Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Escorted tour of the Argo-Saronic Gulf

On a comfortable Turkish "Gulet“ and by bicycle we explore the sun islands of the Greek Aegean. The islands are a magical and mythical world filled with historical monuments and an abundance of stories. A world painted by the sun and surrounded by the life-giving sea. Come with us on a voyage of discovery and experience the Aegean from a special perspective, namely, by land and by sea. Relax while swimming in idyllic bays, enjoy the fabulous vistas, and walk in the footsteps of a turbulent, glorious past.

Let us take you to the ancient Asclipion where Hippocrates, the famous physician, practiced his art. Enjoy the peaceful and lovely island Lipsi and dive into the atmosphere of the holy island Patmos. Get astonished by the unique panoramic views which are offered during the cycle tours. This trekking bike cruise takes place on the same ship and parallel to the mountain bike cruise “Central Greek Aegean”. One tour guide takes care of the MTB group while the other leads the trekking tour.

Individual arrival at Izmir or Bodrum Airport and transfer to the ship in Bodrum. After checking in on board of the gulet, we have the opportunity to visit the picturesque port town of Bodrum. Dinner on board. Some passengers may join the trip late in the evening.

Before lunch we cross over to Kos. The first cycle trip begins here and leads us through green fields to Tingaki Beach or to the Embros therm, where we have the opportunity to have our first swim in the Aegean We spend the evening in Kos, the lively capital of the island. On a tour through the town we come with each step across traces of the island’s great past. The Roman forum, the fortress of the Knights of  St. John, and the mosques from the time when Kos was part of the Ottoman empire stand shoulder to shoulder. We can end the evening relaxing in one of the town’s numerous bars and cafes.

Day 3: Island of Kalymnos (30 km)

We begin our cycle trip from the harbour Pothia, along the coast and later on through a sur-prisingly green and fertile valley to the quiet fishing village of Vathy, where we can have a coffee break in a cosy taverna. We take the same route back to Pothia and if you would like to cycle a little further we may take a trip to the Convent of Agioi Pantes, from where we have a brilliant view over the harbour. In the afternoon, we travel on with the ship towards Lipsi, where we stay overnight.

Lipsi with its quiet beaches and parts and its 55 churches, which has been largely spared from tourism, is a very worth-seeing island. After a short bike ride a beautiful, peaceful beach invites us to enjoy a long swim break. Later on you shouldn’t miss a visit to the wonderful confectionery in the harbour. In the afternoon we cross over to Patmos by boat, which can be seen from afar with its snow white upper town and its towering monastery.

On a short but panoramic cycle route we visit the grotto, in which St. John during his banishment saw the apocalypse. The world famous St. John monastery of Hora, a village, which has a paradise-like peaceful atmosphere with its numerous white laneways and 33 churches and chapels, is the next stop on our cycle tour. From there we cycle along a wonderful beach inviting us for a bathing stop. Afterwards we return to the port where the ship awaits us to cruise over to Leros.

Leros is green, varied and always offers new and surprising views into small harbours. A cycle trip in the morning brings us to the fort of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in Agia Marina and into the small alleys of the town. After an espresso break in the idyllic harbour of the town we cycle on to the seaside chapel of Agios Isidoros, in which many couples get married. In the afternoon we cross over to the island of Kos, where our tour guides in the evening accompany us to the lively old town of Kos. We will be confronted with the ancient history of the town at every step.

In the morning we take a cycle trip to the world famous archaeological excavation site of the Asclipion, where Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, practiced. From here the bike ride leads us on to Zia, an old Greek mountain village, which tempts us to stay with its numerous, cosy tavernas. Later on our boat takes us back to Bodrum, where we can stroll again through the lively, worth-seeing old town. The last evening aboard takes place traditionally and includes the communal dinner and a last get-together in a cosy atmosphere with crew and tour guides.

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport or extension of your holiday in the Turkish or Greek Aegean sea.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

March 31st         April 7th, 14th, 21st 28th        May 5th, 12th         

September 22nd, 29th        October 6th

- 8-day journey on a two-master motor ship with crew

- 7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom.

- Breakfast buffet 3 course dinner per day, prepared by the ship's cook.

- 2 lunches

- Linen and towels

- Six day tours with your cycling guide, as per program

- Detailed travel maps and route guides for each days tour

- Rental bicycle: 21-speed trekking bike with pannier bags

- Entrances to museums and archaeological sites

- English-German speaking tour guide

- Collective round trip transfers between Izmir or Bodrum airport and the ship (only on embarkation and disembarkation day)

Helmets are mandatory and will be available to rent for free aboard ship. We recommend you bring your own.

Logding:

MODERATE TO HILLY: This tour requires a good level of fitness as you will encounter some hilly terrain. Mostly asphalt roads with some steeper grades where you may wish to walk. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead.

We organize a free collective group transfer from airport (Bodrum or Izmir) to boat and return on embarkation and disembarkation days.