Peloponnese and Saronic Bike & Boat

A wonderful bike and boat cycling holiday exploring the Saronic Islands of Poros, Spetses, Hydra and Aegina as well as Methana on the Peloponnese peninsula. Cruise in a gentle loop from Alimos Marina (Athens) stopping somewhere new each day. Peaceful rides through idyllic scenery with nights spent in charming ports full of character.

This fascinating and scenic cycling holiday offers idyllic bike rides through glorious scenery with plenty of local charm, history and myth thrown in for good measure. Each day your beautiful motor yacht will take you on a relaxing cruise though the blue Aegean sea to a new island or Peloponnese port where you will disembark for a relaxing ride with the boat’s knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Peloponnese and Saronic Bike & BoatHydra

Herb scented air, chirping crickets, stunning sea views, idyllic beaches and famous archaeological sites make each ride unique but equally enjoyable.Each evening you can step ashore for a stroll around another idyllic little Greek port before retiring to your well-appointed cabin.

The Saronic islands and Peloponnese peninsula are both scenic and undulating and therefore you can expect some climbs on each of the daily rides. A medium to good level of cycling fitness is required to get the most out of this holiday. If you have any concerns about your fitness levels than consider renting an e-bike rather than a regular bike as this will make the daily rides a lot easier.

Peloponnese and Saronic Bike & Boat

A wonderful bike and boat cycling holiday exploring the Saronic Islands of Poros, Spetses, Hydra and Aegina as well as Methana on the Peloponnese peninsula. Cruise in a gentle loop from Alimos Marina (Athens) stopping somewhere new each day. Peaceful rides through idyllic scenery with nights spent in charming ports full of character.

This fascinating and scenic cycling holiday offers idyllic bike rides through glorious scenery with plenty of local charm, history and myth thrown in for good measure. Each day your beautiful motor yacht will take you on a relaxing cruise though the blue Aegean sea to a new island or Peloponnese port where you will disembark for a relaxing ride with the boat’s knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Peloponnese and Saronic Bike & BoatHydra

Herb scented air, chirping crickets, stunning sea views, idyllic beaches and famous archaeological sites make each ride unique but equally enjoyable.Each evening you can step ashore for a stroll around another idyllic little Greek port before retiring to your well-appointed cabin.

The Saronic islands and Peloponnese peninsula are both scenic and undulating and therefore you can expect some climbs on each of the daily rides. A medium to good level of cycling fitness is required to get the most out of this holiday. If you have any concerns about your fitness levels than consider renting an e-bike rather than a regular bike as this will make the daily rides a lot easier.

Itinerary

The captain reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind, tide and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.

View route on the map Click to show map | Flexitreks
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Day 1 : Embarkation Marina Zeas
Alimos Marina/Athens

Arrive in Athens and make your way to Alimos Marina where your beautiful beautiful motor yacht is waiting for you. Check in is from 2pm and as she remains at her mooring overnight there is plenty of time to do some sightseeing in Athens. During dinner on board the crew and guides introduce themselves and give an overview of the coming week.

Day 2 : Island of Poros
14 miles/23 kms

After breakfast the motor yacht slips her moorings and heads out into the Saronic Gulf for a morning cruise south to the island of Poros. Our first stop is a secluded bay where we can enjoy a refreshing swim from the boat. We then motor on to Poros Town, the island’s capital, from where our first ride begins. A winding lane through the pine forest leads us to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. The Monastery was founded in 1720 by the Archbishop of Athens who was miraculously cured after drinking from a spring nearby. We then continue along a route that leads us in a gentle circle around most of this peaceful green island. The small beach at Russian Bay, near the end of the ride is the perfect place to stop for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters. The motor yacht remains moored in Poros harbour overnight allowing us plenty of time to explore this traditional little Greek town.

Day 3 : Galatas – Ermioni – Porto Heli
25 miles/40 kms

After breakfast we disembark with the bikes and board a car ferry for a the short crossing to Galatas in the Peloponnese. We then enjoy a very pleasant ride through fertile Greek countryside and along a scenic coastal road to the town of Ermioni. The motor yacht is waiting for us in the small port and after a leisurely lunch we enjoy a very pleasant afternoon cruise along the coast of the Argolis peninsula. Along the way we'll stop in a secluded bay for a refreshing swim from the boat. Our destination today is the small town of Porto Heli nestled in its own protected and expansive bay. on the south western corner of the peninsula.

