Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
E-bike & Cruise Greek Isles Bike Tour
Trip Overview
Visit the Peloponnese region of southern Greece, which is home to some of the greatest archaeological sites of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Board a small, deluxe sailing and motor ship in Athens, unpack once in your private cabin, and spend a week cycling on this famous peninsula and surrounding islands. Explore this culturally rich region, visit enchanting villages, and jump into the clear, blue Mediterranean waters. You are treated to delicious food and friendly assistance from experienced guides … as you travel through 2,500 years of history.
Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians have all left their mark on the “Island of Pelops.” Discover the inviting islands of the Saronic Gulf, each with its own unique character. Visit 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 has 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. Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to e-bike and cruise this spectacular region of Greece.
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
Meet your leaders, captain and crew on the delightful ship, the Thalassa, starting at 2 p.m. at the Marina Alimos, which is located in the Palaia Faliro neighborhood in southern Athens. Settle into your private cabin before dinner onboard. Then enjoy an overnight stay on the ship in Athens.
In the morning, the ship departs to cross over the Saronic Sea to the island of Poros. Before you reach the island’s main port, enjoy a swimming stop where you have the chance to dive into the sea directly from the ship. In the afternoon, start biking from the island’s capital of Poros and almost completely circumnavigate the island. In ancient times, Poros was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon. Shortly before the end of the tour, you arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue waters, the perfect place for a relaxing swim! Back in the enchanting harbor of Poros — with its iconic clock tower soaring above the rest of the town — you end your eventful day experiencing the authentic Greek atmosphere of this town.
After breakfast, a small car ferry takes you from Poros to Galatas on the mainland, on one of the peninsulas of the Peloponnese. Here you start cycling along the sea and through fertile agricultural land toward the small coastal town of Ermioni. The Thalassa meets you here to provide a delicious lunch on board during a leisurely afternoon crossing to Porto Heli. If the weather permits, you can enjoy an extended swimming stop along the way. Your overnight stay is in Porto Heli.
In the morning, the ship brings you a short distance 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 named it "Isola della spezie," the island of herbs. The aromatic scent of wild herbs accompanies you during your afternoon bike ride along the almost traffic-free panoramic road that circles the entire island. Almost throughout the entire ride, you are treated to beautiful views of the turquoise sea. At one of the spectacular beaches, you enjoy a longer break for a swim and a coffee. Afterward, you explore the old harbor of Spetses by bike before returning to the ship.
After a two-hour morning crossing on the ship Thalassa, you reach the island of Hydra. Since ancient times, donkeys have been the only means of transport on this uniquely wonderous island, which became wealthy during the Middle Ages thanks to seafaring. After the Greek War of Independence between 1821 and 1830, the island was out of the public eye for 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, continue onto the Methana Peninsula. The volcanic origin of the peninsula is immediately noticeable due to the smell of sulfur and the iridescent colors of the rocks. This peninsula is characterized by more than 30 volcanoes — a number of which are still active. Plus, there are sulfurous thermal springs, some of which are used for medicinal purposes. In the late afternoon, pedal a panoramic route with a pleasant coffee break in the enchanting fishing port of Vathy. Stay overnight tonight in Methana.
After breakfast, cycle a loop route on Methana with plenty of incredible views along the way. In the afternoon, cruise to the island of Aegina, well known beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachio nuts. The Aegean Sea is also named after this island. 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. If you prefer not to walk through the town, you can also opt for a bike ride along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika. The overnight stay is in the town of Aegina.
Today’s bike tour takes you up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The beautifully preserved temple towers 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, cycle through the center of the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios to the city of Aegina, where the ship awaits. Then sail back to the starting Marina Alimos/Palaia Faliro, and your exciting Greek cruise comes to an end with a final, celebrative evening on board.
After breakfast on board, it’s time say goodbye by about 9 a.m. and disembark to return home … or to extend your vacation in the history-rich city of Athens.
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.
What’s Included
7 nights’ lodging, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners (on your own for 4 lunches); one tasting of a local specialty. Admission to Aphaia Temple (Aegina); guided city tours in Aegina, Spetses, and Hydra. We also include experienced guides — plus use of an e-bike and helmet. Not included: tips for guides and crew, and your airfare.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.
What’s Included
7 nights’ lodging, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners (on your own for 4 lunches); one tasting of a local specialty. Admission to Aphaia Temple (Aegina); guided city tours in Aegina, Spetses, and Hydra. We also include experienced guides — plus use of an e-bike and helmet. Not included: tips for guides and crew, and your airfare.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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