On arrival to Rhodes Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in Kalavarda where you can settle in for the coming two nights. A traditional agricultural village positioned on the west of the island, Kalavarda offers some of the most beautiful sunset views. If you head down to the sand and pebble beach you will get the best vantage point of the changing colours of the dusk; here you might also be able to watch some kite surfers and wind surfers in action. You will be sure to find excellent fresh produce and plentiful seafood served up in the village’s local tavernas, giving you a wonderful first taste of the delicious Mediterranean cuisine available on this island.

Your bike will be ready for collection this morning. Setting off from your hotel, today you will pedal along the sparkling coast in the direction of the small fishing port of Skala Kamiros. There are many opportunities today for coffee stops, dips in the sea (don’t forget to pack your swimwear!) and exploring off the bike to discover the sleepy villages lining this section of coast. When you reach the village of Mandriko, you might like to stop for a refreshment break and pay a visit to the Holy Trinity church to admire many the colour frescoes that adorn its cool interior. Continuing on your way, verdant forests of pine alternate with cultivated fields before the road descends to the port of Skala Kamiros. This is the jumping off point for ferries to the neighbouring island of Chalki. In the vicinity you can find small coves, inviting you to enjoy a dip in the clear blue waters. One of the highlights of the day is ruins of the medieval fortress of Kritinia; from this elevated vantage point you can enjoy views over the Rhodes coastline and out to Chalki and its surrounding uninhabited islands. You might like to enjoy a relaxed lunch in this languid part of the island before hopping on your bike and pedalling back to Kalavarda. With the island’s prevailing winds, your return journey will hopefully be assisted by a tailwind!

A lovely ride is in store today for you to discover the lush green island interior on your way to the medieval city of Rhodes Old Town, where you will stay for the next two nights.

Riding from your hotel, your route takes you parallel to the coast through the rural foothills, taking you on a gradual ascent through seemingly endless groves of olive trees. As you head inland and gain in height, the olive groves make way for forests of pine and larch, and soon enough your efforts will be rewarded by your arrival to the famed “valley of butterflies”, so called for the proliferation of Jersey tiger moth in this cool and shady gorge, usually found congregating between the months of May and September. You can get off the bike here to soak in the tranquil surrounds of natural pools and waterfalls, in quiet observation of the wonders to be found in this nature reserve. When you are ready to move on from this captivating spot, hop back on your bike and pedal an undulating route through the verdant hills, gradually making your way back to the coast. On reaching the old town of Rhodes on the northern tip of the island, you will pedal through the ancient city fortifications to reach your historic hotel within the old city walls. After settling in to your room and freshening up, this evening you can explore the cobbled lanes, take your pick from the many restaurants available in the old town, and enjoy the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Medieval City of Rhodes, located within a 4km-long wall, illustrates an incredible melting pot of cultures dating back some 2000 years. Today you have the option to explore this captivating town with a walking tour where you can discover the city’s dense collection of monuments at every turn; surrounded by centuries of history you will feel like you have stepped back in time.

Depending on available ferries, you also have the option to take a day trip with your bike to the neighbouring island of Symi. Landing on the southern coast, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic monastery of Panormitis and its numerous Byzantine frescoes, before traversing the length of the island to reach picturesque Symi Town on the north coast. This is a fun and challenging ride, gaining over 500m of ascent over the spine of the island, followed by the awesome descent after your efforts! Admire the colourful stone houses and the gorgeous views of the port, and perhaps enjoy some refreshments at one of the waterfront tavernas before taking the ferry back to Rhodes.

Optional excursion to Symi: 22km / 585m ascent / 580m descent

Pedalling out from your hotel this morning, your route follows the eastern coast of Rhodes and offers many opportunities to enjoy a cooling dip in the sea. Reaching Kallithea early on in the day, you might like to visit the ancient Turkish baths built upon the thermal springs here, once frequented for the therapeutic properties of the natural springs. The complex today has been carefully restored for you to admire the mosaics and architecture, and enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters of the sheltered cove.

Soon you will pass through the resort town of Faliraki, popular for its long sandy beach and lively nightlife. Leaving the buzz behind, you will pedal to the next bay and along the long sand-and-pebble beach of Afantou. Perhaps one of the seafront tavernas, cafes and restaurants along the way will take your fancy for a relaxed lunch and a spot of people watching before continuing on your way. Leaving behind the quiet beaches, a short climb inland through ubiquitous groves of olive trees will take you to the traditional village of Archangelos and your home for the next two nights.

Waking rested this morning, enjoy a taste of traditional Greek hospitality with a delicious breakfast of fresh produce and homemade specialties. Hopping on your bike, your objective today is the attractive town of Lindos, overlooked by the ancient Acropolis and surrounded by azure seas and sparkling bays. Winding your way through the maze of narrow alleys, you can lose yourself in this charming village and maybe stumble upon cosy restaurants, bars and boutique shops tucked among the seemingly higgledy-piggledy collection of whitewashed buildings and flowered courtyards. The Acropolis is probably the most impressive archaeological site on Rhodes; standing proudly on a rocky promontory, the views are breath-taking from the ancient citadel and are well worth the climb to reach this elevated position.

After your day of exploration, and perhaps some more relaxing and swimming at the beach of Lindos Bay, get back on your bike and make your return journey to Archangelos. A short detour is possible to reach the seaside village of Charaki and the ruins of Faraklos Castle, before climbing uphill back to your home for the night.

Your final ride will take you on the biggest cumulative climb of the week, crossing over the hilly interior of the island to return to the west coast and Kalavarda from where you began your holiday earlier in the week.

The forest glade of Epta Piges (Seven Springs), with its attractive wooded setting and natural springs is an early stop along the route. Here you can explore the pools and waterfalls nestled among the tall pines and gnarled olives, and look out for the resident peacocks. Pedalling on along a wooded valley through dappled shadows, you will pass the Byzantine Monastery of Agios Nektarios and soon enough the views open up as you travel through the village of Archipoli. Continuing your steady climb, the former Italian settlement of Eleousa marks the half way point of your ride. A little quiet country road takes you to the unassuming chapel of Fountoukli, the oldest on Rhodes dating from around the 15th century. From here on in, the rest of the way is pretty much all downhill to reach the coast!

Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may have time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final stroll to the beach before your transfer collects you to take you to the airport.