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

Price

$3990USD

 
 

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.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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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 - see below for details of the itinerary and inclusions.

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 (see itinerary below).

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


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 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) or if you are willing to share, can be matched with another passenger of the same sex (where available). 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)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips for the guide and 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)
  • Athens 3 day extension - see itinerary 2

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

moderate  

This is an e-bike tour. For cyclists using hybrid bikes we recommend that you are fit and comfortably able to cycle around 20kmph on the flat and 10kmph on the ascents. There are some longer climbs; however, you are welcome to take breaks or push your bike if necessary. If you are unsure we recommend an e-bike. Even for e-bikers, the trip 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 riding pace is determined by the cyclists on e-bikes. Guests who are taking part on a regular bicycle should have the necessary physical condition to keep up with this pace. 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). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.


Departure dates


Notes

1
Trips are based on board Thalassa or Erato (supplement applies).
Note:
On this tour the cycling pace is determined by the e-bike riders who tend to take half the time to ascend hills with a limited amount of recovery time at the top. For cyclists using regular bikes, we recommend that you are fit and comfortably able to cycle around 20kmph on the flat and 10kmph on the ascents. If you are unsure, we recommend you book an e-bike.
Note:
Option to add 3 day extension in Athens - see itinerary 2 and ask our office for details
DN4
Single cabin rate on request for Erato.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$3990USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Hybrid bike - discountUSD$-125
  • Bicycle insurance - standard bike (pp)USD$13
  • Bicycle insurance - electric or mountain bike (pp)USD$33
  • Premium Boat Supplement (Erato)USD$290
  • Single supplement (double cabin for single use) (limited) ThalassaUSD$1740
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

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Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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