By choosing this itinerary, you will stay aboard the Thalassa boat. The daily itinerary remains the same.
Experience the symbiosis of antiquity and modern times on this island hopping tour in Greece. By sailing and cycling the Cyclades and Saronic Islands over the course of 8 days, you get to experience Greek culture, history, and spectacular nature. Your home for the week is Erato or Thalassa, both of them deluxe yachts with spacious cabins and a vast sun deck, perfect for soaking up that Greek sun which will be your fuel for months to come. Daily cycling tours around Kythnos, Serifos, Syros, Kea, Poros, and Aegina take you to the islands’ highlights, but you’re always welcome to chill on the yacht and re-energize yourself by swimming in the Aegean Sea.
The Cyclades can have stronger winds, which can result in minor modifications of the tour route. However, should the wind be too strong, the route might markedly differ from the planned route. It would take you through the Saronic Gulf for the entire week, one of the most historic regions of Greece. In that case, you would cross between the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese, discovering the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, and the Methana peninsula. A highlight of the substitute journey would be a visit to the ancient Epidaurus, home to the best-preserved theater in Greece!
Regarding the daily tours and cycling, you can always skip a day tour and hang out on your boat, swimming in the azure sea or basking in the sun on its spacious sun deck.
Make your way to the Marina Zeas in Piraeus, which is where your Thalassa boat will be waiting for you. Check-in on the ship is possible from 2 pm onwards. Settle into your comfy cabin, get some rest, and meet your team and your guide over a dinner on board. Overnight stay in Athens.
Accommodation: Thalassa yacht
Early in the morning, set sail towards Kythnos Island, famous for its delicious cheese and honey since classical antiquity. Begin your first cycling tour in the harbor of Merichas and head towards the island’s capital, Chora. Along the way, enjoy wonderful scenic views of the coastline. Chora is a lovely town, perched highly up on a plateau, featuring recognizable white facades with blue windows and cobblestone streets. Continue onto the bucolic Driopida before returning to Merichas, where you can spend the evening in one of its cozy tavernas.
Distance: 15 miles / 25 km
Accommodation: Thalassa yacht
The boat takes you to Serifos in the morning, a small island off the beaten tourist track. The island is characterized by countless bays and hidden coves, deep valleys, and many sandy beaches. From the harbor town of Livadi, cycle along a serpentine road to the island’s main town of Serifos, whose cube-shaped white houses stretch along the mountain ridge high above the sea. From there, continue on through pristine landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. Return to Livadi along a panoramic road, where you’ll board the boat and head to Syros. Stroll through the breathtaking old town and end the day in one of the numerous dainty cafes on the lovely harbor promenade.
Distance: 18.5 miles / 30 km
Accommodation: Thalassa yacht
Ermoupolis on Syros is the capital town of the Cyclades and offers an incredible view upon arrival. This unique town is built on two hills, and its pastel-colored facades make it different from the other towns. Cycle along the coast of Syros, which is full of bays and coves along the entire southern half of the island, all the way to the beach of Galissas, and past the convent of Saint Barbara. Come back to Ermoupolis in the afternoon and continue by boat to the island of Kea.
Distance: 18.5 miles / 30 km
Accommodation: Thalassa yacht
The starting point of exploring this Cycladic island is the harbor of Korissia. From there, climb up to the island’s capital Ioulis before continuing onto the whitesand Otzias Beach, where you can take a dip and get refreshed. Cycle back to Korissia, and then sail to Poros in the Saronic gulf in the afternoon. The harbor town of Poros is a spectacular sight with its iconic clock tower soaring high above the town. Poros is the perfect place to have a nice, relaxing evening and soak in the authentic Greek island atmosphere.
Distance: 15 miles / 25 km
Accommodation: Thalassa yacht
Today you will almost completely circle the entire island of Poros. In ancient times, the island was dedicated to Poseidon, the sea god. Shortly before the end of the cycling tour, arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise waters, presenting a perfect spot to swim. Once back in Poros, board the boat and enjoy a delicious lunch on your way to Aegina.
Distance: 14 miles / 23 km
Accommodation: Thalassa yacht
The island of Aegina is known far beyond the Greek borders of its delicious pistachio nuts! Start pedaling up towards the Temple of Aphaia (think of it as a mini Acropolis), towering high above the blue seas. The location of this incredibly well-preserved temple is the only point on the island where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On your way back to the boat, cycle across the middle of the island, past the monastery of Nektarios, and all the way to the town of Aegina. Board the boat and enjoy your last cruise back to Athens. The last evening onboard ends with a group dinner and last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with the crew, fellow travelers, and tour guides.
Distance: 22 miles / 35 km
Accommodation: Thalassa yacht
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the boat. Say your goodbyes and head home. Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Greece—just ask your guides for some recommendations, they’re happy to arrange a wonderful stay for you!
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
This sailing and e-bike holiday in Croatia’s south coast is suitable for cyclists with a good basic level of fitness. The tours and elevation gain are very manageable with an e-bike. You can expect between 23-35 km (14-22 miles) with 350-700 m (1,150-2,300 ft) of elevation gain per day.
The roads are mostly asphalted. Keep in mind that you’re free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat instead of taking a planned cycle tour.
If you’d like to give other activities a shot in the Greek Cyclades, check out this island hopping & hiking tour in the Cyclades and sailing and kitesurfing in Greece.
E-bike rental is included in the price of the tour. Due to safety regulations on the ship, it is not allowed to bring your own e-bike. The rental e-bike you’re getting is high-quality and fully serviced, perfect for the terrain of this tour. You can, however, bring your own bike seat and pedals, guides will be happy to assist you in attaching these to your rental bikes.
Helmet wearing is mandatory and it’s recommended you bring your own, well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available, but in a limited capacity, so reservation is required should you need it.
Your guide’s rental e-bikes are high quality pedelecs, most of which are fitted with Bosch motors with extra battery range. They are characterized by their relatively light weight and great components. Some of the fleet is equipped with other motor systems. These e-bikes are a true set of wings for anyone who needs a little ‘tail wind’ to make their ride that little bit more enjoyable.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Sailing and cycling in the Cyclades and Saronic Islands can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Depending on which yacht you’re boarding, the starting point is either in Piraeus (Marina Zeas) for the Thalassa boat or Palaio Faliro (Marina Alimos) for the Erato boat. To get there, most people fly into Athens International Airport (ATH).
From there, it will take you up to 45 minutes to reach the starting points by car or up to 1.5 by using public transportation. To make your journey hassle-free, please reach out to us before booking and we’ll make arrangements.
Check-in on the ship is possible from 2pm onwards.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
The price of the tour includes the 5 euro SGR Insolvency Protection. This is mandatory consumer contribution called the SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme.