Since ancient times Rhodes has been called the Island of the sun god Helios and there really is a reason for this: With over 3.000 sunshine hours each year it is one of the sunniest regions in Europe – proving that Helios still pays special attention to his island.

With your bicycle and the boat Bahriyeli – a comfortable 3 masted yacht, you will explore Rhodes and its neighbouring Dodecanese islands with their unique versatility. Let yourself be mesmerized by the lively yet contemplative Rhodes, 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: They are form the legends and history that contribute to the unique character of these islands.

In 2018 this tour is offered (on most dates) both as a hybrid cycle tourand also 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 

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) Kos Island; Kos town – Asclipion (aprx. 12.5 mi./20 km)

In the Morning we cross over to Kos. We cycle to the world famous archaeological site of the Asclipion of Kos – the place where Hippocrates is said to have received his medical training. From here we cycle along the coast until we finally reach the town of Kos. You will meet history at every corner while strolling through Kos town. The sights are located close together: 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.

3rd Day (Mon) Nissyros Island (aprx. 19 mi./30 km)

In the morning we cruise to the port of Mandraki at Nissyros Island. From there we start today’s cycle tour to Nikia – a village directly built at the edge of the crater in 1,400 ft./430 m height. From here we can enjoy a fascinating view into the volcano crater. Not only the volcano but also the white houses and the numerous mosaics made of pebble will truly amaze. From here we cycle on to the crater with its steaming sulphur springs and finally back to the small port town of Mandraki.

4th Day (Tue) Tilos Island (aprx. 11 mi./18 km)

In the early morning we leave behind the Island of Nissyros and approach the island of Tilos where our cycle tour takes us from Livadia to Megalochorio, where we visit the pygmy elephant museum, before returning to the boat. A tasty lunch is waiting for us on board and we have time to relax as we take a cruise from Tilos to the island of Chalki. The picturesque capital of the island offers a first impression of the classic style architecture which will await us on Symi.

5th Day (Thu) Rhodes Island, Rhodes-City (aprx. 7.5 mi/12 km)

After a boats cruise along the coast of Rhodes island, we reach the city of Rhodes. On our bikes we explore the city and its outskirts, travelling 2400 years back in time as we learn of the capitals colourful history in this beautiful open air museum. The stag and doe at the harbour entrance of Mandraki offer the first photo motif – could this be the site of the early Colossus of Rhodes? We continue to the acropolis of Rhodes, followed by tour of the crusaders castle moat, whose imposing walls characterise the city’s image. In the afternoon we take a stroll through the many small streets, and follow in the footsteps of the earlier inhabiting Crusaders.

6th Day (Wed) Symi Island (aprx. 15 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 invites us for 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 city of Symi, with its classical cityscape and harbour. In the evening we can climb the 500 steps from Symi to the upper part of town. From the top we have a breath-taking view over the harbour and coastline of the bay. With a bit of luck we will witness a most beautiful sunset to end the day.

7th Day (Fri) Datça – Knidos – Bodrum (aprx. 28 mi./45 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)

Disembarkation after breakfast and transfer to the airport; or extension of your holiday in the Turkish or Greek Aegean sea.

Subject to weather and sea conditions, route changes may occur!

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

BB2

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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Arrival via Kos/Greece and from Kos to Bodrum

TOUR DATES  & PRICE

2017 Departure Dates:    Sep. 9

2018 Departure Dates:    Mar. 24    Apr. 7, 21     May 5, 19     June 16      Sep. 1,  8, 15, 29       Oct. 13,  20

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.