-
Greece
Cyclades and The Saronic Gulf 2024
partner journey
Informationen
-
Description
On the archipelago of the Cyclades, which includes more than thirty islands, Greece is presented in its most natural state: Shiny white cube-shaped houses with blue window shutters, rugged coastlines with impressive formations, a turquoise blue sea and unique sandy beaches. Experience the green side of Greece on the Saronic Islands between the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula.
This boat & bike trip is operated by a partner company.
Route description:
The cycling stages require the participants to have a certain level of fitness, which one should have acquired by regular cycling. The daily stages with distances of 23 up to 35 km with 400-700 metres in height per day lead partly through hilly terrain, and can be managed well with an E-bike. There are also longer ascents on the route, but these can also be overcome by pushing one’s bike. The roads are mostly asphalted. It is obligatory to wear a helmet during the cycling tours. Please bring your own well-fitting helmet with you. A limited number of rental helmets are available (reservation is necessary). (170 km)
The Cyclades are fairly susceptible to wind, which usually merely results in slight modifications of the tour course. In the case of very unfavourable wind conditions however, there can be significant deviations to the planned tour course. Our alternative tour will then lead you into the Saronic Gulf for the whole week, one of the most historic regions in Greece: You will be travelling between the Greek motherland and the Peloponnese peninsula, and will discover not only the Poros and Aegina islands, but also Hydra, Spetses, the Methana peninsula and several coastal sections of the Peloponnese peninsula. One of the highlights of this journey is a visit to ancient Epidauros, with the most well-preserved theatre in Greece.This trip is only done by e-bikes. Number of participants min. 14, max. 18 guests
-
Program
DAY 1: FRIDAY Piraeus/Athens (Ship embarkation)
The Marina Zeas marina is located just 14 kilometres from the city centre of Athens. From 2pm, it is possible to check in to our cabin on the deluxe ship Thalassa. There will be enough time to explore Piraeus on one’s own. After three millenniums, Piraeus has developed into one of the largest cargo and passenger harbours in the world. After a tour meeting on the ship, we will enjoy our first dinner on board, our ship will remain in the Piraeus harbour for the night.
DAY 2: SATURDAY Kythnos Island (25 km)
A longer crossing will bring us to Kythnos, which had already been known during ancient times for its excellent cheese and honey. During the first cycling tour, which begins in the harbour in Merichas and first leads to the main town Chora, one can enjoy spectacular views of the indented coastline time and again. Chora is a charming village located on a high plateau, and whose crooked alleys and paths are adorned with painted flowers and geometric ornaments. Our round tour then leads to Driopida, a picturesque town inland, and then back to Merichas, where we will have a swim and can then end the evening in one of the pleasant taverns.
DAY 3: SUNDAY Seriphos Island (28 km) – Syros Island
In the morning, our ship will bring us to Seriphos, a small island situated away from tourism and with deep valleys, numerous inlets and several stunning sandy beaches. From the harbour town Livadi, we will cycle on a serpentine road to the main town Seriphos, whose cube-shaped houses climb up the mountain ridge high above the sea. Travelling through untouched regions, we will reach the monastery of the Archangel Michael, which dates back to the Byzantine period. We will then travel on a panoramic road leading along the east coast back to Livadi and will cross over to the neighbouring island Syros, where we can take a stroll through the enchanting old town alleys and can enjoy the evening on the vast harbour promenade in one of the numerous cafés.
DAY 4: MONDAY Syros Island (34 km)
The town of Ermoupolis on Syros is the capital of the Cyclades, and provides an unforgettable view upon one’s arrival. The town, which is constructed on two hills, clearly differs from the other Cycladic towns, with its distinctive urban character. Pastel-coloured houses with multiple Classicist facades characterise the townscape. We will then cycle along the indented coastline through the entire southern area of the island, and finally past the Saint Barbara monastery back to Ermoupolis. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Kea.
DAY 4: TUESDAY Kea Island (25 km)
The starting point for exploring the most north-western inhabited Cycladic Island is the splendid natural harbour Korissia. Our cycling tour leads from here, firstly to the picturesque main town Ioulis, located in the mountains, and then further to the white beach of Otzias, where the Mediterranean invites one for a refreshing swim. We will then travel back to Korissia. In the afternoon, we will cross over to Poros in the Saronic Gulf. We can end our eventful day in typical Greek atmosphere in the enchanting harbour of the town Poros, whose landmark is a clock tower, which towers over all the other buildings.
