Cyclades Islands
Greece Bike + Barge Tours
Cycle Greece’s Saronic Islands between the Greek mainland and the Peleponnese Islands
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1690 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The Cyclades Islands, comprised of more than 30 islands, were the cradle of the first European civilized 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 flavor to the island towns.
The rugged coastlines show impressive geological formations, turquoise-blue sea, and fantastic sandy beaches. Experience the fascinating mixture between antiquity and modern times on your motorized sailing ship or on your bike and absorb the beauty of the central archipelago of the Greek Aegean.
Highlights
- Athens, the capital city of Greece
- Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael
- Peloponnesian Islands
- Ancient Epidauros with the best-preserved theater in Greece
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Athens (Piraeus)
Day 2: Kythnos Island, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 3: Seriphos Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Siphnos Island, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 5: Kea Island, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 6: Poros Island, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 7: Aegina Island, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Piraeus/Athens, departureAll distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in Athens (Piraeus)
Individual journey to Athens airport and collective transfer to Marina Zeas, the yacht harbor of Piraeus close to Athens and 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: Kythnos Island, 15 mi. (25 km)
Kythnos Island has been famous for its cheese and honey since ancient times. The first cycling tour, which will start in the harbor of Merichas will first lead to the capital Chora and offers beautiful views of the coastline. Chora is an appealing village, situated on a high plateau. Its angular alleys are decorated with painted flowers and geometric patterns. Then the cycle route leads to Driopida, a picturesque village. In the afternoon the motor yacht will take us to Siphnos for a relaxing time at the beach. Afterward, you return to Merichas and can spend the evening hours in one of the quaint taverns.Day 3: Seriphos Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
The boat takes you 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 harbor town of Livadi, you will cycle Greece along a serpentine road to the main town of Seriphos, whose cube form houses nestle along a mountain ridge high above the sea. Continuing on through untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael, you will return to Livadi along a panoramic road on the East coast. In the afternoon, the ship will arrive at Siphnos, which has a lovely beach. Overnight stay in Kamares.Day 4: Siphnos Island, 12 mi. (20 km)
The island of Siphnos, which is famous for its ceramic artwork, is only inhabited inland as its coast drops 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 listed as a protected town since 1975. In the afternoon, board the ship and sail to Syros, where you can round off the day in one of the numerous cafes on the spacious harbor promenade. Overnight stay in Kea.Day 5: Kea Island, 15 mi. (25 km)
Today's starting point for exploring the northwestern-most inhabited Cyclade island is the beautiful natural harbor of Korissia. From here, cycle uphill to the capital of the island, Loulis, before continuing on to the white sand beach, Otzias where you can take a refreshing swim. Afterward, return by bike to Korissia. In the afternoon stay aboard as the boat crosses 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.
Day 6: Poros Island, 14 mi. (23 km)
Today begins with a bike tour from Poros City to the Zoodochos Pigis monastery which dates back to the 18th century. Afterward, ride almost once around the island which once Poseidon himself possessed. On today's route, you'll cycle to Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue water which will invite you for a refreshing swim. Back in Poros City, the boat waits with a delicious midday meal during the cruise to Aegina.Day 7: Aegina Island, 22 mi. (35 km)
On the Island of Aegina, the bike tour takes you 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 the way back, cycle across the middle of the island past the monastery of Nektarios all the way to Aegina City here you board the boat for our last cruise back to Piräus. Enjoy the 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: Piraeus/Athens (Disembarkation)
Disembark after breakfast on board followed by individual departure or an extended stay in Athens.*Please note: the Cyclades are relatively susceptible to wind. Normally this results in only a minor modification of the route. The alternative route leads into the Argosaronic Gulf, one of the most historic regions of Greece. You will cross between the Greek mainland and the Peloponnesian to discover the islands of Egina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, and the Methana peninsula. A highlight of this journey is a visit to the ancient Epidauros with the best-preserved Greek theater.
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Boats
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights onboard the Thalassa
- 5 x half board (breakfast and lunch) and 2 x full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Hybrid bicycle rental with pannier
- Overview maps for each daily route, onboard
- Entry fees to museums & archaeological sites
- Bed linen and towels
- English speaking tour guide
What’s Not Included
- Drinks on board
- Meals ashore
- Bottled water: €20 (flat rate to be paid on board)
- Gratuities for tour guide and crew (optional)
- Beach towel for ashore
- Airport transfers
- Tour extensions (see Extra info + pricing)
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Saturday departures
April 24, May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, September 4, September 11, September 18, September 25 & October 2, 2021
Saturday departures
April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17, September 24 & October 1, 2022
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Twin cabin, below deck
April, May & June: $ 2688 £ 1497 $ 2,589 € 1690 NZ$ 2895 kr 17466 $ 2,071
September & October: $ 2847 £ 1585 $ 2,743 € 1790 NZ$ 3066 kr 18499 $ 2,194
Single supplement: $ 795 £ 443 $ 766 € 500 NZ$ 856 kr 5167 $ 613
Twin cabin, below deck
April, May & June: $ 2847 £ 1585 $ 2,743 € 1790 NZ$ 3066 kr 18499 $ 2,194
August, September & October: $ 3006 £ 1674 $ 2,896 € 1890 NZ$ 3238 kr 19533 $ 2,316
Single supplement: $ 1114 £ 620 $ 1,073 € 700 NZ$ 1199 kr 7234 $ 858
Special offer: For all new bookings between the end of May and the end of August, 2021.
