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On this bike and boat tour sailing around the Peloponnese and the Saronic Islands, you shall be amazed by the ancient history. The Peloponnese has been ruled by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, Mycenaeans, Venetians and Albanians. These have all left their mark in some way or another. Here you will find some of the greatest archaeological sites of antiquity from the Middle Ages. You will also sail the Saronic Islands situated between Athens and the Peloponnese which are unique and culturally rich. The three-mast ship – Bahriyeli will be your floating home as you travel on this one-of-a-kind journey through 5,000 years of Greek history.
As part of the tour, you shall see the “Golden Mycenae” and the impressive Lion Gate, the cyclopean walls and the Treasury of Atreus. We shall visit the picturesque, medieval town of Nafplio with its imposing fortifications and embark on a geological journey through time on the volcanic peninsula of Methana! Then you shall discover the islands of the Saronic Gulf each with its own distinct and unique character such as the island of Aegina, the completely traffic-free island of Hydra where the countless donkeys have been the only means of transport since time immemorial. We shall also see the islands of Poros and Spetses where you can enjoy panoramic views while cycling along almost traffic-free roads!
Availability: Ship Thalassa 29/3, 5/4, 12/4, 21/6, 28/6, 5/7, 12/7, 19/7, 26/7, 2/8, 9/8, 16/8, 23/8, 4/10, 11/10, 18/10
Ship Erato 29/3, 5/4, 12/4, 21/6, 4/10, 11/10, 18/10
Athens
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Hooked on Cycling that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the chosen activity and for emergency evacuation and hospital care.
The minimum number of 14 persons, minimum age 10 and height above 140 cm.
The THALASSA is a three-mast motor yacht built like a traditional Turkish gullet. This is a ship with the best equipment, which combines pure elegance with the greatest comfort. With its towering masts, this proud ship is a real eye-catcher in any harbour. The saloon and guest cabins are spacious. The expansive ship’s deck provides an array of comfortable seating arrangements. A perfect setting in which to enjoy the cruise, read a book or simply to regenerate in whilst the sea breeze soothes the senses. At mealtimes the guests are pampered with a generous variety of authentic dishes, created masterfully in the on-board galley, bringing an insight into the diversity of the Greek kitchen to the table.
You can enjoy the deluxe ship Erato which you will notice straight away is coloured in a lovely burgundy red colour with fine wooden clad cabins typical of the type of ships. The outdoor deck areas onboard have many locations for sunbathing, socialising, or admiring the seascapes. At mealtimes enjoy Greek cuisine at its best, maybe a local wine and just enjoy the experience.
There is WiFi connection offered on board of your ship but it can be unstable, particularly when at sea. If you need to regualr connection to the internet during the tour, we recommend taking your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your heart’s content.
Arrive into Athens airport and either make your Alimos Marina, Palaia Faliro ( around 5km from Piraeus). You can check in on the boat from around 2 pm. Dinner will be on board and the night will be spent in Athens.
Today we shall spend the morning sailing to the Island of Poros. In the afternoon, we will start cycling from the island’s capital, which holds the same name as the island itself, towards the 18th-century Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Actually, you will almost completely encircle the island which, in ancient times, was considered to be the island of Poseidon, God of the Sea. Shortly before the end of the tour, we will reach Russian Bay, whose sandy beach and turquoise waters are sure to tempt us to dive in for a swim. Back in the enchanting harbour of Poros City, with its landmark clock tower reaching high above all the other buildings, we can end our eventful day surrounded by a characteristic Greek atmosphere.
After breakfast, a small car ferry will take us from Poros to Galatas in the Peloponnese and from here we start the cycle tour which will lead us for the most part along the coast and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here our boat the will await us for an onboard lunch and a leisurely afternoon crossing to Porto Heli.
Today we first set sail with the short crossing to the island of Spetses with a long swimming break in a picturesque bay along the way, weather permitting. Before lunch, there will be 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 accompanies us during our afternoon cycle tour along the almost traffic-free panoramic road that circles the entire island. Almost throughout the entire ride, we are treated to beautiful views of the turquoise sea. At one of the spectacular beaches, we enjoy a longer break for a swim and a coffee. Afterwards, we explore the old harbour of Spetses before returning to the ship.
Today we set sail to the island of Hydra which is around a 2-hour trip. 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. After a walk around the port of Hydra, we continue on to the Methana peninsula. The volcanic origin of the peninsula is immediately noticeable thanks to the smell of sulphur and the iridescent colours of the rocks. The peninsula is characterized by more than 30 volcanoes, a number of which are still active, and sulphurous thermal springs, some of which are used for medicinal purposes. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a panoramic round trip with a pleasant coffee break in the enchanting fishing port of Vathy.
In the morning we take another ride on the Methana Peninsular. In the afternoon, we will sail to the island of Aegina. 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. Should you not wish to walk through the town, you can also opt for a bike ride along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika.
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 rest 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 we will cycle through the centre of the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina city where our boat awaits. We will then sail back to Piraeus and our exciting Greek cruise will come to a close with a final, celebratory evening on board.
After breakfast on board it is time to disembark to return home.
By plane to Athens airport where one group collective transfer is available for a small cost
2024 Prices – For a complete tour price breakdown please click the book now button and select your holiday tour date. Prices will then be listed.
A deposit of 30% per person is required for this tour.
