South Greek Aegean Course

You will spend one week discovering the Dodecanese Islands in the Southern Aegean by bicycle and in a comfortable two-mast motorised sailing boat. Let yourself be mesmerised by the many things these different islands offer: the exciting yet tranquil Rhodes, the towering volcano crater in Nissiros or the charming simplicity of Symi. Your beautiful boat will carry you to one of the prettiest ports of the island, giving you the opportunity to relax next to the sparkling waters and enjoy the pleasant sea breeze. During the bike tours your tour guide will point out the most interesting and idyllic spots of the islands.

Let yourself be transported back in time to personally experience the history that envelops the Aegean. Whether it be the stormy Poseidon, the Knights of St John, or the famous sponge divers from Symi- they all left their mark on the islands in the form of myths and historical buildings for you to discover.

Course of the Tour - Day 1 (Sat) Marmaris (Boarding)

Individual arrival from the Turkish airports of Izmir or Dalaman. Transfer to the harbour with the handing over of the cabins from 2 pm. First dinner on board. The final participants arrive on board in the late evening.

Day 2 (Sun) Symi Island (Cycle route approx. 10 km / 6 miles)

The crossing from Marmaris to Symi takes approx. 5 hours. The entrance into the harbour of Gialos is one of the highlights of the tour: The main town of the island reaches deep into the mountains with its classical buildings, which are remnants of the former riches of the sponge divers on the island. The first short cycle tour can be used to become accustomed to your bike and to take a refreshing swim in a quiet cove. After the cycle tour your guide will accompany you up the almost 500 steps to the highest point of the town. From here you will have a breathtaking view of the harbour and the deep bay.

Day 3 (Mon) Symi Island (Cycle route approx. 25 km / 16 miles)

After breakfast you will set out on your bike to cross over the island. The destination for the cycling tour is the Byzantine monastery of Panormitis, which is dedicated to Michael the archangel. Along the way you will be constantly surprised with new and wonderful views. Shortly before you begin the descent to the monastery you will enjoy a picnic high above the deep blue bay. This will give you new energy for the last few kilometers downhill. After a coffee break and a visit to the monastery the ship will bring you to the volcanic island of Nissiros.

Day 4 (Tue) Nissiros Island (Cycle route approx. 40 km / 25 miles)

Today’s cycle tour takes you to Nikia, a town 430 metres high which is built directly on the edge of the crater and has a wonderful view over the volcano. You will be spellbound by the white houses and the numerous pebble mosaics and you mustn’t miss the chance to enjoy a Greek coffee in the village square. From here you will cycle on to the volcanic crater with its steaming sulphur springs and then finally back to the small harbour town of Mandraki, whose charm has attracted visitors for centuries. In the evening crossing to Tilos, where you will stay overnight.

Day 5 (Wed) Rhodes Island, Plimiri – Lindos (Cycle route approx. 35 km / 22 miles)

Early in the morning the motor yacht will bring you to Plimiri on Rhodes. Your cycle tour will lead you right along the coast of the island over some quiet roads to Lindos. The small idyllic town is dominated by the walls of a medieval fortress of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and the remains of the ancient acropolis. Visitors can stroll through the winding laneways of the town.

Day 6 (Thu) Rhodes Island (Cycle route approx. 70 km / 43 miles)

After a visit to the fortress of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem the cycle tour leads along the coast to Rhodes town. You will mainly cycle along quiet side streets towards the capital of the sunny island. Along the way you will stop off in a tavern where you can enjoy a typically Greek meal. You will then pass by the formidable walls of the fortress on your way to the ship, which will be waiting for you in the harbour.

Day 7 (Fri) Rhodes Island, Rhodes town (cycle route approx. 10 km / 6 miles)

The morning is fully dominated by remnants left by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in Rhodes. Your guide will accompany you on a cycling tour around the imposing walls of the crusade town and then into the town itself. Here you will have sufficient time to visit the palace and the Knights’ Street. In the early afternoon you will return to the ship which will ferry you across to Marmaris.

Day 8 (Sat) Maramaris Disembarkment

After breakfast on board guest disembark and are transferred to the airport or they may extend their stay for a week of swimming or cycling on the Turkish or Greek Aegean.

General Information

Alterations:
We reserve the right to make alterations to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organisational necessities.

Requirements (level 2-3):
The day-tours of up to 65 km will take you through partly hilly or mountainous terrain. There will also be extended climbs. Most of the streets are paved. You can choose to spend a whole or half-day on board the boat whenever you want.

Bringing Children:
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for the bikes we provide is 1.40 m (4.6 ft.)

Catering:
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and will prepare breakfast and one warm meal daily. Half board is included from the evening meal on check-in day to the breakfast of checkout day.

Participants:

Minimum: 14
Maximum: 22

Services

Services included:

8-day trip on a comfort-class gulet
7 nights‘ accommodation on a gulet in a double room with a shower/WC
7 x half-board
Bed linen and towels
6 guided and individual tours as described in itinerary
21-gear trekking bike with an Ortlieb saddle bag
Overview-maps for the daily tours on board
English speaking tour guide

Additional optional services:

Return collecting-transfer from the airport in Dalaman/Izmir to the boat: on request

Additional costs:

Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
Tickets for museums
tips for crew and tour-guides
International banking fees: 50 Euro
Meals on land

Reductions:
If you combine this trip with the Turkish Southern Coast tour you will receive a 50 Euro total reduction.