GREEK ISLANDS BY BIKE AND BOAT 2015 Central Aegean Islands (ex Bodrum, Turkey) 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS, approx. 165 km by Bike
On a comfortable Turkish gulet, and by bicycle, you will explore the sunny islands of the Greek Aegean. The islands are a magical and mythical world filled with historical monuments and an abundance of stories. Come with us on a voyage of discovery and experience the Aegean from a special perspective, namely, by land and by sea. Relax while swimming in idyllic bays, enjoy the fabulous vistas, and walk in the footsteps of a turbulent, glorious past. Let us take you to the ancient Asclipion where Hippocrates, the famous physician, practiced his art. Enjoy the peaceful and lovely island of Lipsi, and dive into the atmosphere of the holy island Patmos. Get astonished by the unique panoramic views which are offered during the cycle tours. This cycling cruise takes place on the same ship and parallel to the mountain bike cruise “Central Greek Aegean”. One tour guide takes care of the MTB group while the other leads the hybrid bike tour. ITINERARY Day 1: (Saturday) Bodrum. Board from 2pm. Individual arrival to Bodrum. A transfers can be booked from Bodrum Airport (additional cost from €20 per person). In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit the picturesque port town of Bodrum & have dinner on board. Stay overnight in Bodrum. www.walkersworld.co.nz
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Day 2 (Sunday) Kos Island Before lunch you will cross over to Kos. The first cycle trip begins here and leads you to the Embros thermal spring, where you will have the opportunity to have your first swim in the Aegean. We will spend the evening in Kos, the lively capital of the island. On a tour through the town we come with each step across traces of the island’s great past. The Roman forum, the fortress of the Knights of St. John, and the mosques from the time when Kos was part of the Ottoman empire stand shoulder to shoulder. We can end the evening relaxing in one of the town’s numerous bars and cafes. Cycling approx. 25 km
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Day 3 (Monday) Leros Island In the morning we have a longer cruise to the varied and green island of Leros with its small harbors. Our cycling tour leads us to the fort of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in Agia Marina, and into the small alleys of the town. Passing the idyllic harbor of the town we cycle on to the seaside chapel of Agios Isidoros. Following the sea we reach a beautiful sandy beach where we may stop for a swim or a coffee. In the afternoon we cross over to the island of Patmos. Its snow white upper town and its towering monastery can be seen from afar. Dinner is onboard tonight. Cycling approx. 25 km
Day 4 (Tuesday) Island of Patmos and Lipsi On a short panoramic cycle route we visit Patmos and its grotto. It is said that St. John received the Apocalypse during his captivity here. The world famous monastery of St. John of Chora is found in a village with numerous white alleys, 34 churches and chapels radiating heavenly peace. After a visit we cycle past a wonderful beach until we reach the port. We meet the boat for lunch and cruise on to Lipsi. In the late afternoon we explore Lipsi by bike, taking us almost around the whole island. Do not miss a visit to the legendary pastry shop at the port. Cycling approx. 16+12 km www.cycling-europe.com
Day 6 (Thursday) Island of Kos In the early morning the boat takes us to Mastichari of Kos. Today our daily tour takes us through varied landscapes, mostly along the coast and partly through the impressive mountains of Kos to the same named island’s capital. Along the way we stop for a longer lunch break in the old Greek mountain village of Zia. After dinner on board you may explore the bustling town of Kos on your own. Cycling approx. 40 km
Day 5 (Wednesday) Island of Kalymos Early in the morning we cross over to Kalymnos where we start cycling from the port Pothia along a scenic coastal route and then through a surprisingly green valley until reaching the fishing village of Vathi. In a cozy tavern we have a coffee break. A mountain pass leads us eventually to the other side of the island where we have lunch before heading back to Pothia. In the afternoon we have enough time to explore Pothia and its old town on foot. One can clearly realise the influence of the sponge diving wealth for its inhabitants. Dinner on board. Cycling approx. 39 km
Day 7 (Friday) Island of Kos In the morning we take a cycle trip to the world famous archaeological excavation site of the Asclipion, where Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, practiced. After lunch ashore we enjoy our last cruise to Bodrum. The evening can be spent in the lively and oriental old town of Bodrum. Cycling approx. 10 km Day 8 (Saturday) Disembarkation in Bodrum Disembark in Bodrum after breakfast, 9am approx. A group transfer can be booked for today to Bodrum, Izmir or Dalaman Airports (additional cost) , or you can or extend of your stay in Turkey.
