Kykladen: bike & boat

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 Thalassa or the bike and imbibe the beauty of the central archipelago of the Greek Aegean.

The cycling stages require a certain basic condition, because the day stages from 20 to 60 km lead partly through hilly and mountainous terrain. Also longer slopes are driven. True to the motto "who loves his bike, he pushes you". As the roads are mainly asphalted, the wheel rolls with the corresponding muscular power fast. It is also nice that you can decide for yourself every day whether you want to cycle individually (according to information and maps) or if you want to join the tour guide. And who would like to be able to spend a half or full day on the boat at any time?

Your ship: Thalassa

The Thalassa is a three mast motor-sailor. The ship combines pure elegance with great comfort. With it´s high rising masts, this boat is a real eye catcher in every harbor. The salon and the guest cabins are modern and graciously designed, gallant furnishings bring the eastern flair on board to life. The expansive ships 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 sooths 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. It is therefore no surprise to see the joy on people’s faces when they hear the mealtime bell ring.

1. day Marina Zeas (Piraeus) (embarkation)

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 Piraeus.

2. day Island of Kythnos 25 km

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. Situated on a plateau, Chora is an attractive village, its streets and lanes are decorated with painted flowers and beautiful geometrical ornaments. We continue further to Driopida, a picturesque village and finally back to Merichas. There you can spend the evening in one of the cozy taverns.

3. day Island Seriphos 28 km - Island Syros

In the morning, the Thalassa will take you to Seriphos, a small island with deep valleys, numerous bays and many sandy beaches. From the port town of Livadi, you will cycle along a serpentine road to the main town of Seriphos, whose cube-shaped houses climb up a ridge high above the sea. Through unspoiled countryside you will reach the monastery of the Archangel Michael. Return to Livadi on a panaroma road that runs along the east coast and cross over to the island of Syros. Enjoy the evening strolling through the picturesque old town alleys and along the harbor promenade or in one of the numerous cafes.

4. day Island Syros 34 km

Ermoupolis is the capital of the Cyclades and offers a breathtaking sight. The city was built on two hills, the pastel-colored houses with classicist facades are well worth seeing. You will cycle along the bay-rich coasts through the south of the island. After a visit to the monastery of St. Barbara, you will finally reach your starting point Ermoulpolis again. In the afternoon the boat will take you to Kea.

5. day Island Kea 25 km

The starting point for the discovery of the northwestern most inhabited Cyclades islands is the wonderful natural harbor Korissia. From there, the bike tour takes you to the mountains, picturesque main town and later in the white beach of Otzias, where the Mediterranean invites you for a refreshing bath. Then retrun to Korissia. In the afternoon transfer to Poros in the Saronic Gulf. In the charming port of Poros town, whose landmark is an old clock tower, you can enjoy the rest of the day.

6. day Island Poros 23km

This morning you cycle from Poros Town to the monastery Zoodochos Pigis, which dates back to the 18th century. Then you circle around the island almost completely, which was dedicated in antiquity to the god of the sea Poseidon. Shortly before the end of the tour you can dip in the cool water. Back in Poros Town, the ship awaits you with a delicious lunch on board to continue to Aegina.

7. day Island Aegina 35km

The island of Aegina is famous beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. Today's bike tour takes you up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The wonderfully preserved temple towers high above the blue of the sea at the only place on the island of Aegina, from which you can see on both sides of the Aegean Sea. On the way back you cycle through the center of the island past the large monastry of Saint Nektarios to the Aegina town, where you will find the boat for the last crossing to Piraeus. With a cozy final evening on board an exciting cruise fades away.

8. day Piraeus 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.

Worth knowing

Below you will find specific information about the trip Kykladen bike & boat. If you have further questions about this trip, you simply call us: Phone: +49 (0)6421 – 886890.

Arrival by plane

Arriving by plane is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Greece. There are good flight connections to Athens from many airports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Athens Airport (ATH) is approximately 25 km from the port of Piraeus. If possible, please choose a return flight that does not depart until midday or in the afternoon to ensure a stress-free return journey. Embarkation on the day of arrival is from 2:00 p.m., please bear this in mind when booking your flight.

In order to ensure an unproblematic arrival and departure, we recommend that you use the offered transfer from and to the airport.

Flight search with e.g. skyscanner.com

Arrival by car

You are welcome to come with your car. The port of embarkation is Marina Zeas, which is part of the Athens port of Piraeus. As a rule, your ship is moored here in the part of the marina called Pasa Limani. There is also parking here. Embarkation on board is from 2 p.m.

