Kykladen - the heart of Greece

The Cyclades, which comprise more than 30 islands, were the cradle of the first European civilised society 5,000 years ago. It is also here that Greece shows its most unadulterated side in all its variety: Gleaming white cubic houses with blue shutters and labyrinth lanes give the typical architectonic flavour to the island towns. The mostly ragged coastlines show impressive geological formations, turquoise-blue sea and fantastic sand beaches. Experience the fascinating mixture between antiquity and modern times on the Panagiota or the bike and imbibe the beauty of the central archipelago of the Greek Aegean.

1. day  Marina Zeas (Piräus)/(embarkment)

Individual arrival in Athen and transfer to the harbour of Marina Zeas which is a part of Piräus and situated 25 km from the Athens airport. Check-in from 2 p.m. on. Dinner on board. Overnight at Piräus.

2. day  Island of Kythnos 25 km

Already back in the antique Kythnos has been famous for its tasty honey and cheese. On the first tour leading from Merichas’ harbour to the central place Chora, you will be offered spectacular views over the coast with its numerous bays again and again. Situated on a plateau, Chora is an attractive village, its streets and lanes are decorated with painted flowers and beautiful geometrical ornaments. You will finally reach the bathing resort of Loutra, whose thermal springs are said to possess curing powers. In the afternoon you will ferry over to Seriphos. The night will be spent in Livadi.

3. day  Island Seriphos 35 km

In the morning the Panagiota takes you to Seriphos, a little island somewhat off the beaten tourist track with deep valleys, countless bays and numerous sandy beaches. From Hafe-nort Livadi you'll cycle along a serpentine road to the main town Seriphos, whose cube-shaped houses are situated on a high ridge above the sea. From there you'll bike through untouched landscape and continue your journey till the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. A panoramic road at the East Coast will take you back to Livadi from where you'll ferry to the nearby island Siphnos.

4. day  Island Siphnos 20 km

As its coastline falls in a steep slope towards the ocean, only the central area of Siphnos, the Island famous for its pottery, is populated. Today’s route leads you through a hilly, terrace-shaped landscape up to the central plateau with the main place of Apollonia. From there, you will take a worthwhile side trip to the ancient capital of Kastro, a fortified settelement under monument protection since 1975. In the afternoon, the ship brings you to Syros, where a great number of cafés offers various possibilities to spend the evening by the seaside promenade.

5. day  Syros & Mykonos 30 km

Syros is the Cyclades’ capital. The city of Ermoupolis welcomes you with an unforgettable view. Erected on two hills, the city differs a lot from other places on the Cyclades in its city-like atmosphere. Very significant for the overall impression are the pastel-coloured houses with their classicistic facades. You will explore the coast rich with bays cycling through the south of the island and return past St. Barbara’s monastery to Ermoupolis. The afternoon is dedicated to Mykonos, where the picturesque capital with its famous windmill hills and the white cube-houses invites to stroll through the city. There, you might be lucky and meet Petros the pelican, the mascot of Mykonos, somewhere in the busy streets.

6. day  Island Delos & Tinos 25 km

In the morning you have the chance to visit the important antique site of Delos Island, where, according to Greek mythology, the God Appollo and his twin sister Artemis were born. After lunch you will ferry over to Tinos Island where the route winds up high to the mountain village of Kambos. The many pigeon towers constructed of brick stand out by their fine architecture and represent relicts from Venetian times. On your way back you are going to visit the well-known church of Evangelistria in the town of Tinos where you will also spend the night.

7. day  Kea 12 km

In the morning you will hit Kea by ship. The starting point of your discovery trip across the westernmost occupied Cyclades island is the wonderful natural harbour of Korissia. Departing from there, this first trip goes to the white beach of Otzias where the Mediterranean lures you to take a refreshing bath. The next station is the picturesque main lieu of the island, Ioulis, situated within mountains and offering the most significant sight: the smiling lion of Kea carved out of stone back in the 6th century.

8. day  Lavrio departure

After breakfast on board, debarkation and individual return home are planned.

Please note:

All bike and ship trips may underlie spontaneous changes of the route due to certain weather conditions.