Athens-Athens; Bicycle Cruise Peloponnese & Saronic Islands 7nts (Fridays)

Itinerary and Inclusions:

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

The Peloponnese is a Greek region steeped in history and home to some of the greatest archaeological sites of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians have all left their mark on the “Island of Pelops”. Discover this unique, culturally rich region along with the diverse islands of the Saronic Gulf by boat and bike The three masted Thalassa will be your floating home as you travel on this one-of-a-kind journey through 2,500 years of Greek history.

Discover the enchanting islands of the Saronic Gulf, each with its own unique character. Explore the pistachio island of Aegina with its temple of Aphaia, high on a hill above the sea. Marvel at the totally traffic-free island of Hydra, where the only means of transportation since time immemorial have been the island’s countless donkeys. The islands of Poros and Spetses are home to spectacular panoramic roads with little traffic and the ever-present aroma of wild herbs while the volcanic peninsula of Methana will lead you on a geological journey through time.

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 Athens - Peloponnese and the Saronic Islands

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: 40 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: We reserve the right to make changes to the route in the case of changing wind and weather conditions as well as for reasons of organizational necessity.

ITINERARY:
Embarkation from 15:00hrs. Passengers who arrive earlier can leave their bags onboard until their cabin is ready. Overnight in port, late arrivals possible.

Day 1: 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: Island of Poros (aprx. 23 km)
In the morning we make a crossing over to the island of Poros. Before we reach the island’s main port, we enjoy a swimming stop where we have the chance to dive into the sea directly from the ship. In the afternoon and starting from the island’s capital of Poros, we almost completely circumnavigate the island. In ancient times, Poros 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! Back in the enchanting harbour of Poros, with its with its iconic clock tower soaring above the rest of the town, we end our eventful day in an authentic Greek atmosphere.

Day 3: Galatas – Ermioni – Porto Heli (aprx. 40 km)
After breakfast a small car ferry takes us from Poros to Galatas in the Peloponnese. Here we start our cycling tour which leads us along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the Thalassa awaits us for lunch onboard during a leisurely afternoon crossing to Porto Heli. If the weather permits, we can enjoy an extended swimming stop along the way. Overnight stay in Porto Heli.

Day 4: Island of Spetses (aprx. 50 km)
In the morning we make a short crossing over to the island of Spetses with a long swimming break in a picturesque bay along the way. Before enjoying lunch on board there is some time to explore the charming old town of Spetses on foot. The island of Spetses got its name from the Venetians, who names it "Isola della spezie", the island of herbs. The aromatic scent of wild herbs accompanies us during our afternoon bike ride along the almost traffic-free panoramic road that circles the entire island. Almost throughout the entire ride we are treated to beautiful views of the turquoise sea. At one of the spectacular beaches, we enjoy a longer break for a swim and a coffee. Afterwards we explore the old harbour of Spetses by bike before returning to the ship.

Day 5: Island of Hydra – Methana Peninsula (aprx. 17 km)
After a two-hour morning crossing, we reach the island of Hydra. Since ancient times, donkeys have been the only means of transport on this uniquely wonderous island, which during the Middle Ages came into great wealth thanks to seafaring. After the Greek War of Independence between 1821 and 1830, the island fell into a slumber of more than a hundred years. It was not until Hydra became the filming location for the 1957 film “Boy on a Dolphin”, starring the memorable Sofia Loren, that the island was given new life and became an artists' mecca. After exploring the port of Hydra on foot, we continue on to the Methana peninsula. The volcanic origin of the peninsula is immediately noticeable thanks to the smell of sulphur and the iridescent colours of the rocks. The peninsula is characterized by more than 30 volcanoes, a number of which are still active, and sulphurous thermal springs, some of which are used for medicinal purposes. In the late afternoon we enjoy a panoramic round trip with a pleasant coffee break in the enchanting fishing port of Vathy. Overnight stay in Methana.

Day 6: Methana Peninsula – Island of Aegina (aprx. 25 km optional 20 km)
After breakfast we make another round trip on Methana with plenty of incredible views along the way. In the afternoon, we sail to the island of Aegina, well known beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. In the old town of Aegina, there are plenty of pistachio products to purchase as well as numerous small boutiques lining the lively shopping streets. Should you not wish to walk through the town, you can also opt for a bike ride along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika. Overnight stay in Aegina town.

Day 7: Island of Aegina – Piraeus/Athens (aprx. 35 km)
The island of Aegina is famous even beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. Today’s bike tour takes us up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The beautifully preserved temple towers high up above the blue sea, the only place on the island from where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On the ride back we will cycle through the centre of the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina city where the ship awaits. We then sail back to Piraeus and our exciting Greek cruise comes to an end with a final, celebrative evening onboard.

Day 8: Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) – (Disembarkation)
After breakfast on board it is time to disembark to return home or to extend your holiday a few days longer in Athens.

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.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
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NB: You might end up with twin beds, even if you request a double.
Ship changes are possible due to operational requirements.
Itinerary subject to changes for safety due to any adverse weather events.
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