E-Bike & Boat Tour: Peloponnese & Saronic Islands, Greece

Overview

A journey through 2,500 years of history: From ancient temples to Venetian ports, every island tells a different chapter of Greek history, with a guide on hand to fill in the gaps. Hydra by foot, the rest by e-bike: Wander a car-free island where donkeys are still the only transport, then swap to two wheels on Spetses's nearly car-free panoramic road. A deluxe yacht as your floating hotel: Sleep in a different port every night without ever repacking a bag, while the crew handles the meals and the sailing in between. Accommodation: Luxury: Deluxe Thalassa or Erato yacht. Difficulty: Moderate: Good fitness required, e-biking up to 40 km (25 mi) per day, with up to 350 m (1,150 ft) of elevation gain per day. What's included: An English-speaking guide with knowledge of the Peloponnese and Saronic Gulf, 8-day e-bike and boat tour of the Peloponnese and Saronic Islands (6 days of cycling), Accommodation for 7 nights aboard the Thalassa or Erato in a twin cabin with a private shower and toilet, 2 full-board and 5 half-board days on board, Guided cycling tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary, Overview maps for each day's ride, Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only), Bed linen and towels, SGR insolvency protection. Day 1: Salamina (embarkation) — Thalassa. Make your own way to the port of Salamina, on the island of Salamis, where the Thalassa is waiting (reachable by ferry from Piraeus). Check-in opens at 4 pm, so there's time to settle into your cabin before we all gather for dinner on board. Accommodation: Aboard the Thalassa, in Salamina. Day 2: Circling the island of Poros. In the morning we cross to the island of Poros, with a swimming stop for a dip straight off the boat before we reach the main harbor. From the island's capital, we cycle almost all the way around Poros, which the ancient Greeks dedicated to the sea god Poseidon. Just before finishing, we stop at Russian Bay, a stretch of sand with turquoise water that's perfect for one last swim. Back in Poros's harbor, beneath the clock tower that watches over the town, we wrap up an easygoing day in an unmistakably Greek atmosphere. Cycling: 23 km (14 mi) Accommodation: Aboard the yacht, in Poros. Day 3: Galatas to Porto Heli, via Ermioni. After breakfast, a small car ferry takes us from Poros to Galatas on the Peloponnese mainland, where we start cycling along the coast and through farmland toward the small town of Ermioni. There, the boat is waiting with lunch on board for a relaxed afternoon crossing to Porto Heli, with an extended swimming stop along the way if the weather cooperates. Cycling: 40 km (25 mi) Accommodation: Aboard the yacht, in Porto Heli. Day 4: Island of Spetses. A short morning crossing brings us to Spetses, with a long swim break in a scenic bay along the way. Before lunch on board, there's time to wander the old town on foot—the island takes its name from the Venetians, who called it "Isola della Spezie," the island of herbs. In the afternoon, the scent of wild herbs follows us along the almost car-free coastal road that circles the island, with sea views nearly the whole way and a longer stop for a swim and coffee at one of the beaches. We finish by exploring Spetses's old harbor by bike before heading back to the boat. Cycling: 25 km (15 mi) Accommodation: Aboard the yacht, in Spetses. Day 5: Hydra to the Methana Peninsula. After a two-hour morning crossing, we reach Hydra, an island where donkeys have been the only transport since ancient times. Wealthy from seafaring in the Middle Ages, it slipped into a century-long slumber after the Greek War of Independence, until the 1957 film Boy on a Dolphin, starring Sophia Loren, put it back on the map and turned it into an artists' haven. After exploring the harbor on foot, we sail on to the Methana peninsula, where the smell of sulphur and rust-colored rock give away its volcanic origin. Over 30 volcanoes, some still active, shape the land, and we close the day with a panoramic ride and a coffee stop in the fishing port of Vathy. Cycling: 17 km (10 mi) Accommodation: Aboard the yacht, in Methana. Day 6: Methana to the island of Aegina. After breakfast, we take another round trip on Methana, taking in more of its dramatic views. In the afternoon we sail to Aegina, known well beyond Greece for its pistachios. The old town is full of pistachio products and small boutiques worth a browse, or, if you'd rather stay on the bike, there's an optional ride along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika. Cycling: 25 km (16 mi), plus an optional 20 km (12 mi) Accommodation: Aboard the yacht, in Aegina town. Day 7: Aegina back to Athens or Salamina. Aegina is famous well beyond Greece for its pistachios, and today's ride takes us up to the hilltop sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia, a beautifully preserved temple with the rare distinction of overlooking the Aegean Sea on both sides. On the way back, we cycle through the island's center, passing the grand monastery of Saint Nektarios, before returning to Aegina town, where the boat is waiting. From there we sail back to Salamina, closing out the trip with a celebratory final evening on board. Cycling: 35 km (22 mi) Accommodation: Aboard the yacht, in Salamina harbor. Day 8: Salamina (disembarkation) — Thalassa. After breakfast on board in Salamina, it's time to disembark and head home—or extend the adventure with a few more days in Athens. Day 1: Athens (embarkation) — Erato. Make your own way to Marina Alimos, in the Athens suburb of Palaia Faliro, where the Erato is waiting. Check-in opens at 4 pm, so there's time to settle into your cabin before we all gather for dinner on board. Accommodation: Aboard the Erato, in Marina Alimos. Day 7: Aegina back to Athens or Salamina. Aegina is famous well beyond Greece for its pistachios, and today's ride takes us up to the hilltop sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia, a beautifully preserved temple with the rare distinction of overlooking the Aegean Sea on both sides. On the way back, we cycle through the island's center, passing the grand monastery of Saint Nektarios, before returning to Aegina town, where the boat is waiting. From there we sail back to Athens, closing out the trip with a celebratory final evening on board. Cycling: 35 km (22 mi) Accommodation: Aboard the yacht, in Marina Alimos. Day 8: Athens (disembarkation) — Erato. After breakfast on board in Marina Alimos, it's time to disembark and head home—or extend the adventure with a few more days in Athens. Life on board: Thalassa. A 38 x 7.6 m, three-mast motor yacht built in 2002, the Thalassa is one of the most majestic ships in the fleet—her tall masts make her impossible to miss in any harbor. Below deck, the 10 guest cabins are spacious and finished in warm wood, each with its own private shower and toilet. The saloon carries that same wood-clad, noble feel, while up top the vast deck has shaded seating, tables