Cycling Cruise Iconic Cyclades; Round-Trip from Paros (Saturdays)

Cruise ship: Virtuoso
From Price lead-in price
€5,249 pp
Starts
ParosParos Port
Ends
ParosParos Port
Duration
8 nights
Departures
Saturdays
Max Guests
40
Ship Style
Premium
Overview

This cycling cruise sweeps through the most iconic of the central Cyclades, sailing round trip from Paros aboard a stylish superior-class motor yacht and exploring each island by e-bike. It is an active, comfortable week that pairs varied rides over hilly, sometimes mountainous terrain with generous time for swimming, sightseeing and relaxing on deck, as the yacht glides from one whitewashed island to the next under the famous Aegean light. From Paros you take in Antiparos and its ancient stalactite cave, among the oldest formations in Europe, then Sifnos, known for its pottery traditions and the cliff-perched village of Kastro. On Syros the elegant neoclassical capital of Ermoupolis invites a walking tour and a taste of the local loukoumi, while Tinos, the holy island of some seven hundred and fifty churches and hundreds of ornate dovecotes, leads to the boulder-strewn village of Volax and a mountain winery. Cosmopolitan Mykonos brings its windmills and the Little Venice waterfront, and a morning at Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, offers one of Greece's most important archaeological sites and a swim off unspoiled Rhenia. Naxos, largest of the Cyclades, rounds out the route with its marble Portara gateway, mountain villages and the abandoned kouros statue, before the yacht returns to Paros. Rides average roughly 25 to 42 kilometres a day with real climbing, made approachable by e-bikes and suited to experienced riders who enjoy longer stages. Between tours the attentive crew serve refined regional cooking and the anchorages change nightly. Combining archaeology, Cycladic architecture, island wine and turquoise swim stops, it is a rich and scenic loop through the beating heart of the Aegean.

Route: Paros, Antiparos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos, Naxos, Paros

ItineraryHide details Show details Day 1Welcome to ParosDay 2Between Stalactite Caves and Turquoise Waters – Antiparos – SifnosDay 3From Pottery Traditions to Neoclassical Elegance – Sifnos and SyrosDay 4Pilgrimage Traditions and Fine Wines – Syros and TinosDay 5Dove Towers and Cycladic Charm – Tinos and MykonosDay 6A Journey into Antiquity – Delos and NaxosDay 7Mountain Villages and Ancient Giants – Naxos and ParosDay 8Farewell to the Cyclades
Day 1
SaturdayWelcome to Paros

Your journey begins on the Cycladic Island of Paros. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your yacht, which will be moored in the former fishing harbour of Naoussa (alternatively in the Capital of Paros, Perikia). Your cabin will be ready for check-in from 4:00 pm. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the charming town. Wander through winding alleyways lined with whitewashed houses adorned with blue doors and shutters, where vibrant bougainvillea add colourful accents and create the quintessential Greek island atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner aboard the Virtuoso, where you will meet your tour guide, the crew, and your fellow travellers.

Day 2
SundayBetween Stalactite Caves and Turquoise Waters – Antiparos – Sifnos

After a short morning cruise, you arrive in Parikia, the main town of Paros, from where you take the ferry to Antiparos. Here, you set off on a scenic cycling tour, including a visit to the famous Cave of Antiparos. The cave is renowned for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, some of the oldest in Europe, with formations dating back more than 45 million years. Their extraordinary shapes and structures create a fascinating natural spectacle. A relaxing coffee break and a refreshing swim at Agios Georgios Beach complete your visit before returning by ferry to Paros. In the afternoon, the Virtuoso sets course for Sifnos. Upon arrival, explore the charming harbour of Kamares, famous for its traditional pottery where centuries-old craftsmanship is still lovingly preserved. Afterwards, enjoy some time to relax and swim at Kamares Beach, whose golden sands and crystal-clear waters invite you for a refreshing dip. Approx. 25 km.

