South Aegean Bike & Sail

Explore the Southern Aegean on the magnificent Boreas

Cyclists near to the delightful town of Symi, Greece

The seaside town of Symi, Greece

Cycling in the south Aegean

White washed villages on Nisyros Island

Explore the Southern Aegean on the magnificent Boreas

Cyclists near to the delightful town of Symi, Greece

The seaside town of Symi, Greece

Cycling in the south Aegean

White washed villages on Nisyros Island

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

8 days

Activities

guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights boat

Meals

2 Dinners
5 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$2790 USD

Adult$2540USD

Overview

Trip Code: GSA

Trip highlights

Bodrum with its historic fortress
Cycling the Dodecanese Islands in the South Aegean
Exploring historical sites, small towns and villages enroute
Swimming in azure waters of the Aegean
Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable gulet

Greece's Dodecanese Islands offer a charming and stunning cycling and cruising experience. Be mesmerized by the towering volcanic crater of Nisyros and the charm of Symi with its wonderful neo-classical buildings. Cycling on Turkey's Datca Peninsula leads you through the spectacular nature to the beautiful bay of Knidos with its ancient remains. In the company of a cycling guide, this stimulating journey explores towns and landscapes of the islands and peninsula. When not cycling, relax aboard the comfortably appointed deluxe wooden motor yacht. There is ample time between cycles to swim and soak up the ambience of seaside towns.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Board boat in Bodrum (Turkey)

Make your own way to Bodrum Harbour*, the port is approx. 35km from Bodrum International Airport. An optional transfer (group or private) from the airport to the port is available on request - supplement applies. Embarkation is from 2 pm. You can then spend the afternoon relaxing on board or exploring Bodrum. Worth visiting is the historical fortification Bodrum Castle, partly built with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Dinner will be on board and the night spent in Bodrum. *For the 18 May departure aboard the Admiral gulet, boarding is at the nearby port of Yali Çiftlik, a small village approx. 14km from Bodrum town.

Meals: D

Day 2
Cruise from Bodrum to Yaliciftlik, cycle through forests and groves, cross to Kos (38km/23mi)

After breakfast we raise the anchor for a short cruise to Yaliciftlik. From here we start our first bike ride through the local pine forests to Camlik, where we will have the chance to enjoy a short coffee break. We continue cycling through silver-green olive groves to the small village of Etrim. Ancestors of the Turkmen tribes continue to live semi-nomadic lives in the region. We can marvel at their fascinating hand crafts and during a lunch break at a local restaurant, discover some local cuisine. After lunch we return to Yaliciftlik where we board the boat and cruise to the Greek island of Kos. A wealth of cultural sights in Kos town provide an insight into the town’s turbulent historical past including the Roman Forum, the Crusader fortress, and the mosques from the time when Kos was part of the Ottoman Empire. The evening can be spent in one of the numerous bars or cafes in the town.

Meals: B,L

Day 3
Explore Kos island by bike then cruise to Nisyros island (30km/19mi)

Today we bike in the direction of the world-famous archaeological excavation site of the Asclepion in Kos, the former home of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. From here we cycle along the coast back towards the town of Kos, where we board the boat and cruise to the volcanic island of Nisyros.

Meals: B,L

Day 4
Cycle around Nisyro, cross to Tilos island (30-40km/19-25mi)

Todays cycle tour leads us first to Nikia, a mountain village built directly on the edge of the volcanic crater at 430m/1400 ft above sea level. From here we can enjoy a spectacular view into the crater of the volcano. The volcano, white houses, and numerous pebble mosaics are a truly special highlight of this tour. We cycle along the crater with its steaming sulphur springs before heading back to the small port town of Mandraki where our boat awaits to take us to Tilos Island, inhabited since ancient times.

Meals: B,L

Day 5
Tilos island cycling, cruise to Chalki island (22km/14mi)

Our morning bike ride on Tilos takes us from Livadia to Megalochorio. Here, those who are interested have time to visit the pygmy elephant museum before returning to the boat. A tasty lunch awaits 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 we will see on Symi.