Requirements (level 2-3)

The cycling stages require participants to have a certain level of fitness, which should have been acquired through regular cycling. The daily stages of 20 to 60 km lead partly through hilly and mountainous terrain. Longer inclines are also driven, but pushing is definitely allowed. The roads are mostly paved. Decide for yourself every day whether you want to cycle individually (solely based on information and maps) or whether you want to join one of your tour guides. Half a day or a full day can be spent on the ship at any time. Please note: Helmets are compulsory on the bike tours. Please bring your own well fitting helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available (reservation required).

Available rental bikes

We can provide 21-speed Trekking-Bikes (with low a entry). The bikes are suitable for people from 150 cm in height. Elektric Bikes can be provided on request, these bikes are not suitable for persons from a height smaler than 150 cm and not over 190 cm.

Due to safety restrictions it is not possible to bring own e-bikes. Please book an e-bike in advance.

Catering

The chef is a member of the crew and prepares daily breakfast and one or two warm meals. Boarding begins on arrival with dinner and ends with the breakfast. During a long bike ride you will get lunch ashore.

Children

Basically, we believe that only children with a good level of fitness and a minimum of 10 years can manage the bike tour by own means. Please note that we have only bike available for a body height starting from 1.40 m.

Changes

The Cyclades are a relatively wind-prone area. In general, this causes only minor changes in planned course of the tour. At very unfavorable wind conditions, it may be, however, that the route of the planned tour course will differ significantly. Our alternative tour takes you to the Argosaronikos Gulf, one of the most historic regions of Greece: Your cross between the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese and explore the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and the Methana peninsula. A highlight of the trip is to visit the ancient Epidaurus with the best-preserved theater in Greece.

Extra costs which are not included in the tour price

• Travel to Athens
• Meals and drinks on land
• Beverages on board (list of captains); Water package 25 € / adult, 15 € / child up to 16 years
• Tickets for individually visited sights
• beach towel if needed
• Tip for crew and tour guide

7 days hotline service

Just in case the bike chain breaks, flooding makes it impossible to continue your tour or any other nasty surprise: You can reach us seven days a week and we will do anything to help you as fast as possible.

Passport and visa requirements, health regulations

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Corona travel information:
Before booking your trip, please inform yourself about the measures in place to contain the Corona pandemic.

An up-to-date overview of applicable measures and travel and safety advice regarding Covid-19 for all countries in the EU and Switzerland can be found here:
https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

You can also find more information on our website at:
Corona virus and holiday planning

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

The Acropolis in Athens

The Acropolis (Dion. Areopagitou), is certainly the best-known representative of the ancient Greek city fortresses known as the Acropolis, which is why when one speaks of "the Acropolis" one usually means the Athenian Acropolis and its remarkable buildings. After the destruction by the Persians, Pericles had the oldest part of the city of Athens rebuilt by the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates and Mnesikles under the direction of the famous sculptor Phidias. On a flat, 156 meter high rock stand the between 467 B.C. and 406 B.C. The Propylaea, the Erechtheum, the Temple of Nike and the Temple of the Parthenon, which is said to have contained a statue of the goddess Athena, were built between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. A copy of the same is in the Acropolis Museum in Athens. The Acropolis in Athens has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1986.

The Theater of Dionysus (Dion. Areopagitou Str.), was the most important theater in ancient Greece and is considered the birthplace of ancient Greek theater and drama in general. It lies on the southern slope of the Athenian Acropolis. The Dionysus Theater had 78 rows of seats and could accommodate 17,000 spectators. The first row of seats consisted of 67 marble seats reserved for special dignitaries.

Hadrian's Gate and Olympieion (Vassilisis Olgas str), the temple dedicated to Olympian Zeus, was one of the largest temples of antiquity. Only a few meters away, the Athenians erected a triumphal arch for the emperor, part of which is still preserved (Hadrian's Gate). Temple of Hephaestus (Temple of Hephaestus), Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Tower of the Winds, is the best preserved ancient structure in Athens, an octagonal tower on the edge of the Roman Agora. He was born around 100 BC. Built by Andronikos of Kyrrhos. There was a water clock in the tower, and nine sundials can still be seen on the outer walls.

The Library of Hadrian was a large library in ancient Athens. Hadrian's library consisted of an approximately 100 × 70 m courtyard surrounded by a peristyle and the actual library building with two reading and lecture rooms. The ruins of Hadrian's Library are located near modern Monastiraki Square in Athens' Old Town (Plaka), north of the Acropolis.

The Acropolis in Athens

Athens

Poros Island

The island of Poros enchants with its Mediterranean flair. To the east of the town of Galata lies a fairytale-like lemon forest. Tens of thousands of lemon trees cover the entire area down to the sea, in between the typical Greek watermills splash.

