A glorious week cruising and cycling through the Dodecanese in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Explore this remote and wild archipelago by traditional Turkish gulet, getting to know the character, mythology, and unique beauty of each island.
- Duration
- 7 nights
- How We Travel
- Electric biking, walking and sailing
- Price
- From £5,825 per person
- Group Size
- Maximum 10 guests
Journey Highlights
- Explore secluded beaches and rugged landscapes on some of the most wild and remote islands in the Aegean.
- Uncover ancient Greek history at the 6th century BC Tunnel of Eupalinos and the Temple of Hera on Samos.
- Discover the medieval settlement of Chora and the historic Monastery of St. John, perched high on the island of Patmos with panoramic views.
- Cycle through charming and tranquil fishing villages on Fourni, once a pirate haven.
- Savour local flavours, from wine tastings at family-run wineries to the freshest, local seafood at tiny tavernas.
- Swim in the Aegean's turquoise waters, cooling off in secluded bays.
- Settle into a traditional Turkish gulet, your home for the week complete with a dedicated crew and an amazing onboard chef.
Good to Know
- Samos is part of the North Eastern Aegean Islands, rather than the Dodecanese, but will be included in this journey.
- We are at the mercy of the winds on our voyage around the Dodecanese, which may determine our route and which islands we can anchor at. In particular Lodos, a strong south-westerly wind, can alter our course.
Welcome to The Slow Cyclist
This voyage across the South Eastern Aegean will take you to seven of the less-visited islands in the charming Dodecanese. Inhabited since prehistoric times, each island has its own unique character and story. Although different in nature, the islands have experienced similar historical rhythms, with waves of powerful outsiders – from the Minoans, Persians, and Athenians to Romans, Crusaders, Venetians, Turks, and, more recently, Germans, Italians, British, and Greeks – each leaving their footprint. Throughout our laid-back journey, we will encounter the best of each island's wild nature, turquoise waters, and welcoming people who call these scattered islands their homes. I hope you will join us and have a wonderfully relaxing and fun week exploring.
Oli BroomFounder, The Slow Cyclist
The Journey
In true Slow Cyclist fashion, we’re turning it down a notch, sailing to and cycling across some of the most charming Dodecanese Islands, discovering their rugged beauty and varied and fascinating histories. You'll explore secluded beaches and fishing villages, dipping in the pristine turquoise waters that surround them. From Bordum we’ll travel overland to Didim, with a stop at the impressive Temple of Apollo on the way. Our voyage officially begins at Didim Marina, where we'll board a traditional Turkish gulet and meet our exceptional crew. From there, we'll set sail from the Turkish coast and venture into Greek waters, heading north and making our way to some of the most wild and remote islands in the Aegean, starting with the beautiful island of Samos.
Is It For Me?
Slow Cyclists are curious travellers with a bit of juice in their legs, approaching their time with us as an opportunity to explore rather than a test of fitness. That’s not to say we don’t pedal hard sometimes, just that we are often distracted by the food, history and people that make this place so special. When we see something interesting, we tend to stop and take it in rather than race by. If this sounds like your sort of holiday, we're pretty sure you'll love your time with us.
When to Go?
June, September and October are the best times to sail and cycle in the Dodecanese. The islands are blessed with a typical Mediterranean climate with long, sunny and dry summers. Average temperatures in May, June and September are around 25 °C, and the sea reaches 25-26°C in September. The end of July and August are humid, so not as comfortable for walking and cycling. Most rain falls from late October to March and clear skies are the norm in the summer.
The Cycling and Walking
Cycling distances will be between 26 and 58 kms per day, and we use hybrid electric bikes as standard. The cycling consists mainly of quiet tarmac roads. Due to the nature of these small islands, we will sometimes be cycling on the island's only main road, and sometimes on quieter backroads. Our journey is suitable for almost all levels of cyclist and, whether you are a novice or experienced, our guides are skilled at spotting your ability and level of confidence and reacting accordingly. Walks will be no more than three hours and will not generally be technical. However, you should be comfortable walking on uneven ground up and downhill. There will always be someone travelling at your pace; this is a journey to take time over.
The Sailing
This is a Slow Cyclist journey with a difference; your home for seven nights will be a traditional Turkish gulet which will transport you from island to island. Boats may vary depending on dates, but all gulets have been hand-selected by our team and will include a dedicated, experienced crew. A highlight of any boat journey is the food, and you'll be amazed by what your onboard chef can whip up in a galley kitchen.
Food & Drink
We’ll travel with an exceptional chef who will create the seemingly impossible from their small below deck kitchen, using local food and produce purchased en route. Of course, there will be an abundance of seafood. Delicious breakfasts will be on board each day, and some lunches and dinners will be in tavernas on the islands. During the day we provide local fruit and snacks. Allergies and other preferences are noted at the time of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 3 October - Arrival and Cruise to Samos
Transfer from airport to a local restaurant, then to the Temple of Apollo in Didim 85 kms (1 hour 20 minutes) & Didim Marina
On your arrival in Bodrum, you'll be transferred to a local restaurant for lunch, before stopping at the Temple of Apollo in Didim. At Didim Marina we will board the traditional Turkish gulet, your home for the next seven nights. We’ll clear customs and depart Turkish waters for Greek waters, cruising to the historic harbour of Pythagoreio, the oldest man-made port in the Mediterranean, where we will have our welcome dinner on board made by the gulet's exceptional chef.
