Symi Island in Greece. Flickr:Scouse Smurf

South Greek Aegean Sea

Name: South Greek Aegean Sea
Brand: Tripsite
SKU: ts118o1400
Rating: 3 (3 reviews)

Greece, Turkey Bike + Boat Tours

A bike & boat tour island hopping in the Southeastern Aegean Sea

Tour Type
Guided
Skill Level
Moderate–Difficult
Length
8 days
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Prices from
€2095 Rates
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Overview
Itinerary
Map
Boats
Inclusions
Dates & Pricing
Extra Info
Photos
Reviews

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Overview
Let yourself be mesmerized on this bike and boat tour featuring the Dodecanes Islands in the Southern Green Aegean Sea. This is an exquisite place with its 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.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Bodrum/Yalı Çiftlik (Embarkation)
Day 2: Bodrum - Yalıçiftlik (round tour) - Kos, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Kos Island/Kos Town - Nisyros Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Nisyros Island - Tilos Island, 19 to 25 mi. (30 to 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/Yalı Çiftlik (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/Yalı Çiftlik (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.
Please note, if you are traveling aboard the Admiral, embarkation takes place in Yalı Çiftlik, a small village just under 14 km from Bodrum town. A collective transfer is still available to take you from Bodrum to the boat.
Day 2: Bodrum - Yalıçiftlik (round tour) - Kos, 23 mi. (38 km)
After breakfast, there will be a short cruise to Yaliciftlik. From here you start your first bike ride through the local pine forests to Camlik where you will have the chance to refresh yourself with a short coffee break. You 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. Marvel at their fascinating handcrafts and discover some local cuisine at the local restaurants during lunch break. After lunch, you will return to Yaliciftlik to 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.
Day 3: Kos Island/Kos Town - Nisyros Island, 19 mi. (30 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 to 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 Island's 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 breathtaking 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 onboard 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/Yalı Çiftlik (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 9:15 am. Please ensure that your flight departure from Kos is no earlier than 1 pm.
Aboard the Admiral, disembarkation takes place in Yalı Çiftlik.
Want to visit Istanbul before or after your tour? Please see the Extra Stay section of the tour page for more details!
Be sure to check out our full list of bike & boat tours or view all our featured trips including biking, hiking, multi-adventure, & active cruising.
Map
Boats
Boat Types: Premium
- Admiral
  Premium
  ?
  
  View Boat
  Premium Class Boat
  The Admiral is a classic Turkish gullet characterized by its time-honored design. Three majestic masts with striking sails crown the exterior while its interior is thoughtfully furnished for utmost comfort. It commands attention in any harbor it graces. Read More
- Boreas
  Premium
  ?
  
  View Boat
  Premium Class Boat
  Sailing the waters of the Aegean Sea, the Boreas is an elegant Turkish gulet, designed to provide comfort and relaxation to guests. With two towering masts, that support white sails, this sailing boat navigates expertly around the many islands and bays of Turkey and Greece. The swimming ladder, located at the rear of the boat, allows guests to take a refreshing dip at their leisure. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights in selected cabin with private bathroom
- Breakfast
- 7 days with either lunch or dinner
- Bottles water on board and for all activities on shore
- Bed linen & towels
- Guided tours as described in the itinerary
- 21-gear trekking bike with an Ortlieb saddle bag
- Overview maps for the daily tours (on board)
- All entrances to museums & archaeological sites
- English-speaking tour guide
What’s Not Included
- Transfer to & from the airport/harbor (available with supplement/reservation required)
- Beverages on board (tally sheet)
- Meals not mentioned
- Gratuities crew & tour guides (optional)
- Limited Wifi (only in Turkey)
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance

Dates & Pricing

Premium class

Boreas

Saturday departures

May 4*, May 18, June 1*, September 7*, September 21, October 5, & October 19, 2024

* MTB itinerary also available. Please contact us for details.

* Discount: 200 Euros per person on May 4 & June 1 departures. New bookings only. Discount or no single supplement on May 4 departure.

Admiral

Saturday departures

May 18* 2024

* MTB itinerary also available. Please contact us for details.

* Discount: 200 Euros per person on May 18 departure. New bookings only.

