Itinerary
Bike & Boat Cyclades & Saronic Islands
8 days / 7 nights | from/to Athens | Guided bike tours
aprx. 100 miles/160 km by bicycle | Level 2 – 3
Highlights of this bike and boat trip
✔ Temple of Aphaia on the island of Aegina
✔ The cyclades Islands, a truly authentic side of Greece
✔ Rugged coastline with impressive geological formations and sandy beaches
✔ Stay on the three masted traditional motorship MS Thalassa
The Cyclades, which comprise more than 30 islands, were the cradle of the first European civilised society 5,000 years ago. It is also here that Greece shows its most unadulterated side in all its variety: Gleaming white cubic houses with blue shutters and labyrinth lanes give the typical architectonic flavour to the island towns. The mostly ragged coastlines show impressive geological formations, turquoise-blue sea and fantastic sand beaches.
On the Saronic Islands between the Greek mainland and the Peleponnese, Greece can be experienced from ist most ubandant side. Learn about the Greek Liberation Struggle between 1821 and 1830 without Greece would not be as we know it today. Experience the fascinating mixture between antiquity and modern times by boat & bike and imbibe the authentic beauty of the Greek Aegean.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sat): Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) – (Embarkation)
Individual journey to Marina Zeas, the yacht harbour of Piraeus, only 25 km (15 mi.) from Athens airport. Check-in from 2 pm on the ship. Dinner on board. Overnight stay in Piraeus.
Day 2 (Sun): Kythnos Island (Cycling aprx. 15 mi./25 km)
Early in the morning the boat takes you to Kythnos Island, which was famous for its cheese and honey since ancient times. The first cycling tour, which starts in the harbour of Merichas and first leads us to the capital Chora, offers lots of scenic views to the coastline. Chora is an appealing village, situated on a high plateau. Its angular alleys are decorated with painted flowers and geometric patterns. From there today’s cycle tour leads us to Driopida, a picturesque village. Afterwards we return to Merichas, where we can spend the evening in one of the cosy tavernas.
Day 3 (Mon): Seriphos Island (Cycling aprx. 18.75 mi./30 km)
In the morning our boat takes us 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 form houses nestle along a mountain ridge high above the sea. We continue on through untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. We return to Livadi along a panoramic road on the East coast. In the afternoon the ship brings us to Siphnos, where we can relax at the beautiful beach. Overnight stay in Kamares on the island of Siphnos.
Day 4 (Tue): Siphnos Island (Cycling aprx. 11.25 mi./18 km)
The island of Siphnos, which is famous for its ceramic artwork, is only inhabited away from the coast, because its coast drops mainly steeply into the sea. The cycling tour begins in the harbor of Kamares. The route leads through a green, hilly terraced landscape to the central highlands with the island’s capital Kastro, which is a defensive settlement built on a steep cliff face and has been a listed and protected town since 1975. In the afternoon we enjoy a longer cruise to Kea. Along the way we throw anchor for a refreshing swim stop. Overnight in Kea.
Day 5 (Wed): Kea Island (Cycling aprx. 15 mi./25 km)
Our starting point for exploring the northwestern-most inhabited Cycladic island is the beautiful natural harbor of Korissia. From here we cycle uphill to the capital of the island, Ioulis before continuing on to the white sand beach, Otzias where we can take a refreshing swim stop. Afterwards we return by bike to Korissia. In the afternoon we take a boats crossing to Poros in the Saronic Gulf. The harbor city of Poros is truly spectacular, its iconic clock tower juts out above the rest of the town, and provides a true Greek island atmosphere for a relaxing evening.
Day 6 (Thu): Poros Island (Cycling aprx. 14 mi./23 km)
Today we start with a bike tour from Poros City to the Zoodochos Pigis monastery from the 18th century. Afterwards we ride almost once around the island which once Poseidon himself possessed. Shortly before the end of the tour we arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue water which we cannot resist but to swim in. Back in Poros City the boat waits on us with a delicious midday meal during the cruise to Aegina.
Day 7 (Fri): Island Aegina (Cyling aprx. 22 mi./35 km)
The Island of Aegina is known far beyond the Greek borders for its incredible pistachio nuts! Today’s bike tour takes us up to the sanctuary of Aphaia. The incredibly well preserved temple towers high above the blue of the sea in the single point of Aegina where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On our way back we cycle across the middle of the island past the monastery of Nektarios all the way to Aegina City where we board the boat for our last cruise back to Piraeus. We enjoy a last evening meal on board together in the company of friends, guides and crew and reflect on the wonderful experiences of the week.
Day 8 (Sat): Piraeus/Athens (Disembarkation)
Guests disembark after breakfast on board followed by individual departure or an extended stay in Athens.
Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only.
Itinerary changes
The Cyclades are relatively susceptible to wind. Normally this results in only a minor modification of the tour route. However by strong wind conditions the travel route may markedly differ from the planned route. Our substitute tour leads you for the entire week into the Saronic Gulf, one of the most historic regions of Greece: We cross between the Greek mainland and the Peloponnesian and discover the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and the Methana peninsula. A highlight of this journey is a visit to the ancient Epidauros with the best preserved theatre in Greece.
