Peloponnese & Saronic Islands
Greece Bike + Barge Tours
A bike and boat journey through 5,000 years of Greek history
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1590 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Starting and ending in Athens, discover the Greek Peloponnese region by bike and boat as well as the diverse islands of the Saronic Gulf on this incredible journey.
This is a unique, culturally rich region steeped in history. The Mycenaeans, ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians have all left their mark on the “Islands of Pelops”.
Here you will find some of the greatest archaeological sites of antiquity and the Middle Ages!
Highlights
- Golden Mycenae
- Lion gate
- Cyclopean Walls
- Treasury of Atreus
- Medieval town of Nafplio
- Volcanic peninsula of Methana
- Pistachio Island of Aegina
- Temple of Aphaia
- Traffic-free Island of Hydra
- Fragrant islands of Poros and Spetses
Check out our full list of bike and boat tours in Greece.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens)
Day 2: Island of Poros, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 3: Galatas - Ermioni - Nafplio, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Mycenae - Island of Spetses, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Islands of Spetses and Hydra, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 6: Methana Peninsula - Island of Aegina, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 7: Island of Aegina - Piraeus/Athens, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens)All 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: Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) – (Embarkation)
Individual journey to Marina Zeas, the yacht harbor of Piraeus, only 25 km (15 mi.) from Athens airport. Check-in on the ship is possible from 2 pm onwards. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Piraeus.Day 2: Island of Poros, 14 mi. (23 km)
Spend the morning sailing to the Island of Poros. In the afternoon, you begin cycling from the island’s capital of the same name towards the 18th-century Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Continue on, almost completely circling the entire island, which in ancient times 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, This eventful day ends in an authentic Greek atmosphere.Day 3: Galatas - Ermioni - Nafplio, 25 mi. (40 km)
After breakfast, a small car ferry takes you from Poros to Galatas in the Peloponnese. Begin your cycling tour which leads us along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the Thalassa awaits you for lunch onboard during a leisurely afternoon crossing to Nafplio. In the early afternoon, the tour guides invite the guests on a stroll through the picturesque alleys of the former Greek capital. Nafplio is a captivating island with its ingenious fortifications and eventful history along with its flower-filled old town and the numerous beautiful cafes, bars, and restaurants. The perfect place to spend a wonderful, relaxed evening.Day 4: Mycenae - Island of Spetses, 31 mi. (50 km)
After breakfast, your bike tour leads into the Peloponnesian inland. After cycling through an impressive apricot and orange grove, you reach the remarkable Mycenaean fortress of Tiryns and the magnificent castle of Mycenae. Both sites have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1999. In the 2nd millennium BC, Mycenae was one of Greece’s most important cities. King Atreus and his son Agamemnon play a significant role in Greek mythology. The excavation site is enthralling: The famous Lion Gate, the incredibly thick cyclopean walls, Grave Circles A and B along with the gold and silver discoveries, and the Treasury of Atreus are all very much worth a visit. In the late afternoon, the boat will take you from Nafplio to the Island of Spetses. In the evening, stroll through the alleys of the beautiful old town, decorated with pebble mosaics, or end the evening at the old fishing port with a glass of wine.Day 5: Islands of Spetses and Hydra, 15 mi. (25 km)
The island of Spetses got its name from the Venetians who called it “Isola della spezie”, the island of herbs. With the accompanying aroma of wild herbs and panoramic views, today’s tour leads us along the traffic-free road that circles the island. For most of the ride, you are able to enjoy incredible views of the turquoise sea. Later on, there is a longer break at one of the beautiful beaches for a coffee and a swim. Your journey continues to the island of Hydra. Since time immemorial donkeys have been the only means of transport on this unique, beautiful island. Thanks to seafaring, the island became very wealthy in the middle ages. Then, after the Greek War of Independence, spanning from 1821-1830, the island fell into a hundred-year slumber. It was only when, in 1957, the film “Boy on a Dolphin” starring the unforgettable Sofia Loren was filmed on Hydra that life was brought back to the island which then became a mecca for artists. A unique place with arguably the most beautiful sunset in the region!
Day 6: Methana Peninsula - Island of Aegina, 15 mi. (25 km)
In the morning, sail to Methana Peninsula whose volcanic origin is immediately noticeable by the smell of sulfur and the shimmering colors of the rocks. The peninsula is characterized by its 30 plus volcanos, some of which are still active, as well as the medicinal, sulfurous thermal springs. Today’s round trip offers numerous, incredible views. In the afternoon, sail to the island of Aegina. If the weather permits, there will be a chance for a longer swimming break along the way.Day 7: Island of Aegina - Piraeus/Athens, 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 us 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 Aegina city where the ship awaits. Then sail back to Piraeus and enjoy a final, celebrative evening on board.Day 8: Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) - (Disembarkation)
After breakfast on board, it is time to disembark to return home or we recommend following the tour with an extension in either Athens or the Santorini.If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Boats
The three-masted Thalassa will be your floating home as you travel on this one-of-a-kind journey through 5,000 years of Greek history.
