Peloponnese & Saronic Islands E-bike & Boat
Greece Bike + Boat Tours
A bike & boat journey through 5,000 years of Greek history
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€3040 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: Athens (Marina Alimos)
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: Athens (Marina Zeas/Marina Alimos)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: Athens (Marina Alimos) - Embarkation
Individual journey to Marina Alimos, 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 Athens.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 - Ermioni - 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: Athens (Marina Alimos) - 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
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
- Erato
Premium Class Boat
With its striking maroon-red exterior and stylish interiors, the Erato is the perfect motorsailer for smaller groups. Rising from the splendid sundeck are two impressive masts, with sails, that catch the breeze as the boat sails the Greek waters of the Mediterranean. 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
- Bottled water on board and during all activities on ashore
- Guided bicycle tours & sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Overview maps for the daily bike tours (onboard)
- Electric bicycle with 8-gear hub shifting equipped with 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)
- Meals & beverages ashore
- Helmets - limited number available (reservation required)
- 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 & Pricing
2024
Premium Class
Thalassa
Friday departures
April 12, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, 2024, October 11 & October 18, 2024
Twin cabin $ 5136 £ 2652 $ 4,532 € 3040 kr 466074 ₪ 12268 ¥ 506808 Mex$ 55613 NZ$ 5599 NOK 36318 kr 35807 $ 3,348 Single supplement* $ 2027 £ 1047 $ 1,789 € 1200 kr 183977 ₪ 4842 ¥ 200056 Mex$ 21953 NZ$ 2210 NOK 14336 kr 14134 $ 1,321 *The single supplement can be avoided if you are willing to share your cabin with someone of the same gender.
Erato
Friday departures
April 12, August 23, October 4, October 11 & October 18, 2024
Twin cabin $ 5474 £ 2826 $ 4,830 € 3240 kr 496737 ₪ 13075 ¥ 540150 Mex$ 59272 NZ$ 5967 NOK 38707 kr 38163 $ 3,568 Single supplement On request *The single supplement can be avoided if you are willing to share your cabin with someone of the same gender.
Extra Options
Discounts
Discount for using a hybrid bike $ 245 £ 126 $ 216 € 145 kr 22231 ₪ 585 ¥ 24173 Mex$ 2653 NZ$ 267 NOK 1732 kr 1708 $ 160 Transfers
From/to Athens airport to the boat $ 68 £ 35 $ 60 € 40 kr 6133 ₪ 161 ¥ 6669 Mex$ 732 NZ$ 74 NOK 478 kr 471 $ 44 From a hotel in Athens City to the boat $ 42 £ 22 $ 37 € 25 kr 3833 ₪ 101 ¥ 4168 Mex$ 457 NZ$ 46 NOK 299 kr 294 $ 28 Exclusive transfers On request Transfers take place on embarkation and disembarkation days only. Rates are per person/way. A minimum of 2 people is required. Additional fees may apply if you bring your own bike.
Extra nights in Athens
Hotel Hera**** On request Hotel Elia Ermou**** On request Extensions
3-star 4-star Double room $ 862 £ 445 $ 760 € 510 kr 78190 ₪ 2058 ¥ 85024 Mex$ 9330 NZ$ 939 NOK 6093 kr 6007 $ 562 $ 1014 £ 523 $ 894 € 600 kr 91988 ₪ 2421 ¥ 100028 Mex$ 10976 NZ$ 1105 NOK 7168 kr 7067 $ 661 Single room $ 1250 £ 645 $ 1,103 € 740 kr 113452 ₪ 2986 ¥ 123368 Mex$ 13537 NZ$ 1363 NOK 8841 kr 8716 $ 815 $ 1419 £ 733 $ 1,252 € 840 kr 128784 ₪ 3390 ¥ 140039 Mex$ 15367 NZ$ 1547 NOK 10035 kr 9894 $ 925 Additional activity (Athens bike Bike, Athens foodies tour, or mythological walk): $ 118 £ 61 $ 104 € 70 kr 10732 ₪ 282 ¥ 11670 Mex$ 1281 NZ$ 129 NOK 836 kr 825 $ 77
