Peloponnese and Saronic Islands Bike & Sail

Name: Peloponnese and Saronic Islands Bike & Sail
Brand: UTracks
SKU: PSI
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

The seaport town of Nafplio in the Peloponnese

Port town in the Peloponnese

Greek flags flying above a white washed church in the Peloponnese

Island hopping in the Greek Peloponnese Islands

Explore the Greek islands on a bike & boat trip

Temple of Aphaia

The seaport town of Nafplio in the Peloponnese

Port town in the Peloponnese

Greek flags flying above a white washed church in the Peloponnese

Island hopping in the Greek Peloponnese Islands

Explore the Greek islands on a bike & boat trip

Temple of Aphaia

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Duration

8 days

Activities

guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights boat

Meals

2 Dinners
5 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$3990USD

Overview

Trip Code: PSI

Trip highlights

Pedal through the pistachio island of Aegina and the islands of Poros and Spetses, fragrant with wild herbs
Cycle through 2,500 years of history
Explore the small towns and villages en route
Soak up the hospitality onboard the comfortable sailing boat

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

Trip Grading

moderate

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Day 1
Arrive Athens, optional transfer to the port, board boat

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 in Athens. An optional extension in Athens is available before the trip - see below for details of the itinerary.

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.

Meals: B,L

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.

Meals: B,L

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.

Meals: B,L

Day 6
Cycle circuit around the Methana Peninsula, sail to Aegina Island (25km/16mi + 20km/12mi)

After breakfast we have 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.

Meals: B,L

Day 7
Cycle to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia and via the monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina town, sail to Athens (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 Athens 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.

Meals: B

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Day 1
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

Day 2
Explore Athens

The day is free to continue exploring this historic city and its many interesting sites.

Meals: Nil

Day 3
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).

Meals: Nil

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 5 lunches*, 2 dinners (does not include drinks). The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals. *Note that the included lunches and dinners may be swapped, your tour guide will inform you locally when these will be included.
7 nights accommodation in a double cabin below deck with private bathroom (supplement applies for single cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you can be matched with another passenger. The compact cabins have a double bed or a double bed with additional single bunk bed. Excellent discounts apply to a third person sharing a triple cabin, with a configuration of a French bed (quite cosy for two people as it is a little smaller than a double) and a single bunk bed above. Note that the lower deck cabins by their very nature will be marginally noisier and less ventilated due to their proximity to the engine and working part of the boat.
E-Bikes rental or if you prefer, 21 speed trekking bike with pannier (advise at time of booking if you prefer a hybrid bike). The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cycling, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to bike alone (limited supply).
Guided cycling tours on the islands and mainland
Experienced crew including English speaking tour guide
Bed linen and towels
Entries to museums and archeological sites for group visits
Information pack including overview maps per cabin

What's not included

Travel to and from Athens
Transfer from Athens airport to the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days - reservation on request for an additional cost, ask our office for details
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
Single cabin – supplement applies, please ask our office for details
Helmets - 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
Entrance fees for attractions (individual visits)
Tips for the guide and crew
Optional Bicyle insurance - payable in cash locally. EUR10 per person for trekking bike, EUR20 per person for electric bike. Please note that normal travel insurance often does not cover loss or damage to rental bikes. If you do not take out bike insurance you will need to pay for the cost of the bike or repair of damages.
Items of a personal nature

Cabins

Thalassa

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 and toilet.

Erato

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

Bike information

Electric Bike

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.

Hybrid Bike

You have the option to hire a 24-gear hybrid bike with hand brakes. 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.

Grading

moderate

The trip requires a reasonable level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. If you are concerned about your fitness for this tour we recommend you consider an e-bike - supplement applies. 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, during which you may need to push the bike. 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, height minimum is 1.4m or 4.6ft - minimum height for e-bike is 1.5m / 5ft).

Departure dates

Notes

Note:

Trips based on board Thalassa are noted as 'D', or on Erato noted as 'K

Note:

On this tour the cycling pace is determined by the e-bike riders who tend to take half the time to ascend hills with a limited amount of recovery time at the top. For cyclists using regular bikes, we recommend that you are fit and comfortably able to cycle around 20kmph on the flat and 10kmph on the ascents. If you are unsure, we recommend you book an e-bike.

Note:

Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions.

Supplement applies for departure aboard Erato. Single cabin rate for Erato on request.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$3990USD

Options & Supplements*

Hybrid bike - discountUSD$-125
Premium Boat Supplement (Erato)USD$290
Single Cabin SupplementUSD$1700

*Prices listed are per person

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