How hard is the cycling?

Level 4 out of 5. Hilly to mountainous terrain with climbs of up to roughly 440 m, winding descents, uneven asphalt and the occasional gravel stretch. Daily stages run 22 to 41 km with 150 to 500 m of climbing. It suits experienced cyclists who are comfortable on longer days in the saddle.

Is this a guided tour?

Yes, it is a guided group tour with an English-speaking guide. Tours are run bilingually in English and German because of the international group. After talking it through with your guides, you can also ride a recommended route on your own, or skip a stage entirely and spend the day swimming or on board.

What bikes are available?

Rental e-bikes with an Ortlieb pannier, gravel bikes (from 165 cm rider height) and carbon road bikes are all available at a supplement, as is bike damage and theft cover. On e-bike programmes the group pace is set by the e-bikers, so riders on road bikes need the fitness to keep up. You are welcome to bring your own bike.

A chef is part of the crew and prepares breakfast and one warm meal a day on board. Half board runs from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day. Lunches ashore and drinks on board are paid separately.

Is there wifi on board?

No. The Turkish and Greek gulets do not have a wifi connection, but free wifi is available in almost every harbour cafe and bar.

Are helmets required?

Yes, helmets are mandatory on all rides. Bring your own if you can: rental helmets are limited and must be reserved in advance.

The minimum age is 10, and children need to be in good physical shape with previous cycle touring experience. The minimum rider height for a rental bike is 1.50 m. Children up to 16 receive a EUR 200 reduction on the basic price in a double cabin.

What is the group size?

Minimum 14 and maximum 30 participants.

Southern Dodecanese by Gulet & Bike – 8 Days Guided, Bodrum to Bodrum

Dodecanese Islands & Turkish Aegean Coast

See all the photos

from€2,259

Bike & BoatE-bikeGravel BikeRoad Bike8 days / 7 nights186 km1/5EasyLoop

Short Description

Eight days, six islands and one beautiful wooden gulet. You start and finish in Bodrum, and in between you wake up in a different harbour almost every morning: Kos with its Roman forum and crusader fortress, the volcanic crater of Nisyros, quiet Tilos, tiny Chalki, and Symi with its stacked pastel houses above the water. The riding is real riding, 22 to 41 km a day on hilly island roads with some proper climbs, always with a guide and always ending back at the boat for a swim off the ladder. Evenings are spent in harbour towns or on deck with the crew. If you like your cycling with sea air, archaeology and a short day's distance that still asks something of your legs, this is the one.

Tour Program

Day 1 – Bodrum (embarkation)
You make your own way to Bodrum harbour; a group transfer from the airport can be arranged for a supplement. Check-in on the gulet starts at 4 pm. Spend the late afternoon in Bodrum's lively streets over a glass of Turkish tea, then join your travel companions and guides for the first dinner on board. 0 km

Day 2 – Bodrum – Yalıçiftlik (round tour) – Kos
A short morning cruise to Yalıçiftlik, then your first ride: pine forest to Çamlık for a coffee stop, then silver-green olive groves down to the village of Etrim, where descendants of Turkmen tribes still live semi-nomadic lives and the hand crafts are worth a long look. Lunch in a local restaurant, back to the boat, and an afternoon crossing to Kos. The old town rewards an evening walk: Roman forum, crusader fortress, Ottoman mosques. 38 km

Day 3 – Kos – Nisyros
You ride out to the Asclepion, the great healing sanctuary where Hippocrates learned his trade, then follow the coast back to Kos town. Anchors up for the volcanic island of Nisyros. 30 km

Day 4 – Nisyros – Tilos
Today climbs to Nikia, a white mountain village perched on the rim of the crater at 430 m, with pebble mosaics underfoot and a spectacular drop into the caldera. You ride on along the crater past steaming sulphur vents before dropping back to the little port of Mandraki, where the boat is waiting to take you to Tilos. 30 km

Day 5 – Tilos – Chalki
A morning ride from Livadia up to Megalochorio; if you are curious, there is time for the pygmy elephant museum before you return on board. Lunch is served as you cruise to Chalki, whose picture-book capital gives you a first taste of the architecture you will meet on Symi. 22 km

Day 6 – Chalki – Symi
You sail first to Panormitis Bay to visit the monastery, then ride over to the other side of the island, taking the switchbacks slowly so you can enjoy the view opening up behind you. Symi town, with its classical facades stacked above the harbour, is your destination. In the evening climb to the upper town for the view over the bay, or find a tavern away from the harbour crowd. 25 km

Day 7 – Datça – Knidos – Bodrum
Across to the Datça Peninsula and back into Turkey. The longest ride of the week runs along the peninsula to the ruins of Knidos, 4th century BC, where the amphitheatre is remarkably well preserved. After the site you cross to Bodrum for a farewell evening on board with guests, guides and crew. 41 km

Day 8 – Bodrum (disembarkation)
Disembarkation after breakfast. Group transfers to Bodrum airport are available on request. 0 km

Available departures

Year

Next: 16 Oct 2026 · 1 departure · from €2,259 p.p.

Oct 2026

- Double Lower€2,459
- Small Double lower€2,359
- Double/Triple Lower€2,459€2,259

Tour details

LoopGuidedCouplesSolo travelersFriendsMinimum 2 peopleMinimum age 10 years

✅ What is included in the trip?

🍽️ 7 dinners (drink excluded)
🧍‍♂️English speaking tour guide
🏛️ All entrance tickets to archaeological sites
📞 Local telephone assistance 7/7
🧍‍♂️ Welcome briefing

❌ What is not included?

🚎 Transfers not listed as Included
✈️ Journey to/from the starting point
🍽️ Meals and drinks not listed as Included
🖼️ Entrance fees and extras not listed
🛡️ Travel insurance
🌎 Tourist taxes
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person

🙋 Common questions

How hard is the cycling?
Level 4 out of 5. Hilly to mountainous terrain with climbs of up to roughly 440 m, winding descents, uneven asphalt and the occasional gravel stretch. Daily stages run 22 to 41 km with 150 to 500 m of climbing. It suits experienced cyclists who are comfortable on longer days in the saddle.
Is this a guided tour?
Yes, it is a guided group tour with an English-speaking guide. Tours are run bilingually in English and German because of the international group. After talking it through with your guides, you can also ride a recommended route on your own, or skip a stage entirely and spend the day swimming or on board.
What bikes are available?
Rental e-bikes with an Ortlieb pannier, gravel bikes (from 165 cm rider height) and carbon road bikes are all available at a supplement, as is bike damage and theft cover. On e-bike programmes the group pace is set by the e-bikers, so riders on road bikes need the fitness to keep up. You are welcome to bring your own bike.
What about meals?
A chef is part of the crew and prepares breakfast and one warm meal a day on board. Half board runs from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day. Lunches ashore and drinks on board are paid separately.
Is there wifi on board?
No. The Turkish and Greek gulets do not have a wifi connection, but free wifi is available in almost every harbour cafe and bar.
Are helmets required?
Yes, helmets are mandatory on all rides. Bring your own if you can: rental helmets are limited and must be reserved in advance.
Can children join?
The minimum age is 10, and children need to be in good physical shape with previous cycle touring experience. The minimum rider height for a rental bike is 1.50 m. Children up to 16 receive a EUR 200 reduction on the basic price in a double cabin.
What is the group size?
Minimum 14 and maximum 30 participants.