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In the South Aegean off mainland Greece is a group of more than 30 islands known as the Cyclades, whilst closer to Athens are the Saronic Islands, dripping in history. Whitewashed houses with blue shutters, a labyrinth of narrow streets flowing through cobblestoned villages, sandy beaches and a relaxed island lifestyle attract visitors from all over the globe. Taking in these obvious attractions, this cruising and cycling adventure delves further into the interior and coastlines, exploring little known coves and impressive geological formations, ancient sites and untouched villages. Cruising from island to island, we'll spend plenty of time ashore exploring fishing villages and historic sites by bike or just relaxing on the secluded beaches far away from the busy resorts and enjoying authentic Greek hospitality.
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49kg of CO2-e PP per day
(340kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Board boat at the port in Athens
Make your own way to the embarkation port in Athens (an optional group transfer from airport or Athens town is available - supplement applies). Check in from 2 pm. Dinner will be on board and the night will be spent at the port. An optional extension in Athens is available before or after the boat trip.
Meals: D
Day 2
Explore Kythnos Island (25km/15mi)
Early this morning we cruise to Kythnos Island, famous for its cheese and honey since ancient times. The first cycling tour starts in the harbour of Merichas and leads to the capital Chora, offering scenic views to the coastline. Chora is an appealing village situated on a high plateau, with alleys decorated with painted flowers and geometric patterns. From here we cycle to the picturesque village of Driopida before returning to Merichas, where you can spend the evening in one its cosy tavernas.
Meals: B,L
Day 3
Cruise to Seriphos, round cycle to the Byzantine monastery, cruise to Syros (28km/17mi)
This morning we cruise 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-shaped houses nestle along a mountain ridge high above the sea. We continue through an untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael, before returning to Livadi along a panoramic road on the east coast. In the afternoon we cruise to Syros, where you can stroll through the breathtaking old town and round off the day in one of the numerous cafes on the spacious harbour promenade.
Day 4
Explore Syros by bike then cruise to Kea (34km/21mi)
The town of Ermoupolis on Syros is the capital of the Cyclades and offers an unforgettable view upon arrival, it is built on two hills and different from the other Cycladic towns. Pastel coloured houses, many of which have classical facades dominate the townscape. We cycle along the coast of Syros which is full of bays and coves along the entire southern half of the island to the beautiful beach of Galissas and then past the convent of Saint Barbara back to Ermoupolis. In the afternoon we continue by boat to the island of Kea.
Day 5
Cycle to the white sand Otzias beach and return to Korissia, cruise to Poros (25km/15mi)
Our starting point to explore Kea is the beautiful natural harbour of Korissia. From here we cycle uphill to the capital of the island, Loulis, before continuing on to the white sand beach of Otzias, where we can stop for a refreshing swim. Afterwards we cycle back to Korissia. In the afternoon we cruise to Poros in the Saronic Gulf. The harbour city of Poros is truly spectacular and has an authentic Greek island atmosphere for a relaxing evening.
Day 6
Explore Poros island by bike before returning to the boat (23km/14mi)
Today we almost completely circle the entire island, which in ancient times was dedicated to the sea god, Poseidon. We arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise water - perfect for a swim. Back in Poros town, the boat awaits our arrival and we enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising to Aegina.
Day 7
Cycle on Aegina island to the Sanctuary of Aphaia, return to Athens (35km/22mi)
The island of Aegina is known for its pistachio nuts - delicious! Today's bike tour takes us up to the Sanctuary of Aphaia. Its well preserved temple towers rise high above the blue sea at the single point of Aegina where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On our way back to the boat we cycle across the middle of the island, past the monastery of Nektarios and all the way to Aegina town, where we board the boat for our last cruise back to Athens. We enjoy an evening meal together and reflect on the wonderful experiences of the week.
Meals: B,D
Day 8
Trip concludes
Disembark after breakfast on board around 9am and individual departure, or option to add an extension in Athens.