Below deck \| Twin/double	$ 3541 £ 1831 $ 3,140 € 2095 kr 321191 ₪ 8637 ¥ 351872 Mex$ 38694 NZ$ 3856 NOK 25097 zł 9270 S$ 3102 kr 24951 $ 2,280
Below deck supplement \| Double for single-use	$ 1183 £ 612 $ 1,049 € 700 kr 107319 ₪ 2886 ¥ 117571 Mex$ 12929 NZ$ 1288 NOK 8386 zł 3098 S$ 1036 kr 8337 $ 762

Extra Options

Bicycle options

Electric bike (limited number available, advanced reservation required)	$ 245 £ 127 $ 217 € 145 kr 22230 ₪ 598 ¥ 24354 Mex$ 2678 NZ$ 267 NOK 1737 zł 642 S$ 215 kr 1727 $ 158
Carbon road bike	$ 237 £ 122 $ 210 € 140 kr 21464 ₪ 577 ¥ 23514 Mex$ 2586 NZ$ 258 NOK 1677 zł 620 S$ 207 kr 1667 $ 152

Transfers

Group transfer between Bodrum airport and Bodrum port (or reverse)	On request
Exclusive transfers	On request

Transfers take place on embarkation and disembarkation days only. Rates are per person/way. A minimum of 2 people is required.

Extra nights in Bodrum

Double/twin

On request

4-day extension in Istanbul

Double/twin	On request
Single	On request

Children up to age 16 receive a discount of 25% on the base tour price; Surcharge for single cabin use will be added.

Please Note

Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
Information to read before you book
We recommend purchasing trip insurance
† Currency exchange rate set 90 days before travel
Please see our FAQ

Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult, guided bike and boat tour with daily distances averaging approximately 25 miles (40 km). The route will take you through hilly and mountainous terrain. There will also be extended (longer) climbs. Most of the roads are asphalted. Your tour guide will inform you each day regarding that day’s itinerary. 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.
Please note that the riding pace will be determined by the cyclists on regular bikes. Guests who are taking part in these tours on an e-bike should be aware that regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills.
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.
Recommended
There is no Wifi on board. We recommend that you consider your own portable WiFi device which can be rented from numerous companies throughout Europe and the World. We have tried MyWebSpot and were very impressed by their service.
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: Please check the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented, 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
Extra nights can be booked in Bodrum before or after the tour. See pricing.
4-DAY PRE OR POST TOUR EXTENSION IN ISTANBUL
A visit to Turkey is not complete without having the experience of visiting Istanbul, one of the liveliest and most enchanting cities in the world. The program offers you a variety of organized activities as well as an abundance of free time to enjoy your favorite part of the city to its fullest.
Day 1: Istanbul
After arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW), you will be transferred to your hotel. Peering out of the car window, you will gain your first impressions of this exciting city. Check into the Eastanbul Suite Hotel or similar – your home for the next 3 days.
Day 2: Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul
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 3: Modern Day Istanbul
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 4: Departure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy the last impressions of the city as your transfer takes you to the Airport.
Tour Operator
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?
Photos
Reviews
Bonnie G.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
The captain backing up the ship to fit into a small space at the dock.
Reply
Love Boat
Judy P.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Beautiful scenery on some of the islands.
Reply
Love Boat
Rolf Lange
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Most everything was perfect, especially our guide Lars for both trips. Only problem was lack of AC on boat so sleeping not easy.
Reply
Love Boat
Patsy Venema
10 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My first time on Greek Islands and this trip was superb. Our guides, Ali and Peter, were always available on the boat or the bike route to respond to our needs(which were few beyond what was already provided). The airport transfers were very helpful facilitated with cheap internal Turkey flights; we used Atlas Air. The weather was very hot in late August but we had lovely cool swims off the boat at the end of our rides. The steep Greek island hills were tamed with electric bikes by many of the riders. All the bikes were good and well maintained. Our room on board was spacious, had lots of storage space and a large bath. The boat chef gave us delightful fresh Mediterranean cooking on board; one meal a day on shore offered local food experiences. We really enjoyed the international mix of riders. I would go with Island Hopping again without hesitation.
Reply
Love Boat
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