Map

MS Thalassa
MS Thalassa (Premium)
(shower/WC in each cabin)
The Thalassa is a three-mast motor yacht and a ship with best equipment, which combines pure elegance with greatest comfort. With its towering masts, this proud ship is a real eye-catcher in any harbor. The saloon and guest cabins are spacious.
The expansive ships deck provides an array of comfortable seating arrangements. A perfect setting in which to enjoy the cruise, read a book or simply to regenerate in whilst the sea breeze sooths the senses. At mealtimes the guests are pampered with a generous variety of authentic dishes, created masterfully in the on board galley, bringing an insight into the diversity of the Greek kitchen to the table.
Travel Dates & Prices 2023
Travel Dates and Prices 2023 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2023 per Person in €
Season Apr - Oct
Twin below deck
2390,- €
Optional services / Notes
Supplement single cabin
800,- €
Bicycle rental 21-speed hybrid/week
80,- €
E-Bike 8-gear/week
180,- €
Bike insurance for 21-speed-bikes
10,- €
Bike insurance for e-bikes/week
20,- €
Collective Transfer Airport Athens - Ship
30,- €
Collective Transfer Hotel Athens - Ship
20,- €
- Transfers only at day of embarkation and debarkation.
- Minimum number of participants: 14
Services included
- 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
- 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
Not included in the basic tour price
- Journey to Athens
- Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
- Flat rate for bottled water: 25 euro for adults or 15 euro for children up to age 16 (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
Additional optional services (on request)
- Shared twin cabin
- Surcharge for a double cabin for single use: 800 euro (limited)
- Rental bike with Ortlieb pannier: hybrid bicycle: 80 euro/week; e-bike: 180 euro/week (limited)
- Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: hybrid bicycle: 10 euro/week; e-bike: 20 euro/week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
- Collective group transfers (on embarkation and disembarkation days only): between Athens airport and the boat: 30 euro per person/way;
between a hotel at Athens city and the boat: 20 euro per person/way
- Additional customized transfers
- Additional nights in good hotels in Athens
- 3-day extension module – Athens; available pre and post tour (Incl. transfers: Airport – Hotel + Hotel - boat, 2 nights in a 3 or 4 star hotel, entrance to the Acropolis, 1 evening meal in the Tavern ‘To Kafeneion’ excl. drinks, 1 guided city bike tour ‘’Athens by Bike’’) Price per person:
3-star hotel in a double room: 350 euro/single room: 490 euro;
4-star hotel in a double room: 420 euro/single room: 580 euro
Price reductions
Children up to age 16 receive a 25 % discount on the basic tour price (not combinable with the 50 % discount).
Rental bikes
E-Bikes: Clients who wish to be supported by a tail-wind and seek to hire an e-bike will receive a high-quality pedelec, powered mainly by a Bosch motor capable of covering long distances, and characterized by their light weight and great components. Alternative drive systems may also be used. Standard components of our e-bikes in varying frame sizes include, 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
2021: We do not allow private e-bikes on board of our boats. This decision has been made due to health and safety regulations. If you wish to ride an e-bike for the duration of your tour, please get in touch with us about the rental options.
Hybrid Bikes: Those choosing to rent a hybrid bike will receive a reliable, low maintenance, aluminum frame bike in the suitable size. Our hybrid bikes are equipped with 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
Pannier: For the duration of the tour we supply you with a waterproof pannier by Ortlieb, a practical way of carrying drinks, bathing gear, camera etc. The use of our the panniers is free of charge.
Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation requested).
Level 2 –3
The bike routes have a length of 15 to 35 km/10 to 22 mi. and lead through hilly or mountainous areas. Some uphill stretches are included. The roads are mostly asphalted. Your tour guide informs you each day about the tour details. This tour is primarily a guided group tour. Upon consultation with your tour guides, the possibility to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes, may present itself. Helmet use is mandatory on all bike tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Helmets are available on board in limited number (on request). 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.
Group riding pace
On our regular cycling tours, the cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.
Bringing Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.00 m (3”2’).
Catering
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.
Internet availability
There is no WiFi connection offered on board of your ship. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend to take your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbor. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your hearts content.
Language
Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.
How to get to Athens
A flight is the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to get to Greece. Piraeus, your port of embarkation is only 15 mi./25 km away from Athens Airport (named El. Venizelos Airport).
To investigate and book a suitable flight you can for example use the website www.opodo.com.
Please choose an outbound flight departing in the afternoon to ensure a stress-free journey home.
Transfers between Athens Airport and the Boat or an Hotel at Athens and the Boat
Fee-based collective transfers (only available on embarkation/disembarkation days):
– between Athens airport and the boat: 30 euro per person/way
– between a hotel at Athens city and the boat: 20 euro per person/way
Customized transfers are offered too: availability and prices on request.
Port of Embarkation/Disembarkation Athens (Piraeus/Marina Zeas)
The port of embarkation/disembarkation is the yacht harbour of Marina Zeas, which is part of Piraeus harbour. In general the Thalassa docks at the ”Pasa Limani” part of the marina. You are welcome to check in on board from 2pm onwards on the embarkation day.