- Book now and pay later. Full payment is due only 30 days before the tour.
- Free cancellation and rebooking to a later tour in 2021 up to 31 days before the tour.Extra Options
Electric bike rental (limited number available): $ 159 £ 89 $ 153 € 100 NZ$ 171 kr 1033 $ 123
Bicycle protection, Hybrid bike: $ 16 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 NZ$ 17 kr 103 $ 12
Bicycle protection, Electric bike: $ 32 £ 18 $ 31 € 20 NZ$ 34 kr 207 $ 25
Transfers to/from Athens airport (price is per person, each way): $ 40 £ 22 $ 38 € 25 NZ$ 43 kr 258 $ 31
Transfer to/from boat and any hotel in Athens: $ 24 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 NZ$ 26 kr 155 $ 18
Three-day pre- or post-tour extension in Athens:
3 star: $ 493 £ 275 $ 475 € 310 NZ$ 531 kr 3204 $ 380
Single room: $ 716 £ 398 $ 689 € 450 NZ$ 771 kr 4651 $ 551
4 star: $ 589 £ 328 $ 567 € 370 NZ$ 634 kr 3824 $ 453
Single room: $ 843 £ 469 $ 812 € 530 NZ$ 908 kr 5477 $ 650
Four-day pre- or post-tour extension in Santorini:
Standard room: $ 907 £ 505 $ 873 € 570 NZ$ 976 kr 5891 $ 699
Single room: $ 1575 £ 877 $ 1,517 € 990 NZ$ 1696 kr 10231 $ 1,213
Deluxe room: $ 1034 £ 576 $ 996 € 650 NZ$ 1113 kr 6718 $ 797
Single room: $ 1734 £ 965 $ 1,670 € 1090 NZ$ 1867 kr 11265 $ 1,336
Electric bike rental (limited number available): $ 159 £ 89 $ 153 € 100 NZ$ 171 kr 1033 $ 123
Bicycle protection, Hybrid bike: $ 16 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 NZ$ 17 kr 103 $ 12
Bicycle protection, Electric bike: $ 32 £ 18 $ 31 € 20 NZ$ 34 kr 207 $ 25
Transfers to/from Athens airport (price is per person, each way): $ 40 £ 22 $ 38 € 25 NZ$ 43 kr 258 $ 31
Transfer to/from boat and any hotel in Athens: $ 24 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 NZ$ 26 kr 155 $ 18
Three-day extension in Athens:
3 star: $ 509 £ 283 $ 490 € 320 NZ$ 548 kr 3307 $ 392
Single room: $ 764 £ 425 $ 735 € 480 NZ$ 822 kr 4961 $ 588
4 star: $ 620 £ 345 $ 598 € 390 NZ$ 668 kr 4031 $ 478
Single room: $ 891 £ 496 $ 858 € 560 NZ$ 959 kr 5787 $ 686
Four-day extension in Santorini:
Standard room: $ 939 £ 522 $ 904 € 590 NZ$ 1011 kr 6097 $ 723
Single room: $ 1575 £ 877 $ 1,517 € 990 NZ$ 1696 kr 10231 $ 1,213
Deluxe room: $ 1034 £ 576 $ 996 € 650 NZ$ 1113 kr 6718 $ 797
Single room: $ 1734 £ 965 $ 1,670 € 1090 NZ$ 1867 kr 11265 $ 1,336
- A single supplement can be avoided if you are willing to share your cabin with someone of the same gender.
- Only twin beds cabin available on this sailboat.
- In combination with another Zeitreisen trip, you will receive for the second trip a €100 reduction per person.
- Children up to age 16 receive 25% off the basic tour price.Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This is a moderate, guided bike and boat tour. This tour requires a considerate level of fitness, ideally acquired by daily biking. The daily distances range from 12 to 22 miles (18 to 35 km) and lead through hilly or mountainous areas. Some uphill stretches are included. The roads are mostly asphalted. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead. 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 different from the planned route. Upon consultation with your tour guides, the possibility to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes, may present itself. 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.
Airport Info
Fly to Athens, Leftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH).