April - June & October July - September Standard room $ 1132 £ 584 $ 999 € 670 kr 102720 ₪ 2704 ¥ 111698 Mex$ 12257 NZ$ 1234 NOK 8004 kr 7892 $ 738 $ 1335 £ 689 $ 1,178 € 790 kr 121118 ₪ 3188 ¥ 131703 Mex$ 14452 NZ$ 1455 NOK 9438 kr 9305 $ 870 Single room $ 1842 £ 951 $ 1,625 € 1090 kr 167112 ₪ 4399 ¥ 181717 Mex$ 19940 NZ$ 2008 NOK 13022 kr 12839 $ 1,200 $ 2078 £ 1073 $ 1,834 € 1230 kr 188576 ₪ 4964 ¥ 205057 Mex$ 22501 NZ$ 2265 NOK 14694 kr 14488 $ 1,355 Deluxe room $ 1267 £ 654 $ 1,118 € 750 kr 114985 ₪ 3027 ¥ 125035 Mex$ 13720 NZ$ 1381 NOK 8960 kr 8834 $ 826 $ 1470 £ 759 $ 1,297 € 870 kr 133383 ₪ 3511 ¥ 145040 Mex$ 15916 NZ$ 1602 NOK 10394 kr 10247 $ 958 Single room $ 1943 £ 1003 $ 1,714 € 1150 kr 176311 ₪ 4641 ¥ 191720 Mex$ 21038 NZ$ 2118 NOK 13739 kr 13545 $ 1,266 $ 2230 £ 1151 $ 1,968 € 1320 kr 202374 ₪ 5327 ¥ 220061 Mex$ 24148 NZ$ 2431 NOK 15770 kr 15548 $ 1,454 Additional activity (Guided kayak tour, sunset wine tour, or culinary Caldera walk): $ 253 £ 131 $ 224 € 150 kr 22997 ₪ 605 ¥ 25007 Mex$ 2744 NZ$ 276 NOK 1792 kr 1767 $ 165
3-star 4-star Standard room $ 1166 £ 602 $ 1,029 € 690 kr 105787 ₪ 2784 ¥ 115032 Mex$ 12623 NZ$ 1271 NOK 8243 kr 8127 $ 760 $ 2010 £ 1038 $ 1,774 € 1190 kr 182444 ₪ 4802 ¥ 198388 Mex$ 21770 NZ$ 2192 NOK 14217 kr 14017 $ 1,310 Single room $ 1774 £ 916 $ 1,565 € 1050 kr 160980 ₪ 4237 ¥ 175049 Mex$ 19209 NZ$ 1934 NOK 12544 kr 12368 $ 1,156 $ 2855 £ 1474 $ 2,519 € 1690 kr 259101 ₪ 6820 ¥ 281745 Mex$ 30917 NZ$ 3113 NOK 20190 kr 19906 $ 1,861 Deluxe room $ 1368 £ 707 $ 1,208 € 810 kr 124184 ₪ 3269 ¥ 135038 Mex$ 14818 NZ$ 1492 NOK 9677 kr 9541 $ 892 $ 2112 £ 1090 $ 1,863 € 1250 kr 191642 ₪ 5044 ¥ 208391 Mex$ 22867 NZ$ 2302 NOK 14933 kr 14723 $ 1,377 Single room $ 2112 £ 1090 $ 1,863 € 1250 kr 191642 ₪ 5044 ¥ 208391 Mex$ 22867 NZ$ 2302 NOK 14933 kr 14723 $ 1,377 $ 3463 £ 1788 $ 3,056 € 2050 kr 314294 ₪ 8273 ¥ 341762 Mex$ 37502 NZ$ 3776 NOK 24491 kr 24146 $ 2,258 Additional activity (Kaiki cruise to Rhenia & Delos, Jeep Safari in Mykonos, or a cooking class in a traditional Mykonian house): $ 186 £ 96 $ 164 € 110 kr 16865 ₪ 444 ¥ 18338 Mex$ 2012 NZ$ 203 NOK 1314 kr 1296 $ 121
Children up to age 16 receive a 25% discount on basic tour price.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This tour is designed as an electric bike tour and could be easy, moderate, or difficult, depending on the level of assistance you utilize! Do note for every participant, this tour assumes that you are an experienced cyclist. Those who wish to rent a standard bike should have the necessary physical ability to keep up with the pace of the electric bike group. The bike routes have a length of 20 to 40 km/12 to 25 mi. and 400-800 elevation gain per day 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
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 requirements.
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
THREE-DAY PRE OR POST-TOUR EXTENSION IN ATHENS
The 2004 Olympics 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 or 4-star hotel in the center of Athens
Daily breakfast
Taxi transfers: airport - hotel/hotel to ship or ship to hotel/hotel to the airport
Entrance to the Acropolis Archaeological Park (incl. Acropolis)
1 dinner in the Tavern TO KAFENEION (without drinks) in the old town of Plaka
1 guided city tour of your choice: Either ATHENS BY E-BIKE, ATHENS FOODIES TOUR, or MTHOLOGICAL WALK in Athens. Activities are +-3-4 hours. Offered in the morning with an English-speaking guide. If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €70 per person per activity.
All state taxes
Excludes:
- Travel to and from Athens
- Meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees to sights & attractions
- Activities other than those mentioned under included services
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 attractions
MYKONOS: 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 in Santorini or 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!). If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €150 per person per activity.
- 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!). If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €110 per person per activity.
- Information booklet with details about leisure activities in Santorini
- All land taxes
Excludes:
- Journey to/from Santorini/Mykonos
- Beverages
- Lunch & dinner
- Entrance fees to sights & attractions
- Activities other than those mentioned under included services
Extra Stay
EXTRA NIGHTS
Book extra nights pre or post-tour at the 3-Star Hotel Philippos or 4-Star Hotel Herodion in Athens.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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