DAY 6: WEDNESDAY Poros Island (23 km)
On today’s cycling tour, we will travel almost completely around the Poros Island, which was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon in ancient times. Shortly before the end of our tour, we will reach the Russian Bay, whose sandy beach with its turquoise blue waters invites one for a refreshing swim. Back in the town of Poros, our ship awaits us with a delicious lunch on board and the journey continues to Aegina.
DAY 7: THURSDAY Aegina Island (35 km)
The Aegina Island is famous beyond Greek borders for its excellent pistachio nuts. Today’s cycling tour leads us up to the shrine of the goddess Aphaia. This wonderfully kept temple sits enthroned high above the blue sea, at the only place on the Aegina Island, from where one can see the Aegean Sea from both sides. On our return journey, we will cycle through the centre of the island past the large monastery of Saint Nectarios to the town of Aegina, where our ship awaits us, for the last crossing to Piraeus. We will end our eventful Greek trip over a relaxing and enjoyable evening on board.
DAY 8: FRIDAY Piraeus/Athens (ship disembarkation)
After breakfast, ship disembarkation takes place, which is followed by your individual homeward journey or the extension of your holiday in Athens.
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS
We will be happy to assist you with the booking of additional nights.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY?
- 4-day additional programme (3 nights) Santorini
- 4-day additional programme (3 nights) Mykonos
- 3-day additional programme (2 nights) Athens
We are happy to send you further information on request.
-
[[ReisedisplayReiseverlaengerungHeadline]]
-
Details
Included services
- 8-day ship ride on the Thalassa with crew
- 7 overnight stays in a double cabin below deck with shower/WC
- 2x full-board and 5x half-board on board
- Bottled mineral water on board as well as with all activities on land
- Guided cycling tours and tours according to programme
- Maps of the individual cycling stages on board
- Admission to museums visited together and archaeological sites
- Bed linen and hand towels
- German- and English-speaking travel guides
Services not included
- Meals and beverages on land
- Beverages on board (tally sheet from the captain)
- Admission for sights visited individually
- Beach towel (when required) – please bring your own with you
- Gratuities for the crew and travel guides
Additional bookable services
- Double cabin for single usage: € 1.200,00 surcharge (limited)
- Rental bikes with an Ortlieb saddle bag E-bike: € 225/week
- Insurance against theft of and damage to the rental bike: € 25/week (grossly negligent damage is not insured)
- Joint transfers (only available on days of embarkation and disembarkation, duration approx. 1 hour) between the Athens airport and the ship or between a hotel in Athens and the ship (price on request)
-
[[ReisedisplayAnreiseHeadline]]
Destination Airport: Athens
In order for you to participate completely in the travel programme, your outbound flight will have to land by the latest 4pm. We recommend planning your return flight from noon onwards.
Before booking your flight yourself, please make sure that the necessary number of participants has been attained. It is not possible for Rotalis to refund the costs of the flight when the journey has been cancelled due to the minimum number of participants not being attained (see Terms and conditions §9).
• Please refer to the German or Austrian railway website for train timetables for the whole of Europe.
• Arrival/departure costs are not included in the travel price, unless explicitly designated.
• Any further useful information regarding problem-free arrival/departure can be found in the Rotalis travel information, which you will receive with the confirmation of participation.
-
[[ReisedisplayHotelHeadline]]
The Thalassa is a three-mast motor sailer, which combines pure elegance with the greatest of comfort. This proud ship with its imposing masts is a sight to see in every harbour. The salon and the guest cabins are spacious and modern. The guest cabins are all located below deck, due to the design of the Turkish gulets, and are 9 – 12 m2 large. The ship has 9 cabins. There are numerous comfortable sitting and sunbathing areas on the expansive decks, where one can relax during the crossovers, read a book or simply enjoy the sea air. The ship crew treats its guests with deliciously prepared delicacies of the remarkably diverse Greek cuisine.
-
Travelstories
-
[[VideosHeadline]]