girolibero Cycling holidays
Guided Bike and Barge
Web code GR001
Greece / Cyclades and Saronic Islands
In the heart of Aegean sea
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Day by Day
1. Piraeus (Marina Zeas)
Individually arranged arrival 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 Kythnos (25 km)
Early in the morning sail to the Island of Kythnos, which was famous in ancient times for its cheese and honey production. The first cycling leg, which starts from the harbour of Merichas and will lead you to the capital Chora and it offers lots of scenic views to the coastline. Chora is an appealing village, situated on a high plateau. Its angular alleys are decorated with painted flowers and geometric patterns. From there you will cycle on to Driopida, a picturesque village.Return to Merichas for the evening enjoying one of the typical taverns.3. Island Kythnos - Island Seriphos (30 km)
The morning starts sailing to Seriphos, a small island far from the tourist track, with deep valleys, countless bays and coves and lots of beautiful sandy beaches. From the harbour town of Livadi you will cycle along a serpentine road to the main town of Seriphos, whose square houses are nestled along a mountain ridge high above the sea. Continue on through untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. Cycle back to Livadi along a panoramic road on the East coast. In the afternoon the boat will bring you to Siphnos, where you can relax on the beautiful beach. Overnight stay in Kamares on the island of Siphnos.4. Island Siphnos - Island Kea (35 km)
The town of Ermoupolis on Syros is the capital town of the Cyclades and offers an unforgettable view upon arrival: the town which is built on two hills is different from the other Cycladic towns. Pastel coloured houses, many of which have classical facades dominant the townscape. We cycle along the coast of Syros, which is full of bays and coves along the entire southern half of the island, to the beautiful beach of Galissas and then past the convent of Saint Barbara back to Ermoupolis. In the afternoon we continue by boat to the island of Kea.5. Island Kea - Island Poros (25 km)
Our starting point for exploring the northwestern most inhabited Cyclade island is the beutiful natural harbor of Korissia. From here you will cycle uphill to the capital of the island, Loulis before continuing on to the white sand beach, Otzias where you can take a refreshing swim break. After returning to Korissia in the afternoon, you will sail to Poros in the Saronic Gulf. The harbor city of Poros is truly spectacular, its iconic clock tower juts out above the rest of the town, and provides a true Greek island atmosphere for a relaxing evening.
6. Island Poros - Island Aegina (25 km)
Today starts with a special destination: Poros City to the 18th century Zoodochos Pigis monastery. Afterwards you will almost completely cicrcle around the island which used to belong to the God Poseidon himself. Shortly before the end of the tour you will arrive Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue water where you won’t resist swimming into. Back in Poros City the boat awaits with a delicious midday meal during the cruise to Ägina.7. Ägina Island - Piraeus port (35 km)
The Island of Ägina is known far beyond the Greek borders for its incredible pistachios! Today’s bike tour leads you up to the Sanctuary of Aphaia. The incredibly well preserved temple towers high above the blue sea from the ponty cliff of Ägina where the Aegean Sea can be seen from either side. On the way back you will cycle across the middle of the island past the monastery of Nektarios all the way to the town of Ägina where you will board the boat for your last cruise back to the Piraeus. Enjoy a last evening meal on board in the company of friends, guides and crew. The tour is nearly over.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.
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Route profile
This a hilly bike tour because you will be cycling up and down the hills, which anyhow are not very steep: 200 to 500 m at the most.
Because you will be riding mostly by the seaside it can sometimes get quite windy. Keep in mind that you can complete your daily tour in your own time and there’s no rush. -
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 21/24 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.
