Southern Aegean by Bike & Boat
By bicycle and boat we will explore the Dodecanese islands in the Southern Greek Aegean. Let yourself be mesmerized by the towering volcano crater of Nissyros or the charm of Symi with its wonderful neo-classical buildings of the island capital. A highlight is Kos with its lively town and its Greek, Ottoman and Italian history. The rock throwing Poseidon, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Knights of St John or the famous sponge divers of Symi: all have left behind their legacy in form of legends and historical constructions that contribute to the unique character of these islands.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
1st Day (Sat) Bodrum (Embarkation)
Individual arrival by plane to Bodrum. On request collective group transfer to your ship at Bodrum port and check-in from 2 pm. You may take a walk to the famous castle of the Knights of St. John or simply grab the chance to enjoy a delicious Turkish tea. Afterwards we have the first dinner on board. The last participants reach the boat in the late evening.
2nd Day (Sun) Bodrum – Yalıçiftlik – Kos (aprx. 11.5 mi./18 km)
Today’s kick-off cycle tour takes us to Kızılağaç, which is famous for its local farmer’s market. After a break we continue cycling. Once we arrive in Yalıçiftlik we board the boat for lunch and a cruise to Kos town. An entourage of cultural sights in Kos town will give us an insight into the town’s turbulent historical past: The Roman Forum, the Crusader fortress and the mosques from the time when Kos was still part of the Ottoman Empire. The evening is rounded off in one of the numerous bars and cafes.
3rd Day (Mon) Kos Island/Kos Town – Nissyros Island (aprx. 16 mi./25 km)
We bike in the direction of the world famous archaeological excavation site of the Asclepion in Kos, the former realm of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. From here we cycle along the coast back towards the town of Kos. Here we board the boat and cruise to the volcanic island of Nissyros.
4th Day (Tue) Nissyros Island – Tilos Island (aprx. 19 – 25 mi./30 – 40 km)
We start today’s cycle tour to Nikia – a village built directly on the Stefanos crater rim at 1,400 ft./430 m above sea level. From here we can enjoy a fascinating view into the volcano crater. Not only the volcano but also the white houses and the numerous pebble mosaics bring great character to the village. From here we cycle on to the crater with its steaming sulphur springs and finally back to the small port town of Mandraki where our boat is already waiting to take us to Tilos Island, inhabited since ancient times.
5th Day Tilos Island – Chalki island (aprx. 14 mi./22 km)
Our morning bike ride takes us from Livadia to Megalochorio. Enthusiasts can visit the pygmy elephant museum, before returning back to the boat. A tasty lunch waits for 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 will await us on Symi.
6th Day (Thu) Chalki Island – Symi Island (aprx. 16 mi./25 km)
In the morning we take a crossing by boat to Panormitis Bay in front of the island of Symi, where the local monastery offers us a pleasant visit. Thereafter we follow the motto – “off to the other side of the island!” Scaling several switchbacks we slowly conquer the hill, allowing ourselves enough time to enjoy the picturesque views on the way up. Our destination is the Islands capital of Symi, with its classical cityscape and harbor. In the evening we can climb to the upper part of Symi town. From the top we have a breath-taking view over the harbor and the coastline of the bay. An evening visit to a remote tavern enables us to enjoy the evening away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
7th Day (Fri) Datça – Knidos – Bodrum (aprx. 28 mi./41 km)
From Symi we make our way to the neighbouring Datça Peninsula and find ourselves 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 a wonderfully preserved amphitheatre. A stroll through this historical site leaves a lasting impression. Depending on the departure times of the guests on board the following day, we can either spend the night in Knidos or cross over to Bodrum. An evening meal is enjoyed together in the company of guides and guests.
8th Day (Sat) Bodrum (Disembarkation)
After breakfast disembarkation. Fee-based collective transfers to Bodrum Airport on request. If you wish to fly home from the Island of Kos your ferry will depart at 09:30 am. Please insure that your flight departure from Kos is no earlier than 1 pm.
Subject to weather and sea conditions, route changes may occur!
RATING – Moderate to Hilly
Hilly terrain, mostly asphalt roads with some steeper grades. A good level of fitness is required. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead.
Your 5***** Motor Sailer “Love Boat”
Love Boat
For more details – CLICK HERE
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AIRPORT / TRANSFERS
Transfers between Bodrum Airport and Boat
- Collective group transfers between Bodrum airport and Bodrum port (only available on embarkation or disembarkation days):
15 euro per person/per way
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Alternative arrival via Kos (Greece) and from Kos to Bodrum
Kos airport can be reached via direct flights from Athens or via a number of connecting flights from all over Europe. Should you choose this option, please book an inbound flight that arrives the latest by 2 pm on Kos and an outbound flight that leaves not before 1 pm from Kos airport.
A taxi service is available from Kos Airport to the ferry terminal in Kos town. The travel time is around 30 minutes and costs approx. 37 – 45 euro. The taxi stand at the airport is located directly outside the arrivals terminal. A price chart can be found at the taxi stand to insure you receive a fair fare.
The ferry crossing from Kos to Bodrum takes approx. 1 hour. We advise you to be at the ferry terminal at least 30 mins before departure, to provide enough time for any border formalities which might take place. Departure generally takes place at around 16:30, enabling you to reach Bodrum by 17:30.
An staff member will be waiting for you as soon as you have passed customs, in order to accompany you to the boat (as long as your arrival has been communicated in your booking).
The returning ferry from Bodrum to Kos generally takes place at around 09:30, enabling you to reach Kos at around 10:30 on the departure day.
The ferry costs around 15€ per person/crossing and should be booking in advance on: http://www.catalines.com/Online/onlineferibotcom/.
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TOUR DATES & PRICE
2020 Departure Dates: Apr. 25 May 9, 23 June 6 Sep. 12, 26 Oct. 10, 17, 24
| Price per person, double occ. in a below deck cabin | CAD | $2175 |
| Singles below deck | $800 | |
| Above deck cabin surcharge | $250 | |
| Upgrade to e-bike | $180 | |
| Surcharge for departures from May 23rd to Sep. 26th: $165 | ||
This tour includes:
- 8-day journey on a Premium two-master motor ship with crew
- 7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom.
- Breakfast buffet AND one hot meal per day, prepared by the ship’s cook.
- 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
- Bike insurance
- Entrances to museums and archaeological sites
- Multilingual tour guide (English and German)
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Not included in the tour price
* Meals and drinks ashore
* Drinks on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain); flat rate for bottled water: 20 euro per adult/week or 10 euro per child up to age 16/week
* Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price
* Tips for tour guides and crew
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Helmets are mandatory and will be available to rent for free aboard ship. We recommend you bring your own.