Poros Island

Porto Heli

Porto Heli is a cosmopolitan little town on the east side of the Peloponnese and close to the main attractions. It has a large port that connects Porto Heli with the famous islands of Hydra and Poros. The location of Porto Heli is ideal because of the many places to swim and to spend time by the sea. It is the main tourist center of the area and in addition to water sports activities you will find bars, discos, restaurants, banks, shops and car rentals.

Porto Heli

Spetses Island

One of the smallest Saronic Islands is Spetses Island. On the island of Spetses, vacationers can relax in peace, explore interesting places or enjoy the night life. The small Greek island can be crossed by bike in four to five hours. Since there are only a few vehicles on the roads, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing holiday on the island of Spetses.

The capital of Spetses with the same name offers a large number of old buildings, which still show the old seafaring tradition today. The public museum is located in Bouboulina's house today.

Spetses Island

Methana Island

The volcanic landscape of Methana is one of the most impressive in the Mediterranean. Methana offers charming landscapes all year round with lush vegetation, especially in winter. A landscape dotted with jagged rock formations, boulders weighing several tons and red-brown towers of solidified lava suns itself under the wide sky. The smell of rotten eggs hangs over sulphurous thermal springs, and green valleys full of wild roses, anemones, corn poppies and herbs open between the more than 30 volcanic domes. This island is also characterized by the fact that it was already famous for its healing springs in ancient times.

Methana Island

Aegina island

Aegina, which Athenians like to visit at weekends and also has a lot to offer culturally, is cosmopolitan and close to nature at the same time. Arriving at the port, one finds oneself in the center of island life and yet has a bit of the feeling of being in the old town of Athens, the Plaka. This is due to the magnificent neoclassical houses with their stained windows and doors, which are entwined with bougainvilleas in equally bold colors, and the courtyards that smell wonderfully of jasmine. The lively island promenade is full of traditional cafes and shops selling the island's most famous product: pistachios. On Aegina you will also be able to taste pistachios in their original, raw form and savor numerous delicious sweet temptations that have the island's specialty as the main ingredient.

Aegina island

Temple of Aphaia

The Temple of Aphaia on Aegina is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Around 500/490 BC Erected in the 3rd century BC, it was designed very progressively for its time. With its harmoniously balanced proportions, it is now considered one of the masterpieces of Greek architecture.

Temple of Aphaia

Insel Methana

Die Vulkanlandschaft von Methana zählt zu den eindrucksvollsten am Mittelmeer. Methana bietet das ganze Jahr über reizvolle Landschaften mit einer besonders im Winter üppigen Vegetation. Unter dem weiten Himmel sonnt sich eine Landschaft, übersät mit gezackten Felsformationen, tonnenschweren Blöcken und rotbraunen Türmen aus erstarrter Lava. Der Gestank nach faulen Eiern hängt über schwefelhaltigen Thermalquellen, und zwischen den über 30 Vulkandomen öffnen sich grüne Täler voller wilder Rosen, Anemonen, Klatschmohn und Kräuter. Diese Insel zeichnet sich ebenso  dadurch aus, dass sie schon im Altertum berühmt war für ihre Heilquellen.

Insel Methana

Insel Ägina

Ägina, das am Wochenende gerne von Athenern besucht wird und auch kulturell einiges zu bieten hat, ist kosmopolitisch und naturnah zugleich. Am Hafen ankommend, findet man sich gleich im Zentrum des Insellebens wieder und hat doch auch ein bisschen das Gefühl, in der Athener Altstadt, der Plaka, zu sein. Das liegt an den prächtigen neoklassizistischen Häusern mit ihren farbigen Fenstern und Türen, um welche sich Bougainvilleen in ebenfalls kräftigen Farben ranken sowie den herrlich nach Jasmin duftenden Innenhöfen. Die belebte Inselpromenade ist voller traditioneller Cafes und Läden, die das berühmteste Produkt der Insel verkaufen: Pistazien. Auf Ägina werden Sie Pistazien auch in ihrer ursprünglichen, rohen Form kosten und zahlreiche leckere süße Versuchungen genießen können, welche die Spezialität der Insel zur Hauptzutat haben.

Insel Ägina

Aphaiatempel

Der Aphaia-Tempel auf Ägina ist eine der wichtigsten archäologischen Stätten Griechenlands. Um 500/490 v. Chr. errichtet war er für seine Zeit sehr fortschrittlich konzipiert. In seiner harmonisch ausgewogenen Proportionierung gilt er heute als eines der Meisterwerke der griechischen Architektur.

Aphaiatempel