Central Greek Aegean Sea
Greece, Turkey Bike + Barge Tours
Bike, Boat & Explore Greece island hopping in the Aegean Sea
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€2095 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Greece... the land of the ancients! On this bike and boat tour, you will explore the sunny islands of the Greek Aegean and stay on board a comfortable Turkish Gulet.
Although this tour begins in Turkey, the islands you will explore are part of Greece, a magical and mystical land, rich in history and legends.
The sea provides life here as you will experience as you trace the moving and glorious pasts of these island worlds.
Join this tour and explore the Greek Aegean!
Highlights
- The ancient Asclepion where Hippocrates, the famous physician, practiced modern medicine
- The peaceful island of Lipsi
- Patmos, the holy island
- Astonishing panoramic views
- Visit the monastery of St. John of Chora
- Cave of the Apocalypse
Interested in more tours like this? Check out our full list of bike & boat tours in Greece.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bodrum
Day 2: Island of Kos, Kos Town 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 3: Island Leros, 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 4: Island of Patmos - Island of Lipsi, 7-10 mi. (12-16 km)
Day 5: Island of Lipsi - Island of Kalymnos, 6-10 mi. (9-16 km)
Day 6: Island of Kalymnos - Kos Island, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 7: Island of Kos - Bodrum, 15 mi. (24 km)
Day 8: Disembarkation in Bodrum*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in Bodrum
Individual arrival to Bodrum harbor. Collective transfers from Bodrum Airport to the harbor are available for an extra cost on request. Check-in begins on your ship at 2 pm. 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). You can use the evening hours to enjoy the lively vibe in the city of Bodrum and relax with a typical Turkish tea. In the evening, a collective dinner on board can be enjoyed in the company of your travel companions and tour guides.Day 2: Island of Kos, Kos Town 19 mi. (30 km)
In the morning, you will cross over to Kos. You will cycle to the picturesque Tingaki Beach to enjoy a lengthy swim in the sea. On the way, you will pass the world-famous archaeological site of the Asclipion of Kos - the place where Hippocrates, the famous physician, practiced modern medicine. Continuing along, the group will reach the town of Kos. An entourage of cultural sights in Kos town will give you 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: Island Leros, 18 mi. (28 km)
Early morning crossing to the scenic Island of Leros. Leros is green, varied, and always offers new and surprising views and many small harbors. As you cycle Greece in the morning you will head to the fort of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in Agia Marina and into the small laneways of the town. After an espresso break in the idyllic harbor of the town, it is on to the seaside chapel of Agios Isidoros. Following the sea, you reach a beautiful sandy beach where you may stop for a swim or a coffee. Upon arrival, the boat will cast off for Patmos or a nearby bay.Day 4: Island of Patmos - Island of Lipsi, 7-10 mi. (12-16 km)
On a short panoramic cycle tour, you will visit Patmos and its grotto. It is said that St. John received the revelation 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, you will continue along the coast until reaching the port. The group will enjoy lunch on the boat before cruising on to Lipsi. Enjoy the afternoon in the charming harbor town and do not miss a visit to the legendary pastry shop!Day 5: Island of Lipsi - Island of Kalymnos, 6-10 mi. (9-16 km)
In the late morning, you will explore Lipsi by bicycle and gain an impression of its rich agriculture following a tour once around the island. A short crossing in the afternoon takes you to the green island of Kalymnos. Overnight stay in a bay.Day 6: Island of Kalymnos Island - Kos Island, 26 mi. (30-45 km)
After a nourishing breakfast, you will cycle across the island. Starting at Emporios, you first cycle along the western coast and continue over a mountain pass opening up into a surprisingly green valley. Today's route goes through varied landscapes leading to the main village of Pothia. In the afternoon, you will 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: Island of Kos - Bodrum, 15 mi. (24 km)
In the morning, you cross over to Kos. The last cycling trip begins here and leads you to the Embros thermal springs, where you can enjoy a lengthy swim. After lunch ashore, you will enjoy the last cruise aboard before reaching Bodrum. Here you can once more go for a walk through the lively and eastern old town of Bodrum with its 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: Disembarkation in Bodrum
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport or you may extend your stay in Europe.Istanbul 4-day extension (pre- or post-tour)
Stay in the old town of Istanbul for 3 nights in a boutique hotel (bed and breakfast). Explore the city on a two-day guided cultural tour, including a 2-3 hour boat trip on the Bosporus, entrance into Hagia Sofia, and one dinner at a restaurant in Bosporus. Excluding drinks. Return airport transfers from Istanbul to the hotel are also included. See pricing for details.
