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Greece

Greece: Peloponnese & Saronic Islands: from/to Athens

2,500 years of Greek history
Athens Round tour.
From €2390 p.p.
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Greece: Peloponnese & Saronic Islands: from/to Athens
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Highlights of this tour

The Peloponnese is a Greek region steeped in history. Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians have all left their mark on the “Island of Pelops”. Discover this unique, culturally rich region as well as the diverse islands of the Saronic Gulf by boat and bike! The three-masted Thalassa will be your floating home as you travel on this one-of-a-kind journey through 2,500 years of Greek history. Discover the enchanting islands of the Saronic Gulf, each with its own unique character. Explore the pistachio island of Aegina with its temple of […]

Journey through Greek history

Methana, Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses Islands

200 km/ 125 miles of cycling

Motoryacht: max. 20 passengers

Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Guided cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 3 Difficulty level 3
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch.
8 days

About this tour

The Peloponnese is a Greek region steeped in history. Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians have all left their mark on the “Island of Pelops”. Discover this unique, culturally rich region as well as the diverse islands of the Saronic Gulf by boat and bike! The three-masted Thalassa will be your floating home as you travel on this one-of-a-kind journey through 2,500 years of Greek history.

Discover the enchanting islands of the Saronic Gulf, each with its own unique character. Explore the pistachio island of Aegina with its temple of Aphaia, high on a hill above the sea. Marvel at the totally traffic-free island of Hydra, where the only means of transportation since time immemorial have been the island’s countless donkeys. The islands of Poros and Spetses are home to spectacular panoramic roads with little traffic and the ever-present aroma of wild herbs while the volcanic peninsula of Methana will lead you on a geological journey through time.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

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Day to day program

We reserve the right to make changes to the route in the case of changing wind and weather conditions as well as for reasons of organizational necessity.

Day 1: Zea Marina (Piraeus/Athens) – (Embarkation)

Individually arranged arrival in Zea Marina; part of the port of Piraeus about 25 km/15 mi. from Athens airport. Check-in is possible from 2 pm. Dinner will be on board and the night will be spent in Piraeus.

Day 2: Island of Poros (aprx. 14 mi./23 km)

In the morning we make a crossing 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 with its iconic clock tower soaring above the rest of the town, we end our eventful day in an authentic Greek atmosphere.

Day 3: Galatas – Ermioni – Porto Heli (aprx. 25 mi./40 km)

After breakfast, a small car ferry will take you from Poros to Galatas in the Pelopennese. From here, the bike tour will lead you for the most part along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the Thalassa will await you for lunch on board and 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.

Day 4: Island of Spetses (aprx. 15 mi./25 km)

In the morning we make a short crossing 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.

Day 5: Island of Hydra – Methana Peninsula (aprx. 10 mi./17 km)

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.

Day 6: Methana Peninsula – Island of Aegina (aprx. 16 mi./25 km + optional 12 mi./20 km)

After breakfast we make another round trip 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.

Day 7: Island of Aegina – Piraeus/Athens (aprx. 22 mi./35 km)

 

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 Piraeus and round off our exciting Greek cruise with a final, celebrative evening on board.

Day 8: Zea Marina (Piraeus/Athens) – (Disembarkation)

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

Good to know

Itinerary changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the route in case of changing wind and weather conditions, as well as for reasons of organizational necessity.

Language: Due to our international audience the tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.

Level 2 – 3: The bike routes have a daily length of 17 to 40 km/10 to 25 mi. and lead through hilly or mountainous areas. Some uphill stretches are included. The roads are mostly asphalted. Your tour guide will inform you each day about the bike tour details. This tour is primarily a guided group tour. Upon consultation with your tour guides, you may have the possibility to cycle on your own along suitable recommended routes. Helmet use is mandatory on all bike tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. A limited number of helmets are available on board (on request). You are also free to set aside a half or full day to spend on board the boat, or swim, 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.

Internet availability: Please note that there is no WiFi available on board the ship.  If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend taking 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 usually able to use the WiFi to your heart’s content.

Children: We believe that only children in good physical condition with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to manage the daily bike tours independently. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m (4.3 ft.) for hybrid bikes and 1.50 m (5 ft.) for e-bikes.

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 dinner on the arrival day and ends with breakfast on the departure day.

Which payment methods are accepted on board? We do not accept credit cards on board of our boats. Payments such as drinks, tourist taxes, parking spaces etc. can be made in cash only. The accepted currency on board is the euro. Your local guide will point you in the right direction of the nearest ATM or currency conversion office.

Our ship Please don’t forget that the ship is a machine as well as your hotel, which has to be maintained and operated – day and night. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable.


Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.

Below you see an overview of the available (blue) dates; the yellow dot means that this date has 2 or less cabins available, orange is ‘on request’ and red means that on this date there aren’t any cabins available. Then click on the preferred date. After this, choose your ship (some tours have only one ship, and therefore there is no choice), the number of cabins in the required (and available) category, any desired additional products, and ‘local costs’ (such as special dietary needs, which you usually pay for onboard). On the right side, you’ll find the ‘Booking Summary.’ After completing your preferences and necessary information click ‘Book now’ to finalize your booking.