Day 3
MondayFrom Pottery Traditions to Neoclassical Elegance – Sifnos and Syros

After breakfast, you begin a picturesque cycling tour whose highlight is a guided visit to the enchanting, protected village of Kastro. Perched dramatically on a cliff, this jewel of the Cyclades charms visitors with its narrow alleys and whitewashed houses that tell stories of centuries past. During the ride, you will also visit a traditional pottery workshop, where a local artisan introduces you to centuries-old techniques during a hands-on pottery class. Back aboard the yacht, you sail to the island of Syros while enjoying the unmistakable light of the Aegean. Upon arrival, a guided walking tour leads you through the elegant neoclassical capital Ermoupolis, where you will also sample the famous local delicacy Loukoumi, a sweet treat beloved throughout Greece. Approx. 30 km.

Day 4
TuesdayPilgrimage Traditions and Fine Wines – Syros and Tinos

Today's e-bike tour takes you along the beautiful southern coastline of Syros. Following scenic coastal roads, you stop for an extended break at the sandy beach of Galissas, where there is ample time for swimming and enjoying a coffee. The ride continues past the Monastery of Saint Barbara before returning to Ermoupolis. Later, it is once again time to cast off as your yacht sails to the neighbouring island of Tinos. Upon arrival, your guide invites you on a walk through the charming old town of Tinos, including a visit to the famous pilgrimage church of Panagia Evangelistria. In the late afternoon, you are transferred high into the mountains to Vaptistis Winery, where you can savour an excellent selection of local wines in elegant surroundings while enjoying panoramic views across to the legendary island of Mykonos. Approx. 36 km.

Day 5
WednesdayDove Towers and Cycladic Charm – Tinos and Mykonos

Start the day with freshly brewed coffee or tea and a delicious breakfast on board before setting off on another panoramic e-bike tour across the island of Tinos. Known as the "Holy Island," Tinos is home to more than 750 churches and chapels, as well as around 650 Venetian dovecotes decorated with intricate geometric and floral patterns that continue to influence the island's architecture today. Along the way, you visit the enchanting village of Volax, nestled within an extraordinary landscape of giant granite boulders and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. Later, the journey continues to Mykonos. After arrival, you are transferred to Mykonos Town (Chora), where an afternoon guided walking tour introduces you to the famous windmills, the picturesque waterfront district known as "Little Venice," the traditional fish market, and the charming maze of old-town streets. Approx. 36 km.

Day 6
ThursdayA Journey into Antiquity – Delos and Naxos

In the morning, your yacht brings you to the small island of Delos, home to one of Greece's most significant archaeological treasures. Accompanied by a licensed guide, you enjoy a comprehensive three-hour tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where impressive temple ruins, marketplaces, and ancient houses vividly illustrate the island's immense mythological and historical importance as the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. After this unforgettable journey into antiquity, enjoy a long and refreshing swimming stop along the pristine coast of nearby Rhenia, an unspoilt paradise renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Later, the Virtuoso sails to Naxos. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, your guide accompanies you through the charming old town, including the iconic Portara, the island's famous marble gateway—the monumental entrance to an unfinished Temple of Apollo dating from the 5th century BC. With a little luck, you may witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Cyclades before enjoying dinner at your leisure in the atmospheric lanes of Naxos Chora.

Day 7
FridayMountain Villages and Ancient Giants – Naxos and Paros

After a short morning cruise, you arrive in Naxos Town and begin your final e-bike tour through the island's impressive mountainous interior. The route passes through traditional villages and includes a visit to the famous unfinished Kouros of Flerio, a monumental marble statue of a young man abandoned in the ancient quarry. Throughout the day, you gain fascinating insights into the island's rich mythological, archaeological, and cultural heritage. A highlight of today's tour is a tasting of locally produced olive oil. After this varied cycling route, the Virtuoso returns to Paros. In the evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a festive farewell dinner on board, sharing memories of the past week while saying goodbye to your tour guide and the crew. Approx. 45 km.

Day 8
SaturdayFarewell to the Cyclades

After breakfast on board, check-out is by 9:00 am. A transfer takes you to Paros Airport for your individual onward journey or the start of your holiday extension in Greece.

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