Looking for more? View all of our featured bike & boat tours or our full list of tours & trips.
Map
Boats
- Boreas
Premium Class Boat
Sailing the waters of the Aegean Sea, the Boreas is an elegant Turkish gulet, designed to provide comfort and relaxation to guests. With two towering masts, that support white sails, this sailing boat navigates expertly around the many islands and bays of Turkey and Greece. The swimming ladder, located at the rear of the boat, allows guests to take a refreshing dip at their leisure. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast
- 7 days with lunch or dinner
- Bottled water on board and for all activities ashore
- Guided bike tours & sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- 21-gear trekking bike with an Ortlieb saddle bag
- Overview maps for the daily tours (on board)
- Entrances to museums & archaeological sites (group visit only)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Airport transfers: Istanbul Airport to hotel & hotel to Istanbul Airport
- 3 nights in a 3-star boutique hotel (Eastanbul Suites Hotel or similar)
- Breakfast
- 2-day guided cultural tour with an English-speaking guide
- Entrance to Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and Basilica cistern (all other entrance fees are not included)
- Boat trip on the Bosporus
Istanbul 4-day extension
What’s Not Included
- Transfer to & from the airport/harbor (available with supplement/reservation required)
- Drinks (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
- Meals not mentioned
- Gratuities for crew & tour guide (optional)
- Limited Wifi (only in Turkey)
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
- Journey to/from Istanbul
- Meals other than those mentioned as included
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for guides
Istanbul 4-day extension
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Premium Class
Boreas
Saturday departures
April 27*, May 11*, May 25*, June 8, August 31*, September 14*, September 28*, & October 12*, 2024
*On these dates a mountain bike tour is offered on the same ship and parallel to the touring bike itinerary. One of the guides will ride with the MTB cyclists and the other with the touring cyclists.
Below deck | Twin/double $ 3525 £ 1853 $ 3,050 € 2095 kr 310052 ₪ 8631 ¥ 336919 Mex$ 41900 NZ$ 3794 NOK 24442 kr 25022 $ 2,264 Below deck supplement | Double for single-use $ 1178 £ 619 $ 1,019 € 700 kr 103597 ₪ 2884 ¥ 112574 Mex$ 14000 NZ$ 1268 NOK 8167 kr 8360 $ 756 Extra Options
Electric Bicycle
Limited number available, advanced reservation required: $ 202 £ 106 $ 175 € 120 kr 17760 ₪ 494 ¥ 19298 Mex$ 2400 NZ$ 217 NOK 1400 kr 1433 $ 130
Group Transfers*
Bodrum Airport and Bodrum Harbor (min. 2 people): Pricing on request
Bodrum Harbor to Bodrum Airport (min. 2 people): Pricing on request*Only available on embarkation and disembarkation days only. Private transfers can be arranged on request.
Extra nights: Bodrum
Twin/double: Pricing on request
Pre- or post-tour extension in Istanbul
Double: Pending
Single: PendingChildren up to age 16 receive a discount of 25% on the basic tour price.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult guided bike and boat tour. Worth noting are two challenging cycle tours on Kalymnos and Kos. It is assumed that participants have good stamina and have trained! You will be glad you did. The routes reach an altitude of 200-500 meters. The route is designed to utilize asphalted roads with little traffic as much as possible. The daily biking distances range from 9 to 28 miles (15 to 45 km). Though the terrain is hilly and at times mountainous, the routes can be completed without time restraints. The tour guides will keep you informed of the upcoming routes and you can always opt to remain on board for all or part of the day. You may have the option to cycle individually or with other participants but this cannot be guaranteed. Your tour guide will assist with recommending suitable routes.
Please note that the riding pace will be determined by the cyclists on regular bikes. Guests who are taking part in these tours on an e-bike should be aware that regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills.
Airport Info
The nearest airport to your embarkation is Bodrum Airport (BJV). Alternatively, you can fly via the Greek island of Kos and continue by ferry to Bodrum. If you are planning on flying to Kos, please inform us and we can provide you with detailed local travel information as travel from here to Bodrum is more complicated. If you do decide to fly to Kos, you should choose a return flight with departure midday or in the afternoon hours to ensure a stress-free return journey.
