Peloponnese & Saronic Islands
Greece Bike + Barge Tours
A bike & boat journey through 5,000 years of Greek history
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€2495 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 & boat tours in Greece.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens)
Day 2: Island of Poros, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 3: Galatas - Ermioni - Porto Heli, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Island of Spetses, 15 mi. (25km)
Day 5: Islands of Hydra - Methana Peninsula, 10 mi. (17 km)
Day 6: Methana Peninsula - Island of Aegina, 16 mi. (25 km) + optional 12 mi. (20 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. Before you reach the island’s main port, enjoy a swimming stop and dive into the sea directly from the ship. In the afternoon, you begin cycling, 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 - Porto Heli, 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 Porto Heli. If the weather permits, you can enjoy an extended swimming stop along the way. Overnight stay in Porto Heli.Day 4: Island of Spetses, 15 mi. (25 km)
In the morning, it is just 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 named it "Isola della spezie", the island of herbs. The aromatic scent of wild herbs permeates the air during your afternoon bike ride along the almost traffic-free panoramic road that circles the entire island, with beautiful views of the turquoise sea. At one of the spectacular beaches, you may enjoy longer break for a swim and a coffee.Day 5: Island of Hydra - Methana Peninsula, 10 mi. (17 km)
The Island of Hydra is reached after a two hour crossing. Since ancient times, donkeys have been the only means of transportation 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, you continue on to the Methana peninsula. The smell of sulphur and the iridescent colors of the rocks portray the volcanic origin of the peninsula. There are more than 30 volcanoes here, a number of which are still active, and sulfurous thermal springs, some of which are used for medicinal purposes. In the late afternoon, you 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, 16 mi. (25 km) + optional 12 mi. (20 km)
Enjoy a morning ride around Methana with plenty of incredible views along the way. In the afternoon, you set 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. If you do not want to walk 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, 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 varied tours & trips, specials, and news.
Map
Boats & Bikes
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
Touring BicyclesElectric Bicycle (E-bike)![]()
Cube Nature or exclusively designed trekking bike* … • Step through or horizontal bar (diamond frame) aluminum frame … • Upright riding position … • Selle Royal comfort gel saddle … • Shimano gearing… Read MoreAccessories![]()
Orbea, Cube, or FLEX ebike* … • Pedelec … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Upright riding position … • Shimano gearing … • 8 speeds … • Bosch motor and power pack … • Comfort gel saddle … •… Read MoreChildren’s Bicycles and Accessories![]()
All bikes are equipped with a pannier bag. These are considered waterproof, however, please note that we can’t be held responsible or any damage that might be caused to any personal belongings like… Read More![]()
Suitable equipment is provided for children. • For children between 100 to 150 cm tall, 20-24 inch bikes are available. These bikes are equipped with faultless derailleur gears, brake systems, a… Read MoreThe 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 days with all meals included & 5 days with lunch or dinner on board
- Guided bicycle tours & sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Overview-maps for the daily bike tours (onboard)
- Trekking bike with puncture-proof tires, high-quality derailleurs, & brake system, luggage rack, also equipped with rear pannier
- Entrance fee to museums & archaeological sites (group visit only)
- English-speaking tour guide
What’s Not Included
- Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
- Flat rate for bottled water: €25 for adults/€15 euro for children up to age 16 (to be paid to the captain)
- Meals & beverages ashore
- Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price
- Beach towel for onshore use
- Gratuities for tour guides & crew
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2023
Premium Class
Saturday departures
April 8, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5, August 19, October 7, & October 14, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Twin/double $ 3901 £ 2197 $ 3,558 € 2495 ₪ 9151 NZ$ 4202 NOK 26072 kr 27802 $ 2,653 Supplement | Twin for single use $ 1251 £ 704 $ 1,141 € 800 ₪ 2934 NZ$ 1347 NOK 8360 kr 8914 $ 851 Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 156 £ 88 $ 143 € 100 ₪ 367 NZ$ 168 NOK 1045 kr 1114 $ 106
Transfers:
From/to Athens airport, to/from boat, each way: $ 55 £ 31 $ 50 € 35 ₪ 128 NZ$ 59 NOK 366 kr 390 $ 37
From hotel to Athens to boat: $ 31 £ 18 $ 29 € 20 ₪ 73 NZ$ 34 NOK 209 kr 223 $ 21 (only available on embarkation and disembarkation days)
Extra nights in Athens:
Pricing on request
3-day extension in Athens:
