Greece Active Journeys Escorted tour Cycling Southern Aegean by bike!

Tour descriptions and distances Floating Adventures: Southern

Day 1 Spend one week discovering the Islands in the Southern Aegean. Enjoy the many different pleasures on these very different islands between Marmaris and Day 2 10 km Bodrum, the excitement and tranquility of , the towering volcanic crater in Marmaris-Symi Nissiros, and the charming simplicity of Symi. Day 3 25 km Symi - Rhodes Our beautiful boat will carry you to the prettiest ports of the islands, giving you the opportunity to relax next to the sparkling waters and enjoy the pleasant sea breeze. Day 4 35 km During the bike tours, our tour guide will point out the most interesting and idyllic Rhodes - Kolymbia spots of the islands. A highlight is with its lively town and its Greek, Ottoman and Day 5 35 km Italian history. Rhodes, Plimiri- Day 6 33 km Let yourself be transported back in time and experience the rich history of the Ae‐ - Nissyros - Kos gean. From the stormy to the Knights of St. John, they left their mark on the islands in the form of myths and legends. Discover the historical buildings and other Day 7 20 km Kos-Ascilipion-Bodrum landmarks dedicated to those who shaped the ancient world, all from the intimate perspective of a bicycle tour. Day 8 Bodrum Come enjoy this Floating Adventure with Active Journeys!

Tour Details 2013 Dates: Marmaris / Bodrum May 25, Aug 24 Bodrum / Marmaris Jun 29, Sept 28

Length: 8 days / 7 nights Cost: $1995 Fast Facts Single Supplement: On request Includes: Highlights: Grade: Moderate/Intermediate  7 nights accommodation, with  Travel and explore the Islands on boat breakfast and dinner included and by bike Starts/Ends: Marmaris  No need to pack and unpack each day  Daily maps, guide and all support  Ride with the comfort of the group, or Itinerary subject to change on your own  Bike rental included  Discover the cafes and tavernas of each island with its local flavour!

Active Journeys Contact: 1-800-597-5594 or 416-236-5011 Email : [email protected] Day 1 (Sat) Marmaris Arrive on your own to the Turkish airports of Izmir or , and transfer to the harbour of Marmaris. Embarkation at 2 pm onwards and enjoy your first dinner on board. We remain in Marmaris for the night, and depart early the next day.

Day 2 Symi 10 km After breakfast we will set out on our bikes across the island. The destina‐ tion for our cycling tour is the main town of Symi. Shortly, before we begin the descent to the town, we will enjoy a picnic high above the deep blue bay. The main town of the island reaches deep into the mountains with its classical buildings, remnants of the former riches of the sponge divers on the island. In the evening our guide will accompany us up nearly 500 steps to the highest point of the town.

Day 3 Symi ‐ Rhodes 25 km On today’s ride we start our trip to reach the other side of the island. On a winding road we slowly crest the mountain while having lots of time to enjoy the many beautiful panoramic views. We are heading towards the bay of Panormitis. We drop by for a visit of the monastery of the archangel . Then we take off for Rhodes and Rhodes town. A stroll through the countless alleys and its impressive buildings is an unforgettable experience!

Day 4 Rhodes ‐ Kolymbia ‐ Lindos 35km In the morning crossing to Kolymbia where we unload our bicycles. Today our tour leads trough the fertile, agricultural used hin‐ terland of Rhodes. We cycle through old olive tree groves on small side roads on to Archangelos where a typical Greek tavern in‐ vites for lunch. Our destina‐tion for today is Lindos. This village is one of the most beautiful ones on . After the last ascent we can enjoy an unforgettable view to this small town with its cubic houses and narrow alleys‐ overtopped by its imposing acropo‐ lis.

Day 5 Island of Rhodes ‐ Lindos ‐ Plimiri 35 km We cycle close to the coast on roads from Lindos to Plimiri. During a break in a café directly on the sea we might see the Bahriyeli passing by. In Plimiri where we meet the Bahriyeli again. The afternoon is spent on board during the crossing to Livadi on the Is‐ land of Tilos – a small port, mostly adored by sailors.

Day 6 Tilos – Nissyros – Kos 33 km In the morning we cruise to Mandraki, the port of Nissyros. From there we start today’s cycle tour to Nikia ‐ a village at the edge of a volcanic crater at 430 m. When we arrive at the village square we should not miss trying a Greek coffee. From here we cycle on to the crater with its steaming sulphur springs and finally back to the small port town of Mandraki – its charm has attracted visitors for centuries. Then we cruise to Kos island. During a stroll through the town we are con‐ fronted with the history of the island: the Roman Forum, the Fortress of the Knights and the mosques from the time when Kos was still part of the .

Day 7 Kos, Kos town – Asclipion‐ Bodrum approx. 20 km In the morning we ride to the world famous archaeological site of the Asclipion of Kos‐ the place where Hippocrates is said to have received his medical training. From here we cycle along the coast until we finally reach the town of Kos. In the afternoon we enjoy our last boat cruise. In Bodrum we take a walk through the bustling old town. The last evening before disembarkation is spent tra‐ ditionally in a cheerful atmosphere with crew, guests and guides.

Day 8 Marmaris Disembark After breakfast on board, we disembark and transfer to the airport, or you can extend your tour in or Greece.

Itinerary subject to change; may be done in reverse order depending on trade winds at the captain’s discretion.

What to Expect Getting There

A flight is the fastest, easiest and most What will the weather be like? The weather will be sunny and warm, summer months may be typically quite hot economic way to get to Turkey. Dala‐ (27C or 90’sF). Evenings may still be cooler since there is a breeze from the seas. man and Bodrum airports is situated about 1 1/2 hours from Marmaris. How many hours of cycling a day?

You are looking at between 3 and 6 hours a day. We return back to the boat at lunch, so you have a choice or riding only half days if you wish. There is a collective transfer between airport Dalaman or Bodrum and the How fit do I need to be? boat as long as it takes place on em‐ The fitter the better, the more enjoyment you will have from the trip. Most people barkation day and disembarkation day. get a bit saddle sore the first few days. It is hilly, not very steep and mostly quite There may be a slight wait to allow for do‐able, but still not a flat terrain. arrival of other group members .

What are the accommodations like? All cabins have one or two beds, always with a shower, toilet and sink. The com‐ mon areas are comfortable and open for you to enjoy, either on deck or below. Some pictures of the boat are included in the piece.

Extra Services How to book your holiday

Tour excludes: transfers not on first and  Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of last day of tour, beverages on board & our travel planners will walk you through the entire process. meals on land (those not on our boat).  Download the reservation form from our site and send in com-

pleted form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is We have a small selection of hotels in Greece confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent. or Turkey for your arrival or departure  A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 Hotels range from $80 per night to a deluxe days prior to the trip departure. Terms & conditions are outlined property at $ 500 per night. in our Reservation Form.

Book two trips back to back and get a 5% on  Plan your air travel as soon as possible. the sceond tour.  We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through us or a travel insurance provider directly.

 Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us, for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and fitness requirements.