Day 4 : Islands of Spetses
15 miles/25 kms

The day starts with a short cruise across to the island of Spetses. After another swim stop in a quiet bay we moor in the island's main port and disembark with the bikes. The island was named by the Venetians who, marvelling at the abundance of wild herbs, referred to it as “Isola della spezie” – the island of herbs. Our aromatic ride unveils some stunning panoramic views as we follow a virtually traffic-free road around this beautiful island. Towards the end of the ride we stop at a beautiful beach for a refreshing drink and a swim in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. The motor yacht remains moored in Spetses Town for the night



Day 5 : Island of Hydra – Methana Peninsula
10 miles/17 km)

A morning cruise brings us to the sparsely populated and remote Island of Hydra where we moor in the island’s pretty little port. There are no roads on the island so we won’t be doing any cycling here but the peaceful atmosphere and winding, flagstoned alleyways of this gorgeous little port more than justify a visit to this unique and picturesque little place.

We then cruise through the narrow strait separating Poros from the Peloponnese to the Methana Peninsula. The volcanic origins of this geologically new land are still very much in evidence with the intermittent aroma of sulfur and the ocre coloured lava landscape making today’s ride quite unique. There are no less than 30 volcanos on this small peninsula and some of them are still active. Superb sea and volcano views accompany our ride around this quiet, mystical region. The motor yacht remains moored in Methana overnight.

Day 6 : Methana Peninsula – Island of Aegina
16 miles 25 km + optional 12 miles/20 km

Our day starts with a second idyllic ride on the Methana peninsula, again with fabulous views. We then embark on a cruise across to the island of Aegina. We moor in Aegina Town and step ashore for a stroll around the pretty little town. The island is famous for its pistachios and the town's shops offer every conceivable pistachio product. Should you prefer a bike ride to a stroll then you can join a ride along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika and back. The motor yacht remains moored in Aegina Town overnight.

Day 7 : Island of Aegina – Alimos Marina/Athens
22 miles/35 kms

Our final ride leads us on a circular exploration of the island of Aegina. We pass olive and pistachio groves on our way to the beautifully preserved temple of the goddess Aphaia which is located on a hilltop with stunning sea views all around. On our way back to the boat we pass the impressive monastery of Saint Nektarios which sits just below the haunting, now deserted village of Paleohora.

Back on board the crew cast off for our final cruise across the Saronic Gulf to Alimos Marina. The final dinner and evening on board is always an enjoyable affair and a fitting end to a memorable Greek cycling adventure.

Day 8 : Alimos Marina - end of trip

Bikes

Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21-24 speeds. The bikes come equipped with a pannier.

Electric bikes are also available.

We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. A very limited number of helmets are available on board and must be pre-booked at the time of booking. It is mandatory to wear a helmet.

Accommodation

Erato (superior)

The motor yacht Erato offers very comfortable and well-appointed accommodation. The six spacious cabins are finished in fine polished wood and feature ensuite bathrooms with a shower and WC, as well as storage for your luggage. Four of the cabins feature a double bed and a small single bed, the remaining two cabins feature double beds only.

The salon boasts a well-stocked bar and a convivial space for relaxing. On deck there is comfortable seating for dining on deck and space for sunbathing. The friendly, attentive crew take care of everything, and the chef produces a delicious range of traditional Greek cuisine.

Thalassa (superior)

The Thalassa is an elegant and eye-catching, three masted motor yacht offering spacious cabins and comfortable public areas. As soon as you step aboard, the beautiful wooden decks and array of comfortable upholstered seating throughout reassure you that you’re going to really enjoy your week afloat.

There are 9 spacious and comfortable guest cabins, all situated below deck, which are finished to a high standard. All offer individually controlled air-conditioning as well as an en-suite shower/wc.

Other facilities on board include an attractive and spacious salon where meals are served (if the weather is not conducive to eating outside on the covered aft deck) or where you can just relax with a drink or a good book. Outside there is a sun-deck with plenty of mats for sunbathing.

A generous variety of authentic dishes are prepared and served from the on board galley and these meals offer an insight into the diversity of the Turkish kitchen.

A buffet breakfast and one or two warm meals are provided daily. The meals are prepared by the on-board cook who uses locally sourced fresh ingredients. The catering consists of 2 days of full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and 5 days of half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner).

Please note there is no WiFi connection offered on board the ship. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour we suggest you visit a cafe or bar ashore. Many of these establishments offer WiFi to customers who purchase a drink or a snack.

On-board payments: Cash only accepted, no debit/credit cards.

The captain reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind, tide and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.

Getting there

Fly to Athens. From Athens Airport take a taxi to Piraeus port where the boat is moored or book the group transfer. See Prices and Dates tab for full details.

Research flights from the UK here

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