days
8
Ø km per day
30
Fancy some sea, sun and relaxation? Then our ‘Cycle and Cruise: Peloponnese and Saronic Islands’ tour is just the thing for you. The Peloponnese peninsula and the islands in the Saronic Gulf in southern Greece are among the country’s most historic and myth-steeped regions. You’ll first cycle along the coast in the north-east of the Peloponnese, the island of Pelops, where peoples such as the Mycenaeans, the Romans and the Venetians left their mark. But the Saronic Islands are also well worth a visit. Whether it’s Russian Bay on Poros, the herb-filled island of Spetses, the car-free island of Hydra, the pistachio-producing island of Aegina with the Temple of Aphaia, or the Methana Peninsula with its volcanic cones – each one will impress you with its unique character. The journey by bike and boat: experience the Peloponnese and the Saronic Islands with and on your floating hotel, the three-masted motor-sailer Thalassa. It takes you from island to island in comfort and style, offering endless views of the sparkling blue sea along the way, the occasional chance to take a dip in the cool water, and plenty of relaxing moments on deck.
The guided tour by bike and boat: Peloponnese and the Saronic Islands requires a reasonable level of fitness, as you will be cycling through terrain that is partly hilly and mountainous. If you do not wish to cycle a particular section or stage, you have the option of spending half a day or a full day on the boat.
Your journey by bike and boat begins in Salamina, on the island of Salamis. From Athens Airport, you can take a shared transfer (on request, subject to a surcharge) to the harbour. Boarding takes place from 4 p.m.. Dinner and overnight stay are on board in the port of Salamina.
In the morning crossing to the island of Poros. Before you moor in the beautiful main harbour of the island, you will make a bathing stop with the ship. In the afternoon, from the island‘s capital of the same name, you will almost completely circumnavigate the island, which in ancient times was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon. Shortly before the end of the tour, you will reach Russian Bay, whose sandy beach with its turquoise blue water invites you to take a dip in the cool water. In the charming harbour of Poros Town, whose landmark is a clock tower towering over all other buildings, you can end an eventful day in a typical Greek atmosphere.
Today's stage of your tour by bike and boat: Peloponnese and Saronic Islands takes you by ferry from Poros to Galatas on the Peloponnese peninsula. You cycle mostly along the sea to the small coastal town of Ermioni. Your boat is already waiting for you there. A leisurely afternoon crossing takes you to Porto Heli. The small coastal town has existed since ancient times and is now a popular vacation resort. Near Porto Heli, you will find secluded beaches where you can enjoy the view of the crystal-clear water and the tranquil atmosphere.
In the morning, a short crossing takes us to the island of Spetses. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, the Venetians ruled over the small island, which they called Isola della spezie - island of spices. The scent of aromatic herbs will accompany you on your tour. Enjoy beautiful views of the turquoise blue sea along the way and take a break or two on one of the beaches. On your return to Spetses, the island's main town, explore the port before returning to the ship.
After a morning crossing, you will reach the island of Hydra. The car-free island has developed into a true mecca for artists in recent decades. Continue by boat to Methana. The peninsula is characterized by a multitude of volcanic peaks and sulphur springs. You will also find green valleys overgrown with fragrant herbs and wild roses. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to get to know Methana better on a bike tour.
Many beautiful views await you again today on a short cycle tour on the Methana peninsula. In the afternoon, you will cross over to the island of Aegina. It is particularly famous for the cultivation of pistachios, which are processed into all kinds of products - an ideal souvenir to take home. If you like, take another cycle tour along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika today (additional approx. 20 km). Sample the delicacies of the sea in one of the fish taverns before returning to Aegina Town.
Today's bike tour takes you up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The wonderfully preserved temple is enthroned high above the blue sea at the only place on the island of Aegina from which you can see the Aegean Sea on both sides. On the way back, you cycle through the center of the island past the large monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina Town, where the ship awaits you for the final crossing to Salamina. An exciting trip to Greece comes to an end with a relaxing evening on board.
After breakfast on board the Thalassa, your journey by bike and boat ends: Peloponnese and Saronic Islands. Disembarkation and your individual journey home. A shared transfer to Athens airport is available on request. We are happy to extend your stay in Athens with an extra night on request.
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Supplement double cabin for single use |
price on request |
days
8
Ø km per day
30