Day 2 - Sunday 4 October - Samos
Morning cycle 54 kms
After breakfast on board, we’ll cycle the eastern part of Samos. Our ride takes us to the ancient archaeological sites of the Tunnel of Eupalinos, an incredible 6th-century BC feat of engineering, and the Temple of Hera, a massive sanctuary dedicated to the queen of the Greek gods. Following our exploration, we'll enjoy a light lunch at a local winery. We’ll meet our gulet at a beautiful bay for a well-deserved swim before heading ashore for dinner in town at your leisure.
Day 3 - Monday 5 October - Samos to Fourni
Morning cycle 58 kms
After a leisurely breakfast on board, we’ll start our ride from Pythagoreio. We'll cycle to the western part of Samos, enjoying sweeping views of the Aegean and the smaller islands that dot the seascape. Our ride takes us to the traditional mountain village of Platanos, where we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with panoramic views. We'll meet the gulet in the bay of Marathokampos and cruise to the remote island of Fourni. Once anchored, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner on board under a blanket of stars.
Day 4 - Tuesday 6 October - Fourni to Patmos
Morning cycle 33kms
After a leisurely breakfast on board, we’ll start our ride on the tranquil island of Fourni. The island may be tiny, but it has a fascinating history. A hub of the ancient world and once a pirate hideout, it is home to quiet roads that we’ll cycle along to reach the beautiful small fishing village of Chrysomilia before riding back to the gulet. Following a refreshing swim and lunch, we'll cruise to the island of Patmos, home to the Cave of the Apocalypse. The evening is yours to explore the island and enjoy dinner at your leisure in one of Patmos's charming local restaurants.
Day 5 - Wednesday 7 October - Patmos to Leros
Morning cycle 26kms
This morning, we'll explore Patmos by bike, visiting the historic Monastery of St. John and the picturesque upper town of Chora with a local guide. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll set sail for the charming island of Leros, stopping for a refreshing swim near the island of Lipsi along the way. At Leros, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and swim before we meet back on board for dinner.
Day 6 - Thursday 8 October - Leros to Kalymnos
Morning cycle 29 kms
After breakfast on board, we'll cycle the island of Leros. Our ride will take us past the picturesque churches of Panagia Kavuradena and Agios Isidorus, and through the town of Lakki, a significant Italian naval base during World War II. Our ride ends with a special lunch at a family-owned micro-winery, where we'll enjoy local food and wine. In the afternoon, we'll cruise to the island of Kalymnos. After anchoring, we'll have dinner together on board.
Day 7 - Friday 9 October - Kalymnos to Bodrum
Morning cycle 32 kms
This morning, we'll take our final ride on Kalymnos, cycling from the north of the island to the main port town of Pothia. We'll embark on our final cruise back into Turkish waters, clearing customs, and arriving at the bustling harbour of Bodrum. We will have our farewell dinner together on board, reminiscing about the week's adventures.
Day 8 - Saturday 10 October - Bodrum and Departure
Transfer to airport 26 kms (45 minutes)
On our final morning together, we'll enjoy breakfast onboard the gulet, and if there’s time, visit Bodrum Castle, the fascinating underwater archaeological museum before your transfer for Bodrum airport.
Practical Information
Guiding & Support
Our attention to detail sets us apart. You will be looked after by two of our local guides throughout. Each guide is fluent in English and is very familiar with the region you'll be travelling through. We’re sure you will become firm friends by the time you leave. As well as the two local guides, our exceptional Turkish gulet crew will look after you every step of the way.
Accommodation
Our home will be a fully crewed, traditionally designed wooden gulet with six to eight en suite cabins. The boat is beautifully presented with an exceptional team; you can truly make yourself at home with no need to pack and unpack each day. The gulet may vary depending on availability.
Bikes & Safety
We take your safety seriously. You must wear a helmet when cycling and we cannot accept bookings from anyone unwilling to wear one. The bikes you'll be riding with us are electric bikes. You will be given a brief lesson in how to use them effectively before we start cycling. If you have any technical issues during your time with us, from squeaky brakes to punctures, please let us know and we’ll fix it. And finally, please don’t worry if you feel you are too slow or too fast for others in the group. We have a guide at the front and one at the back precisely for that reason. Please remember, we're not here to race; this is a journey to take time over.