  • Available
  • 2 or less available
  • On request
  • Not available
Departure date -

Choose preferred ship

Please select your cabin(s)


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2023
Cabin type For all dates
Twin/Double cabin 2 pers. € 2390 Double for single use (limited) 1 pers. € 3190
Included in this tour
  • 8-day-trip on a motorized yacht with crew
  • 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
  • 2x full board catering and 5x half board catering
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Guided cycling tours and sightseeing as described in itinerary
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only)
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Overview-maps for the daily tours on board
Excluded in this tour
  • Transfer to Athens Trogir
  • Water fee flat rate, visitor’s tax and local charges: € 25 for adults or € 15 for children up to age 16 (to be paid to the captain);
  • Rental bicycle or e-bike (optional)
  • Rental bicycle helmet (optional)
  • Entrance fees & excursions not included in the tour price
  • Meals and beverages ashore
  • Please bring a beach towel, if needed
  • Parking fee
  • Other transfers
  • Beverages on board (noted on a tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
  • Personal (travel) insurances
  • Tips for tour-guides and crew (at your discretion)
  • SGR Insolvency protection
Bicycles/E-Bikes
  • All hybrid bicycles are reliable, low maintenance, aluminium frame bike in the suitable size. The 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. Please be aware that these rental bikes are only available for participants that are taller than 1.50 m.
  • E-Bikes: 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. We offer a trapeze frame for all guests up to 179 cm, and a diamond frame for people 180cm+.

Weight Limit of Clients Bicycles Brought on Board Please be aware, that we have a weight limit of 22 kg (48.5 lb), if you bring your own bicycle on board of one of our boats. This limit is important to protect the health of our guides/crew members, than they have to lift the bikes on board. If we consider it necessary, we will check the weight on site. If the weight limit is exceeded, we reserve the right to refuse taking the bike on board. It is not possible to bring your own E-Bike on board.

Additional options & information - 2023
  • Rental hybrid bicycle: € 80 per week
  • Rental e-bike with Ortlieb pannier: e-bike: € 180 per week
  • Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: e-bike: € 20 /week; hybrid bicycle: € 10 /week (not insured: damages caused through gross negligence)
  • Shared twin cabin (on request)
  • Surcharge for a double cabin for single use: € 800 (on request, reservation required)
  • Collective group transfers (on embarkation and disembarkation days only):
    – between Athens airport and the boat: € 35 per person/way;
    – between a hotel in Athens city and the boat: € 20 per person/way

 

Requirement to wear a helmet: Helmet use is mandatory on all bike rides. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available on board in limited number (reservation requested).

Weight limit of bicycles brought on board: Please be aware that we have a weight limit of 22 kg (48.5 lb) per bike if you bring your own bicycle on board of one of our boats. This limit is important to protect the health of our guides/crew members, as they have to lift the bikes on board. It is not possible to bring your own e-bike on board. If we consider it necessary, we will check the weight on site. If the weight limit is exceeded, we reserve the right to refuse taking the bike on board.

Participants: Minimum 14 / Maximum 18

Legal notice: Boat Bike Tours is not the operator of this tour; this is a so-called ‘partner tour’. The tour operator is: Inselhuepfen/Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH, Constance, Germany. Other conditions may apply to this tour: further details are available on request.



Reviews

based on 2 reviews on
24 Oct 2022

Sara Askey

Omgoodness is was wonderful! I ready for another tour I missed some islands! Excellent service, from the crew to our guides! The Greek people are so friendly. LOVED the boat. We did get a lot of food!!! I missed music.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 25 Oct 2022

Hi Sara, Wow! Thank you so much for the review! Our staff always enjoy reading reviews like the one you left! It lets us know that we are making customers happy and doing something right! Best, Romy.

11 Aug 2022

Barbara Rathbun

Wonderful itinerary- we were able to experience the Greek islands in a way that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. Dionysus was extremely knowledgeable about the culture, history and food of the area. He was patient, fun and very attentive to our needs. The food was excellent! The captain and crew were friendly and professional as far as operation of our boat. My only complaints are that the rooms weren’t cleaned and also there could have been more snacks available after our bike rides and during our spare time.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 22 Sep 2022

Hi Barbara, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We are extremely grateful that you took the time to send us your feedback about our tour on board of Thalassa. We love the fact that you rate this tour with 5-stars. I read through your feedback carefully, and consider your suggestion to be very insightful. I will pass it on to the owner to see if they could implement this changes for the upcoming season. Thanks once again and looking forward to welcome you back on board again. Best, Romy


Available ships for this tour

Motor ship Thalassa (former Bahriyeli A) Greece

Deck chairs

Spacious sun deck

Three masted ship

Teak cladding

max. 18 passengers
9 cabins
2 tours available with this ship

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Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch. 8 days
5 stars
1 Reviews
Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Guided cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 3 Difficulty level 3

Your selected tour:

Greece: Peloponnese & Saronic Islands: from/to Athens

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