Itinerary
E-Bike & Boat Cyclades & Saronic Islands PLUS
8 days / 7 nights | from/to Athens | Guided bike tours
aprx. 106 miles/170 km by bicycle | E-bike level 1 / hybrid bike level 2-3
Our Islandhopping trip Cyclades & Saronic Islands awaits you with great contrasts and lets you experience the diversity of Greece in an impressive way: The Cyclades, which comprise more than 30 islands, were the cradle of the first European civilised society 5,000 years ago. It is also here that Greece shows its most unadulterated side in all its variety: Gleaming white cubic houses with blue shutters and labyrinth lanes give the typical architectonic flavour to the island towns. The mostly ragged coastlines show impressive geological formations, turquoise-blue sea and fantastic sand beaches.
On the Saronic Islands between the Greek mainland and the Peleponnese, Greece can be experienced from ist most ubandant side. Learn about the Greek Liberation Struggle between 1821 and 1830 without Greece would not be as we know it today. Experience the fascinating mixture between antiquity and modern times by boat & bike and imbibe the authentic beauty of the Greek Aegean.
The PLUS tours offer our guests a PLUS all-round: a comfortable motor yacht, unlimited e-bike availability, as well as some pleasant surprises along the way.
Highlights of this bike and boat trip
✔ Temple of Aphaia on the island of Aegina
✔ The cyclades Islands, a truly authentic side of Greece
✔ Rugged coastline with impressive geological formations and sandy beaches
✔ Stay on the three masted traditional motorship MS Thalassa
Itinerary
Day 1 (Fri): Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) – (Embarkation)
Individual journey to Athens (Marina Zeas/Piraeus for Thalassa resp. Marina Alimos/Palaia Faliro for Erato). Check-in on the ship is possible from 2 pm onwards. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Athens.
Day 2 (Sat): Kythnos Island (Cycling aprx. 15 mi./25 km)
Early in the morning the boat takes you to Kythnos Island, which was famous for its cheese and honey since ancient times. The first cycling tour, which starts in the harbour of Merichas and first leads us to the capital Chora, offers lots of scenic views to the coastline. Chora is an appealing village, situated on a high plateau. Its angular alleys are decorated with painted flowers and geometric patterns. From there today’s cycle tour leads us to Driopida, a picturesque village. Afterwards we return to Merichas, where we can spend the evening in one of the cosy tavernas.
Day 3 (Sun): Seriphos Island (Cycling aprx. 18.75 mi./30 km)
In the morning our boat takes us to Seriphos, a small island far from the tourist track, with deep valleys, countless bays and coves and lots of beautiful sandy beaches. From the harbour town of Livadi we cycle along a serpentine road to the main town of Seriphos, whose cube form houses nestle along a mountain ridge high above the sea. We continue on through untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. We return to Livadi along a panoramic road on the East coast. In the afternoon the ship brings us to Siphnos, where we can relax at the beautiful beach. Overnight stay in Kamares on the island of Siphnos.
Day 4 (Mon): Siphnos Island (Cycling aprx. 11.25 mi./18 km)
The island of Siphnos, which is famous for its ceramic artwork, is only inhabited away from the coast, because its coast drops mainly steeply into the sea. The cycling tour begins in the harbor of Kamares. The route leads through a green, hilly terraced landscape to the central highlands with the island’s capital Kastro, which is a defensive settlement built on a steep cliff face and has been a listed and protected town since 1975. In the afternoon we enjoy a longer cruise to Kea. Along the way we throw anchor for a refreshing swim stop. Overnight in Kea.
Day 5 (Wed): Kea Island (Cycling aprx. 15 mi./25 km)
Our starting point for exploring the northwestern-most inhabited Cycladic island is the beautiful natural harbor of Korissia. From here we cycle uphill to the capital of the island, Ioulis before continuing on to the white sand beach, Otzias where we can take a refreshing swim stop. Afterwards we return by bike to Korissia. In the afternoon we take a boats crossing to Poros in the Saronic Gulf. The harbor city of Poros is truly spectacular, its iconic clock tower juts out above the rest of the town, and provides a true Greek island atmosphere for a relaxing evening.
Day 6 (Tue): Poros Island (Cycling aprx. 14 mi./23 km)
Today we start with a bike tour from Poros City to the Zoodochos Pigis monastery from the 18th century. Afterwards we ride almost once around the island which once Poseidon himself possessed. Shortly before the end of the tour we arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue water which we cannot resist but to swim in. Back in Poros City the boat waits on us with a delicious midday meal during the cruise to Aegina.
Day 7 (Wed): Island Aegina (Cyling aprx. 22 mi./35 km)
The Island of Aegina is known far beyond the Greek borders for its incredible pistachio nuts! Today’s bike tour takes us up to the sanctuary of Aphaia. The incredibly well preserved temple towers high above the blue of the sea in the single point of Aegina where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On our way back we cycle across the middle of the island past the monastery of Nektarios all the way to Aegina City where we board the boat for our last cruise back to Athens. We enjoy a last evening meal on board together in the company of friends, guides and crew and reflect on the wonderful experiences of the week.
Day 8 (Thu): Athens (Disembarkation)
Guests disembark after breakfast on board followed by individual departure or an extended stay in Athens.
Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only.
