Peloponnese and Saronic Islands by Bike and Boat

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.