Bike and Barge
Cyclades and Saronic Islands
- GR001 / Greece
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
- By the sea By the sea Coastal itinerary or travel programme that leaves room for relaxation by the sea.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
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- round tour Athens - Sifnos - Athens
- Some meals included
Highlights
There is no doubt about it: the images that best represent the beautiful Greek islands are those of the clearest sea, golden beaches, and delightful little white houses with blue-painted shutters. But the Cyclades and Saronic islands are also an unexpectedly suitable destination for a cycling vacation, thanks to a mix of scenic cycling and fun sailing aboard a state-of-the-art motor yacht. A bike and boat tour for a different and less touristy Greece!
- Diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean
- The temples and monasteries of ancient Greece
- Aegina's pistachio, with a unique flavor
What awaits you
A week-long boat ride with daily bike rides. The route requires adequate training to deal with hilly trails, which reach an altitude of 200-500 m. To make the most of your vacation, you can rent an electric bike. You ride on mostly paved roads with low traffic (except in high season). Choose each day whether to ride individually using the maps, follow one of our guides, or stay on board and enjoy sunbathing on the deck!
Accommodation
You will sleep in an elegant and comfortable motor yacht modeled after a traditional Turkish gulet. On board you will find a beautiful salon, a large deck to sit and sunbathe, and a restaurant offering a wide variety of authentic dishes so you can enjoy the best of Greek cuisine. The cabins are spacious and have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Individual arrival in Athens and embarkation at the port of Piraeus
Individual arrival at Marina Alimos, Palaia Faliro. Embarkation is scheduled from 2 PM. The captain and crew welcome you to begin your adventure on the beautiful sailing ship, which will host you throughout the tour.
2. First stop: the island of Kythnos
The boat takes you to the island of Kythnos, famous since ancient times for cheese and honey production. From the port of Merichas reach the town of Chora along a scenic coastal road on the blue sea. From Chora, and its boulevards decorated with flowers and geometric figures, pedal to the picturesque village of Driopida. From here, return to the harbor to spend a pleasant evening in a small town tavern.
3. Cycling on the island of Serifos, relaxing on the beach and sailing to Syros
By boat in the morning you reach Seriphos, a small island far from mass tourism, drawn by deep valleys, countless bays and many dreamy beaches. At the port of Livadi, get on your bike and from here ride to the main town, where small white cube houses climb up a promontory to the Byzantine monastery of Archangel Michael. Return to Livadi and in the afternoon sail to Syros.
4. Cycling tour in Syros Island and then sail to Kea Island
Ermoupolis, on the island of Syros, offers an unforgettable vsta upon arrival: the town, unique in the Cyclades, is built on two different hills. The facades of its colorful buildings distinguish it from all the other towns in the area. Then pedal along the coast of Syros, full of small bays and coves, until you reach Galissas beach, the convent of Santa Barbara and return to Ermeupolis. In the afternoon, sail to the island of Kea.
5. The island of Kea, a Mediterranean paradise, and crossing to Poros.
The day begins with exploring the west coast of Kea Island starting from the beautiful natural harbor of Korissia. Then bike to the island’s capital, Ioulis, and on to the white beach of Otzias, where you can cool off with a swim. In the afternoon the crossing to Poros in the Saronic Gulf awaits you. You will be impressed by the seaside town of Poros with its iconic clock tower and quaint streets-it will create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing evening.
6. Discovering the island of Poros, then sailing to Aegina
In the morning we start out from the town of Poros and we arrive to the crystal blue Russian Bay, an invitation to another swim not to be refused! Back in Poros, aboard the Thalassa, you set off in the direction of the island of Aegina. Relax with a tasty lunch and a sunny afternoon on the boat.
7. The last crossing: from the island of Aegina back to the port of Piraeus.
Today visit the Aphaia Monastery, a well-preserved temple in a spectacular location: a wedge of rock facing the sea, from which the Aegean Sea can be seen. On the way back, crossing inland, you will glimpse the monastery of Nektarios and the remains of a medieval castle. Back in Aegina the boat awaits for the final crossing to Piraeus.
Before leaving the island we recommend a taste of the local, world-famous pistachios! Last dinner on board to toast together and bid farewell to fellow passengers.
8. Goodbye Athens!
Last breakfast on board and end of services. Before heading home, if you have time, take a little tour of the polis of Athens, the cradle of theater and philosophy.
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- 17 guests, 6 cabins
Erato
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- 17 guests, 6 cabins
Erato is a beautiful burgundy-colored yacht, named after the muse of choral singing and love poetry, that sails through the Greek seas. The yacht explores the Cycladic and Saronic islands, offering a luxurious experience to its guests. The cabins are panelled with fine wood giving them a cozy atmosphere. The yacht features an elegant salon with a well-stocked bar, where guests can gather and enjoy delicious traditional Greek cuisine prepared by the galley kitchen. Moreover, there is an outdoor area with comfortable seating, which is perfect for relaxing moments. View more details
Cabins
- 1 cabin with a double bed
- 5 cabins with a double and a single bed
All cabins measure 10-12 sq. meters and have private bathrooms, air conditioning, and hairdryer.
Common areas
- elegant restaurant
- sundeck with lounge chairs and comfortable benches
Only cash payments are accepted on board.
2025
Departures on Friday
go to online quote
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- 18 guests, 9 cabins
Thalassa
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- 18 guests, 9 cabins
Thalassa is a three-masted motor yacht built in 2002 as a traditional Turkish caique. A ship with the best equipment, combining elegance with great comfort.
The lounge and guest cabins are spacious. The wide deck provides comfortable seating.
The onboard kitchen offers a wide variety of authentic dishes that will introduce you to traditional Greek cuisine. View more details
Cabins
- 9 cabins with French bed (200 x 140 cm) or two single beds
Cabins measure 9-12 sq. meters and have private bathroom, air conditioning and hair dryer. We provide daily cabin cleaning and mid-week towel change or upon request.
Common areas
- outdoor deck with two large tables and chairs
- wooden furnished restaurant room
Only cash payments are accepted on board.
2025
Departures on Friday
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 2 days full board and 5 days half board (drinks excluded)
- drinking water on board
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets.
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Additional services included
- Entrance tickets to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only)
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Drinks on board
- Entrance tickets not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is mandatory and we recommend bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Special diet supplement €70 (to be paid on board)
- Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Athens before or after the tour. - Transfer
You can book a transfer from the airport/hotel in Athens to the boarding point and vice versa (available only on embarkation and disembarkation days) - Limitation of liability of the bike (negligence damage excluded): 30 €/week for the e-bike
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex E-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier
- battery charger
- lock
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Route profile
- Level: medium
- Total lenght: 170 km
- Terrain: paved and low traffic roads
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled from 2 PM at the port of Marina Alimos/Palaia Faliro, Athens. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
The port of Marina Alimos, a marina in the suburb of Palaia Faliro, is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the exact boarding point.
By plane
The closest airport is Athens International Airport (ATH):
From Athens airport (ATH):
- bus (ex. X96 line) until Edem and then walk to Marina Alimos port
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
For information on timetables and prices you can consult Hellenic Trains official website.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Greek. English is not spoken in all businesses and public offices.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
Electricity
The Greek electrical net is 220 volts – 50 Hz. F-type power sockets.
Type C, D, E, and H sockets are found in older installations.
We recommend to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in Greece is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Franco
Published: 11 Sep 2024
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