Cycling Cruise Cyclades and Saronic Islands; Round-Trip from Athens 7nts (Saturdays)

Individual journey to Marina Alimos or Palaia Faliro for the Erato, or to Salamina for the Thalassa. Check-in on board is from 4 pm. Dinner on board and the first night in Athens or Salamina.

Early in the morning we sail to Kythnos, famous since antiquity for its cheese and honey. The first ride starts in the harbour of Merichas and heads for the island capital, Chora, with fine coastal views along the way. Chora sits on a high plateau and its alleys are painted with flowers and geometric patterns. We continue to the picturesque village of Driopida before returning to Merichas for the evening. Approx. 25 km.

A morning crossing to Seriphos, a small island well off the tourist track, with deep valleys, countless coves and sandy beaches. From the harbour town of Livadi we climb a serpentine road to the main town of Seriphos, its cube houses stretching along the ridge high above the sea, then ride on through untouched country to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael and back to Livadi on a panoramic coast road. In the afternoon we sail to Syros. Approx. 30 km.

Ermoupolis on Syros is the capital of the Cyclades and unlike any other Cycladic town, built across two hills in pastel houses with classical facades. We ride the bay-strewn southern coast to the beach at Galissas and return past the convent of Saint Barbara. In the afternoon we continue by boat to Kea. Approx. 30 km.

We start from the beautiful natural harbour of Korissia and climb to the island capital, Ioulis, then ride on to the white sand of Otzias Beach for a swim before returning to Korissia. In the afternoon we sail to Poros in the Saronic Gulf, a spectacular harbour town under its iconic clock tower. Approx. 25 km.

Today we ride almost the full circuit of Poros, dedicated in ancient times to the sea god Poseidon. Near the end of the tour we reach Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise water and a perfect swim stop. Back in Poros we board for lunch and cruise to Aegina. Approx. 25 km.

Aegina is known well beyond Greece for its pistachios. Today's ride climbs to the sanctuary of Aphaia, a remarkably well-preserved temple on the only point of the island where the Aegean can be seen on both sides. We return across the middle of the island past the monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina town, then sail back to Athens or Salamina for a celebratory last dinner on board. Approx. 35 km.

One final breakfast onboard. Check-out of your cabin by 9am.