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MTB & Boat Adventure in the South Greek Aegean

Ready to explore the coastal MTB trails and feel the open sea, all under the banner of the Greek joy-of-life? Set sail from the vibrant Turkish port of Bodrum, and enjoy 8 unforgettable days of mountain biking, island hopping, and cultural exploration in Greece’s South Aegean. Traverse rugged trails and newly forged singletracks winding through tranquil Mediterranean landscapes. As you pedal past ancient theaters, Ottoman mosques, and charming white-washed villages, open your ears, and hear the echoes of history. Explore volcanic isles, indulge in moments of serenity at idyllic bays, relish the delectable Greek mezes, and let yourself go in the seamless fusion of sailing and mountain biking, nature and antiquity.

Adventure highlights

  • Awe-inspiring sites
    Discover the captivating fusion of rugged volcanic landscapes, azure waters, and ancient Greek and Ottoman ruins
  • Full Aegean immersion
    Experience everything from scenic coastal biking to idyllic bays and bustling towns
  • Home away from home
    Stay in a stylish gulet and enjoy opulent cabins, delectable dishes made by private chef, and attentive crew

Itinerary

Embark on an MTB & sailing adventure through the captivating South Greek Aegean aboard the Admiral—an exquisite Turkish gulet. Explore ancient ruins and stunning coasts, all while enjoying the comfort of opulent cabins. With a seasoned guide, attentive crew, private chef, half board, and a carefully curated itinerary you’ll pedal and sail from the historic sites of Kos and charming villages of Nisyros to the scenic bays of Tilos and the architectural wonders of Halki. Discover, unwind, and immerse yourself in a truly exceptional experience that seamlessly combines exploration and relaxation.

  • Individual arrival to Yalıçiftlik harbor (near Bodrum). Transfer from Bodrum Airport to the harbor is available for an additional fee on request. Check-in begins at 2pm. In the evening, you can enjoy a shared dinner on board with your travel companions and tour guides.

    Meals: Dinner

  • Our first ride takes us through local pine forests to Camlik, where we pause for a refreshing coffee break. We then cycle through silver-green olive groves to the village of Etrim, home to descendants of the Turkmen tribes who continue to live semi-nomadic lives. Here, we can admire their fascinating handicrafts and enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, discovering regional cuisine. After lunch, we return to Yaliciftlik, board the boat, and cruise to the island of Kos. Kos town offers a wealth of cultural sights, including the Roman Forum, the Crusader fortress, and mosques from the Ottoman era, providing insight into its rich history. In the evening, we can relax in one of the many bars or cafés in town.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Riding: 28 mi (45 km)
    Elevation gain: 2,624 ft (800 m)

    The Greek town of Kos.
  • After breakfast, we begin our bike tour with a visit to the world-famous Asklepion, then ride through a fragrant pine forest on gently ascending natural trails to Mt. Dikeo, the island’s highest peak. Following the ridgeline trail, we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, quickly forgetting the effort of the climb. We then return to the ship along varied trails. In the afternoon, we sail to Mandraki on the volcanic island of Nisyros.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Riding: 22 mi (35 km)
    Elevation gain: 2,625 ft (800 m)

    Mountain bikers riding through theMediterranean wilderness on the South Aegean Greek island of Nisyros.
  • Today’s bike tour on Nisyros starts with an easy ride along asphalt roads up to the island’s capital, Nikia, situated 430 meters above sea level on the crater rim. We’ll be enchanted by the town’s white houses, pebble mosaics, and enjoy a coffee while taking in the magnificent view of the volcanic caldera. Next, we head into the fascinating volcanic landscape of Stefanos Crater, with its steaming sulfur springs. We then follow natural paths and a single trail back to the ship in Mandraki, before crossing to the neighboring island of Tilos.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Riding: 25 mi (40 km)
    Elevation gain: 2,790 ft (850 m)

    Mountain bikers riding along an MTB trail by the coast of the Greek island of Tilos.
  • Our morning bike ride begins in Livadia, heading to Megalochorio, where those interested can visit the pygmy elephant museum. We then continue to the deserted village of Mikrochorio and follow a spectacular coastal path back to the ship. After a delicious lunch, we can relax on board as we sail to the island of Halki, enjoying the fresh sea breeze. The picturesque island capital of Chalki gives us a first glimpse of the classic architectural style we’ll see later on Symi.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Riding: 13 mi (20 km)
    Elevation gain: 2,300 ft (700 m)

    The town of Halki on the eponymous Greek Island seen from the azure waters surrounding it.
  • In the morning, we sail to Panormitis Bay, just off the island of Symi, to visit the local monastery. We then bike to the other side of the island, gradually conquering the hill with several switchbacks, taking time to enjoy the picturesque views along the way. Our destination is Symi, the island’s capital, with its classical cityscape and harbor. In the evening, we head to the upper part of Symi town, where we’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of the harbor and coastline. We conclude the day with a visit to a remote tavern, enjoying a peaceful evening away from the hustle and bustle.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Riding: 16 mi (25 km)
    Elevation gain: 2,460 ft (750 m)

    Anchor in the Greek town of Symi.
  • From Symi, it’s just a short distance to the Turkish Datça Peninsula and the village of the same name. Here, we embark on our final bike tour of the trip, taking scenic coastal routes along the Datça Peninsula to Knidos. After exploring the impressive archaeological site, we cross over to Yalıçiftlik. We then bid farewell to our guests, guides, and crew with a festive evening on board.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Riding: 28 mi (45 km)
    Elevation gain: 2,300 ft (700 m)

    The remains of an ancient Greek theater on the island of Knidos.
  • It’s time to say goodbye to fellow MTBers, your guide, crew members and to the Aegean. Head to the airport after breakfast—or continue touring on your own (just ask your guide for advice!)

    Meals: Breakfast

    Turkish Aegean port city of Bodrum seen during the evening.
  • Your guide reserves the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements. Should it be the case, for example, that the harbours on the above mentioned tour sequence are overcrowded, the tour will be operated in reverse.

Adventure brochure
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Meet your guides

Ali Sonay
5.00
Ali Sonay
Destination Manager
Getting to know new cultures and exploring the countries from their lesser-known sides has been one of Ali's main hobbies for years. By joining Islandhopping in 2002, he made his dreams of exploration a reality. Today, he is a destination manager, but in his free time, you'll find him at the nearest beach, getting ready for a diving session.
Dimitrios Kavvadas
5.00
Dimitrios Kavvadas
Tour Guide Greece
Dimitrios has been a tour guide for Islandhopping since 2016, sailing around Greece and exploring the outdoors. The part he enjoys the most is the connections he makes with the guests and being able to share different opinions and visiting various places. In his spare time, he enjoys kickboxing or sailing around and enjoying the views.  
Islandhopping
5.00
Islandhopping
Founded in 1998, Islandhopping is your top choice for biking, mountain biking, road biking, e-biking, and multi adventures aboard a boat. What started out as two bicycle tours in Croatia has grown into 300 tours a year with over 7,000 guests from all around the world. They guide travelers all over the Mediterranean, Central & Northern Europe, in Vietnam, South Africa, and Patagonia. Islandhopping’s tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable, multilingual, and educated in first aid, cultural presentations, and bike repairs. They’ll liven up the tour experience and make sure guests create lasting memories for a lifetime.

Life on board

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced MTB guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
      • 8-day South Aegean MTB trip based on a premium boat with crew
      • Accommodation aboard the Admiral gulet for 7 nights
      • All breakfasts and dinners (from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8)
      • Bed linen and towels
      • Drinking water onboard
      • Overview maps for the daily bike tours
      • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites (for group visits only)
      • SGR Insolvency Protection (5 euros)

    Add-ons:

      • Single supplement — 50% of the tour base price (this depends on availability and season), let us know prior to booking if interested
      • Full suspension MTB rental — $235
      • E-MTB rental — $335
      • Limited liability protection for e-bike rentals (theft and damage covered, grossly negligent damage not) — $30
      • Group transfer from Bodrum Airport to Bodrum Port (available on embarkation and disembarkation days only, minimum 2 persons) — $50 per person, let us know prior to booking if interested
      • Additional nights near/in Bodrum — let us know prior to booking if interested
      • 4-day additional Istanbul extension — let us know prior to booking if interested
      • Special dietary requirements — $75, to be paid on board

    Not included:

      • Transportation to the Bodrum harbor
      • Lunches
      • Beverages on board (tally sheet system will be utilized)
      • Any personal expenses and meals ashore
      • Guide and crew gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance
  • To participate and enjoy the guided sailing and mountain biking trip in the South Greek Aegean, you should have a good level of physical fitness. Daily tours cover distances ranging from 25 to 45 km (15.5 to 28 miles), and elevation gains of 550 to 1,200 meters (1,805 to 3,935 ft), making the terrain moderately challenging and hilly. The region’s landscape varies from island to island, with technical and demanding single trails, wide gravel 4×4 roads, and occasional quiet asphalt stretches. While there are a few challenging points, there are very few unrideable spots.

    ​​Being able to skillfully brake and shift your weight while riding on small obstacles such as roots, stones, and tight corners is important. For the more medium difficulty trails, you should be prepared for loose surfaces, larger obstacles like stones and roots, and light hairpin turns. Constant readiness to brake, shift your center of weight to overcome obstacles, and maintaining consistent body tension are required for these sections.

    The tour offers various sections with different technical levels, allowing you to choose the appropriate difficulty based on your comfort and skill. If you enjoy outdoor activities, have experience with mountain biking, and are prepared for moderate physical exertion, you’ll be well-equipped to participate. The itinerary is designed to offer flexibility – you can choose to spend time swimming, relaxing on board the boat, or exploring the islands if you prefer a break from biking on certain days. Keep in mind that your guide will always be by your side to observe your technique, encourage you, and even change the route if riding gets too strenuous. There will often be a chance to take a break during rides.

    If you’re looking for something less strenuous, check out this sailing and cycling tour in the Greek Cyclades and the Saronic Islands.

    To ensure you’re aware of how technical the singletrails are, below you’ll find a classification of all singletrails that could be ridden on the tour:

      • Blue (Easy, S0–S1): Small obstacles (roots, stones, erosion), gradients up to 40%, loose surfaces, and tight corners. Requires skillful braking, weight shifts, and standing riding.
      • Red (Medium, S2): Loose surfaces, larger stones/roots, steps, shallow stairs, gradients up to 70%, and light hairpins. Requires precise braking, weight shifts, and body tension.
      • Black (Difficult, S3–S5): Blocked trails, large boulders/roots, slippery surfaces, scree slopes, large drops, gradients over 70%, and tight hairpins. Expert bike control required.
  • Here’s what you’ll need:

      • Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material (both short- and long-sleeved clothing)
      • Helmet (mandatory to wear) — please bring your own, well-fitted helmet, rental ones are limited (reservation required)
      • Padded cycling shorts — recommended
      • Week’s worth of leisure clothing
      • Swimming gear
      • Long-sleeved sweater or sweatshirt
      • Lightweight waterproof jacket
      • Sneakers or sport shoes
      • Sunglasses
      • Water bottles or hydration bladder
      • Daypack with snacks
      • Biking gloves are optional but recommended
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)

    Bring comfortable clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Summer months are usually sunny and hot, but there is always a chance for an occasional summer storm or rainy day. Weather is more unpredictable in late spring and early fall, with a possibility for cooler windy days, so it is instrumental that you are informed about the weather forecasts and prepared for different conditions.

  • Due to safety regulations on the boat, it is not allowed to bring your own e-bike. By renting it with your guides, you will get high-quality, fully serviced rental bikes perfect for the terrain of this tour. You can bring your own bike seat and pedals, guides will be happy to assist you in attaching these to your rental bikes.

    If you want to bring your own bike on the trip, bring a mountain bike that meets the technical requirements. In addition, your bike will need to have good tires (e.g. Gravel Bike or Cyclocross Bike). Before traveling, please check the condition of brakes, gears, and tires as well as bringing repair kits and essential spare parts (e.g. inner tube). Your bike must be in top technical condition. Please keep in mind that transporting your own bike will result in additional costs when flying.

    Helmet wearing is mandatory and it’s recommended you bring your own, well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available, but in a limited capacity, so reservation is required should you need it.

    Mountain bikes

    Your guides only use high-quality full-suspension rental bikes from GIANT and SCOTT, whose components are perfectly tailored to the demands of the Mediterranean terrain. For effortless climbing and ultimate trail fun, there lightweight fullys are usually equipped with 27.5 inch rims, 140-150 mm travel, suspension forks and shocks, Shimano or SRAM shifting and brake groups as well as dropper seat posts. In order to meet the highest material requirements, your guides will also be offering premium full suspension rental bikes from SANTA CRUZ.

    E-mountain bikes

    If you’re looking for an easy uphill ride with an epic downhill trail experience, then these e-mountain bikes are the perfect rental bike for you! These full suspension e-MTBs are equipped with 27.5’’ wheels and robust tires ready for exploring fantastic trails. The powerful Bosch motor, large battery, 150 mm RockShox suspension, Shimano or SRAM gear and brake systems as well as hydraulic dropper posts make these e-MTBs a biker’s best friend.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • Depending on the number of people, there can be between 1 and 3 professional guides per trip.
      • It takes a minimum of 14 people aboard a yacht for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 30 people.
      • The price of the tour is based on sharing a cabin below deck.
      • While solo travelers are welcome, please note that a single supplement is mandatory (50% of the tour price, and this depends on availability and season). It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest. If interested in joining solo, please let us know before booking!
      • If not enough participants sign up, your guides reserve the right to cancel the reservation. Your guides will let you know as soon as possible, at least three weeks prior to the start of the trip.

    MTB and Boat adventures in the South Aegean can be arranged for private groups. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Only children with a good physical condition, previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 can join. Please note that the minimum height for a rental e-bike is 1.50 m (4’9”). Follow-me bikes, bike seats, and bike bungees can also be hired for accompanying children.
      • Children up to the age of 16 are eligible for a 200-euro discount (double occupancy). This is not combinable with other discounts. As there’s limited availability, please let us know if you’re interested prior to booking and we’ll get back to you!

    If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Yalıçiftlik (near Bodrum), most people fly into Milas-Bodrum Airport, which is around 40 minutes away. Izmir Airport (ADB) is also an option, around 3 hours from Bodrum.

    Check-in in Yalıçiftlik harbor generally begins at around 2pm. If you need help arranging airport transfers, please let us know prior to booking!

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, we partnered up with Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their insurance packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s insurance. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

    The price of the tour includes the 5 euro SGR Insolvency Protection. This is mandatory consumer contribution called the SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

     

    Early bird booking

    Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your early bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit. 

    As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best. 

    More about how early bird bookings work below:

      • Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
      • Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
      • When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit). 
      • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
      • The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.
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