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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!
Athens airport
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 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.
There is no WiFi connection offered on board of your ship. If you need to connect 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 way to Marina Zeas; part of Piraeus or book a place on the collective transfer from the airport. You can check in on the boat from around 2 pm. Dinner will be on board and the night will be spent in Piraeus.
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 Bahriyeli will await us for an onboard lunch and a leisurely afternoon crossing to Nafplio. In the early afternoon, our tour guide will invite us on a stroll through the picturesque alleys of the former Greek capital. Nafplio is a captivating town with its ingenious fortifications.
After breakfast, the day’s bike tour will lead us into the Peloponnesian inland. After cycling through an impressive apricot and orange grove we will reach the remarkable Mycenaean fortress of Tiryns and then the magnificent castle of Mycenae. Both sites have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1999. In the 2nd millennium BC, Mycenae was one of Greece’s most important cities. King Atreus and his son Agamemnon play a significant role in Greek mythology. The excavation site is enthralling: The famous Lion Gate, the incredibly thick cyclopean walls, Grave Circles A and B along with the gold and silver discoveries and the Treasury of Atreus are all very much worth a visit. In the late afternoon, the boat will take us from Nafplio to the Island of Spetses. In the evening, we can stroll through the alleys of the beautiful old town, decorated with pebble mosaics, or end the evening at the old fishing port with a glass of wine.
The island of Spetses got its name from the Venetians who called it “Isola della spezie”, the island of herbs. With the accompanying aroma of wild herbs and panoramic views, today’s cycle tour will lead us along the traffic-free road that circles the island. For the majority of the ride, we will be able to enjoy incredible views of the turquoise sea. We shall have a possible break at one of the beautiful beaches for a coffee and maybe a swim. The journey will then continue to the island of Hydra. 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.
In the morning we sail to Methana Peninsula whose volcanic origin is immediately noticeable by the smell of sulphur and the shimmering colours of the rocks. The peninsula is characterised by its 30 plus volcanos, some of which are still active, as well as the medicinal, sulphurous thermal springs. Today’s round trip offers numerous, incredible views. In the afternoon, we will sail to the island of Aegina.
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
2022 Prices – For complete tour price breakdown please click the book now button and select your holiday tour date. Prices will then be listed.
Deposit of 30% per person is required for this tour.
Tour Code | Prices From (per person) | Book Now |
BBPelSar (7 Nights) | from £1613 | Book Now |
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