Greece: Cyclades & Saronic Islands PLUS: from/to Athens

Individual journey to Athens (Marina Zeas/Piraeus for Thalassa resp. Marina Alimos/Palaia Faliro for Erato). Check-in on the ship is possible from 2 pm onwards. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Athens.

Early in the morning we sail to Kythnos Island, famous for its cheese and honey since the antiquity. We begin our first cycling tour in the harbour of Merichas and head towards the island’s capital, Chora. Along the way we can enjoy wonderful, scenic views of the coastline. Chora is a lovely town, situated on a high plateau. The town’s alleys are decorated with painted flowers and geometric patterns. We continue on to the picturesque village of Driopida before returning to Merichas, where we can spend the evening in one of the cosy tavernas.

In the morning, our boat takes us to Seriphos, a small island far off the beaten tourist track. The island is characterised by deep valleys, countless bays and coves, and numerous beautiful sandy beaches. From the harbour town of Livadi, we cycle along a serpentine road to the island’s main town of Seriphos, whose cube form houses, nestled into landscape, stretch along the mountain ridge high above the sea. From Seriphos, we continue on through untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. We then return to Livadi along a panoramic road on the East coast. . In the afternoon the ship takes us to Syros, where we can stroll through the breathtaking old town and round off the day in one of the numerous cafes on the spacious harbour promenade.

The town of Ermoupolis on Syros is the capital town of the Cyclades and offers an unforgettable view upon arrival: The town which is built on two hills is different from the other Cycladic towns. Pastel coloured houses, many of which have classical facades dominant 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.

Our starting point for exploring the north western-most inhabited Cycladic island is the beautiful natural harbour of Korissia. From here we climb up to the island’s capital Ioulis before continuing on to the white sand Otzias Beach where we enjoy a refreshing swim stop. Afterwards we cycle back to Korissia, and then sail to Poros in the Saronic Gulf in the afternoon. The harbour town of Poros is truly spectacular with its iconic clock tower soaring above the rest of the town. Poros in the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing evening and get lost in the authentic Greek island atmosphere.

Today, we almost completely circle the entire island of Poros, which dates back to the 18^th century. We cycle on and almost completely circle the entire island, which in ancient times 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! Once back in Poros, we board the boat and enjoy a delicious midday meal as we cruise to Aegina.

The island of Aegina is famous even beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. Today’s bike tour takes you up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The beautifully preserved temple towers sit 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 you will cycle through the center of the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina city where the ship awaits. We’ll then sail back to Athens and round off our exciting Greek cruise with a final, celebrative evening on board.

After breakfast on board it is time to disembark to return home or to extend your holiday a few days longer in Athens.