town. Overnight stay at the harbor or in anchor.

Day 7 (Fri) Island of Kos plus Bodrum (approx. 25 km/ 15 mi. by bike)

In the morning we cross over to Kos. The last cycling trip begins here and leads us to the Embros thermal springs, where we can enjoy a lengthy swim. After lunch ashore we enjoy our last cruise aboard until we reach Bodrum. Here we can once more go for a walk through the lively and eastern old town of Bodrum with it’s impressive castle of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and the remains of the famous Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. An evening meal is enjoyed together in the company of guides and guests.

Day 8 (Sat) Disembarkation and departure

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport or extension of your holiday in the Turkish or Greek Aegean sea.

Moderate to challenging daily tours in hilly terrain at distances of 25 – 50 km and 300 metres/980 ft. to 1,200 meters/3,940 ft. of elevation. The terrain in this region is very diverse and changes from island to island: technical and demanding single trails alternate with natural paths and sometimes also quiet asphalt stretches; there are very few unrideable points. Various sections in the tour are offered at a higher or lower technical degree, leaving you to make the final decision.

Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required). Our tours are dependent on weather conditions and the final decision is that of the captain. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour.

Mountain bike Level 2:  Loose surfaces, larger stones and roots, steps and shallow stairs, gradients of up to 70 %, light hairpins, permanent braking readiness, displacement of centre of mass to overcome obstacles, accurate braking, permanent body tension.

Your Premium ship OSMAN KURT 

The Osman Kurt is a beautifully designed 32-meter Gulet made of wood that has been crossing the sea since 2000 and was completely rebuilt in 2013. Beside the comfortable salon, 7 guest cabins are furnished with a sense for comfort with air conditioning and private shower and WC. The cosy sundeck offers plenty of space to relax in and reminisce on the wonderful tour experiences. The friendly crew gives all to ensure a carefree journey. At mealtimes the talented cook will pamper you with deliciously prepared dishes of the Turkish cuisine.

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AIRPORT / TRANSFERS

Arrival via Bodrum

• Collective transfers (only available on embarkation/disembarkation day): Between Bodrum airport and Bodrum port: 15 euro/person and way
• Additional customized transfers, ie from Izmir: prices on request.

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Arrival via Kos/Greece and from Kos to Bodrum

TOUR SCHEDULE  & PRICE

2020 Departure dates:      Apr. 11, 18      May 2, 16       Sep. 19      Oct. 3

This tour includes: 

• 8-day journey on our luxury sailing ship with full crew
• 7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom.
• Breakfast buffet and 3-course dinner per day, prepared by the ship’s cook.
• 2 lunches
• Linen and towels
• Six day tours with your guide, as per program
• Detailed travel maps and guide for each days tour
• Rental bicycle: 21-speed trekking bike with Ortlieb pannier bags, or Cube full-suspension mountain bike
• Bike insurance
• Entrances to museums and archaeological sites
• English/German speaking tour guide

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Helmets are mandatory and will be available to rent for free aboard ship. We recommend you bring your own for good fitting.

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Not included:

* Meals and drinks ashore

* Drinks on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain); flat rate for bottled water: 20 euro/person/week

* Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price

* Tips for tour guides and crew