Local Travel
An organized transfer can be arranged to/from the Athens airport to the boat for an additional fee. Please see pricing for details.
Climate
The Saronic islands are situated in the gulf of the same name and have a Mediterranean climate. Summer, from June to mid-September, is hot and sunny. The Meltemi, the wind from the north-west, blows by mid-May, cooling the air. Typically, the maximum temperatures remain around 30 °C (86 °F); occasionally, short periods of intense heat can occur. Be sure to check local conditions just prior to your departure. A good website to use to research average high/low temperatures, average rainfall and more, is weatherbase.com.
Day of Rest
Should you choose not to bike, you may always enjoy the day on board ship sunbathing and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Recommended
Extra time in Athens!
Remarks
Minimum number of participants: 14
Please be aware that you will be part of an international group of people.
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).
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to research travel requirements and to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, blank visa pages required for your destination (s), and any other requirement.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU citizens: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and the destination country.
EU-citizens: (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months from the end of your tour.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Additional information regarding transfers
All airport transfers require a reservation with exact flight details. Please inform us well in advance of departure.
For the smooth execution of airport transfers, please send us the following data:
- Arrival date and departure date
- Departure or arrival airport
- Airline and flight number
- Estimated arrival or departure time
For hotel transfers please send us the following information:
- Date of transfer
- Exact hotel address
- Preferred transfer time
Extra Stay
EXTRA NIGHTS
Book extra nights pre or post-tour at the 3-Star Hotel Philippos or 4-Star Hotel Herodion in Athens.THREE DAY PRE OR POST TOUR EXTENSION IN ATHENS
The 2004 Olympics have changed the face of the bustling metropolis of Athens. Large parts of the city center have been converted into pedestrian areas and a generous archaeological park has been created, which extends from the Acropolis to the ancient Agora and Kerameikos, the old pottery and cemetery district. Unforgettable is a walk through the many winding streets of the Plaka, the charming old quarter, where you can buy not only souvenirs of all kinds, but should also make yourself comfortable in one of the countless cafes.Includes
- 2 nights in Athens in the 3-star hotel or 4-star hotel in the center of Athens
- Taxi transfers: airport - hotel as well as hotel - ship
- Entrance to the Acropolis
- 1 dinner in the Tavern TO KAFENEION (without drinks) in the old town of Plaka
- 1 guided city bike tour ATHENS BY BIKE (three-hour tour, English-speaking tour guide, coffee or soft drink included)
- All state taxes
Hotels used for this extension package are either the 3-star Hotel Pan, 3-star Hotel Philippos, or the 4-star Hotel Herodion all located in Athens.
FOUR DAY PRE OR POST TOUR EXTENSION IN SANTORINI
Enjoy the dreamy Aegean Sea island of Santorini with this four day extension program. This offers you the ability to enjoy organized activities such as a kayaking tour through the caldera or a wine tour at sunset.Includes
- 3 nights accommodation on Santorini at the Theoxenia Boutique Hotel in Fira, or Ampelonas Aparthotel in Imerovigli, or similar depending on availability)
- Taxi transfers between Santorini Airport/Santorini ferry port and your hotel
- Optional kayak tour or sunset wine tour
- Information booklet with details about leisure activities on Santorini
- All land taxes
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Island Hopping.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
![Famous windmills above Mykonos on Mykonos Island, Greece. Photo via Flickr:Ira Gelb]()
![Traditional Greek food on board ship. Cyclades Islands Greece bike tour.]()
![City Hall, Miaoulis Square, Ermoupolis, Syros Island, Greece. Photo via Flickr:Lucian Niculescu]()
![Overlooking Spetses, Cyclades Islands, Greece.]()
![Mykonos Island windmills at sunset, Cyclades Islands, Greece. Photo via Flickr:Hassan Rafeek]()
![From boat to bike in Spetses, Cyclades Islands, Greece.]()
![Biking Poros Island, Greece.]()
![Taxis await on Hydra Island, Cyclades, Islands, Greece.]()
![View of Athens, Greece. Flickr:Jose Nicdao]()
![Cycling views on the Cyclades Islands bike tour.]()
![Mid-ride Greek snack of falafel and fries perhaps. Flickr:Ben Ramirez]()
![Blue and white architecture on Mykonos Island, Greece. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Joanbanjo]()
![Green figs in Greece, so good! Flickr:Oleve Family Estate and Products]()
![Traditional Greek food on board the Panagiota, Cyclades Islands bike tour.]()
![Windmill on Hydra Island, Greece.]()
![View of the Acropolis from the Museum in Athens, Greece. Flickr:Phanatic]()
![Flag of Greece. Flickr:Ana Raquel Shernandes]()
![Ready, set, bike in Palea-Epidavros, Cyclades Islands, Greece.]()
![One of the ships, this one the Bahriyeli that does this tour.]()
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