here - Cycling Europe

GREEK ISLANDS by BIKE & BOAT 2017
RHODES & THE SOUTHERN AEGEAN
BODRUM-MARMARIS VV
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS 145 km (21-SPEED BIKE, ELECTRIC BIKE or MOUNTAIN BIKE)
Depart from Marmaris or Bodrum (Turkey)
to visit Rhodes & neighbouring islands
Spend a week discovering the Dodecanese
Islands in the Southern Greek Aegean by bike
and in a comfortable motor-sailer. Explore
lively yet tranquil Rhodes, the island of the sun
god Helios; the towering volcanic crater in
Nissyros; and the charming simplicity of Symi
with its wonderful neo-classical buildings in its
island capital. Cruise and relax on the
sparkling waters and enjoy the pleasant sea
breezes. 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 experience the history that
envelops the Aegean: the stormy, rock-
throwing Poseidon; the Colossus of Rhodes; the Knights of St John; and the famous divers from
Symi. They have all left their mark on the islands in the form of myths and historical
monuments for you to discover.
On some dates a guided Mountain Bike tour is possible (see schedule).
ITINERARY MARMARIS TO BODRUM
Day 1: (Saturday) Embarkation in Marmaris
Boarding starts at 2 pm. You may take a stroll to the bazaar or enjoy a Turkish tea - Other
participants may reach the boat in the late evening. Dinner will be served on board and you
will spend the night in Marmaris, often the last participants reach the boat late in the evening.
A transfer from Bodrum Airport can be arranged for additional cost.
Day 2: (Sunday) Marmaris – Rhodes Island, Rhodes-City (Cycle approx. 25 km)
After breakfast we take part on our first cycling tour, leading us through the outskirts of
Marmaris. In the early afternoon we take a boats crossing to the city of Rhodes. On arrival we
are able to go on a stroll through the narrow streets of the town, tracing in the footsteps of the
former crusaders who dwelled here, past impressive structures such as the Palace of the Gran
Master of the Knights of Rhodes and the former 'Knights-Street' with its medieval lodgings.
Day 3: (Monday) Rhodes Island, Rhodes-City – Symi Island (Cycle approx. 12 km)
On our bikes we explore the city and its outskirts, travelling 2400 years back in time as we learn
of the capitals colourful history in this beautiful open air museum. The stag and doe at the
harbour entrance offer the first photo motif – could this be the site of the early Colossus of
Rhodes? We continue to the acropolis of Rhodes, followed by tour of the crusaders castle
moat, whose imposing walls characterise the city’s image. Afterwards our boat takes us to
Symi Island. Our destination is the Islands capital city of Symi, with its classical cityscape and
harbour. In the evening we can climb the 500 steps from Symi to the upper part of town. From
the top we have a breath-taking view over the harbour and coastline of the bay. With a bit of
luck we will witness a most beautiful sunset to end the day.
Day 4: (Tuesday) Symi Island – Tilos Island (Cycle approx. 25 km)
Let’s explore the other side of the famous sponge diver’s island. On a winding road we slowly
crest the mountain. No worries! You have plenty of time to admire the astonishing panoramic
view. The marvellous Panormitis Bay with its big Michalis Panormitis Monastery , is available for
a visit. We meet the boat for lunch and cruise on to Livadia on Tilos Island. Livadia is a pretty
harbour where an evening can be comfortably spent relaxing in one of the local taverns.
Day 5: (Wednesday ) Tilos Island (Cycle approx. 18 & 15 km)
Today starts with a cycle tour from Livadia to Megalochorio, where we visit the pygmy
elephant museum, before returning to the boat. Lunch is on board. If weather conditions are
fine, our boat takes us to Mandraki in Nissyros. Otherwise, in the afternoon you are free to
decide whether to take part on a small cycle tour or to enjoy the afternoon relaxing on the
beach. In the evening the local harbour bars welcome us for a relaxed evening in Greek
island ambience.
Day 6: (Thursday ) Islands of Nissyros and Kos (Cycle route approx. 30 km)
From Mandraki at Nissyros Island we start today’s cycle tour to Nikia - a village directly built at
the edge of the crater in 1,400 ft./430 m height. From here we can enjoy a fascinating view
into the volcano crater. Not only the volcano but also the white houses and the numerous
mosaics made of pebble will truly amaze us. When we arrived at the village square we should
not miss to try a Greek coffee. From here we cycle on to the crater with its steaming sulphur
springs and finally back to the small port town of Mandraki – its charm has attracted visitors for
centuries. After a cruise with our boat we reach Kos Island, where we stay overnight. You will
meet history at every corner while strolling through Kos town. The sights are located close
together: The Roman Forum, the Fortress of the Knights and the mosques from the time when
Kos was still part of the Ottomans Empire. The evening is rounded off in one of the numerous
bars and cafes.