3 star: $ 563 £ 317 $ 513 € 360 ₪ 1320 NZ$ 606 NOK 3762 kr 4011 $ 383
Single room: $ 797 £ 449 $ 727 € 510 ₪ 1871 NZ$ 859 NOK 5329 kr 5683 $ 542
4 star: $ 672 £ 379 $ 613 € 430 ₪ 1577 NZ$ 724 NOK 4493 kr 4791 $ 457
Single room: $ 923 £ 519 $ 841 € 590 ₪ 2164 NZ$ 994 NOK 6165 kr 6574 $ 627
4-day extension in Santorini:
Standard room: $ 1063 £ 599 $ 970 € 680 ₪ 2494 NZ$ 1145 NOK 7106 kr 7577 $ 723
Single room: $ 1720 £ 968 $ 1,569 € 1100 ₪ 4035 NZ$ 1852 NOK 11495 kr 12257 $ 1,169
Deluxe room: $ 1188 £ 669 $ 1,084 € 760 ₪ 2788 NZ$ 1280 NOK 7942 kr 8469 $ 808
Single room: $ 1814 £ 1021 $ 1,654 € 1160 ₪ 4255 NZ$ 1953 NOK 12122 kr 12926 $ 1,233
4-day extension in Mykonos:
3-star:
Standard room: $ 923 £ 519 $ 841 € 590 ₪ 2164 NZ$ 994 NOK 6165 kr 6574 $ 627
Single room: $ 1485 £ 836 $ 1,355 € 950 ₪ 3485 NZ$ 1600 NOK 9927 kr 10586 $ 1,010
Deluxe room: $ 1110 £ 625 $ 1,013 € 710 ₪ 2604 NZ$ 1196 NOK 7419 kr 7912 $ 755
Single room: $ 1861 £ 1048 $ 1,697 € 1190 ₪ 4365 NZ$ 2004 NOK 12435 kr 13260 $ 1,265
4-star:
Standard room: $ 1704 £ 960 $ 1,555 € 1090 ₪ 3998 NZ$ 1836 NOK 11390 kr 12146 $ 1,159
Single room: $ 2424 £ 1365 $ 2,211 € 1550 ₪ 5685 NZ$ 2610 NOK 16197 kr 17272 $ 1,648
Deluxe room: $ 1955 £ 1101 $ 1,783 € 1250 ₪ 4585 NZ$ 2105 NOK 13062 kr 13929 $ 1,329
Single room: $ 3049 £ 1717 $ 2,781 € 1950 ₪ 7152 NZ$ 3284 NOK 20377 kr 21729 $ 2,073
Children up to age 16 receive a 25% discount on basic tour price.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
The bike routes have a length of 23 to 50 km/14 to 31 mi. and lead through hilly and 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 but cannot be guaranteed. 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.
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 numbers (reservation required).
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.
*Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit.
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
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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 a 3-star hotel or 4-star hotel in the center of Athens
- Taxi transfers: airport - hotel/hotel to ship or ship to hotel/hotel to airport
- 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 (or similar) or the 4-star Hera, Elia Ermou (or similar) all located in Athens.
FOUR DAY PRE OR POST TOUR EXTENSION IN SANTORINI OR MYKONOS
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 attractionsMYKONOS: This four-day extension program in Mykonos is a great extension to your tour. Take time to explore Mykonos further with additional activities to choose from.
Includes- 3 nights accommodation on Santorini or in Mykonos (similar hotels will be booked depending on availability)
- Daily breakfast
- Taxi transfers between Santorini Airport/Santorini ferry port & your hotel (SANTORINI)
- Taxi transfers between Mykonos Airport/Mykonos ferry port & your hotel (MYKONOS)
- Santorini: Guided kayak tour, sunset wine tour, or culinary Caldera walk. (One is included in tour price, you decide! )(
- Mykonos: Kaiki cruise to Rhenia & Delos, Jeep Safari in Mykonos, or a cooking class in a traditional Mykonian house. (One is included in tour price, you decide.)
- Information booklet with details about leisure activities on Santorini
- All land taxes
Excludes
- Journey to/from Santorini/Mykonos
- Lunch & dinner
- Entrance fees to sights & 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?
Photos
![Port of Saronic Island Spetses in Argolic Gulf, Greece. Flickr:Marco Verch]()
![Greek salad. Flickr:Roger Salz]()
![History abounds on the Peloponnese Island, Greece. Flickr:Guillen Perez]()
![Sightseeing in medieval Nafplio, Peloponnese Island, Greece. Flickr:Tilemahosef Thimiadis]()
![Biking the Peloponnese Island, Greece. Flickr:Pedro]()
![Dinner in Athens, Greece. Flickr:monika.monika]()
![Flag of Greece in Athens. Flickr:Anaraquel S Hernandes]()
![Figs in Greece! Flickr:Lisa Murray]()
![Great stone architecture on the Peloponnese & Saronic Islands Bike Tour in Greece.]()
![The healthy Mediterranean diet excels in Greece! Flickr:Trevor Bobowick]()
![Great view of Nafplio, Peloponnese Island, Greece. Flickr:stefg74]()
![Fruit Kok dessert in Greece! Flickr:Ginny]()
![The archaeological ruins in Mycenae, Argolis, Peloponnese, Greece. Flickr:linmtheu]()
![Seafood platter on Aegina Island in Greece! Flickr:Chris]()
![Aegina is one of the Saronic Islands in Greece. Flickr:Jorge Lascar]()
![Nighttime in Athens, Greece. Flickr:Jose Nicdao]()
![Hydra is another one of the Saronic Islands in Greece. Flickr:Francisco Anzola]()
![Seafood always is great in Greece! Flickr:Andy Montgomery]()
![Beautiful Greek churches to be seen on this island hopping bike tour!]()
![One of the great Peloponnese Islands, Greece. Flickr:Marco Verch]()
![Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece. Flickr:Phanatic]()
![Beautiful harbors to be seen on this Greek tour!]()
![Greece has many gorgeous churches and flags.]()
![Wine tasting in Greece! Flickr:Doug Knuth]()
![Harbor town en route this Peloponnese and Saronic Islands Bike Tour!]()
![Crazy beaches on this Peloponnese & Saronic Islands Bike Tour!]()
![Fresh olives in Greece. Flickr:Nenad Stojkovic]()
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