Athens-Athens; Bicycle Cruise Cyclades & Saronic Islands 7nts (Saturdays)

Itinerary and Inclusions:

Open-age cycling cruise. Double/twin cabins. Solo travellers must book a cabin for solo use.

The Cyclades Islands, comprising of more than 30 islands, was the cradle of the first European civilisation 5,000 years ago. Here we also see a truly authentic side of Greece: Gleaming white cube houses with blue shutters and labyrinth-like alleys dominate the architectural character of the islands’ villages and towns. Along the mostly ragged coastlines there are impressive geological formations, turquoise-blue sea, and fantastic sand beaches. Experience Greece from its greenest side on the Saronic Islands that lie between the Greek mainland and the Peleponnese. Learn about the Greek Liberation Struggle between 1821 and 1830 without which Greece would not be as we know it today. Experience the fascinating symbiosis of antiquity and modern times by Bike & Boat and delight in the authentic beauty of the Greek Aegean.

E-Bike Level 1 / Hybrid Bike Level 2-3
Our cycle tours fit for both: hybrid and e-bikers. You have to decide beforehand which bicycle you would like to rent. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or to spend time on board the boat, instead of taking the planned cycle tour. Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation required at time of booking). Height measurement is required when booking rental all rental bikes. E-bike tours suitable for people with a good basic level of fitness. The tours and the elevation meters are very manageable with an e-bike (30-60km and 400-700 elevation meters per day).

No Internet availability on board: Please note that there is no WiFi available onboard the ship. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend bringing your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your hearts content.

SHIP INFO AND PHOTOS:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/ships/thalassa/

Similar cycling cruises:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/cruises/cycling-and-ebike-cruises/

#Optional extras:
• Rental bike: Bicycle (hybrid mountain/road bike)
• Rental bike: E-bike (on request)
(Insurance included with bikes is against theft and damage of the rental bike. Negligent damage is NOT insured)
You are strongly encouraged to BYO HELMET. If you can, please bring your own (well-fitted) helmet.
Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation required at time of booking, you cannot hire one on the day).

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INCLUSIONS AND FULL ITINERARY:
8 days from Athens to Kythnos Island, Seriphos Island, Siphnos Island, Kea Island, Poros Island, Island Aegina and back to Athens

INCLUDED:
• 8-day trip on a motorized yacht with crew
• 7 nights in a double cabin below deck with shower/toilet
• 2 x full-board and 5 x half-board on board
• Guided bicycle tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Overview-maps for the daily bike tours (on board)
• Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites (group visit only)
• Bed linen and towels
• English-speaking Tour Guide

NOT INCLUDED:
• Flat rate for bottled water: 25 euro for adults (to be paid to the captain) - Obligatory
• Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
• Meals and beverages ashore
• Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price
• Beach towel for ashore use (if needed)
• Tips for tour guides and crew
• Transfers

Itinerary changes: The Cyclades are relatively susceptible to wind. Normally this will only result in minor modifications of the tour route. However, should the wind be too strong or dangerous, the travel route may markedly differ from the planned route. Our substitute tour leads through the Saronic Gulf for the entire week, one of the most historic regions of Greece: We would cross between the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese and discover the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, and the Methana peninsula. A highlight of this substitute journey is a visit to the ancient Epidauros, home to the best-preserved theatre in Greece.

ITINERARY:
Embarkation from 14:00hrs. Passengers who arrive earlier can leave their bags on board until their cabin is ready. Overnight in port, late arrivals possible.

Day 1: (Sat) Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) – (Embarkation)
Boarding begins at Marina Zeas, in the yacht harbour of Piraeus, only 25 km from Athens airport. Check-in from 2pm on the ship. Dinner onboard with your fellow passengers this evening. Overnight stay in Piraeus.

Day 2: (Sun) Kythnos Island (aprx. 25 km)
Early in the morning we sail to Kythnos Island, famous for its cheese and honey since the antiquity. We begin our first cycling tour in the harbour of Merichas and head towards the island’s capital, Chora. Along the way we can enjoy wonderful, scenic views of the coastline. Chora is a lovely town, situated on a high plateau. The town’s alleys are decorated with painted flowers and geometric patterns. We continue on to the picturesque village of Driopida before returning to Merichas, where we can spend the evening in one of the cosy tavernas.

Day 3: (Mon) Seriphos Island (aprx. 30 km)
In the morning, our boat takes us to Seriphos, a small island far off the beaten tourist track. The island is characterised by deep valleys, countless bays and coves, and numerous beautiful sandy beaches. From the harbour town of Livadi, we cycle along a serpentine road to the island’s main town of Seriphos, whose cube form houses, nestled into landscape, stretch along the mountain ridge high above the sea. From Seriphos, we continue on through untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. We then return to Livadi along a panoramic road on the East coast. In the afternoon, we sail to the island of Siphnos, where we can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beautiful beach. Overnight stay in Kamares on Siphnos.

Day 4: (Tue) Siphnos Island (aprx. 18 km)
The island of Siphnos, famous for its ceramic artwork, has nearly no townships on its shores as almost the entire coastline falls steeply into the sea. Today’s bike tour begins in the harbour of Kamares. We cycle through hilly green, terraced landscape to the central highlands where the island’s capital Kastro is located. Kastro is a defensive settlement built on a steep cliff face and has been a listed as a protected town since 1975. In the afternoon we enjoy a longer cruise to Kea where we spend the night. Along the way we throw anchor for a refreshing swim stop. Overnight in Kea.

Day 5: (Wed) Kea Island (aprx. 25 km)
Our starting point for exploring the north western-most inhabited Cycladic island is the beautiful natural harbour of Korissia. From here we climb up to the island’s capital Ioulis before continuing on to the white sand Otzias Beach where we enjoy a refreshing swim stop. Afterwards we cycle back to Korissia, and then sail to Poros in the Saronic Gulf in the afternoon. The harbour town of Poros is truly spectacular with its iconic clock tower soaring above the rest of the town. Poros in the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing evening and get lost in the authentic Greek island atmosphere.

Day 6: (Thu) Poros Island (aprx. 23 km)
We start our day with a bike tour from Poros to the Zoodochos Pigis monestary, which dates back to the 18th century. We cycle on and almost completely circle the entire island, which in ancient times 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! Once back in Poros, we board the boat and enjoy a delicious midday meal as we cruise to Aegina.

Day 7: (Fri) Island Aegina (aprx. 35 km)
The island of Aegina is known far beyond the Greek borders for its incredible pistachio nuts! Today’s bike tour takes us up to the sanctuary of Aphaia, towering high above the azure blue of the sea. The incredibly well-preserved temple is located on the only point on the island where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On our way back to the boat, we cycle across the middle of the island past the monastery of Nektarios all the way to the town of Aegina. Here we board the boat for our last cruise back to Piraeus. The last evening on board concludes with a communal dinner and last get-together in a cosy atmosphere with crew, fellow travellers, and tour guides.

Day 8: (Sat) Piraeus/Athens (Disembarkation)
Guests disembark after breakfast on board.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Catering (B, L or D):
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering consists of 2 x full board and 5 x half board. Catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. You will be informed in advance on each which meals will be prepared onboard for you.
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