Itinerary
Bike & Boat Pearls of the Aegean Sea
Cyclades & Dodecanese Islands
8 days / 7 nights | from/to Bodrum | Guided bike tours
aprx. 106 mi. /170 km by bicycle, level 2 –3
Greece has countless different facets, but the very typical image in white and blue can only be found on the Cyclades. Here, Greece reveals itself from its most original aspect: the white houses with blue windows and labyrinthine lanes determine the architectural character of the islands. More than 5,000 years ago, the first European high culture emerged here. The mostly jagged coasts are characterized by impressive geological formations, turquoise blue sea and unique sandy beaches.
Our journey takes us to the Greek Aegean to the Cyclade Islands of Amorgos, Naxos and Paros, as well as the Dodecanese islands of Kalymnos, Astypalaia and Kos. A wonderful combination where you can experience many different facets of Greece.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sat): Bodrum (Embarkation) – Kalymnos Island
Individual arrival to Bodrum harbor. A collective transfers from Bodrum Airport to the harbor is available for an extra cost on request. Check in begins on the Gullet at 2 pm. At 4 pm the ship takes us to the island of Kalymnos where we spent the night.
Day 2 (Sun): Kalymnos Island – Amorgos Island (Cycling aprx. 19 mi./30 km)
Our first cycle tour takes us from the harbor of Pothia, a town which thrived in the past off the local sponge trade, to the other side of the island. In the afternoon we can enjoy the sea breeze on a longer boats crossing to Amorgos Island.
Day 3 (Mon): Amorgos Island (aprx. 13 mi./21 km)
The island of Amorgos is picture perfect in white and blue with a very peaceful atmosphere. On today's bike tour we are able to gather traditional Greek impression as the Island of Amorgos fortunately maintains a low profile in the world of modern day tourism. We cycle from Ormos Aigiali across the island to Katapola. We also pass the island capital, Chora along the way, whose winding streets and pretty cafes beckon us to visit. In the afternoon we cross over to Naxos by boat. The sunset at the Apollo Temple in the town of Naxos is legendary and the impressive old town, with its towering fortress, invites us to an extended stroll in the evening.
Day 4 (Tue): Naxos Island (aprx. 22 mi./35 km)
After breakfast we start our cycle tour, which leads us through the untouched mountain landscape around the island of Naxos. On the way, we visit the beautifully situated sanctuary of Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest and agriculture, a wonderful example of classical Greek architecture. Back in Naxos Town, the ship already awaits us for the crossing to Naoussa on Paros. The picturesque town of Naoussa keeps all the hobby photographers in our travel group busy. A stroll through the winding streets and a visit to one of the many beautiful taverns in the harbor round off an eventful day by boat and bike.
Day 5 (Wed): Paros and Astypalaia Island (aprx. 19 mi./30 km)
Paros is a tranquil, and in parts very Green Island, most commonly known for its famous export of radiant white, translucent marble. Today we start our cycling tour in Naoussa to the island capital, Parikia, where we recommend a visit to the famous Panagia Ekatontapyliani, the Church of 100 Doors. We continue our trip across Paros Island to the small port of Piso Livadi, where the ship awaits us to continue to Astypalaia.
Day 6 (Thu): Astypalaia Island (aprx. 10 mi./17 km)
Astypalaia, the westernmost Dodecanese Island, also known as the bridge to the Cyclades. Unspoiled nature, white villages and the surrounding deep blue sea characterize this lovely island. Today's bike tour takes us from the main town of Chora with its fortress towering high above the village to Analipsi with an almost constant view of the sea. The ship awaits us in Analipsi for a crossing to Kos.
Day 7 (Fri): Kos island to Asklipieion (aprx. 7 mi./12 km) or to Embros thermal springs (aprx. 14 mi./23 km)
Our last cycling tour leads to the famous Asklepieion, home to Hippocrates, father of modern day medicine. An alternative for those who wish to ride more is a tour to the Embros thermal springs, which invite us for a relaxing bath. In the afternoon we have our final boats crossing back to Bodrum. A cheerful evening meal is spent in the company of your guides, crew and fellow guests.
Day 8 (Sat): Bodrum (Disembarkation)
After breakfast disembarkation. Collective transfers to Bodrum Airport on request.
Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only.
Itinerary changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements.
Map

MS Love Boat
MS Love Boat (Premium)
(all cabins with shower/toilet)
The Love Boat (formerly known as BB2) is designed to give splendid pleasure and to offer a relaxing, elegant atmosphere. It is one of the most perfect examples of the Turkish wooden gulets. It is 37 m long and offers 15 modern, climatized and large guest cabins as well as a spacious saloon and plenty of space on the decks. Each cabin includes a shower unit and a toilet.
The Love Boat has all the amenities and the elegance of an exclusive yacht. The accent is on an elegant atmosphere created through a high woodwork quality and intelligent design. While sailing or mooring, the sun beds spread out on the deck will offer you an excellent opportunity to sunbathe and relax. The professional and experienced crew ensures the safety and convenience of all guests. Enjoy the sea with the comfort of your home.
MS Elara I
MS Elara I (Deluxe)
At 42 x 10.5 m the Elara 1 (formerly known as Halis Temel) was launched at its homeport in Bodrum, Turkey. The boat was completely renovated in 2019 and newly equipped to even higher standards. On board you find 11 spacious and air conditioned guest cabins with shower cabins and WC, which are at the disposal of our guests.
The large salon is separated in restaurant and lounge areas with the highlight being the glass framed kitchen where you can cast a glance at the culinary skills of the chef. There is plenty of space on board the ships main deck where you can relax on the reclining furniture or comfortable seats. The upper deck is partly shaded.