Meals: B
Arrive Athens
This 3 day extension is available pre or post tour, supplement applies. Included in the extension: 2 nights accommodation, transfers: airport - hotel - boat (or v.v), entrance fee to the Acropolis, 1 dinner at “To Kafeneion” tavern (drinks excluded) in the old district of Plaka, 1 guided city bike tour by “Athens by Bike” for 3hrs with an English speaking tour guide, and all tourist taxes. Pre-tour: On arrival at Athens airport you will be transferred by taxi to your centrally located hotel. Your driver will handover your hotel and activity vouchers. Post-tour: transfer from the boat to the hotel. The guide will hand over your voucher on the boat. We generally use Hotel Pan or similar for 3 star, and Hotel Hera or similar for 3-4 star. Your rooming requirements and hotel category are required to book, also your flight details for the airport transfer in advance. We also need your preferred day and time for the dinner and dietary requirements (meat or vegetarian), and your preferred day for the guided city bike tour (departs daily at 10am). Free day to explore Athens.
Meals: Nil
Explore Athens
The day is free to continue exploring this historic city and its many interesting sites.
To the boat (or transfer to the airport if post tour)
Pre-tour: You will be transferred by taxi from your hotel to the boat for check-in from 2:00pm. Post-tour: transfer to the airport (please advise your consultant of your flight details).
Board boat at the port in Athens or Salamina
Make your own way to the embarkation port (an optional group transfer from Athens airport or town is available to the main port in Athens - supplement applies). Joining Thalassa: From the mainland port of Piraeus, catch a local ferry to Paloukia Port on Salamis Island. Journey time approx. 35min. On arrival catch a taxi to the boat. Erato: Board at Marina Alimos/Palaia Faliro, mainland Athens. Check in from 4.00pm. Dinner will be on board and the night will be spent in port. An optional extension in Athens is available before the trip.
The island of Aegina is known for its pistachio nuts - delicious! Today's bike tour takes us up to the Sanctuary of Aphaia. Its well preserved temple towers rise high above the blue sea at the single point of Aegina where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On our way back to the boat we cycle across the middle of the island, past the monastery of Nektarios and all the way to Aegina town, where we board the boat for our last cruise back to Athens either docking in Salamina (Thalassa) or Marina Alimos (Erato). We enjoy an evening meal together and reflect on the wonderful experiences of the week.
Disembark after breakfast on board around 9.00am and individual departure, or option to add an extension in Athens.
What's included
What's not included
Double / Triple / Twin Cabin
The cabins are clad in fine wood while the saloon offers a warm and cosy atmosphere creating a homely ambience onboard. Each of the six guest cabins below deck offers ample space, en-suite bathrooms with a shower and WC, as well as storage for your luggage.at every meal.
Cabin size: 10 - 12 m²
Cabin features: Air-conditioning, tiled bathroom with hairdryer, mirror, shower cabin, washbasin & WC
Beds: double 200 x 140 cm
single and twin: 200 x 80 cm
Service: Daily cabin service, mid-week towel and bedding change
During the tour, you will be provided with an Electric or E-bike. These bikes are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less fit cyclists to take on routes that they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capability. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. The bikes do not have water bottle holders. Helmets are not supplied but are mandatory on all bike tours - you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability. Please note that the minimum height is 1.50m (5 ft.) for the e-bikes.
GRADE 3 - This is an e-bike tour and requires a good level of fitness from participants to fully participate in the cycling, which you should have acquired from steady cycling. The tours are approx. 23-35 km / 14.3-21.7 mi and 350-700m / 1148-2296ft elevation per day. The route traverses mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside of the holiday seasons. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. Each day you can either decide to bike alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guides. It is considered suitable for fit beginners and active children (minimum 10years, minimum height 1.5m/5ft for e-bike).
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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8Days
Moderate
Moderate to Challenging