The Odyssey - Istanbul to Ithaca

From the soaring Byzantine dome of the Aya Sofya in Istanbul, across the glittering island studded Mediterranean, to Odysseus´ home Ithaca in the Ionian Islands. 'The Odyssey' is true to its origins (besides its 10 year duration!) and the modern day definition of the word. Stage 1 starts in continent spanning Istanbul. From this city of cities, we depart via the Bosphorus south towards Troy, the historic and legendary starting point for Odysseus' famed journey home. Turkey is heralded for its beautiful coastlines and rugged interior, the The Cycling Tour of Turkey (the rider's favourite UCI World event) is known for the same spectacular scenery. Taking in Gallipoli and Ephesus, castles and ancient temples, our historical journey spans the ages. We finish our Turkish adventure on the stunning Bodrum Peninsula which shows this country off at its most staggeringly beautiful - sweeping sandy beaches hugging a steep rocky coastline, gently caressed by jade waters, backed by forest-blanketed slopes dotted with ancient settlements. Scenery doesn't get much better!

As we step onto our luxury gulets, our homes for the coming week, you will be amazed at their beauty - and their ability to support us on an island hopping adventure taking in the very best of Greek Island living! We finish Stage 1 cruising the Dodecanese islands, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi, Nisiros and Rhodes rolling on our bikes along ancient pathways, never for long without a view of the azure Mediterranean waters, feasting on deck in between swims in the Mediterranean!

Stage 2 begins in the modern and ancient capital of Greece, Athens. After a day of touring and exploring where democracy was born we head deep inland, but don't worry, we will board a boat again as we finish with the irresistible Ionian Islands - famous for their cycling pedigree, history and beauty! Although one of our favourite cities for its amazing history, we are glad to mount our bikes and depart Athens heading west across the Corinthian Canal onto the Peloponnese, with magnificent archaeology at Epidaurus, Mycenae - home of Agamemnon - and Nemea the vine and olive clad hills make for amazing riding as we ride Gulf to Gulf, Argos to Corinth. Crossing the later we pause under the genuinely epic Delphi...but not for long as continue our Odyssey west via Venetian harbour towns and five star hotel. Then, to the Ionian Islands we ride - first Kefalonia, which has its very own Mont Ventoux called Mount Einos! This island is hard to beat for cycling, even considering where we have come from. After circumnavigating our penultimate isle we then head to Odysseus' 3000 year old home Ithaca where we celebrate completing our modern day Odyssey.