Meals: B,L

Day 6
Sail to Panormitis Bay then cycle on Symi island (25km/16mi)

In the morning we sail to Panormitis Bay, which lies just off the island of Symi, to visit the local monastery. Afterwards, we head off for the other side of Symi Island. Cycling up several switchbacks, we slowly conquer the hill, allowing ourselves enough time to enjoy the picturesque views on the way up. Our destination is the island’s capital, Symi, with its classical cityscape, colourful architecture and picturesque harbour. In the evening, we can head to the upper part of Symi town. From the top we have a breath-taking view over the harbour and the coastline of the bay. An evening visit to a remote tavern allows us to enjoy the evening away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Meals: B,L

Day 7
To the Datca Peninsula, Knidos and Bodrum (41km/26mi)

In the morning, we cruise from Symi to the neighbouring Datça Peninsula, returning to Turkey. Today’s bike tour takes us from the Datça district along the peninsula to the historical ruins of Knidos (4th century BC) with its wonderfully preserved amphitheatre. After a visit to the impressive archaeological site, we will cross over to Bodrum and enjoy a festive evening farewell on board.

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Trip concludes

Disembarkation after breakfast. An optional group transfer from the port to the airport is available on request - supplement applies.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 5 lunches*, 2 dinners (does not include drinks). The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals. *Note that the included lunches and dinners are not clearly labelled on the daily itinerary as they depend on sailing conditions on the day and from time to time we may substitute one of the lunches for a dinner or vice versa, your tour guide will inform you locally when these will be included.
7 nights accommodation on board a Deluxe category gulet in a double cabin below deck with private bathroom (supplement applies for single use of a double cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you can pay the single supplement (limited no. of cabins) or if you are willing to share, can be matched with another passenger of the same sex (where available). The cabins have a double bed or twin beds.
21 speed trekking bike rental with pannier (electric bikes available on most trips for a supplement - limited supplies). The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cycling, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to bike alone (limited supply).
Guided cycling tours on the different islands
Experienced crew including English speaking tour guide
Bed linen and towels
Entries to museums and archeological sites for group visits
Overview maps on board for daily cycle tours
Bottled water on board and for all activities ashore

What's not included

Travel to and from Bodrum
Meals not listed as included, drinks except bottled water as noted
Helmets - mandatory on all bike tours. You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability.
Travel insurance
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo and request a single cabin
Entrance fees
Transfers not listed as included
A group or private transfer from the airport to the boat/port on embarkation and disembarkation days is available - reservation on request and a supplement applies, ask our office for details
Wifi on the boat - you should take your own portable electronic device with you each day if you wish to connect. Free wifi is available on offer almost everywhere on the islands on purchase of food or a drink.
Beach towel for shore use (if required)
Items of a personal nature
Optional extension: hotel stay in Bodrum (prices on request) before &/or after the trip
Optional extension: 4 day package in Istanbul, before or after the trip. Inclusions: arrival and departure airport transfers, 3 nights in a boutique hotel in the old town of Istanbul, boat trip on the Bosphorus, 2-day guided cultural tour, entrance to the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi palace and Basilica cistern (prices available on request only). Flights not included - own arrangements.

Cabins

Boreas Gulet

Lower Deck - Double Cabin

The Boreas has 15 cabins 10 m x 13 m with a mixture of double, single and twin cabins located below deck. The cabins are serviced daily with mid-week towel and bedding change

Boreas Gulet

Lower Deck - Twin Cabin

The twin cabin comprises of a split bunk

Admiral

Double Cabin

Double cabins have a porthole and are climate controlled with tiled bathrooms and separate shower cabins and toilet.

Admiral

Twin Cabin

Furnished with two separate beds and the same features as the double cabin.

Admiral

Triple Cabin

A triple cabin has a double bed and a single bed. Otherwise, it has the same features as a double cabin.

Grading

moderate

The trip requires a good level of fitness from participants, acquired from steady cycling. The daily cycle tours range from 14 to 41km/8.75 to 25.6mi through hilly and mountainous terrain and can be completed without any time constraints. Almost all stages begin at sea level so usually start with an ascent. Participants will also encounter some extended climbs, during which you may need to push the bike. We recommend considering an e-bike if you are not confident cycling up hills. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside of the holiday seasons. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. Each day you can either decide to bike alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guide or other participants. It is considered suitable for active children (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 1.3m/4.3ft for a standard bike, and 1.5m/5ft for an e-bike). On this tour, the cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates

Notes

DN1

Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions

DN2

Bottled water is included on board and for all activities ashore

18 May departure is aboard the Admiral, all other dates are aboard Boreas

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2540USD

Options & Supplements*

Bicycle insurance - standard bike (pp)USD$13
Bicycle insurance - e-bike (pp)USD$33
Electric Bike SupplementUSD$190
Single supplement (double cabin for single use - limited availability)USD$1020

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.