Guided Bike and Barge
Web code GR019
Greece / Peloponnese and Saronic Island
From Athens through the Saronic Gulf
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Day by Day
1. Piraeus (Marina Zeas)
Individually journey to Marina Zeas; port of Piraeus. Check in is possible from 2 pm. Dinner will be on board and the night will be spent in Piraeus.2. Piraeus – Island of Poros (23 km)
The morning will be spent sailing to the Island of Poros. Before reaching the island's main port, we enjoy a swimming stop where we have the chance to dive into the sea directly from the ship. Shortly before the end of the tour we will reach Russian Bay, whose sandy beach and turquoise waters are sure to tempt us to dive in. Back in the enchanting harbour of Poros Town, with its landmark clock tower reaching high above all the other buildings, we can end our eventful day surrounded by characteristic Greek atmosphere.3. Island of Poros – Ermioni - Porto Heli (40 km)
After breakfast a small car ferry will take us from Poros to Galatas in the Pelopennese. From here, the bike tour will lead us for the most part along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the Thalassa awaits us for a lunch onboard and to sail to Porto Heli. If the weather permits, we can enjoy an extended swimming stop along the way. Overnight stay in Porto Heli.4. Porto Heli - Island of Spetses (25 km)
In the morning we will sail to Spetses. Before reaching it, we will stop in a picturesque bay along the way to swim. Before our lunch on board, you will have time to explore the charming old town of Spetses. This island got its name from the Venetians, who names it "isola delle spezie", the island of herbs. The aromatic scent of wild herbs accompanies us during our afternoon bike ride along panoramic routes. At one of the spectacular beaches, we enjoy a longer break for a swim and a coffee before coming back to the ship.5. Island of Spetses – Island of Hydra - Methana Peninsula (17 km)
The day starts with a morning crossing to the island of Hydra. Since time immemorial donkeys have been the only means of transport on this unique, beautiful island. Thanks to seafaring, the island became very wealthy in the middle ages. Then, after the Greek War of Independence, the island fell into a hundred-year slumber. It was only when, in 1957, the film “Boy on a Dolphin” starring the unforgettable Sofia Loren was filmed on Hydra that life was brought back to the island which then became a mecca for artists. A unique place with arguably the most beautiful sunset in the region! After exploring the port of Hydra, we continue on the Methana Peninsula, which has a volcanic origin. It is characterized by more than 30 volcanoes and many sulphurous thermal springs. In the afternoon we enjoy a panoramic round trip in the enchanting fishing port of Vathy. Overnight stay in Methana.6. Methana Peninsula – Island of Aegina (25/45 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 for its pistachios. In the old town of Aegina you will appreciate the 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 reach Perdika, a nice fishing village. Overnight stay in Aegina town.7. Island of Aegina – Piraeus (35 km)
Today’s bike tour takes us up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The beautifully preserved temple towers rest 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 will then sail back to Piraeus and our exciting Greek cruise will come to a close with a final, celebrative evening on board.8. Piraeus (Marina Zeas)
End of your tour: disembarkation after breakfast until 9 a.m.
Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain. -
Route profile
The bike routes have a length of 23 to 50km/14 to 31mi. and lead through hilly or mountainous areas. Some uphill stretches are included. The roads are mostly asphalted. Your tour guide informs you each day about the tour details. This tour is primarily a guided group tour. Upon consultation with your tour guides, the possibility to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes, may present itself.
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How to get there
The precise embarkation point will be written in the Final Tour Details that you will receive a few days before departure.
By plane
The easiest way to get to the starting point is flying into Athens. From the airport you can:
- book a private transfer;
- take a train to Pireus (ca. 1 hour) and from there reach the docking place by foot;
- take the bus no. X96 (ca. 1h30) until Demotiko and from there reach the docking place by foot.
More information on www.oasa.gr/en/ and on www.trainose.gr/en/
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Accommodation and meals
The barge Thalassa is equipped with:
- 10 Standard Twin/Double cabins (9-12m2)
The cabins are equipped with double or twin beds, teak cladding, A/C, hairdryer, tiled bathroom with a mirror, shower, washbasin and WC.
Common areas
Thalassa is a beautiful three mast motor sailor where elegance and comfort combined result in one of the most majestic ships of our fleet. The tall masts make the Thalassa an eye catcher in every harbor. The saloon and the cabins are spacious and the wood finish give a noble touch. The vast deck provides plenty of comfortable sitting areas with tables and chairs available in the shade and sunning mats on the sundeck. Fitted ideally for maximum relaxation during the crossings from island to island. The crew spoil their guests at mealtimes with a delicious selection of local specialties prepared in the ships own galley.
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The barge Erato is equipped with:
- 6 standard Twin/Double cabins (10-12 m2)
The cabins are equipped with double or twin beds, air conditioning, tiled bathroom with hairdryer, mirror, shower cabin, washbasin & WC.
Common areas
The elegant motor sailer Erato offers all the comfort and luxury you could desire during your bike and boat adventure. The Bordeaux-red yacht immediately captures attention! The outdoor area is plenty of comfortable seating and space for you to relax under the sky. The salon boasts a well-stocked bar and plenty of space for socialising. The friendly, attentive crew have spent most of their lives on the water and are dedicated to helping fulfill your holiday dreams. Not to be forgotten, the Erato offers a delicious range of traditional Greek cuisine, lovingly served at every meal. -
Bikes and accessories
Bikes are available in different sizes in unisex model:
- Touring bike 24 gears with hand-brakes
- E-bike with hand-brakes
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
1 pannier bag
Bike helmets are mandatory.
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Accompanying material
Before your arrival, you will receive an email from us with the digital information material. It contains:
1. Link to download the tour information material in Pdf:
- Tour notes
- Final tour details
On the spot you will find one set of maps and route descriptions per cabin
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By your side
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
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Paolo
Departure 2022
Online from 12 August 2022
Bella vacanza per chi ama il mare e la bici, forse un pò cara per i servizi che offre -
Maria Elena
Departure 2022
Online from 12 August 2022
In generale una bella vacanza, il connubio bicicletta e mare è perfetto -
Sue Ellen
Departure 2021
Online from 22 July 2021
This holiday was a dream come true for me. I could not have asked for a better crew to guide me - Kostas and Catherina were friendly, capable, knowledgable, thorough, and made all the incredibly hard work they did on our behalf seem easy. They handled unexpected challenges and "emergency" situations with grace and aplomb, making it seem as though these were commonplace events and nothing to stress over. Achilleas, Stavros and Photis were friendly, effective, and pleasant all the time. I feel like I left friends behind when I disembarked.
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