ALTERATIONS: We reserve the right to make alterations to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organisational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be conducted in reverse order. GRADE: level 2 - 3 Aside from two challenging cycle tours on Kalymnos and Kos, this trip belongs according to cycling to the less difficult than the other Greek island bike & boat tours. The cycling tours form 28 - max 50 km per, and will take you through partly hilly or mountainous terrain. There will also be extended climbs where walking your bike is of course permitted. Most of the roads are tarsealed. Your guide will inform you each day of the details of the cycle tours, so that you can choose to spend a whole or half-day on board the boat whenever you want.
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Children: minimum age 10, must be in good physical condition and accustomed to cycling to manage the cycling tours on this trip. Minimum height for bike: 1.2m ACCOMMODATION: (Air-con, shower/toilet in each cabin) PREMIUM SHIP: OSMAN KURT Is a beautiful 32 metre wooden “Gulet” that has been refitted in 2007 (originally built in 2000). 7 comfortably furnished guest cabins can be found on this elegant ship (4 with double beds / 3 with twin beds) situated near the comfortable lounge for your relaxation. All cabins are equipped with a bathroom, a shower / WC and air-conditioning. The sun deck has plenty of space and reclining options for you to relax whilst cruising.
CATERING: The on-board chef will prepare breakfast and one hot meal daily. Catering starts with dinner on the first night, and ends with breakfast on the last day, before you disembark.
2015 SCHEDULE & PRICES - PER PERSON IN EUROS: Departures on Saturdays: April: 18 & 25 May: 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 June: 6 (Full) September: 5, 12, 19 October: 10, 17, 24, 31
Cost includes a 21 gear Hybrid bike & pannier: Double or Twin share cabin €1350 (all tours) Single Cabin Supplement: €300 (limited Cabins, on request) ½ Share cabins can be requested Electric Bike € 120/week (must be booked in advance)
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Bike Insurance:
Optional insurance for damage or theft of rental bikes: € 10/week for 21-speed bike or € 20/week for Electric bike, can be paid in advance, or on the boat.
Airport Transfers:
Group transfer from/to Bodrum Airport on embarkation & disembarkation days can be booked at least 30 days in advance: €20 per person one way Group transfer from/to Izmir or Dalaman Airports on embarkation & disembarkation days can be booked at least 30 days in advance: €40 per person one way Private Transfers on other days - price on request.
Bodrum Hotel:
Extra nights pre & post tour, Price on request
DISCOUNTS: o Children up to 16 years requesting their own cabin receive a 25% discount on the basic tour price. Surcharge for a single cabin will be added. o 2ND tour discount: There is a reduction of €100 per person off the 2nd tour if you combine this trip with another Turkish or Greek Island bike & boat holidays from our brochure. Or €50 per person discount off the 2nd tour if it is Croatia Bike & Boat.
SERVICES INCLUDED: o o o o o
8-day boat trip on board a premium Turkish gulet with crew 7 nights‘ accommodation in a double or twin cabin with private shower/WC 7 days half-board on the ship (2 meals/day) Guided bike-tours as described in itinerary Bed linen and towels (beach towel not included)
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21 speed hybrid bike with an Ortlieb pannier Entrances to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only) English speaking tour guide
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Electric Bike €120/week Optional Insurance for rental bikes Meals and drinks ashore Tips for crew and tour-guide
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ADDITIONAL COSTS: o o o
Flights to Bodrum Airport Transfers Drinks on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
HELMETS: Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. We recommend you bring your own (well fitted) helmet. There are a limited number of bike helmets on board (must be requested at the time of booking).
Group size: minimum 10 / maximum 14 Book through:
Ph: (09) 4867473 Fax: (09) 484 0091 Email:
[email protected]
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