MTB & Boat Adventure in the South Greek Aegean

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced MTB guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
    • 8-day MTB trip based on a premium boat with crew
    • Daily guided bike tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
    • 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (breakfasts and dinners)
    • Overview maps for the daily bike tours
    • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites (for group visits only)

  Mountain bike/e-MTB rentals are available for an added fee of $220 or $330, respectively.

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to the Bodrum harbor
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
    • Beverages on board (tally sheet system will be utilized)
    • Any personal expenses ashore
    • Guide and crew gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  To fully participate and enjoy the guided sailing and mountain biking trip in the South Greek Aegean, you should have a very good level of physical fitness. The 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.

  ​​However, 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. Moreover, 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.

  Overall, a reasonable level of fitness, biking experience, and a sense of adventure will enhance your enjoyment of this sailing and mountain biking journey through the stunning South Greek Aegean.

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

• What do I need to bring?

  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.

• What about the bikes, can I bring my own?

  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.

• What can I expect from life aboard the Boreas?

  Life aboard the Boreas offers a luxurious and comfortable experience, promising relaxation and adventure as you cruise through the enchanting Aegean Sea. The vessel, a beautifully designed Turkish gulet, boasts an array of features to ensure your journey is nothing short of memorable.

  

  Accommodation:

  • • The Boreas features 15 tastefully decorated and generously sized guest cabins, all air-conditioned and located below deck.
    • Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom that includes a shower, toilet, mirror, and hairdryer.
    • Bedding configurations include double beds measuring 190 x 160 cm and single or twin beds measuring 200 x 80 cm.

  

  Dining and Relaxation:

  • • Enjoy lovingly prepared meals served in the elegant salon, skillfully crafted by a talented chef, or on the spacious outdoor deck.
    • The outdoor deck spans two levels, providing ample space for relaxation in both sunny and shaded areas.
    • Plush seating areas and lounge chairs invite you to unwind and enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
    • The upper deck offers large tables and chairs, creating the perfect setting for socializing and enjoying meals outdoors.

  Onboard Amenities:

  • • A well-stocked bar in the saloon ensures you have a variety of warm and chilled beverages available at any time.
    • The ship offers various water sports equipment for those seeking more adventurous activities.
    • The vessel’s elegant and noble wooden interior adds to the overall ambiance of luxury.

  

  Service and Crew:

  • • The experienced 7-member crew of the Boreas, including a skilled chef, is dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring the safety and well-being of every guest.
    • Daily cabin service and mid-week towel and bedding changes are included for your comfort.

  Special Touches:

  • • A swimming ladder allows easy access to the inviting waters of the Aegean Sea for swimming and relaxation.

  In summary, life aboard the Boreas is a blend of comfort, luxury, and adventure awaiting you after each day spent riding and sightseeing. Whether you choose to bask in the sun on the spacious deck, indulge in delicious meals prepared by the chef, or go for a swim, the Boreas promises an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes of the Aegean.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The number of participants for these group tours is usually between 14 and 30.
    • It takes a minimum of 14 people for this tour to operate. 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.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  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 16, you’re good to go.
    • Children as young as 14 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. If you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and sometimes rough terrain, then they can participate. Riders younger than 16 receive a 25% discount.

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

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Bodrum, the starting point of your adventure, most people fly into Milas-Bodrum Airport, wich is 40 minutes away. From there, we suggest you take a shuttle service. You can also arrange an airport transfer for an additional fee (for a minimum of 2 people).

  The meeting place is at the Bodrum harbor where you’ll be able to board the Boreas boat after 2pm.

• Safety measures in Greece and Turkey

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

  Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Greece and Turkey please refer to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs’ travel information on Greece and Turkey.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!

  • • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t suit you by the end of the year.
    • Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
    • The final balance is due 2 months (60 days) prior to departure.

  For set dates, a 20% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If the Client cancels…

  • • Sixty (60) calendar days or more prior to the beginning of the trip, Client pays twenty percent (20%) of the total invoice amount.
    • Fifty-nine (59) to thirty-one (31) calendar days prior to the beginning of the trip, Client pays forty percent (40%) of the total invoice amount.
    • Thirty (30) to twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to the beginning of the trip, Client pays seventy percent (70%) of the total invoice amount.
    • Twenty (20) to eleven (11) calendar days prior to the beginning of the trip, Client pays eighty percent (80%) of the total invoice amount.
    • Ten (10) to one (1) calendar day prior to the beginning of the trip, Client pays 90% of the total invoice amount.
    • ​​After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. If Client misses the start of the trip or is prevented from traveling due to incomplete travel documents, this will be considered a cancellation.

  If two people have booked a double cabin together, and no replacement can be found to fill the space of the withdrawing client, your guides maintain the right to charge the remaining participant the corresponding accommodation surcharge, or if possible, to relocate them otherwise.

  Changing to a new departure date is handled the same way as a cancellation. There will be a €50 administration fee for changes made 28 days or more before the beginning of the trip. This also includes changes of minor relevance like hotel stays, transfers, bike hire etc. Any later changes (if possible) will need to be handled as a cancellation and new registration. Cancellation and reservation change fees are due immediately.