Day 7: (Friday ) Kos Island, Kos town – Asclepeion- Bodrum (Cycle route approx. 20 km)
In the morning we take a bicycle ride to the world famous archaeological site of the
Asclepeion of Kos - the place where Hippocrates is said to have received his medical training.
From here we cycle along the coast until we finally reach the town of Kos. In the afternoon we
enjoy our last boat cruise back to Bodrum in Turkey. Here we will take a walk through the
bustling old town. On the last evening before disembarkation there is usually a get together
with the crew, guests and guides.
Day 8: (Saturday) Cruise ends in Bodrum
After breakfast disembarkation and transfer to the airport; individual trip home or extended
stay in the Greek or Turkish Aegean.
Hotel pre & post tour: Price on request
Changes
The boat company reserves the right to make alterations to the planned route due to
changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organisational necessities.
ITINERARY : BODRUM - MARMARIS
Day 1: (Saturday) Embarkation in Bodrum
Boarding starts at 2 pm. You may take a stroll in the bustling town or enjoy a Turkish tea - Other
participants may reach the boat in the late evening. Dinner will be served on board and you
will spend the night in Bodrum, often the last participants reach the boat late in the evening.
A transfer from Bodrum Airport can be arranged for additional cost.
Day 2 (Sunday) Island Kos, Kos town – Asclepeion (Cycle approx. 20 km)
Our first boat passage with BB2 brings us to Kos Island. In the late morning we take a bicycle
ride to the world famous archaeological site of the Asclepeion of Kos- the place where
Hippocrates is said to have received his medical training. From here we cycle along the coast
until we finally reach the town of Kos. During a stroll through the town we are confronted with
the history of the island. The sights are located close together: The Roman Forum, the Fortress
of the Knights and the mosques from the time when Kos was still part of the Ottomans Empire.
The evening is rounded off in one of the numerous bars and cafes.
Day 3 (Monday) Island of Nissyros (Cycle approx. 30 km)
In the morning we cruise to the port of Mandraki on Nissyros Island. From there we start today’s
cycle tour to Nikia - a village directly built at the edge of the crater in 1,400 ft./430 m height.
From here we can enjoy a fascinating view into the volcano crater not only of the volcano but
also the white houses and the numerous pebble mosaics. From here we cycle around the
crater with its steaming sulphur springs and finally back to the small port town of Mandraki.
Day 4 (Tuesday) Tilos Island (Cycle approx. 15 + 18 km)
Today starts with a bike tour on Tilos from Livadia to Megalochorio, where we visit the pygmy
elephant museum, before returning to the boat. Lunch is on board. In the afternoon you are
free to decide whether to take part on a second bike tour or to enjoy the afternoon relaxing
on the beach. Livadia is a pretty harbour where an evening can be comfortably spent
relaxing in one of the local taverns.
Day 5 (Wednesday) Symi Island (Cycle approx. 25 km)
In the morning we take a crossing by boat to Panormitis Bay in front of the island of Symi,
where you have time to visit the local monastery. Continue biking to the other side of the
island scaling several switchbacks up the hill, allowing ourselves enough time to enjoy the
picturesque views. Our destination is the Islands capital city of Symi, with its classical cityscape
and harbour. In the evening we can climb the 500 steps from Symi to the upper part of town.
From the top we have a breath-taking view over the harbour and coastline of the bay. With a
bit of luck we will witness a most beautiful sunset to end the day
Day 6 ( Thursday ) Rhodes Island & City ( Cycle approx. 12km)
After a short crossing by boat, we reach the city of Rhodes. On our bikes we explore the city
and its outskirts, travelling 2400 years back in time as we learn of the capitals colourful history in
this beautiful open air museum. The stag and doe at the harbour entrance of Mandraki offer
great photo opportunities – could this be the site of the early Colossus of Rhodes? We continue
to the acropolis of Rhodes, followed by tour of the crusaders castle moat, whose imposing
walls characterise the city’s image. In the afternoon we take a stroll through the many small
streets, and follow in the footsteps of the earlier inhabiting Crusaders.
Day 7: Rhodes to Marmaris (Cycle approx. 25 km)
Today the boat brings us to Marmaris where we take part on a finale bike ride. We have
enough time in the afternoon to take a stroll across the bazar, or to relax for a few hours in a
typical Turkish Hamam, before taking part in a celebrative evening meal on board together
with the guides and crew.
Day 8 (Saturday ) Marmaris (Disembarkation)
After breakfast disembarkation and transfer to the airport; individual trip home or extended
stay in the Greek or Turkish Aegean.
GRADE (LEVEL 2 -3) : MODERATE TO ENERGETIC
The day tours are average 25kms and will take you through mainly hilly and mountainous
terrain. There will also be extended climbs where walking your bike is of course permitted.
Most of the roads are tar-sealed. 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. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the
boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour. Electric bikes can be requested at time of
booking limited - numbers are available.
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).
MEALS
The on-board chef will prepare breakfast and one hot meal daily. Half board is included from
the evening meal on arrival day, and ends with breakfast on the last day. You will have the
opportunity to eat ashore in local Greek tavernas.
BOAT: Superior “Gulet”: BB2 ( all cabins have own shower & toilet)
The BB2 is a wonderful example of a Turkish Gulet. Length 37 metres it was launched in 2013.
15 spacious and air conditioned guest cabins (ca. 12 m2) with a shower cabin and toilet.
Cabins:
Above deck – 6 cabins with double beds (200 x 140 cm)
Below deck – 9 (2 x twin beds (200 x 90 cm), 7x double beds + single) TV in all cabins
The ship has a large saloon, which consists of partly the restaurant and partly the lounge area.
In addition, BB2 has plenty of space for relaxation and on the main deck and upper deck and
cosy seating and reclining furniture is available. The upper deck is partly shaded.
2017 SCHEDULE
Departures on Saturday:
6 -13 May
13 -20 May
3 -10 June
10 -17 June
26 August – 2 Sept
2 -9 September
9 -16 September
30 September – 7 Oct
7 -14 October
from Bodrum to Marmaris
from Marmaris to Bodrum
from Bodrum to Marmaris
from Marmaris to Bodrum
Fully booked
from Bodrum to Marmaris
from Marmaris to Bodrum
from Bodrum to Marmaris
from Marmaris to Bodrum
MTB
MTB
MTB
MTB
MTB
MTB
MTB
MTB
Participants: Minimum 14* / Maximum 30
*A minimum of 14 people must be reached to guarantee departure.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR OPTION (MTB): on dates marked MTB, a mountain bike tour takes place
on the same ship, with a separate guide. Please request itinerary details.
There is also another Mountain Bike tour from Bodrum (on a smaller boat) that is Mountain Bike
only. Planned departures: 29 April, 13 & 27 May, 10 June, 9 & 23 Sept, 7 & 21 Oct
If you are interested, please request an itinerary.
2017 Prices – Euros per person
Double / Twin
€1250
Surcharge for upper deck cabin
€150 per person share twin/double
Single Supplement lower deck
€ 500 Limited single cabins on request
Single Supplement upper deck
€ 700 Limited single cabins on request
Bike Hire: 21-speed Hybrid bike with pannier €80
Electric Bike with pannier € 160/week
Optional Insurance for Bike (theft & damage), 21-speed €10 / Electric bike €20
Helmets: Limited helmets are available at no charge and must be requested at the time of
booking.
Single travelers can request a shared cabin - subject to availability
Discounts:
o Children under 16 years receive a 25% discount on the basic tour price
o There is a reduction of €100 per person off the 2nd trip if you combine this cruise with
another Turkish or Greek or Turkey Island bike cruise from the same boat operator.
Airport Transfers - optional (additional cost):
o Group transfer from/to Bodrum Airport to Marmaris harbour on embarkation and
disembarkation day is €40 per person one way (transfers on other days - price on request )
o Group transfer to/from Bodrum harbour to Bodrum Airport on embarkation and
disembarkation day is €15 per person one way (transfers on other days - price on request )
INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE :
o 7 nights accommodation in a double/twin cabin with own shower/toilet
o 7 days half board (breakfast and one cooked meal)
o English speaking tour guide
o Guided bike tours and sightseeing as described in itinerary
o Overview-maps for the daily tours on board
o Entrance to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only)
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE :
o Flights to Turkey, & airport transfers
o Drinks on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain) Drinking water flat rate: €20
o Meals ashore (Lunch)
o Tips for crew and tour-guides
o Bikes and Insurance
BOOK THROUGH
Don’t just see the world. Experience it.
Ph 09 4867473 Fax 09 484 0091
Email: [email protected]