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The magnetic attraction of travelling in Greece is particularly compelling in the Peloponnese region. With its sandy beaches, turquoise waters, an incredible history spanning over 2500 years and classic Greek islands, it is a region which is ideal for exploring by bike and boat. Based aboard a beautifully decked out Turkish gulet, enjoy sailing between ports with swim stops enroute before hopping on your bike to experience the essence of this fascinating region. In the Saronic Gulf, explore enchanting towns with their own distinct character, including the pistachio island of Aegina where the Temple of Aphaia sits high above the blue sea. Explore the traffic-free island of Hydra where donkeys have for centuries been the only means of transport and discover the islands of Poros and Spetses, fragrant with wild herbs. Combined with impressive views as you cycle and sail your way around the peninsula and the delectable cuisine served onboard or at a nearby taverna, this really is a superb way to experience one of Greece's most interesting regions
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189kg of CO2-e PP per day
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Day 1
Arrive Athens, optional transfer to Piraeus Port, ferry to Salamis Island, board boat
Make your own way to the embarkation port on Salamis Island. (an optional group transfer from Athens airport or town is available to the main port in Athens - supplement applies). 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 ship. 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.
Meals: D
Day 2
Sail to the Island of Poros, loop cycle (23km/14mi)
In the morning we cross over to the island of Poros. Before we reach the island’s main port, we enjoy a swimming stop where we have the chance to dive into the sea directly from the ship. In the afternoon and starting from the island’s capital of Poros, we almost completely circumnavigate the island. In ancient times, Poros was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon. Shortly before the end of the tour we arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue waters, the perfect place for a relaxing swim! Back in the enchanting harbour of Poros, with its iconic clock tower soaring above the rest of the town, we end our eventful day in an authentic Greek atmosphere.
Meals: B,L
Day 3
Ferry to Galatas and cycle the coast to Ermioni, cruise to Porto Heli (40km/25 mi)
After breakfast a small car ferry takes us from Poros to Galatas in the Peloponnese. From here, we cycle for the most part along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the Thalassa awaits us for lunch onboard during a leisurely afternoon crossing to Porto Heli. If the weather permits, we can enjoy an extended swimming stop along the way. Overnight stay in Porto Heli.
Day 4
Cycle on the island of Spetses (25km/15mi)
After breakfast, we cross over to the island of Spetses with a long swimming break in a picturesque bay along the way. Before enjoying lunch on board there is some time to explore the charming old town of Spetses on foot. The island of Spetses got its name from the Venetians, who names it "Isola della spezie", the island of herbs. The aromatic scent of wild herbs accompanies us during our afternoon bike ride along the almost traffic-free panoramic road that circles the entire island. Almost throughout the entire ride we are treated to beautiful views of the turquoise sea. At one of the spectacular beaches, we enjoy a longer break for a swim and a coffee. Afterwards we explore the old harbour of Spetses by bike before returning to the ship.
Day 5
Explore Hydra on foot, cycle on the Methana Peninsula (17km/10mi)
After a two-hour morning crossing, we reach the island of Hydra. Since ancient times, donkeys have been the only means of transport on this uniquely wonderous island, which during the Middle Ages came into great wealth thanks to seafaring. After the Greek War of Independence between 1821 and 1830, the island fell into a slumber of more than a hundred years. It was not until Hydra became the filming location for the 1957 film “Boy on a Dolphin”, starring the memorable Sofia Loren, that the island was given new life and became an artists' mecca. After exploring the port of Hydra on foot, we continue on to the Methana peninsula. The volcanic origin of the peninsula is immediately noticeable thanks to the smell of sulphur and the iridescent colours of the rocks. The peninsula is characterized by more than 30 volcanoes, a number of which are still active, and sulphurous thermal springs, some of which are used for medicinal purposes. In the late afternoon we enjoy a panoramic round trip with a pleasant coffee break in the enchanting fishing port of Vathy. Overnight stay in Methana.
Day 6
Cycle circuit around the Methana Peninsula, sail to Aegina Island (25km/16mi + 20km/12mi)
After breakfast we follow another cycle route on Methana with plenty of incredible views along the way. In the afternoon, we sail to the island of Aegina, well known beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. In the old town of Aegina, there are plenty of pistachio products to purchase as well as numerous small boutiques lining the lively shopping streets. Should you not wish to walk through the town, you can also opt for a bike ride along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika. Overnight stay in Aegina town.
Day 7
Cycle to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia and via the monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina town, sail to Salamis Island (35km/22mi)
The island of Aegina is famous for its excellent pistachio nuts. Today's bike tour takes us up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The beautifully preserved temple towers rest high up above the blue sea, the only place on the island from where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On the ride back we will cycle through the centre of the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios and on to Aegina city where the boat awaits. We then sail back to Salamis and enjoy a final, celebrative evening on board.
Meals: B,D
Day 8
Disembark after breakfast
After breakfast on board it is time to disembark for your onward travels. Return to Athens by ferry.
Meals: B
Arrive Athens
This extension is available pre tour only - supplement applies. Included in the extension: 2 nights accommodation, transfers: airport - hotel - boat, 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. 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 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).
What's included
What's not included
The Cabins
The Thalassa offers nine guest cabins, all of which are situated below deck in compliance with the traditional boats form of the Turkish gulets. The teak furnishings are high class and elegant. Each cabin includes individually regulated A/C as well as an ensuite with separate shower cabin, toilet and include a hairdryer.
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.
GRADE 3 - The trip requires a reasonable level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. The cycle tours vary from 17-40km/10-25mi per day, through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master some steep climbs. 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. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. Each day you can either decide to bike alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guide or other participants. It is considered suitable for beginners and active children who are experienced cyclists (minimum 10 years, minimum height for e-bike is 1.5m / 5ft).
Per Person, Twin Share
From Piraeus Port/Gate E9 on the mainland in Athens, catch the ferry to Paloukia Port on the island of Salamis. Journey time approx. 35min, purchase tickets onboard. On arrival taxis are located directly opposite the ferry terminal. From here catch a taxi to Salamina Town where the ship will be docked.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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8Days
Moderate
Moderate to Challenging