Griechenland greece greek MTB mountainbike

South Greek Aegean MTB+Boat

from/to Bodrum

Active-vacation in the Southern-Dodecanese-Islands

Exploring the southern Dodecanese islands by MTB and boat is an active vacation that is sure to put a big smile on any mountain bikers face! We spend a week on a charming motor sailer and travel to the most beautiful islands of the Southern Greek Aegean, relax in idyllic bays, bike through pristine nature, enjoy magnificent views and follow in the footsteps of an eventful and glorious past. By MTB we explore the towering volcanic crater of Nisyros and the variety-packed island of Tilos. Be captivated by the charm of barren Symi with its beautiful island capital characterized by classicist buildings. Visit the Hippocrates’ Island, the most famous doctor of antiquity, who taught the art of healing on the island of Kos.

Dates 2025:

Arrival: Saturday
Duration: 8 days

Dates:
Season 1: April 12./26., Oct 18.
Season 2: May 24., June 07.
Season 3: June 21., Sept 06./20., Oct 04.
Min.number of participants: 14 persons

mixed group / S0-S3

1st Day: Bodrum (Embarkation)

Individual arrival to Bodrum harbour. A collective transfer from Bodrum Airport to the harbour is available for an extra cost on request. Check in begins on the Gullet at 2 pm. Use the evening hours to enjoy the lively atmosphere in the city of Bodrum and relax with a typical Turkish tea. In the evening a shared dinner on board can be enjoyed in the company of your travel companions and tour guides.

2nd Day: Bodrum – Yalıçiftlik – Kos (aprx. 28 mi./45 km, 2,624 ft./800 m of elevation)

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 refresh ourselves with a short coffee break. We continue biking 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 we can discover some local cuisine. After lunch we return to Yaliciftlik where we board the boat and cruise to the 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.

3rd Day: Kos Island – Nisyros Island (aprx. 22 mi./35 km, 2,625 ft./800 m of elevation)

After breakfast we start our bike tour with a visit to the world famous Asklepion, continuing through a fragrant pine forest on leisurely ascending natural trails up to Mt. Dikeo, the highest peak on the island. We continue along the ridgeline trail which offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, quickly making us forget the effort. We then return to the ship along varied trails. In the afternoon we sail to Mandraki on the volcanic island of Nisyros.

4th Day: Nisyros Island – Tilos Island (aprx. 25 mi./40 km, 2,790 ft./850 m of elevation)

Today’s bike tour on Nissyros leads energy-saving first along asphalt roads up to the island’s capital Nikia, 430 m above sea level and built directly on the crater rim. Be enchanted by the town’s white houses and numerous pebble mosaics and enjoy the magnificent view of the volcanic caldera over a cup of coffee. We continue into the fascinating volcanic landscape of Stefanos Crater with its steaming sulphur springs. Afterwards, we take natural paths and a single trail back to the ship in Mandraki. Crossing to the neighbouring island of Tilos.

5th Day: Tilos Island – Chalki island (aprx. 13 mi./20 km, 2,300 ft./700 m of elevation)

Our morning bike ride takes us first from Livadia to Megalochorio. Here, those interested have time to visit the pygmy elephant museum. Afterwards, we continue to the deserted village of Mikrochorio and along a spectacular coastal path back to the ship. After a delicious lunch we can relax on board while we sail to the island of Halki and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. The picturesque island capital of Chalki offers a first impression of the classic architecture style which we will see on Symi.

6th Day: Chalki Island – Symi Island (aprx. 16 mi./25 km, 2,460 ft./750 m of elevation)

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 the island. Biking 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 and 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 allowa us to enjoy the evening away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

7th Day: Datça (Datça-Peninsula) – Knidos – Bodrum (aprx. 28 mi./45 km, 2,300 ft./700 m of elevation)

From Symi it is only a stone’s throw away to the Turkish Datça peninsula with the village of the same name. Here we head out on our last bike tour of the trip. We take scenic routes mostly along the coast of the Datça Peninsula to Knidos. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we cross over to Bodrum. We say farewell to guests, guides, and crew with a festive evening on board.

8th Day: Bodrum (Disembarkation)

Disembarkation after breakfast. Collective transfers to Bodrum Airport.

Important Information

We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be run in reverse order. Our tours are dependent on weather conditions and the final decision is that of the captain. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION:

YOUR ShiP – Boreas

The 43 x 10 m Turkish gullet, Boreas, provides utmost comfort for your yacht cruise. This ship has 15 spacious and climate controlled guest cabins with tiled bathrooms with separate shower cabins and toilet. The large saloon includes a bar, and the vast ships decks provide shaded and sunny areas to relax with plenty of comfortable seating areas and sunning mattresses.

YOUR ShiP – Admiral

The 42 x 8.40 m Turkish gullet, Admiral, is a true eye catcher with its three towering masts. The boat offers 15 spacious and climate controlled guest cabins with tiled bathrooms and separate shower cabins and toilet. The large saloon is tastefully decorated and includes a bar where you can order a refreshing beverage. The vast ships decks provide shaded and sunny areas to relax with plenty of comfortable seating areas and sunning mattresses.

Internet availability
Our Turkish boats do not offer a WiFi connection. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend bringing your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your hearts content.
Group riding pace
On a guided MTB tour the speed of the group is determined by the mountain bikers on regular bikes. If you have hired an e-MTB, we ask you to respect those in the group who are riding without electric support. Those on regular bikes require more time and recovery when biking up hill. We thank you for your understanding.

SINGLE-TRAIL CLASSIFICATION:

To ensure that you are well prepared for your bike tour with Islandhopping and know what technical difficult level to expect, we have created a classification for all single trails that could be ridden on our tours. The difficulty levels included in our classification coincide with the Single Trail Scale which can be found at here.
Blue (easy, S0 – S1): small obstacles such as small roots, small stones, some erosion, gradients of up to 40 %, loose surfaces, tight corners but no hairpins, obstacles can be rolled over. Skilful braking and weight shift required, riding while standing.
Red (medium, S2): loose surfaces, larger stones and roots, steps and shallow stairs, gradients of up to 70 %, light hairpins. Constant readiness to brake, shift of centre weight to overcome obstacles, accurate braking, consistent body tension required.
Black (difficult, S3 – S5): blocked single trails, many large boulders and roots, smooth/slippery surfaces, loose scree slopes, large steps/drops, extremely steep gradients of over 70 %, tight hairpins. Expert level of bike control/handling required.

Note:
On all dates our MTB & boat tour takes place on the same ship and parallel to our hybrid bike & boat tour through the Gökova Gulf. One of the tour guides takes care of the hybrid cycle group while the other guide leads the MTB group. The detailed itinerary of the bike & boat tour can be sent to you on request.

YOUR BICYCLES:

MTB Fully (full suspension)

E-MTB Fully

Insurance against theft and damage of the Fully/E-MTB bookable:
30 euro/week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)

ATTENTION:
–Bringing own e-bikes not allowed on our ships!
–Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).

ARRIVAL INFORMATION:

Airport