Itinerary changes
The Cyclades are relatively susceptible to wind. Normally this results in only a minor modification of the tour route. However by strong wind conditions the travel route may markedly differ from the planned route. Our substitute tour leads you for the entire week into the Saronic Gulf, one of the most historic regions of Greece: We cross between the Greek mainland and the Peloponnesian and discover the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and the Methana peninsula. A highlight of this journey is a visit to the ancient Epidauros with the best preserved theatre in Greece.
Map
MS Thalassa
Deluxe ship Thalassa
(shower/WC in each cabin)
The 38 x 7.6 m Thalassa is an impressive three mast motor yacht built in 2002. On board elegance and comfort combine to create one of the most majestic ships in our fleet. A true eye catcher in any harbour. The saloon and the 10 guest cabins are spacious and modern. The vast decks provide plenty of comfortable spaces to recline and relax. The crew spoil their guests at mealtimes with a delicious selection of local specialties prepared in the ships own galley.
MS Erato
Deluxe ship Erato
(shower/WC in each cabin)
The elegant motor sailer Erato offers all the comfort and luxury you could desire during your bike and boat adventure. The Bordeaux-red yacht immediately captures attention! The cabins are clad in fine wood while the saloon offers a warm and cozy atmosphere creating a homely ambiance onboard. The outdoor area boasts plenty of comfortable seating and space for you to relax under the sky. The friendly, attentive crew have spent most of their lives on the water and are dedicated to helping fulfill your holiday dreams. Not to be forgotten, the Erato offers a delicious range of traditional Greek cuisine, lovingly served at every meal.
Travel Dates & Prices 2024
Travel Dates and Prices 2024 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2024 per Person in €
Season Apr - Oct
Twin below Erato
2990,- €
Twin below Thalasso
2790,- €
Optional services / Notes
Supplement single cabin
1200,- €
Bicycle rental 21-speed hybrid/week
80,- €
E-Bike 8-gear/week
225,- €
Bike insurance for 21-speed-bikes
10,- €
Bike insurance for e-bikes/week
25,- €
- Transfers only at day of embarkation and debarkation.
- Minimum number of participants: 14
THA = ShipThalasso
ERA = Ship Erato
Services included
- 8-day trip on a motorized yacht with crew
- 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
- 2 x full-board and 5 x half-board on board
- Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore
- Guided bicycle tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Overview-maps for the daily bike tours (on board)
- Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites (group visit only)
- Bed linen and towels
- English-speaking tour guide
Not included in the basic tour price
- Journey to Athens
- Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
- Meals and beverages ashore
- Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price
- Beach towel for ashore use (if needed)
- Tips for tour guides and crew
Price reductions
Children up to age 16 receive a 25 % discount on the basic tour price (not combinable with the 50 % discount).
Rental bikes
E-Bikes: Clients who wish to be supported by a tail-wind and seek to hire an e-bike will receive a high-quality pedelec, powered mainly by a Bosch motor capable of covering long distances, and characterized by their light weight and great components. Alternative drive systems may also be used. Standard components of our e-bikes in varying frame sizes include, 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
2021: We do not allow private e-bikes on board of our boats. This decision has been made due to health and safety regulations. If you wish to ride an e-bike for the duration of your tour, please get in touch with us about the rental options.
Hybrid Bikes: Those choosing to rent a hybrid bike will receive a reliable, low maintenance, aluminum frame bike in the suitable size. Our hybrid bikes are equipped with 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
Pannier: For the duration of the tour we supply you with a waterproof pannier by Ortlieb, a practical way of carrying drinks, bathing gear, camera etc. The use of our the panniers is free of charge.
Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation requested).
E-Bike Level 1 / Hybrid Bike Level 2-3
Our cycle tours fit for both: hybrid and e-bikers. You have to decide beforehand, which bicycle you like to rent, if you decide to rent one. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or to spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.
Requirements for e-bikers (level 1): E-bike tours suitable for Islandhoppers with a good basic level of fitness. The tours and the elevation meters are very manageable with an e-bike (23-35 km and 350 - 700 elevation meters per day).
Requirements for hybrid bikers (level 2 -3): The bike routes vary in length between 23 - 35 km/14 - 22 mi. and 350 - 700 elevation meters per day and lead through hilly or mountainous terrain. There are some longer climbs; however, you are welcome to take breaks or push your bike if necessary. The roads are mostly asphalted. Your tour guide will inform you each day about the tour details. This tour is primarily a guided group tour however, upon consultation with your tour guides, it may be possible to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.
Guided group pace: On our e-bike tour programs, the riding pace is determined by the cyclists on e-bikes. Guests who are taking part on these tours on a regular bicycle should have the necessary physical condition to keep up with this pace. Thank you for your understanding.
Bringing Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.00 m (3”2’).
Catering
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.
Internet availability
A free WiFi connection is available on your ship. On the open sea, reception cannot be guaranteed at all times. If you need stable Internet access during your voyage, we recommend that you take your laptop or tablet to a café or bar at the port. Free WiFi is offered almost everywhere. If you order something there, you can use the WiFi without restriction.
Language
Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.
Additional nights
Additional nights in good hotels in Athens: Prices on request
Transfers
Collective group transfers (on embarkation and disembarkation days only):
between Athens airport and the boat respectively between a hotel at Athens city and the boat: Prices on request
Exclusive transfers: Prices on request