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3
moderate
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights boat
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£3560GBP

Overview

Trip Code: GIB

Trip highlights


  • Cycling in the Cyclade and Saronic islands with dramatic scenery
  • Exploring the small towns and villages en route
  • Swimming and snorkeling in the azure waters of Kea and Poros islands
  • Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable gulet

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.

Countries:

Greece

Starting Point:

Athens-port

Finishing Point:

Athens-port


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Make your own way to Marina Alimos (Palaio Faliro) in Athens, where check-in on the boat is available from 2.00pm. An optional group transfer from the airport or central Athens is available (additional cost applies). Settle into your cabin before enjoying dinner on board. Your first night is spent docked at the port. If you’d like more time to explore Athens, ask us about an optional stay before or after your boat journey.

Meals:  D

This morning we cruise to Kythnos Island, known since ancient times for its traditional cheese and honey. Our first cycle ride begins from the harbour of Merichas and winds its way up to Chora, the island’s charming hilltop capital. Expect coastal views and classic Cycladic character – whitewashed lanes adorned with hand-painted flowers and geometric designs. From Chora, we continue to the quaint village of Driopida before looping back to Merichas. This evening, enjoy time at your leisure – perhaps in one of the welcoming tavernas by the water.

Meals:  B,L

This morning we cruise to Seriphos, a lesser-known island with rugged valleys, hidden coves and quiet sandy beaches. From the port of Livadi, our cycle route climbs a winding road to the main town, where whitewashed, cube-shaped houses sit perched high on a ridge above the sea. We ride on through an untouched landscapes to visit the Byzantine Monastery of Archangel Michael, before looping back to Livadi via a panoramic route along the island’s east coast. Later, we cruise to Syros, where you can wander the elegant old town and unwind at a café along the lively harbour promenade.

Meals:  B,L

Ermoupolis, the capital of the Cyclades, makes a striking first impression as it comes into view – set across two hills, it has a distinct character unlike other Cycladic towns. Pastel-coloured houses with neoclassical facades line its streets, adding to its charm. Today’s ride follows the scenic southern coast of Syros, passing a series of peaceful bays and coves enroute to the beach at Galissas. From here, we continue past the convent of Saint Barbara before returning to Ermoupolis. In the afternoon, we cruise onward to the nearby island of Kea.

Meals:  B,L

We begin today’s ride from Korissia, a lovely natural harbour on Kea. Our route climbs steadily to the island’s capital, Loulis, a traditional village with scenic views. From there, we descend to the white-sand beach of Otzias, where there’s time for a refreshing swim before cycling back to Korissia. Later, we cruise to the island of Poros in the Saronic Gulf. With its hillside homes and vibrant waterfront, Poros offers a relaxed and authentic island feel – the perfect place to unwind for the evening.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s ride begins in the sheltered harbour of Korissia on Kea. We follow a gentle uphill route to Loulis, the island’s peaceful capital set among rolling hills. From here, we descend to the sandy beach at Otzias, where you can enjoy a swim in the clear Aegean waters. The ride then loops back to Korissia. In the afternoon, we cruise to Poros in the Saronic Gulf – a charming harbour town with traditional character and a laid-back island vibe, ideal for a relaxed evening by the water.

Meals:  B,L

The island of Aegina is known far beyond the Greek borders for its incredible pistachio nuts! Our route takes us up to the Sanctuary of Aphaia, where the impressive temple stands proudly above the sea, offering views of the Aegean on both sides of the island. From here, we cycle through the island’s interior, passing the Monastery of Saint Nektarios before arriving in Aegina town. We rejoin the boat for our final cruise back to Athens, where we share a farewell dinner and reflect on a memorable week of cycling and island discovery.

Meals:  B,D

Disembark after breakfast on board around 9.00am and individual departure, or option to add an extension in Athens.

Meals:  B

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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

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

Meals:  B,D

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:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 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 are not clearly labelled on the daily itinerary as they depend on sailing conditions on the day and from time to time we may substitute one of the lunches for a dinner or vice versa, 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 use of a double cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you can pay the single supplement (limited no. of cabins). The compact cabins have a double bed or a twin beds
  • E-Bikes rental. 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)
  • 6 guided cycling tours on the different islands
  • Experienced crew including English speaking tour guide
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Entries to museums and archeological sites for group visits
  • Overview maps for daily cycle tours
  • Free wifi on board
  • Emergency hotline
  • Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore

  • Travel to and from Athens
  • A group or private transfer from the airport or your hotel in Athens to the boat on embarkation and disembarkation days is available - reservation on request and a supplement applies, ask our office for details
  • Single cabin – supplement applies
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks (except bottled water onboard)
  • Special diets including lactose free / gluten free / vegan require payment of a supplement of 70 euro - must be requested in advance and paid on board
  • Tips for the crew
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • 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.
  • Optional bike insurance - 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. Ask for details
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins


Bike information


Suitability

moderate

3

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).


Departure dates


Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season departures: 28 Aug, 4, 18 & 25 Sep. Mid season departures: 15, 22 & 29 May, 5 & 12 Jun, 21 Aug & 2 Oct. Supplement applies to high & mid season departures.
Note:
See GIX for departures on board Erato - Greek Islands Bike & Boat Plus.
Note:
The Captain reserves the right to make alterations to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities. The Cyclades are relatively susceptible to wind. Normally this results in only a minor modification of the tour route. However with strong wind conditions the travel route may markedly differ from the planned route for the entire week into the Saronic Gulf.

Priceper person from

£3560GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Bicycle insurance - e-bike (pp)GBP£31
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£1390
  • Single supplement - mid season - season supp also appliesGBP£1500
  • Single supplement - high season - season supp also appliesGBP£1620
*Prices listed are per person

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Videos

Cycle the Greek Islands on a Bike and Boat | UTracks Active Travel