- Thalassa
Premium Class Sailing Ship
The premium ship Thalassa, formerly known as Bahriyeli A, combines pure elegance with great comfort. With its high rising masts, it is an impressive sight in the harbor and navigating the seas. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights including breakfast
- 2 day with all meals included and 5 days with lunch or dinner on board
- Guided bicycle tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Overview-maps for the daily bike tours (onboard)
- Trekking bike with puncture-proof tires, high-quality derailleurs, and brake system, luggage rack, also equipped with rear pannier
- Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites (group visit only)
- English-speaking tour guide
What’s Not Included
- Journey to Athens
- Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
- Flat rate for bottled water: 20 euro for adults or 10 euro for children up to age 16 (to be paid to the captain)
- Meals and beverages ashore
- Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price
- Beach towel for ashore use (if needed)
- Gratuities for tour guides and crew
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Saturday departures
April 10, April 17, June 26, July 3, July 17, July 24, July 31, & August 7, 2021
Twin cabin: $ 2517 £ 1401 $ 2,441 € 1590 NZ$ 2710 kr 16409 $ 1,952
Twin cabin for single use: $ 792 £ 441 $ 768 € 500 NZ$ 852 kr 5160 $ 614
Saturday departures
April 9, April 16, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, August 20, October 8 & October 15, 2022
Twin cabin: $ 2676 £ 1489 $ 2,595 € 1690 NZ$ 2881 kr 17441 $ 2,075
Twin cabin for single use: $ 1108 £ 617 $ 1,075 € 700 NZ$ 1193 kr 7224 $ 859
Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 158 £ 88 $ 154 € 100 NZ$ 170 kr 1032 $ 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 206 $ 25
Transfers:
From/to Athens airport, to/from boat, each way: $ 40 £ 22 $ 38 € 25 NZ$ 43 kr 258 $ 31
From hotel to Athens to boat: $ 24 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 NZ$ 26 kr 155 $ 18 (only available on embarkation and disembarkation days)
3-day extension in Athens:
3 star: $ 491 £ 273 $ 476 € 310 NZ$ 528 kr 3199 $ 381
Single room: $ 712 £ 397 $ 691 € 450 NZ$ 767 kr 4644 $ 553
4 star: $ 586 £ 326 $ 568 € 370 NZ$ 631 kr 3819 $ 454
Single room: $ 839 £ 467 $ 814 € 530 NZ$ 903 kr 5470 $ 651
4-day extension in Santorini:
Standard room: $ 902 £ 502 $ 875 € 570 NZ$ 972 kr 5883 $ 700
Single room: $ 1567 £ 873 $ 1,520 € 990 NZ$ 1687 kr 10217 $ 1,216
Deluxe room: $ 1029 £ 573 $ 998 € 650 NZ$ 1108 kr 6708 $ 798
Single room: $ 1726 £ 961 $ 1,673 € 1090 NZ$ 1858 kr 11249 $ 1,338
Electric bike: $ 158 £ 88 $ 154 € 100 NZ$ 170 kr 1032 $ 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 206 $ 25
Transfers:
From/to Athens airport, to/from boat, each way: $ 40 £ 22 $ 38 € 25 NZ$ 43 kr 258 $ 31
From hotel to Athens to boat: $ 24 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 NZ$ 26 kr 155 $ 18 (only available on embarkation and disembarkation days)
3-day extension in Athens:
3 star: $ 507 £ 282 $ 491 € 320 NZ$ 545 kr 3303 $ 393
Single room: $ 760 £ 423 $ 737 € 480 NZ$ 818 kr 4954 $ 589
4 star: $ 617 £ 344 $ 599 € 390 NZ$ 665 kr 4025 $ 479
Single room: $ 887 £ 494 $ 860 € 560 NZ$ 954 kr 5779 $ 688
4-day extension in Santorini:
Standard room: $ 934 £ 520 $ 906 € 590 NZ$ 1006 kr 6089 $ 724
Single room: $ 1567 £ 873 $ 1,520 € 990 NZ$ 1687 kr 10217 $ 1,216
Deluxe room: $ 1029 £ 573 $ 998 € 650 NZ$ 1108 kr 6708 $ 798
Single room: $ 1726 £ 961 $ 1,673 € 1090 NZ$ 1858 kr 11249 $ 1,338
Children up to age 16 receive a 25% discount on basic tour price.
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
The bike routes have a length of 23 to 50 km/14 to 31 mi. and lead through hilly or mountainous areas. The roads are mostly asphalted. Your tour guide will inform you each day regarding the cycling itinerary. This tour is primarily a guided group tour. 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 time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.
Airport Info
Fly to Athens, Leftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH).
Local Travel
The easiest and least stressful way to arrive to the port is to reserve airport/hotel transfers from/to the airport. These transfers are available on arrival and departure day only. Please see additional travel information section and pricing. If you have arrived early in Athens, and have not reserved a pre or post-tour extension in which transfers are included, there are a few options available via public transportation or taxi.
Public transportation- Metro The airport is accessible via Metro’s Line 3 (Blue Line).
- Suburban Rail Piraeus via Larissis Station
- Bus service (OSY) Four bus routes connect directly Athens and Piraeus with the airport. All buses depart from the Arrivals Level, between Exits 4 and 5 and arrive to Departures Level.
- Regional buses Five regional buses operate at the airport. All buses set down passengers at the Departures Level and depart from the Arrivals Level, between Exits 2 and 3, opposite the Airport Hotel (Sofitel).
Ano LiosiaClimate
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.
Recommended
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, as well as individual leisure activities. The selected hotels are directly connected to the island’s public transportation system, so you can easily reach all the island’s major attractionsIncludes
- 3 nights accommodation on Santorini at the Theoxenia Boutique Hotel in Fira, or Ampelonas Aparthotel in Imerovigli (or similar depending on availability)
- Daily breakfast
- 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
Excludes
- Journey to/from Santorini
- Lunch and dinner
- Entrance fees to sights and attractions
- Activities other than those mentioned under included services
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?
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