and chairs, and sunning mats for stretching out between islands. The crew cooks up local Greek specialties in the ship's own galley at every meal. Life on board: Erato. Named after the ancient muse of lyric poetry, the Bordeaux-red Erato is an elegant motor sailer built for comfort. The six guest cabins below deck are clad in fine wood, each with its own en-suite shower and toilet plus space to stow your luggage. Upstairs, the saloon has a warm, homely feel and a well-stocked bar, while the outdoor deck offers plenty of comfortable seating to relax under the sky between crossings. The crew—most of whom have spent their lives on the water—serve a traditional Greek menu at every meal. Life on board: Food. Named after the ancient muse of lyric poetry, the Bordeaux-red Erato is an elegant motor sailer built for comfort. The six guest cabins below deck are clad in fine wood, each with its own en-suite shower and toilet plus space to stow your luggage. Upstairs, the saloon has a warm, homely feel and a well-stocked bar, while the outdoor deck offers plenty of comfortable seating to relax under the sky between crossings. The crew—most of whom have spent their lives on the water—serve a traditional Greek menu at every meal. Things to know: What's included? Included: An English-speaking guide with knowledge of the Peloponnese and Saronic Gulf, 8-day e-bike and boat tour of the Peloponnese and Saronic Islands (6 days of cycling), Accommodation for 7 nights aboard the Thalassa or Erato in a twin cabin with a private shower and toilet, 2 full-board and 5 half-board days on board, Guided cycling tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary, Overview maps for each day's ride, Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites (group visits only), Bed linen and towels, SGR insolvency protection. Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy cabin, Rental e-bike with Ortlieb pannier, Liability protection for rental e-bikes, Group or private transfers between Athens airport (or a hotel in Athens) and the boat — leave a note at checkout if interested, Extension programs in Athens or Santorini, or additional nights in Athens — leave a note at checkout if interested, Special dietary requests (lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan) — 70 EUR, paid in person. Not included: Travel to Athens or Salamina, Tourist taxes & a basic drink package (water, tea, filter coffee) — 80 EUR per person, 40 EUR for children up to 16, to be paid on board in cash, Beverages on board (tally sheet, paid to the captain), Meals and drinks ashore, Entrance fees for sights not listed above, Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above, Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout, Guide and crew gratuities — optional. Things to know: How fit do I need to be? Good fitness is required for this e-bike and boat tour of the Peloponnese and Saronic Islands, along with confidence riding on varied surfaces—this is moderately challenging terrain, hilly with some longer climbs. The most you 'll ride in a day is 40 km (25 mi), with up to 350 m (1,150 ft) of elevation gain, though the e-bikes take the edge off every climb. Regular cyclists who are comfortable with descents and changing road surfaces will feel most at home; anyone renting an e-bike should already be confident handling one, since they're heavier and faster than a standard bike. Things to know: Can I rent a bike? Yes. Your guides offer e-bike rental for the week, which comes with a free Ortlieb pannier so you've got a dry, secure place for your camera, swim gear, and anything else you're carrying on the ride. The rental e-bike is a high-quality pedelec, mostly fitted with Bosch motors with extra battery range. It's lighter than you'd expect and makes the hillier stretches, like the climbs on Lefkas, feel a lot more manageable. Liability protection against theft or damage can be added for either option, and both need to be reserved in advance, since availability is limited. You can select it at checkout. Note that private bikes and e-bikes aren 't allowed on board for safety reasons, so renting is the way to go. A helmet is mandatory on every ride, and while rentals are available, they're limited, so bring your own if you can. Things to know: What do I need to bring? Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: A helmet (mandatory on every ride; bring your own if you can, since rental helmets are limited), Swimwear and a quick-dry towel, Sturdy shoes for shore excursions and cobbled old towns, Comfortable cycling clothes and spare layers, A light day pack for the Ortlieb pannier provided with your rental bike, Sunhat and sunglasses, Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.), Camera — optional (but recommended). Things to know: Group sizes and age requirements. Group sizes and pricing: The maximum number of people is set at 18 guests. Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy cabin for themselves is mandatory —you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout. It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest. Peloponnese bike and boat tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Peloponnese bike and boat tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. Children up to the age of 16 are eligible for a 200-euro discount (double occupancy), let us know at checkout if you’re booking for a child. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. Things to know: Is a single occupancy cabin available? The price for this Peloponnese bike and boat tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a cabin with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private cabin by paying a single occupancy fee. Things to know: Getting there and meeting location. This Peloponnese bike and boat tour has two possible embarkation points, depending on which yacht you're sailing on: Erato — departs from Marina Alimos, in the Athens suburb of Palaia Faliro. Thalassa — departs from the port of Salamina, on the island of Salamis, reachable by ferry from Piraeus. Most guests fly into Athens International Airport (ATH); from there, a taxi, shuttle, or arranged transfer will get you to either harbor. Check-in on board opens at 4 pm. Things to know: Safety measures and insurance. We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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. The price of the tour includes the 5 euro SGR Insolvency Protection. This is mandatory consumer contribution called the SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme. Things to know: Deposit and cancellation policy. Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking. If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued. If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued. If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued. Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period. 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Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included