Embark on an MTB & sailing adventure through the captivating South Greek Aegean aboard Boreas—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 Bodrum harbor. A collective transfer from Bodrum Airport to the harbor is available for an additional fee on request. Check-in begins on the Gullet at 2 pm. Use the evening hours to enjoy the lively atmosphere in the city of Bodrum and relax with a typical Turkish tea. In the evening, you can enjoy a shared dinner on board with your travel companions and tour guides.
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, raise the anchor for a short cruise to Yaliciftlik. From here, start your first bike ride through the local pine forests to Camlik where you will have the chance to refresh yourself with a short coffee break. Continue biking through silver-green olive groves to the small village of Etrim. Ancestors of the Turkmen tribes continue to live semi-nomadic lives in the region. You can marvel at their fascinating handcrafts and during a lunch break at a local restaurant, you can discover some local cuisine. After lunch, return to Yaliciftlik where you board the boat and cruise to the island of Kos. A wealth of cultural sights in Kos town provides an insight into the town’s turbulent historical past, including the Roman Forum, the Crusader fortress, and the mosques from the time when Kos was part of the Ottoman Empire. The evening can be spent in one of the numerous bars or cafes in the town.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Riding: 28 mi/45 km
Elevation Gain: 2,624 ft/800 m
After breakfast, start your bike tour with a visit to the world-famous Asklepion, continuing through a fragrant pine forest on leisurely ascending natural trails up to Mt. Dikeo, the highest peak on the island. Continue along the ridgeline trail which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, quickly making you forget the effort. Then return to the ship along varied trails. In the afternoon, 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
Today’s bike tour on Nisyros leads energy-saving first along asphalt roads up to the island’s capital Nikia, 430 m (1,410 ft) above sea level and built directly on the crater rim. Be enchanted by the town’s white houses and numerous pebble mosaics and enjoy the magnificent view of the volcanic caldera over a cup of coffee. Continue into the fascinating volcanic landscape of Stefanos Crater with its steaming sulfur springs. Afterwards, take natural paths and a single trail back to the ship in Mandraki. Cross to the neighboring island of Tilos.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Riding: 25 mi/40 km
Elevation gain: 2,790 ft/850 m
Your morning bike ride takes you first from Livadia to Megalochorio. Here, those interested have time to visit the pygmy elephant museum. Afterward, your group will continue to the deserted village of Mikrochorio and along a spectacular coastal path back to the ship. After a delicious lunch, you can relax on board while sailing to the island of Halki and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. The picturesque island capital of Chalki offers a first impression of the classic architectural style which you will see on Symi.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Riding: 13 mi/20 km
Elevation gain: 2,300 ft/700 m
In the morning, sail to Panormitis Bay, which lies just off the island of Symi, to visit the local monastery. Afterwards, head off for the other side of the island. Biking up several switchbacks, you slowly conquer the hill, allowing yourself enough time to enjoy the picturesque views on the way up. Your destination is the island’s capital, Symi, with its classical cityscape and harbor. In the evening, you can head to the upper part of Symi town. From the top, you have a breathtaking view over the harbor and the coastline of the bay. An evening visit to a remote tavern allows you to enjoy the evening away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Riding: 16 mi/25 km
Elevation gain: 2,460 ft/750 m
From Symi, it is only a stone’s throw away to the Turkish Datça peninsula with the village of the same name. Here you head out on your last bike tour of the trip. Take scenic routes mostly along the coast of the Datça Peninsula to Knidos. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, cross over to Bodrum. Say farewell to 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
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
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
To 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. 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.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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.
Group sizes and prices:
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 your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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.
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.