• Activity Level:  4
  • Comfort:  3
  • Departs From: Greece, Athens
  • Location: Greece; Cyclades & Saronic Islands
  • Duration: 8 days (Sat-Sat)
  • Availability: SATURDAYS, fortnightly departures
  • CLICK FOR PRICING / DEPARTURES

Highlights

  • Culture: Visit one of the best preserved greek temples: Sanctuary of Aphaia on the island of Ägina
  • Nature: Discover by bike the island of Poros which is covered by scented pinewoods
  • Culinary: Sheep's cheese in flaky pastry with honey & sesame
  • Souvenirs: Colourful pottery from Siphnos
Book now (obligation free) pay later

8 days from Athens to Kythnos Island, Seriphos Island, Siphnos Island, Kea Island, Poros Island, Island Aegina and back to Athens

On this tour one of our comfortable boats is your home for the week.
Roomy and elegantly designed cabins include bathrooms with separate shower cubicles.
There's a wide sundeck with plenty of space to relax on as well as a spacious, stylish designed salon invite you to enjoy the cruise

Itinerary

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/premium/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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Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our specific FAQ pages here:

Before You Go - General Croatia Info (general info for all travellers)

Before Your Cruise - General Cruise Info (for all small ship Croatia cruises)

Before Your Island Hopping Tour - General Info (packages combining hotels, ferries and transfers)

Before Your Private Charter - General Yacht and Gulet Charter Info (private charters)

 

Click here to see how the booking process works: https://www.discovercroatia.com.au/booking-process-how-to-book/

How far in advance do I need to book?

Cruises: For our weekly small ship cruises with guaranteed departures we suggest you book as soon as your plans are in motion. All cruises are extremely popular especially during peak season, which is June, July, August, September and these dates can be booked out up to a year in advance, especially September. One-way cruises are particularly sought-after and tend to sell out first, so please speak to us first to ensure your cruise choice is available before booking any flight arrangements.

Escorted Tours: Escorted Group Tours with guaranteed departures are also best booked as early as possible to ensure your place on the tour, as spaces are limited to a set number of passengers. Once the tour is full that departure is closed for new bookings.

Island Hopping, Self-Drive, Self-Guided Cycling/Hiking and Independent or Private Tours: Independent tours are available most days of the week at any time of year, so if you're booking late these are a great option. They can also start or finish on any day of the week, so can be a great alternative to the cruises (that mostly depart only on Saturdays). You can check out our Island Hopper Tours and our active tours for some examples. If you can't find what you are looking for please make an enquiry on any of our tours and let us know what you need. We love creating custom tours with our clients.

What do the different ship categories mean?

Please see our Ship Descriptions page here, for all the information on Ship Categories, Deck and Cabin Descriptions.

 

What is half-board? What meals are included?

Half-board (HB): This means that 2 meals a day are usually provided, mostly it will be breakfast and lunch on cruises, and breakfast and dinner on escorted tours. Each cruise or tour will have meals listed on the daily itinerary, so that you will know exactly which meals are included. Some lunches or dinners are swapped occasionally, so that you may enjoy a wonderful gourmet experience with your fellow travellers, such as a Captain's Dinner on a cruise, or a wine-tasting and lunch on an escorted tour. For the remainder of your meals you will be able to dine anywhere you choose and you will be responsible for the cost of those meals. Your Cruise or Tour Director will be happy to recommend a good value and trusted eatery nearby at every location, or you can explore on your own.

Bed and Breakfast (BB): This means that only breakfast is included in your holiday. Most of our Independent Tours include breakfast only, so that you are not beholden to going back to your hotel for lunch or dinner as you are going to be exploring on your own. We think that flexibility with lunch and dinner gives you the best option for exploring Croatia and experiencing the local culture and cuisine.

