Peloponnese + Saronic Islands Plus Bike+Boat
from/to Athens
A region steeped in History
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 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.
Dates 2024:
Arrival: Friday
Duration: 8 days
Dates:
Ship Thalassa
Mar 29., Apr 05./12., Jun 28., Jul 05./12./19./26., Aug 02./09./16., 04./11./18.10.
Ship Erato
Mar 29., Apr 05./12., Oct 04./11./18.
Min.number of participants: 14 persons
1st Day: Athens (Embarkation)
Individual journey to Marina Alimos/Palaia Faliro. Check-in on the ship is possible from 2 pm onwards. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Athens.
2nd Day: Island of Poros (aprx. 14 mi./23 km)
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.
3rd Day: Galatas – Ermioni – Porto Heli (aprx. 25 mi./40 km)
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.
4th Day: Island of Spetses (aprx. 15 mi./25 km)
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.
5th Day: Island of Hydra – Methana Peninsula (aprx. 10 mi./17 km)
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.
6th Day: Methana Peninsula – Island of Aegina (aprx. 16 mi./25 km + optional 12 mi./20 km)
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.
7th Day: Island of Aegina – Piraeus/Athens (aprx. 22 mi./35 km)
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.
8th Day: Athens (Disembarkation)
After breakfast on board it is time to disembark to return home or to extend your holiday a few days longer in Athens.
Important Information
We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be run in reverse order. Our tours are dependent on weather conditions and the final decision is that of the captain. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION:
YOUR ShiP – THALASSA
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.
YOUR ShiP – Erato
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.
General information:
Group riding 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.
Children
We believe that only children with a good physical condition and previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m (4.3 ft.) for hybrid bikes and 1.50 m (5ft.) for e-bikes.
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.
Information
Level 1 is referring to the tour as E-bike trip. If you use a Trekking bike it is at least a Level 2 trip (20-40km + 400-800 m elevation/day)
YOUR BICYCLES:
E-Bikes
- Quality brand bicycles
- Odometer
- 1 Ortlieb-pannier bag
Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike bookable:
E-bike: 25 euro/week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
ATTENTION:
–Bringing own e-bikes not allowed on our ships!
–Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).
ARRIVAL INFORMATION:
Airport
- next airport: Athens (ATH)
Transfer
- Transfers bookable- see Prices
- 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 mineral 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
3-day additional program Athens
pre or post tour bookable
Included services:
- 2 overnight stays in Athens either at a three-star hotel (Pan or similar) or a four-star hotel (Hera, Elia Ermou or similar) in the centre of Athens
- Taxi transfers from the airport to the hotel or from the hotel to the airport
- Entrance fee to Athens Archaeological Park (incl. Acropolis)
- 1 dinner at the TO KAFENEION restaurant (drinks excluded) in the old town of Plaka
- 1 activity of your choice: either guided E-Bike Tour Athens or Foodies Tour Athens or Mythological Walk Athens (all tours are offered in the morning hours, last approx. 3-4 hours and are guided exclusively in English). Detailed booklet with useful tips for your stay at Athens
Minimum number of participants: 2 persons
3 star hotel | price per person |
Double room | 810,- |
Single room | 740,- |
4 star hotel | |
Double room | 600,- |
Single room | 840,- |
4-day additional program Santorini
pre or post tour bookable
Included services:
- 3 nights’ accommodation on Santorini (depending on availability Theoxenia Boutique Hotel in Fira or Ampelonas Aparthotel in Imerovigli or similar)
- Taxi transfers between Santorini Airport/Santorini ferry port and your hotel
- Optional guided kayak tour or sunset wine tour or culinary caldera walk
- Information booklet with details about leisure activities on Santorini All land taxes
Minimum number of participants: 2 persons
Hotel | price per person |
Double room (Standard) | 670,- |
Single room (Standard) | 1.090,- |
Double room (Deluxe) | 750,- |
Single room (Deluxe) | 1.150,- |
4-day additional program Mykonos
pre or post tour bookable
Included services:
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Mykonos (choice of Mykonos View Hotel (3-star) or Vencia Boutique Hotel (4-star) or similar, subject to availability)
- Taxi transfers between Mykonos airport/ Mykonos ferry port and hotel
- A choice between a sailing trip to Rhenia & Delos, a Jeep Safari in Mykonos, or a cooking class in a traditional Mykonian house
- Booklet of active leisure activities on Mykonos All local taxes
Minimum number of participants: 2 persons
3 star hotel | price per person |
Double room (Standard) | 690,- |
Single room (Standard) | 1.050,- |
Double room (Deluxe) | 810,- |
Single room (Deluxe) | 1.250,- |
4 star hotel | |
Double room (Standard) | 1.190,- |
Single room (Standard) | 1.690,- |
Double room (Deluxe) | 1.250,- |
Single room (Deluxe) | 2.050,- |
Ship Thalassa | |
2-bed cabin | 2.790,- |
2-bed cabin for single use | 3.990,- |
Ship Erato | |
2-bed cabin | 2.990,- |
2-bed cabin for single use | upon request |
Discounts additional bed/children
Children up to age 16 receive a discount of 25 % on the basic tour price.
Additional bookable
Rental bikes | ||
E-Bike | 225,- |
Additional nights incl. breakfast | upon request |
Shared transfer on arrival-/departure day | price per person/way |
Airport Athens – ship | upon request |
Athens city hotel – ship | upon request |
Operator: Inselhüpfen/Zeitreisen
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