Peloponnese and Saronic Islands Bike & Sail
Peloponnese and Saronic Islands Bike & Sail
8 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Poros, Ermioni, Spetses, Hydra, Aegina
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Peloponnese and Saronic Islands Bike & Sail" tour, exploring the stunning landscapes and rich history of Greece. Pedal through the aromatic islands of Aegina, Poros, and Spetses, and cycle along the scenic coast to Ermioni. Discover the volcanic Methana Peninsula and the enchanting island of Hydra on foot. Enjoy guided cycling tours with e-bikes or 21-speed trekking bikes, and relax on a comfortable boat with swimming stops along the way. Visit historical sites like the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia and the monastery of Saint Nektarios. This tour offers a perfect blend of sailing, cycling, and cultural exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Athens, Optional Transfer To The Port, Board Boat
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to the embarkation port in Athens (an optional group transfer from airport or Athens town is available - supplement applies). Check in from 2 pm. Dinner will be on board and the night will be spent in Athens.
An optional extension in Athens is available before the trip - see below for details of the itinerary.
Day 2 : Sail To The Island Of Poros, Loop Cycle (23Km/14Mi)
Location: Poros
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning we cross 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.
Day 3 : Ferry To Galatas And Cycle The Coast To Ermioni, Cruise To Porto Heli (40Km/25 Mi)
Location: Ermioni
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast a small car ferry takes us from Poros to Galatas in the Peloponnese. From here, we cycle for the most part along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the Thalassa 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.
Day 4 : Cycle On The Island Of Spetses (25Km/15Mi)
Location: Spetses
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we cross over to the island of Spetses with a long swimming break in a picturesque bay along the way. Before enjoying lunch on board 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 names 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.
Day 5 : Explore Hydra On Foot, Cycle On The Methana Peninsula (17Km/10Mi)
Location: Hydra
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After a two-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 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. Overnight stay in Methana.
Day 6 : Cycle Circuit Around The Methana Peninsula, Sail To Aegina Island (25Km/16Mi + 20Km/12Mi)
Location: Aegina
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we have follow another cycle route 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.
Day 7 : Cycle To The Sanctuary Of The Goddess Aphaia And Via The Monastery Of Saint Nektarios To Aegina Town, Sail To Athens (35Km/22Mi)
Location: Aegina
Accommodation Name: boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The island of Aegina is famous for its excellent pistachio nuts. 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 and on to Aegina city where the boat awaits. We then sail back to Athens and enjoy a final, celebrative evening on board.
Day 8 : Disembark After Breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast on board it is time to disembark for your onward travels.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners are included. The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the meals.
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Accommodation
7 nights accommodation in a double cabin below deck with a private bathroom. Supplement applies for a single cabin.
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Bike Rental
E-Bikes rental or 21-speed trekking bike with pannier. Guides will carry bike locks for the group.
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Guided Tours
Guided cycling tours on the islands and mainland.
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Experienced Crew
Experienced crew including an English-speaking tour guide.
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Bed Linen and Towels
Bed linen and towels are provided.
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Entry Fees
Entries to museums and archaeological sites for group visits.
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Information Pack
Information pack including overview maps per cabin.
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Transport
Travel includes sailing on a comfortable boat, with transfers from Athens airport to the ship available on request.
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Swimming Stops
Enjoy swimming stops during the sailing journey.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Athens
Travel to and from Athens is not included.
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Airport Transfer
Transfer from Athens airport to the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days is available on request for an additional cost.
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Meals and Drinks
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and cruise cover may be required.
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Single Cabin Supplement
Single cabin supplement applies, please ask for details.
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Helmets
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours.
You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet.
A limited number of rental helmets are available on board. -
Entrance Fees for Individual Visits
Entrance fees for attractions for individual visits are not included.
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Tips
Tips for the guide and crew are not included.
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Optional Bicycle Insurance
Optional bicycle insurance is payable in cash locally.
EUR10 per person for trekking bike, EUR20 per person for electric bike. -
Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Drinks and Bottled Water
Drinks including mineral water on board and meals not noted as included.
Flat rate for bottled water: 25 euro for adults or 15 euro for children up to age 16. -
WiFi
The boat does not offer a WiFi connection.
If you need to connect during the tour, we recommend taking your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar in the harbor.
What You Carry
During the day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Grading
The trip requires a reasonable level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. If you are concerned about your fitness for this tour we recommend you consider an e-bike - supplement applies. The cycle tours vary from 17-40km/10-25mi per day, through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master some steep climbs, during which you may need to push the bike. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. Each day you can either decide to bike alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guide or other participants. It is considered suitable for beginners and active children who are experienced cyclists (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 1.4m or 4.6ft - minimum height for e-bike is 1.5m / 5ft).
Mode of Transport
Travel includes sailing on a comfortable boat, with transfers from Athens airport to the ship available on request. Cycling tours are guided, and e-bikes or 21-speed trekking bikes with panniers are provided for your convenience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in a double cabin below deck with a private bathroom. The compact cabins feature a double bed or a double bed with an additional bunk bed, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bikes are provided for the cycling tours?
The tour provides e-bikes or 21-speed trekking bikes with panniers for your convenience. Guides will also carry bike locks for the group.
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What kind of accommodation is available on this tour?
You will enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in a double cabin below deck with a private bathroom. The compact cabins feature a double bed or a double bed with an additional bunk bed.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners. The cook on board, who is a member of the crew, prepares the meals.
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Is there an option for airport transfers?
Yes, transfers from Athens airport to the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days are available on request for an additional cost.
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What should I carry during the day?
During the day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and cruise cover may be required.
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Are helmets provided for the cycling tours?
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board.
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What is the level of fitness required for this tour?
The trip requires a reasonable level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. The cycle tours vary from 17-40km/10-25mi per day, through hilly and mountainous terrain. It is considered suitable for beginners and active children who are experienced cyclists.
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Are there any swimming opportunities during the tour?
Yes, there are several swimming stops during the sailing journey, including a chance to dive into the sea directly from the ship.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The tour is suitable for active children who are experienced cyclists, with a minimum age of 10 years and a minimum height of 1.4m (4.6ft). The minimum height for an e-bike is 1.5m (5ft).
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.