Local Travel
Flying into/out of Bodrum
Your vessel will be moored on embarkation day in the port of Bodrum. Check-in begins at 2 pm. The actually mooring assignment within the port may not be available until embarkation day. For this reason, organized transfers are the most practical means of arriving to the boat. The boat will remain in port overnight.
Flying into/out of Kos
If you opt to arrive via Kos, from Kos Airport , you can take a taxi to the ferry terminal in Kos Town. The travel time is about 30 minutes and the cost is about €37-€45. Taxis can be found directly at the airport terminal.
You can also use public transportation. When you go out of the arrivals hall, you will find the bus station on your left, at a walking distance of about 25 meters. Here the bus departs to Kos town via Mastichari. The journey time is 40 minutes to Kos city. Tickets can be bought on board the bus for a price of € 3.20. The ferry crossing to Bodrum takes about 1 hour. You should be in Kos harbor at least 30 minutes before the ferry departs to allow time for border formalities. The departure is usually at 16:30, so you arrive at 17:30 in Bodrum. In Bodrum, a staff person can be waiting after the border check to escort you to the ship but you will need to provide your travel details. The return trip from Bodrum is usually at 9:30 am with arrival in Kos at 10:30 am. The ferry ticket costs about 19 euros each way and should be booked in advance online.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Mugla province in Turkey has a warm Mediterranean climate.
Day of Rest
You can always choose to skip a day’s bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead.
Recommended
Helmet use is mandatory on all bike rides. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. There are helmets available on board in limited number (reservation required).
There is limited Wifi on board. We recommend that you consider your own portable WiFi device which can be rented from numerous companies throughout Europe and the World. We have tried MyWebSpot and were very impressed by their service.Remarks
- Please be aware that you will be part of an international group of people. Language on board is English and German.
- Minimum number of participants is 14 and maximum number is 30.
- This tour is operated on some dates parallel with an MTB tour on the same boat. One guide will cater to the hybrid bike riders while the other guide leads the MTB group.
- Payment of the bar tab, water, etc. can be made in cash only, either in euro or in the local currency.
Important to know
Travel Documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit.
Other important information
Please book outward flights after midday into afternoon hours to allow yourself enough time to get from the ship to the airport.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
Extra nights can be booked in Bodrum before or after the tour. See pricing.
4-DAY PRE OR POST TOUR EXTENSION IN ISTANBUL
A visit to Turkey is not complete without having the experience of visiting Istanbul, one of the liveliest and most enchanting cities in the world. The program offers you a variety of organized activities as well as an abundance of free time to enjoy your favorite part of the city to its fullest.Day 1: Istanbul
After arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW), you will be transferred to your hotel. Peering out of the car window, you will gain your first impressions of this exciting city. Check into the Eastanbul Suite Hotel or similar – your home for the next 3 days.Day 2: Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul
Today will be filled with visitations of architectural masterpieces of the Byzantine era in the old town of Istanbul: Visit the Hagia Sophia in the morning – the crowning church of the Byzantine emperor. Another unforgettable visitation is that of the Topkapi Palace, the former residence and governing seat of Sultans in the Ottoman Empire as well as the Sultan-Ahmed Mosque (‘Blue Mosque’). In the afternoon, visit the Hippodrom – the athletic and social center of the Byzantine Empire – as well as the Hippodrom Exhibition in an ancient Byzantine water cistern in the art museum, Nakkas. The day can be rounded off by marveling at local handcrafts while enjoying a great glass of wine. A farewell dinner is hosted on the shores of the Bosporus at the foot of the Galata Bridge.Day 3: Modern Day Istanbul
After breakfast, a boat tour on the Bosporus will give you a perspective of the city from the water. Under the two giant hanging bridges, past countless palaces, summer villas, wooden huts as well as the fortress of Rumeli Hisari and back to the Golden Horn. Visit the Galata Tower on the northern shore of the Golden Horn before continuing on to the Pera Art Museum. After a break for lunch, it is time to experience ‘modern Istanbul’ – a stroll through the Beyoglu suburb, the center of Western culture in Istanbul.Day 4: Departure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy the last impressions of the city as your transfer takes you to the Airport.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Island Hopping.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
- Please be aware that you will be part of an international group of people. Language on board is English and German.
Photos
Reviews
David C.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Julie B.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Annette K.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Kimberly H.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Bryan L.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Terrie M.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
David C.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Julie B.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer