South Greek Aegean Sea
Greece, Turkey Bike + Barge Tours
A bike and boat tour island hopping in the Southeastern Aegean Sea
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1390 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this bike and boat tour in Greece and Turkey, you will explore the Dodecanese islands in the Southern Greek Aegean. Let yourself be mesmerized by this exquisite place with it's sandy, pristine beaches and history dating back to the Byzantine era. The landscape is varied and ranges from arid and rocky to lush and forested.
You will be fascinated by Aegean history, mythology, and legends as you hear the stories of the rock-throwing Poseidon, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Knights of St John, and the famous sponge diver of Symi!
Highlights
- Island of Nisyros & its towering volcanic crater
- Castle of Spiliani
- Island of Tilos
- The picturesque port of Halki
- Datça Peninsula - the ancient site of Knidos
- Bay of Knidos and its ruins
- Legends and history
A comprehensive list of all of our bike boat tours in Greece can be found here.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bodrum (Embarkation)
Day 2: Bodrum – Yalıçiftlik – Kos, 11.5 mi. (18 km)
Day 3: Kos Island/Kos Town - Nisyros Island, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 4: Nisyros Island – Tilos Island, 19 to 25 mi. (30 - 40 km)
Day 5: Tilos Island - Chalki island, 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 6: Chalki Island – Symi Island, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 7: Datça (Datça-Peninsula) – Knidos - Bodrum, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 8: Bodrum (Disembarkation)All distances are approximate. Any and all planned itineraries are subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
Day 1: Bodrum (Embarkation)
Individual arrival to Bodrum harbor. A collective transfer from Bodrum Airport to the harbor is available for an extra cost, on request. Check-in begins 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. 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 group dinner on board can be enjoyed in the company of your travel companions and tour guides.Day 2: Bodrum - Yalıçiftlik - Kos, 11.5 mi. (18 km)
The first cycle tour of the week takes you to Kızılağaç, which is famous for its local farmer’s market. After a break, continue cycling to Yalıçiftlik. Board the boat for lunch and a cruise to Kos town. An entourage of cultural sights in Kos town will give you 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.Day 3: Kos Island/Kos Town - Nisyros Island, 16 mi. (25 km)
Cycle 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, cycle along the coast back towards the town of Kos. Here we board the boat and cruise to the volcanic island of Nisyros.Day 4: Nisyros Island - Tilos Island, 19 to 25 mi. (30 - 40 km)
Begin in the morning with a cycle tour to Nikia - a village built directly on the Stefanos crater rim at 1,400 ft./430 m above sea level. From here, enjoy a fascinating view of the volcano crater. The white houses and the numerous pebble mosaics bring great character to the village. From here, cycle on to the crater with its steaming sulfur springs and finally back to the small port town of Mandraki where the boat awaits to take you to Tilos Island, inhabited since ancient times.Day 5: Tilos Island - Chalki island, 14 mi. (22 km)
The morning bike ride takes you from Livadia to Megalochorio. Enthusiasts can visit the pygmy elephant museum before returning back to the boat. A tasty lunch awaits you onboard followed by a relaxing cruise from Tilos to the island of Halki.Day 6: Chalki Island - Symi Island, 16 mi. (25 km)
In the morning, the boat crosses to Panormitis Bay in front of the island of Symi, where the local monastery offers us a pleasant visit. After, follow the motto “off to the other side of the island!” Scaling several switchbacks, slowly conquer the hill, allowing yourself enough time to enjoy the picturesque views on the way up. Today's destination is the Islands capital of Symi, with its classical cityscape and harbor. In the evening, you can climb to the upper part of Symi town. From the top, enjoy a breath-taking view over the harbor and the coastline of the bay. An evening visit to a remote tavern enables you to enjoy the evening away from the hustle and bustle of city life.Day 7: Datça (Datça-Peninsula) - Knidos - Bodrum, 26 mi. (41 km)
From Symi, make your way to the neighboring, Datça Peninsula. Today’s bike tour takes you from the Datça district along the peninsula to the historical ruins of Knidos (4th Century BC) with a wonderfully preserved amphitheater. A stroll through this historical site leaves a lasting impression. Depending on the departure times of the guests on board the following day, you 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.Day 8: Bodrum (Disembarkation)
After breakfast, you disembark. Fee-based collective transfers to Bodrum Airport with advanced reservation. If you wish to fly home from the Island of Kos, your ferry will depart at 9:30 am. Please ensure that your flight departure from Kos is no earlier than 1 pm.Be sure to check out our full list of bike and boat tours or view all our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Boats
On the Premium Class vessel, the Love Boat. Please note that in certain ports, due to harbor regulations, it is not permitted for the vessel to run the air conditioning during the night.
- Love Boat
Premium Class Yacht
The Love Boat has all the amenities and the elegance of an exclusive yacht. While sailing or mooring, the sun beds spread out on the deck will offer you an excellent opportunity to sunbathe and relax. The professional and experienced crew ensures the safety and convenience of all guests. Enjoy the sea from the comfort of your home. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights in twin cabin with private bathroom
- Breakfast
- 7 days with either lunch or dinner
- Bed linen and towels
- Guided tours as described in itinerary
- 21-gear trekking bike with an Ortlieb saddle bag
- Overview maps for the daily tours, on board
- All entrances to museums and archaeological sites
- English and German-speaking tour guide
What’s Not Included
- Beverages on board (tally sheet).
- Bottled water (€20 flat rate for unlimited water)
- Gratuities crew and tour-guides (optional)
- Remaining meals
- Transfer to/from the airport to the harbor
- Wifi (it is NOT available on the vessels in Turkey)
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Saturday departures
April 24, May 8, May 22, September 11, September 25, October 9, October 16 & October 23, 2021
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Twin cabin, below deck
April 24, May 8, October 9, October 16 & October 23: $ 2232 £ 1259 $ 2,193 € 1390 NZ$ 2391 kr 14262 $ 1,722
May 22, September 11 & September 25: $ 2392 £ 1349 $ 2,351 € 1490 NZ$ 2563 kr 15289 $ 1,845
Single supplements
Double cabin for single use below deck: $ 803 £ 453 $ 789 € 500 NZ$ 860 kr 5130 $ 619
Double cabin for single use above deck: $ 1124 £ 634 $ 1,104 € 700 NZ$ 1204 kr 7183 $ 867
Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental (limited number, advanced reservation required): $ 161 £ 91 $ 158 € 100 NZ$ 172 kr 1026 $ 124
Hybrid touring bicycle protection: $ 16 £ 9 $ 16 € 10 NZ$ 17 kr 103 $ 12
Electric bicycle protection: $ 32 £ 18 $ 32 € 20 NZ$ 34 kr 205 $ 25
Collective transfers (only on embarkation/disembarkation day):
Bodrum airport and Bodrum harbor: $ 24 £ 14 $ 24 € 15 NZ$ 26 kr 154 $ 19*Private transfers available as well. Please ask us for pricing.
Pre or post-tour extension in Istanbul
Double: $ 787 £ 444 $ 773 € 490 NZ$ 843 kr 5028 $ 607 Single: $ 1108 £ 625 $ 1,089 € 690 NZ$ 1187 kr 7080 $ 855
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
Moderate to difficult, guided bike and boat tour with daily distances averaging approximately 25 miles (40 km). The route will take you through partly hilly and mountainous terrain. There will also be extended (longer) climbs but walking your bike is of course permitted. Most of the roads are asphalted. Your tour guide will inform you each day about your tour details. You can set aside a whole or half-day for swimming or relaxing on board. This tour is primarily a guided group tour. Upon consultation with your tour guides, the possibility to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes, may present itself. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.
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
We advise that you book one of the fee-based group transfers that are offered on arrival and departure days. See pricing.
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.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Mugla province in Turkey has a warm Mediterranean climate.
Day of Rest
Should you choose not to bike, you may enjoy the day on board ship sunbathing and enjoying the scenery.
Remarks
Bike helmets are available onboard in limited number. Please request at time of booking.
Important to know
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.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
4-DAY PRE-TOUR OR POST TOUR EXTENSION in Istanbul
Day 1
After arriving to Istanbul Airport a transfer will bring you to the hotel. Perring out of the car window, you will gain your first impressions of this exciting city. Check into the Recital Botique Hotel – your home for the next 3 days.Day 2
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 3
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 4
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy the last impressions of the city as your transfer takes you to the Airport.Extension Package Includes:
- Accommodations for 3 nights incl. breakfast in Istanbul - Recital Boutique Hotel or similar
- Transfers from Istanbul Airport - Hotel and Hotel - Istanbul Airport
- Entrance to the Hagia Sophia (all other entrance fees are not included
- 1 boat excursion on the Bosporus
- 4 course evening meal on the shores of the Bosporus
- 2-day cultural tour with a professional city guide in German or English
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?
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Rolf Lange
5 years ago
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Patsy Venema
7 years ago
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