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Island Hopping By Bike & Boat Peloponnese & Saronic Islands 2023

Athens - Poros - Galatas - Ermioni - Porto Heli - Spetses - Hydra - Methana - Aegina - Athens

The Peloponnese is a Greek region steeped in history and home to some of the greatest archaeological sites of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians have all left their mark on the “Island of Pelops”. Discover this unique, culturally rich region along with the diverse islands of the Saronic Gulf by ship and bike. The three masted gulet MS Thalassa (or similar) will be your floating home as you travel on this one-of-a-kind journey through 2,500 years of Greek history. Discover the enchanting islands of the Saronic Gulf, each with its own unique character. Explore the pistachio Island of Aegina with its temple of Aphaia, high on a hill above the sea. Marvel at the totally traffic-free Island of Hydra, where the only means of transportation since time immemorial have been the island’s countless donkeys. The islands of Poros and Spetses are home to spectacular panoramic roads with little traffic and the ever-present aroma of wild herbs, while the volcanic peninsula of Methana will lead you on a geological journey through time.

Approx 185km by bicycle or e-bike, Fitness Level 2-3

Check in MARINA ALIMOS (ATHENS) on SATURDAYS from 1400HRS
Check out MARINA ALIMOS (ATHENS) on SATURDAYS after breakfast

Code: I2

MS Thalassa

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1
Marina Zeas, Pireas (Athens)

Individual arrival to Marina Zeas, the yacht harbour of Pireas, only 25km from Athens Airport. Check-in on the ship is possible from 1400HRS onwards. Dinner onboard and overnight stay in Pireas.

Day 2
Pireas - Poros

In the morning we make a crossing over to the Island of Poros. Before we reach the island’s main port, we enjoy a swimming stop where we have the chance to dive into the sea directly from the ship. In the afternoon and starting from the island’s capital of Poros, we almost completely circumnavigate the island. In ancient times, Poros was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon. Shortly before the end of the tour we arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue waters, the perfect place for a relaxing swim. Back in the enchanting harbour of Poros, with its iconic clock tower soaring above the rest of the town, we end our eventful day in an authentic Greek atmosphere.

Cycle route approx 23km

Day 3
Poros - Galatas - Ermioni - Porto Heli

After breakfast, a small car ferry takes us from Poros to Galatas in the Peloponnese. Here we start our cycling tour which leads us along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the ship awaits us for lunch onboard during a leisurely afternoon crossing to Porto Heli. If the weather permits, we can enjoy an extended swimming stop along the way. Overnight stay in Porto Heli.

Cycle route approx 40km

Day 4
Porto Heli - Spetses

In the morning we make a short crossing over to the Island of Spetses with a long swimming break in a picturesque bay along the way. Before enjoying lunch onboard 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 accompanies us during our afternoon bike ride 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 by bike before returning to the ship.

Cycle route approx 25km

Day 5
Spetses - Hydra - Methana

After a 2-hour morning crossing, we reach the Island of Hydra. Since ancient times, donkeys have been the only means of transport 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, 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 characterised 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. Overnight stay in Methana.

Cycle route approx 17km

Day 6
Methana - Aegina

After breakfast we make another round trip on Methana with plenty of incredible views along the way. In the afternoon, we 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. 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. Overnight stay in Aegina Town.

Cycle route approx 25km + 20km

Day 7
Aegina - Marina Zeas, Pireas (Athens)

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 we will cycle through the centre of the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina Town where the ship awaits. We then sail back to Pireas, and our exciting Greek cruise comes to an end with a final, celebrative evening onboard.

Cycle route approx 35km

Day 8
Marina Zeas, Pireas (Athens)

After breakfast onboard it is time to disembark. Journey home or extend your holiday a few more days with one of the extension modules in Athens, Santorini or Mykonos.

Inclusions

  • 7 Nights in A/C ensuite cabin
  • 2 Days Full Board, 5 Days Half Board
  • Cruise Guide - English, German
  • Guided cycling tours as per itinerary
  • Hybrid Bike with Ortlieb Pannier
  • Overview maps for the daily tours (onboard)
  • Bed linen & towels

Entrance

  • Museums & archaeological sites (group visit only)

Exclusions

Supplements Payable Upon Embarkation

  • Bottled Water Flat Rate €25 per person approx

Not Included

  • Entrances for sights
  • Arrival/departure transfers

Optional Extras

  • E-Bike Upgrade $250 per person
  • Insurance against theft/damage of the hybrid bike $25 per bike
  • Insurance against theft/damage of the e-bike $50 per bike

Pricing and Accommodation

Pricing and Accommodation information is not available.

Important Notes

Lower Deck Cabins are in the hull of the ship, below the Main Deck
Cabins are allocated according to availability

Captain reserves the right to change the route in case of bad weather conditions, crowding or other circumstances out of his control. Departures are guaranteed for minimum 14 participants. Cruise Operator reserves the right to cancel or change the ship name if necessary. Guests are obliged to follow ship rules. Guests are not permitted to bring beverages onboard the vessel that have been purchased onshore. All drinks must be purchased onboard. In the event of inappropriate behaviour, the Cruise Operator and Captain reserve the right to disembark guests. Most arrival times in port are in the late afternoon.

Port taxes, entrance fees, sightseeing and excursions (if not included in the package) must be paid in local currency upon arrival.

Itinerary Changes
Cruise Operator reserves the right to make changes to the route in the case of changing wind and weather conditions as well as for reasons of organisational necessity.

Fitness Level 2-3
Participants require a fair level of fitness for this cruise. The bike routes vary in length between 17-40km and lead through hilly to mountainous terrain. There are some longer climbs during which you are of course permitted to push your bike. The roads are mostly asphalted. Your guide informs you each day about the tour details. This cruise is primarily a guided group cruise however, upon consultation with your guides, it may be possible to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend onboard the ship, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.

Group Cycling Pace
On regular cycling tours, the cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.

Helmet Requirements
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted helmet with you as rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).

Children
We believe that only children with a good physical condition, previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30m for hybrid bikes and 1.50m for e-bikes.

Catering
The onboard chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering starts with dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.

Internet Availability
There is no WiFi connection offered onboard of your ship. If you need to connect to the internet during the cruise, 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 can use the WiFi to your hearts content.

Language
Cruise and cycle tours are conducted bilingually (English, German).

Participants
Minimum 14 / Maximum 18

Extras and Add Ons

Add Sightseeing & Excursions

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