Bike & Boat: Peloponnese and Saronic Islands - E-Bike Tour

The Peloponnese is a Greek region steeped in history and home to some of the greatest archaeological sites of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians have all left their mark on the “Island of Pelops”. Discover this unique, culturally rich region along with the diverse islands of the Saronic Gulf by boat and bike. A comfortable deluxe ship will be your floating home as you travel on this one-of-a-kind journey through 2,500 years of Greek history. Discover the enchanting islands of the Saronic Gulf, each with its own unique character. Explore the pistachio island of Aegina with its temple of Aphaia, high on a hill above the sea. Marvel at the totally traffic-free island of Hydra, where the only means of transportation since time immemorial have been the island’s countless donkeys. The islands of Poros and Spetses are home to spectacular panoramic roads with little traffic and the ever-present aroma of wild herbs while the volcanic peninsula of Methana will lead you on a geological journey through time. 
Start on Fridays
There are two ships available depending on the travel dates.

TOUR PROFILE: 

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 (20-40 km / 12 – 25 mi. and 400 - 800 elevation meters per day).

 Requirements for hybrid bikers (level 2 -3):

The bike routes vary in length between 20 - 40 km/12 - 25 mi. and 400 - 800 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.

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.

In the morning we make a crossing 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.

After breakfast a small car ferry takes us from Poros to Galatas in the Peloponnese. Here we start our cycling tour which leads us 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.

In the morning we make a short crossing 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.

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.

After breakfast we make another round trip 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.

The island of Aegina is famous even beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. Today’s bike tour takes us up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The beautifully preserved temple towers 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 to Aegina city where the ship awaits. We then sail back to Piraeus and our exciting Greek cruise comes to an end with a final, celebrative evening on board.

After breakfast on board it is time to disembark to return home or to extend your holiday a few days longer in Athens.

We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements. Should it be the case for example that the harbours on the above mentioned tour sequence are overcrowded, the tour will be operated in reverse.

• 8-day trip on a motorized yacht with crew
• 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
• 2x full board and 5x half board
• Guided bike tours as described in the itinerary
• Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore
• Overview maps for the daily cycling tours
• Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites (group visit only)
• Bed linen and towels
• German and English speaking tour guide

• 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

• Trekkingbike - € 80,-
• E- Bike - € 225,-
• Insurance against theft and damage of the rental Trekking bike: € 10,-
• Insurance against theft and damage of the E-Bike: € 25,-
• GPS- data for free

Deluxeship THALAHASSA (all cabins with shower/WC)
Thalassa is a beautiful three mast motor sailor where elegance and comfort combined result in one of the most majestic ships of our fleet. The tall masts make the Thalassa an eye catcher in every harbor. The saloon and the cabins are spacious and the wood finish give a noble touch. The vast deck provides plenty of comfortable sitting areas with tables and chairs available in the shade and sunning mats on the sundeck. Fitted ideally for maximum relaxation during the crossings from island to island. The crew spoil their guests at mealtimes with a delicious selection of local specialties prepared in the ships own galley. No wonder that the favourite sound of our guests is the ringing of the mealtime bell!

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.

Catering:
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals. Catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. 

Arrival and Departure:
Airport Athens
Collective transfer from Airport Athena to ship (on day of embarkation/disembarkation only):
Price on request!

Rental Bikes

E- Bike or trekking bike with pannier.
Children bikes are only possible on request – minimum height 120 cm

Important note

Helmets use is mandatory on all cycling tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available on board in limited number (on request).

14 persons per date, maximum: 18 persons

Dates:

Ship Thalassa:

29.03., 05.04., 12.04., 28.06., 05.07. 12.07., 19.07., 26.07., 02.08., 09.08., 16.08., 04.10., 11.10., 18.10.2024

Ship Erato:

29.03., 05.04., 12.04., 04.10., 11.10., 18.10.2024