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

8 Days£3770GBP

View Inclusions

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 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 at the port. An optional extension in Athens is available before or after the boat trip.

Meals:  D

Early this morning we cruise to Kythnos Island, famous for its cheese and honey since ancient times. The first cycling tour starts in the harbour of Merichas and leads to the capital Chora, offering scenic views to the coastline. Chora is an appealing village situated on a high plateau, with alleys decorated with painted flowers and geometric patterns. From here we cycle to the picturesque village of Driopida before returning to Merichas, where you can spend the evening in one its cosy tavernas.

Meals:  B,L

This morning we cruise to Seriphos, a small island far from the tourist track, with deep valleys, countless bays and coves and lots of beautiful sandy beaches. From the harbour town of Livadi we cycle along a serpentine road to the main town of Seriphos, whose cube-shaped houses nestle along a mountain ridge high above the sea. We continue through an untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael, before returning to Livadi along a panoramic road on the east coast. In the afternoon we cruise to Syros, where you can stroll through the breathtaking old town and round off the day in one of the numerous cafes on the spacious harbour promenade.

Meals:  B,L

The town of Ermoupolis on Syros is the capital of the Cyclades and offers an unforgettable view upon arrival, it is built on two hills and different from the other Cycladic towns. Pastel coloured houses, many of which have classical facades dominate the townscape. We cycle along the coast of Syros which is full of bays and coves along the entire southern half of the island to the beautiful beach of Galissas and then past the convent of Saint Barbara back to Ermoupolis. In the afternoon we continue by boat to the island of Kea.

Meals:  B,L

Our starting point to explore Kea is the beautiful natural harbour of Korissia. From here we cycle uphill to the capital of the island, Loulis, before continuing on to the white sand beach of Otzias, where we can stop for a refreshing swim. Afterwards we cycle back to Korissia. In the afternoon we cruise to Poros in the Saronic Gulf. The harbour city of Poros is truly spectacular and has an authentic Greek island atmosphere for a relaxing evening.

Meals:  B,L

Today we almost completely circle the entire island, which in ancient times was dedicated to the sea god, Poseidon. We arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise water - perfect for a swim. Back in Poros town, the boat awaits our arrival and we enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising to Aegina.

Meals:  B,L

The island of Aegina is known for its pistachio nuts - delicious! Today's bike tour takes us up to the Sanctuary of Aphaia. Its well preserved temple towers rise high above the blue sea at the single point of Aegina where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On our way back to the boat we cycle across the middle of the island, past the monastery of Nektarios and all the way to Aegina town, where we board the boat for our last cruise back to Athens. We enjoy an evening meal together and reflect on the wonderful experiences of the week.

Meals:  B,D

Disembark after breakfast on board around 9am 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

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 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 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).
  • 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, please ask our office for details
  • 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 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.
  • Beach towel for shore use (if required)
  • Items of a personal nature

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. Please note that the minimum height is 1.50m (5 ft.) for the e-bikes.

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
HS
Holiday Season
P
Peak season surcharge
H
High Season
DN1
2025:High season departures: 6 and 13 Jun, 29 Aug, 5, 12, 19 and 26 Sep, HS season departures: 9, 16, 23 and 30 May, 22 Aug, 3 and 10 Oct. 2026:- Mid season departures:- 15 May to 27 Aug and 2 to 9 Oct, Peak season departures: 28 Aug to 1 Oct. Supplement applies to seasonal departures.
Note:
Symbol (1) Trips are based onboard Thalassa. Symbol (2) Trip are based onboard Erato. If onboard Erato, a supplement applies. 2026: only on board Thalassa. See GIX for departures on board Erato.
Note:
Departures with no number symbol, both the Thalassa & Erato depart the same day. Ask your consultant for details of available vessels. If onboard Erato, a supplement applies.
Note:
Option to add 3 day extension in Athens - see itinerary 2 and ask our office for details

Priceper person from

£3770GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Bicycle insurance - electric or mountain bike (pp)GBP£30
  • Bicycle insurance - e-bike (pp)GBP£30
  • 2025 Premium boat supplement (Erato)GBP£220
  • 2025 Single supplement (double cabin for single use) (limited)GBP£1240
  • 2026 Single supplement - Thalassa (double cabin for single use) (limited) - low seasonGBP£1440
  • 2026 Single supplement - Thalassa (double cabin for single use) (limited) - mid season - season supp also appliesGBP£1550
  • 2026 Single supplement - Thalassa (double cabin for single use) (limited) - peak season - season supp also appliesGBP£1660
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

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