Ennie’s travel story: Sailing and cycling the Greek Aegean

In October 2024, our colleague Ennie experienced the Central Greek Aegean Tour, together with two fellow Boat Bike Tours colleagues. They traveled from Amsterdam to Bodrum, Turkey, where they met up with Reini from our US office, a Customer Care and Travel Advisor specialist. What followed was a week of sailing and cycling across the Aegean, filled with sun, sea, island landscapes, and shared moments on board.

Below is Ennie’s journey, day by day.

Day 1: Arriving in Bodrum

Even though it was October, it felt like summer as we walked to the harbor of Bodrum. We boarded our ship, Boreas, a stunning Turkish gulet, and were warmly greeted by our tour leader, Ali. After settling into our cabin, we took a leisurely stroll through the charming city of Bodrum, explored a local market, and had lunch before returning to the ship.

By late afternoon, the last passengers had arrived, and our group was complete. Our first dinner took place out on the sundeck, just as the sun was setting: a perfect way to start the journey. During dinner, Ali introduced us to the crew and explained the plan for the following day. It was also the perfect opportunity to start getting to know our fellow travelers.

Since many of them had traveled long distances from overseas, they turned in early for the night. However, Nina and I decided to make the most of the warm evening by taking a walk along the water.

Day 2: Crossing into Greece and cycling on Kos

On the second day of our tour, I woke up early and stepped onto the deck just in time to watch the sunrise. The crew was already up, preparing breakfast, and one of them handed me a cup of coffee. As the harbor of Bodrum slowly came to life, breakfast was served on deck. When the engines finally started, a sense of excitement filled the air: our adventure was officially beginning.

We sailed for a short while before crossing the border into Greece, where we briefly disembarked for passport control. Once we left the border behind, the wide, endless blue of the Aegean stretched out before us. Some of us gathered to watch the crew hoist the Greek flag, while others found a quiet spot to enjoy the salty breeze and the gentle rocking of the boat.

Around noon, we arrived at Kos Island and had lunch on deck with a beautiful view of the harbor. Then it was time for our first bike ride. After a short briefing from Ali, we set off, leaving the town behind and immersing ourselves in the stunning Aegean landscape.

Our first stop was the Asclepion, an ancient Greek healing center, where we were given a guided tour. The Greek woman leading us didn’t just share historical facts; she also offered words of wisdom that still stay with me today.

Our second stop was the charming mountain village of Zia, where we took a break to enjoy some drinks before heading back to the ship.

That evening, we had some free time, but most of us chose to stay together, sharing a dinner at an authentic Greek restaurant. With the day’s many impressions still fresh in our minds, we fell asleep quickly, already looking forward to the next day.

Day 3: Rugged landscapes on Kalymnos

In the morning, the ringing of the bell signaled that breakfast was ready. After eating, we set sail for Kalymnos Island. The sea was rough, so we settled in on deck, enjoying the ride.

Once we arrived, we geared up for the longest ride of the trip: a 42-km (26-mi) loop through the island’s rugged hills. Our first stop was a smoothie bar, a welcome break before continuing. Along the way, we passed countless mountain goats, including two balancing on top of a car, which had everyone laughing.

Our tour leader then led us to a hidden harbor tucked between the mountains. Some of us went for a swim, while others enjoyed a snack of gyros as they sat by the water. Just when we thought the views couldn’t get any better, we cycled to a lookout point high above the sea, where we could see that same little harbor far below.

As we neared the boat, we rode downhill into a stunning sunset. After some time to unwind on deck, we ended the day with a big dinner on board and a drink in the harbor.

Day 4: Leros and Patmos

The sun in Greece has a unique glow. That morning, as we sailed from Kalymnos to Leros, the sky was painted in deep reds and golds, making for a stunning sunrise. The sea was calm, so we had a relaxed breakfast on deck, enjoying the view.

Today’s bike ride was shorter and felt different from the previous day, as we cycled through small villages rather than rugged mountain roads. Our first stop was a row of five windmills perched on a hill, looking like something from a postcard. We then visited a castle hidden in the mountains, before we reached the famous Leros chapel. The chapel sits on a tiny island, connected to the mainland by a stone path. Ali told us that, according to Greek tradition, any wish made there will come true.

In the afternoon, the boat set sail for Patmos, with a swim stop in the open sea along the way. Afterwards, we enjoyed coffee and cake before spending the rest of the journey playing cards, reading, or simply lounging in the sun. By the time we arrived in the harbor of Patmos and had eaten dinner on board, we were too tired for a city walk. Instead, we spent a quiet evening on the boat.

Day 5: Monasteries and a hidden beach

After breakfast, we set off on our bikes toward a monastery, making sure to bring clothing that covered our knees and shoulders. The visit was both fascinating and impressive, but the second monastery we explored was even more breathtaking. Perched on a hill with a stunning view, it housed a museum filled with ancient artwork, and we learned a great deal about the region’s history. On the way back, we passed even more windmills, adding to the picturesque scenery.

In the early afternoon, we returned to the boat, quickly changed, and packed for a beach trip. We cycled to a quiet, hidden beach with a small taverna, where Nina and I shared a selection of Greek mezes and had great conversations with our new friends. Some of the group headed back after a quick swim, but we decided to stay as long as possible, making the most of the warm sun and crystal-clear water.

That evening, we stayed on board with the rest of the group, unwinding with good conversation, board games, and a well-earned moment of relaxation after another day full of new experiences.

Day 6: Adapting to the wind

Today’s plan was to sail to Lipsi Island, but due to strong winds, the captain warned that the journey would take much longer than expected. After discussing it with the group, we decided to adjust our route rather than risk a rough crossing. Instead, we set course for Kos, but the winds caught up with us, forcing us to seek shelter at Pserimos Island.

Despite the change of plans, the weather remained warm, and we made the most of our unexpected stop. We swam and snorkeled in a secluded bay, while some of the guests explored the nearby caves. The crew prepared fresh fruit, cake, and coffee, turning it into a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon before we continued on to Kos.

That evening, we witnessed the most stunning sunset of the trip. The entire sky glowed in shades of red and gold in one direction, while the other was bathed in soft pink with the full moon already visible. Everyone gathered on deck to take it in.

Day 7: Thermal springs and farewells

The final day was bittersweet, knowing our journey was coming to an end. In the morning, we cycled to a thermal spring on Kos, amazed by how warm the water was. Stepping from the heated area into the open sea felt like we were jumping from a bathtub into an ice bath, despite it being the same water! After a refreshing swim, we treated ourselves to ice cream before heading back.

For lunch, Nina and I went into town one last time to enjoy gyros and Greek salad before our sail back to Turkey. After passport control, we made one final swim stop in the open sea, savoring every last moment.

By the afternoon, we had arrived in Bodrum and, of course, went out for ice cream again. Back on board, a small group of us gathered, sharing stories and reflecting on the incredible week.

After dinner, Ali gave a farewell speech and the crew said their goodbyes. None of us were quite ready for the trip to end, so we stayed up late, laughing and reminiscing with our new friends.

Day 8: Saying goodbye

The next morning, one by one, we said our goodbyes as guests left the boat. Nina and I were picked up by our transfer to the airport, both of us in tears as we drove away. It was truly an unforgettable journey.

Inspired to start your own adventure?

To plan your own bike and boat adventure, call us at (203) 814-1249. You can also send an email to info@boatbiketours.com, if you prefer. Either way, we’ll be happy to help! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our latest tours and special offers. We’d love to welcome you on board!