Full-board (FB) is occasionally offered on cruises as an optional extra, but we do not recommend you take the full-board option unless you are really sure about it. A lot of the joy of the cruise and tour experiences is to dine in local restaurants, 'konobas' (traditional pubs) and bars, so that you can meet the people who live and work there. Why come all the way to Croatia only to eat on-board for every meal? There are so many fabulous (and even some famous!) eateries. Get out there and taste them!

 

What type of transport is used on the Island Hopper Tours? Local ferries and vehicle transfers

Local ferries: Local ferries are used between the mainland and the islands where possible. Most of these ferries are fast ferries (high speed catamarans). Our Island Hopper Tours include all ferry tickets, as well as delivery of the ferry tickets to your hotel, when we come to pick you up to take you to the ferry port. In some towns, where some hotels are in the pedestrian zone close to the ferry port (like Hvar), then you will be met at the ferry and directed to your hotel, with luggage assistance if required. If your hotel is outside the pedestrian zone you will be met at the ferry and taken to your transfer vehicle, with luggage assistance if required.

Transfers: Most Island Hoppers have private airport transfers included, and private transfers to/from the ferry ports on the islands. Some transfers will be shared transfers if there are others going to the exact same hotel at the same time and it is a short distance.

How fit do I need to be for my holiday?

Relaxation/cultural cruises and tours: On-board your cruise ship, you will need to be able to negotiate gangways and stairs and be able to step from ship to ship as the cruise ships are moored next to each other sideways and sometimes you need to step across to the next ship. You will be walking mostly on the cobblestone streets through the iconic cities and towns of the region. The excursions are best-suited to those who are capable of walking on uneven surfaces as many old cities and towns have limited totally flat surfaces that can accommodate wheelchairs or walking-frames. Please contact us to ask about your specific circumstances, as we are happy to help plan for your needs as best we can. Assistance will be provided on cruise ships to help you navigate getting on and off, but there are a few limitations. Please ask.

Cycling tours: Although almost completely flat this cycle tour is graded easy to moderate as the daily distance ranges between approximately 15-50 km. You will be biking mostly on the dedicated cycle paths alongside canals, rivers and through the iconic cities and towns of the region. This tour is well-suited to those who have never taken a cycling holiday before as it is flat and predominantly traffic-free and you also have the option of skipping the cycling and relaxing on board.

What happens if I can't attend an excursion?

It is possible to relax at your hotel, on the tour bus or on the boat at any time.

What happens if I can't cycle or hike a stage on an active holiday?

For cycling cruises: If you don't want to cycle it is possible to relax on the boat as it moves to the next port of call.

For cycling and hiking tours: If you don't want to (or can't due to illness or injury) cycle, hike or walk a stage, then we will make arrangements to have you transferred to the next stop on your itinerary so that you can continue with your holiday. Prices for transfers vary widely, so pricing will be provided on an 'as needed' basis only.

What equipment do I need?

Relaxation/excursion cruises and tours: You will need comfortable walking shoes, clothes for relaxing, your swimming costume, and a sunhat. Most cruises are fairly relaxed and casual clothing is fine for all meals, though you may want to take one nice outfit depending on where you wish to dine onshore.

Cycling cruises and tours: You will need comfortable sports shoes, comfortable clothes for cycling, waterproof jacket and trousers, a helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.

If you have any questions, just give us a call or email:

Call us or WhatsApp: +612-9212-1507
Email us: [email protected]

 

 

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CLICK FOR PRICING / DEPARTURES

Itinerary

  • Day 1: (Sat) Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) – (Embarkation)
  • Day 2: (Sun) Kythnos Island (aprx. 25 km)
  • Day 3: (Mon) Seriphos Island (aprx. 30 km)
  • Day 4: (Tue) Siphnos Island (aprx. 18 km)
  • Day 5: (Wed) Kea Island (aprx. 25 km)
  • Day 6: (Thu) Poros Island (aprx. 23 km)
  • Day 7: (Fri) Island Aegina (aprx. 35 km)
  • Day 8: (Sat) Piraeus/Athens (Disembarkation)