Travel Dates & Prices 2021
Travel Dates and Prices 2021 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Route: Bodrum-Bodrum
Price per person in a cabin below deck
1.390 €
Love Boat
1.390 €
Love Boat
1.490 €
Love Boat
1.490 €
Love Boat
1.490 €
Love Boat
1.490 €
Love Boat
Optional services / Notes
Supplement cabin on deck (Love Boat)
150,- €
Supplement single cabin below deck
500,- €
Supplement single cabin on deck (Love Boat)
700,- €
Transfer Bodrum airport to harbour/p.p./way
15,- €
Bicycle rental 21-speed hybrid/week
80,- €
E-Bike 8-gear/week
180,- €
Bike insurance for e-bikes/week
20,- €
Bike insurance for 21-speed-bikes
10,- €
- Transfer only at day of embarkation or debarkation.
- Minimum number of participants: 14
Services included
- 8-day-trip on a premium gulet with crew
- 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
- 7 x half board
- Guided bike tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Overview-maps for the daily bike tours (on board)
- Entrance fee to archaeological sites (group visit only)
- Bed linen and towels
- English speaking tour guide
Not included in the tour price:
- Journey to Bodrum
- Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
- Flat rate for bottled water: 20 euro/person/week
- Meals and beverages ashore
- Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price
- Beach towel for ashore use (if needed)
- Tips for tour guides and crew
Additional optional services (on request)
- Shared twin cabin
- Above deck surcharge: 150 € per person
- Surcharge for a double cabin for single use below deck: 500 euro (limited)
- Surcharge for a double cabin for single use above deck: 700 euro (limited)
- Rental bike with Ortlieb pannier: hybrid bicycle: 80 euro/week; e-bike: 180 euro/week (limited)
- Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: hybrid bicycle: 10 euro/week; e-bike: 20 euro/week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
- Collective group transfers between Bodrum airport and Bodrum port (available on embarkation or disembarkation days only): 15 euro per person/way (reservation requested; incl. exact flight details)
- Additional customized transfers
- 4-day additional program Istanbul (available pre and post Islandhopping trip) incl. transfer airport Istanbul - hotel as well as hotel - airport Istanbul, 3 overnight stays in a boutique hotel in the old town of Istanbul, boat trip on the Bosporus, 2-day guided cultural tour, entrance to the Hagia Sofia, 1 dinner in a restaurant at the Bosporus excl. drinks, price per person in double room: 490 euro or in single room: 690 euro (minimum number of participants: 2)
- Additional night (B&B) in Bodrum
Price reductions
Children up to age 16 receive a discount of 25 % on the basic tour price.
Rental bikes
E-Bikes: Clients who wish to be supported by a tail-wind and seek to hire an e-bike will receive a high-quality pedelec, powered mainly by a Bosch motor capable of covering long distances, and characterized by their light weight and great components. Alternative drive systems may also be used. Standard components of our e-bikes in varying frame sizes include, 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
2021: We do not allow private e-bikes on board of our boats. This decision has been made due to health and safety regulations. If you wish to ride an e-bike for the duration of your tour, please get in touch with us about the rental options.
Hybrid Bikes: Those choosing to rent a hybrid bike will receive a reliable, low maintenance, aluminum frame bike in the suitable size. Our hybrid bikes are equipped with 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
Pannier: For the duration of the tour we supply you with a waterproof pannier by Ortlieb, a practical way of carrying drinks, bathing gear, camera etc. The use of our the panniers is free of charge.
Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation requested).
Level 2–3
The day-tours take you through mainly hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. There are also some extended climbs where walking your bicycle is of course permitted. Most of the roads are asphalted and rarely frequented. Your tour guide informs you each day about the tour details. 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. Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Cycle helmets are available on board in limited number (on request). 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.
Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bicycles is 1.50 m (5 ft.)
Catering
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one warm meal a day. The half board starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.
Internet availability
Our Turkish boats do not offer a WiFi connection. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend to take 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.
Language
Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.
Port of Embarkation/Disembarkation Bodrum
This trip starts and ends at Bodrum/Turkey that can easiest be reached by plane via Bodrum airport. As an alternative to arrival per plane via Turkey, arrival per plane via the island of Kos followed by a connecting ferry from Kos to Bodrum is also possible. A detailed overview to this alternative can be found below.
Location of the Islandhopping boats in Bodrum harbor
Bodrum harbor is very large. Therefore we recommend to book a transfer with us to save yourself the time looking for the Islandhopping-boat.
Should you however wish to find the boat yourself, you will find our boats Love Boat and Elara 1 in the Halikarnas Marina (when looking from the sea, on the right hand side of the fortress of St. Peter). Most commonly she will be moored next to the Datca Ferry dock, however in the height of summer it is possible that she will be moored directly below the fortress of St. Peter in the vicinity of the customs office.
In order to locate the boat with the least amount of time spent looking, please contact our regional manager, Ali Sonay, shortly before arriving at the harbor and he will tell you the exact location of the boat you are looking for. You will find his mobile phone number in your travel documents.
Arrival via Bodrum Airport and Transfer to Bodrum Port
A flight is the fastest, easiest and most economic way to get to Turkey. The closest airport is Bodrum (BJV). The most flights go to Izmir airport (ADB), which is situated approx. three hours from Bodrum. During the high season you can also fly directly to Bodrum airport.
To investigate and book a suitable flight you can for example use the website www.opodo.com.
Collective transfers (only available on embarkation/disembarkation days):
– between Bodrum airport and Bodrum port
Customized transfers are available on request,