Packing & Reading
Well in advance of your travels we will send you an online Information Pack including various details you need to know in advance. This will include a suggested packing list as well as some of our favourite books about the Dodecanese and Greece.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Pricing & Booking
Total in group |
Per person |
|---|---|
| 3 Standard cabins (£11,650 per cabin) | £5,825 |
| 2 Master cabins (£12,770 per cabin) | £6,385 |
All pricing is subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Single cabin occupancy | On request |
We are often told how nice it is that almost everything is paid for up front. So, while you are with us you can forget about your wallet, relax and enjoy yourselves. Included are:
- Group airport transfers (1 x arrival, 1 x departure)
- Support team, vehicle and luggage transfers
- 2 x English-speaking local guides. Only 1 guide will be cycling with you and the second guide will be driving the support vehicle
- 7 x nights accommodation (single supplement not available)
- All meals, snacks and drinks
- All activities
- E-bike and helmet hire
- 100% financial security
- Tip for gulet and local teams
- 1% donation to local causes aligned with our values
- Flights
- Personal costs
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if required)
Payment / cancellation terms are slightly different than our usual terms listed in our Standard Terms & Conditions. They are:
- A deposit of 30% is payable on booking but if you book within 121 days of departure then the full price is payable.
- The balance of the full price is payable at least 121 days before departure.
- If you cancel any time after booking until 121 days before departure, you forfeit your deposit.
- If you cancel between 91 to 120 days before departure, you forfeit 50% of your trip price.
- If you cancel between 61 to 90 days before departure, you forfeit 75% of your trip price.
- If you cancel between 1 to 60 days before departure, you forfeit 100% of your trip price.
Please make sure you are familiar with our Standard Terms & Conditions before booking.
You will receive two emails shortly after booking. First, a payment receipt, then a second email explaining next steps. Within two working days you will then be contacted by a member of our Guest Services team who will look after and advise you in the lead up to your travels.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Flights
Included in our price is one transfer for the group on arrival and departure but flights themselves are not included and you are responsible for booking your own. There are lots of options between Bodrum (your arrival airport in Turkey) and the UK each day.
We recommend a morning flight into Bodrum, arriving at around 12 noon to 1pm. There are usually options with BA from Heathrow and Easyjet from Luton.
If you would like help researching and booking your flights we recommend contacting Liz Rees, who helps many of our guests with their supplementary transport requirements. Please let her know your departure dates and preferred airport.
Her contact details are liz.rees@travelcounsellors.com or +44 7816 936876. Please let her know your departure dates.
Transfers
We will provide one transfer for the group on arrival and another on departure. If you require alternative transport options because you are arriving or leaving earlier or later please contact our team on +44 1865 587 994 and we can arrange this for you at an additional cost. If you're interested in planning an onward journey, we recommend contacting Liz Rees who can help with flight and train arrangements.
Protect the Planet
We are thrilled that increasing numbers of our guests are choosing to get to and back from their Slow Cyclist adventure in creative ways, for environmental reasons. We understand that this may not be practical, but urge you to consider doing so if you can make it work. Of course, you can undertake the research and book yourself, or Liz Rees can organise your journey for you.
The Dodecanese Islands, strategically located at the crossroads of civilizations, have a rich history. First inhabited by the Telchines and Iliads, they saw waves of newcomers, including the Cares and Achaies, who played a role in the Trojan War. The Greeks firmly established themselves in the 14th century, leaving traces of their presence with 18 settlements and Mycenaean findings. During the Dorian era, Rhodes, Kidnos, and Alikarnassos formed a league, a Dorian settlement of political and religious significance. Notable figures like Kleovoulos the Lindian, Hippocrates and Theocritus hailed from this region. Under Roman rule, Rhodes shaped maritime law, while Kos contributed to Hippocratic medicine. The Byzantine period saw the spread of Christianity, but the islands faced hardships under the Persians, Arabs, Venetians, Genoese and Ottomans. The Knights of St John took control in 1312, transforming Rhodes into a cultural and trade hub, fortified against Turkish invasions. In 1523, Ottoman rule replaced the Knights, marking a dark period of terror, destruction and religious conversions. The Greek revolution led to massacres. In 1912, the Ottomans ceded the islands to the Italians. Though they initiated public works and restorations, locals yearned for independence. In 1947, with the Treaty of Paris, the Dodecanese officially became part of Greece, ending centuries of foreign dominance.
Unique Experiences
Travel is so often commoditised and unimaginative. We are the antidote, taking time to create beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind experiences to places that excite us.
Community & Connection
We cherish personal relationships and friendships and seek to strengthen cross-cultural bonds, respecting and supporting those who enter our orbit. All must feel our impact is positive.
Dedication to Excellence
We design experiences with passion, flair and innovation. We seek continual improvement, to offer the best experience possible.
Care for the Planet
We travel with a light footprint and we seek ways to protect and celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Charitable Giving
Each year, we donate 1% of our revenue to a variety of causes across our destinations and in the UK, each aligning with our values.
Where It All Began...
It all began with a 28,000km cycle to Australia. Founder Oli Broom fell in love with watching the world roll by under his wheels and wanted to share that joy with others. Read more.