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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

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

8 Days£3010GBP

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

Countries:

Greece

Starting Point:

Athens

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

Meals:  D

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

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

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

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

After breakfast we 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

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

After breakfast on board it is time to disembark for your onward travels.

Meals:  B

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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

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

Meals:  Nil

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


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 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. 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

  • 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 - 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

Bike information


Suitability

moderate

3

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

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
Trips based onboard Thalassa are noted as 'D', or on Erato noted as 'K'. Trips where both Thalassa & Erato operate on the same day noted as 'S'. Check for vessel availability, Supplement applies for departures onboard Erato
1
Supplement applies for departure onboard Erato. Single cabin rate for Erato on request.
Note:
Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions.

Priceper person from

£3010GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • bicycle insurance - e-bike (pp)GBP£30
  • premium boat supplement (Erato)GBP£220
  • single cabin supplementGBP£1330
*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