Islandhopping by Boat and Bike
Bike Tour to the South Greek Aegean - Rhodes and its Neighbors
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) Rhodes - Rhodes City (approx. 10 km / 6.3 mi. by bicycle)
After breakfast crossover to the city of Rhodes, which last approx. 4 hours. After arrival the bikes will be adjusted to us and we will undertake an exciting voyage of discovery with our tour guide through the 2400-year-old island’s history. The deer and the hind at the entrance of the port of Mandraki will be the first occasion to use our photo camera. One still wonders whether or not the famous Colossus of Rhodes has ever stood here. From here the tour continues to the ancient part of the hill of Monte Smith with the huge stadium and the sanctuary of Apollo. Subsequently we will traverse the crusade town with its imposing walls of the fortress.
Day 3 (Mon) Rhodes (approx. 65 km / 40 mi. by bicycle)
Today we mainly cycle along quiet side streets along the coast towards the village of Lindos. Along the way we stop off in a tavern where we can enjoy a typically Greek meal. Lindos is one of the most beautiful villages of entire Greece. After a very last ascent we have an unforgettable view on the ship that waits for us in the small bay as well as on the idyllic town with its white cubic houses and its narrow alleys which is dominated by the walls of a medieval fortress of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and the remains of the ancient acropolis. Overnight stay in Lindos.
Day 4 (Tue) Rhodes - Lindos - Plimiri (approx. 35km / 22 mi. by bicycle)
After breakfast the cycling trip leads us again to the south of the sunny island right along the coast of the island to Plimiri. During a coffee break in one of the cafés straight at the sea we have a chance to see our boat that is on its way to Plimiri where the ship awaits us with a savoury lunch. The afternoon’s crossing lasts 6 hours and gives us the opportunity to relax on board our ship and to take a sunbath on deck. We stay overnight in Livadia on the island of Tilos, a charming port with numerous tavernas, mainly frequented by sailing yachts.
Day 5 (Wed) Nissiros (approx. 40 km / 25 mi. by bicycle)
Early in the morning the ship brings us to the volcanic island of Nissiros.
Today’s cycle tour takes us to Nikia, a town which is built directly on the edge of the crater and has a wonderful view over the volcano. We will be spellbound by the white houses and the numerous pebble mosaics and we mustn’t miss the chance to enjoy a Greek coffee in the village square. From here we cycle on to the volcanic crater with its steaming sulfur springs and then finally back to the small harbor town of Mandraki, whose charm has attracted visitors for centuries. In the afternoon we cross over to the island of Symi, where the boat anchors in the bay of the Byzantine monastery Panormitis, which is dedicated to Michael the arch angle.
Today’s cycle tour takes us to Nikia, a town which is built directly on the edge of the crater and has a wonderful view over the volcano. We will be spellbound by the white houses and the numerous pebble mosaics and we mustn’t miss the chance to enjoy a Greek coffee in the village square. From here we cycle on to the volcanic crater with its steaming sulfur springs and then finally back to the small harbor town of Mandraki, whose charm has attracted visitors for centuries. In the afternoon we cross over to the island of Symi, where the boat anchors in the bay of the Byzantine monastery Panormitis, which is dedicated to Michael the arch angle.
Day 6 (Thu) Symi (approx. 25 km / 15 mi. by bicycle)
After breakfast we set out on our bikes to cross over the island. The destination for the cycling tour is Symi town. Along the way we will be constantly surprised with new and wonderful views. Shortly before we begin the descent to the town we enjoy a picnic high above the deep blue bay. 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. In the evening our guide accompanies us up the almost 500 steps to the highest point of the town. From here there is a breathtaking view of the harbor and the deep bay.
Day 7 (Fri) Symi and Marmaris (approx. 10 km / 6.3 mi. by bicycle)
In the morning the last short cycle tour leads us to an idyllic bay where we have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in a quiet cove. The crossing from Symi to Marmaris in the afternoon takes approx. 5 hours. After the last dinner on board we say goodbye to our tour guides and the crew of our boat.
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