Difficulty Rating : 7 Start: Athens / Piraeus (Marina Zeas) Finish: Athens / Piraeus (Marina Zeas) Terrain: Terrain: Cycling through hilly or mountainous areas. Some uphill stretches; roads are mostly asphalted Daily Average: 31km Weekly Average: 160km Tour Type: Bike and Boat,Group Teaser: A chance to see the Greek Islands via bike & boat.  
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A chance to see the Greek Islands via bike & boat.   The Cyclades, which comprise more than 30 islands, was the cradle of the first European civilised society 5,000 years ago.  A vista of gleaming white cubic houses with blue shutters and labyrinth lanes give the typical architectonic flavour to the island towns.

The most rugged coastlines show impressive geological formations, turquoise-blue sea and fantastic sand beaches. With stops to Syros (the Capital of the Cyclades), Kythnos (known for its cheese and honey), Kea (with its perfectly white beaches) and Siphanos (known for its ceramic artwork) you will have so many experiences on this one trip. The fascinating mixture between antiquity and modern times is easily explored on your motorised sailing ship or the bike with the beauty of the central archipelago of the Greek Aegean.

Your accommodation for the week is the Ship "Thalassa",  a three-masted motor yacht.  All cabins are air-conditioned and have a double bed with a private shower room. There is a room for all guests in the spacious saloon to have meals.   In good weather, you can have meals outside on the shaded deck.  The spacious sun deck,  equipped with cosy mats, is a perfect spot to sunbathe & relax. We now also offer this tour with the deluxe motor yacht "Erato".

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Itineraries

Day 1

Boarding in Piraeus (Marina Zeas)

Individual arrival to Athens airport and to Marina Zeas, the yacht harbour of Piraeus (ship Thalassa), only 25 km (15 mi.) from Athens airport. Or Marina Alimos/Palaia Faliro for ship Erato. Check-in from 2 p.m. on the ship. Dinner on board. Overnight stay in Athens.

Day 2

Kythnos Island (25 km)

Early in the morning, the boat takes you to Kythnos Island, which has been famous for its cheese and honey since ancient times. The first cycling tour starts in the harbour of Merichas and leads us to the capital Chora, offering 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 today’s cycle tour leads us to Driopida, a picturesque village. Afterwards, we return to Merichas, where we can spend the evening in one of the cosy tavernas.

Day 3

Seriphos Island (30 km)

In the morning we sail 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, we cycle along a serpentine road to the main town of Seriphos, whose cube form houses nestle along a mountain ridge high above the sea. We will continue on through untouched landscape to the Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. We will return to Livadi along a panoramic road on the East coast. In the afternoon we sail to Siphnos, where we can relax at the beautiful beach. Overnight stay in Kamares on the island of Siphnos

Day 4

Siphnos Island (18 km)

The island of Siphnos, which is famous for its ceramic artwork, is only inhabited away from the coast, as its coast drops mainly steeply into the sea. The cycling tour begins in the harbour of Kamares. The route leads through a green, hilly terraced landscape to the central highlands and the island’s capital Kastro, which is a defensive settlement built on a steep cliff face and has been a listed and protected town since 1975. In the afternoon we enjoy a longer cruise to Kea. Along the way we throw anchor for a refreshing swim stop. Overnight in Kea.

Day 5

Kea Island (25 km)

Our starting point for exploring the northwestern-most inhabited Cyclades Island is the beautiful natural harbour of Korissia. From here we cycle uphill to the capital of the island, Ioulis, before continuing on to the white sand beach, Otzias, where we can take a refreshing swim stop. Afterwards, we return by bike to Korissia. In the afternoon we take a boat crossing to Poros in the Saronic Gulf. The harbour 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.

Day 6

Poros Island (23 km)

We start with a bike tour from Poros City to the Zoodochos Pigis monastery from the 18th century. Afterwards, we cycle almost once around the island which once Poseidon himself possessed. Shortly before the end of the tour, we arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue water which we cannot resist but swim in. Back in Poros City, the boat waits on us with a delicious midday meal during the cruise to Aegina.

Day 7

Aegina Island (35 km)

The Island of Aegina is known far beyond the Greek borders for its incredible pistachio nuts! Today’s cycle takes us up to the Sanctuary of Aphaia. The incredibly well-preserved temple towers high above the blue of the sea in the single point of Aegina where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On our way back we cycle across the middle of the island past the monastery of Nektarios all the way to Aegina City where we board the boat for our last cruise back to Athens. We enjoy the last evening meal on board together in the company of friends, guides and crew and reflect on the wonderful experiences of the week.

  • 8 day trip on a motorized yacht with crew
  • 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
  • 5 x half board and 2 x full board on the ship
  • Bottled water on board and during all activities ashore
  • Guided cycling tours and sightseeing as described in itinerary
  • Bed linen & Towels (shower and hand towel)
  • Overview maps of the daily tours (on board)
  • English speaking guide
  • Entries fees to museums and archeological sites (group visits only)

Bike rental is not included in our 2024 tour price. This is an additional:
€85   Hybrid Bike
€205 Electric Bike

Also, not included:

  • Journey to Athens
  • Beverages on Board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
  • Meals and beverages ashore
  • Entrance fees or sights not included in the tour price
  • Beach towel for ashore use (if needed)
  • Tips for tour guides and crew
  • Bike insurance (€10 hybrid bike / €20 e-bike)

On this tour, you will be staying on a boat for the full duration of the trip. There is a crew consisting of the captain, cabin crew, the cook and tour guides who will make sure everything on the tour goes smoothly Every morning after breakfast, your guide will go through the route with the group.

On each tour there are 2 tour guides on the boat.

Normally the group cycles together but this doesn’t mean that the group will always be one after the other with no space in between. Often the group stretches long and everyone can cycle in his/her own pace.

If a guest really wants to cycle individually he/she has to be very punctual and has to have some skills in repairing a bike, since the tour guides will always be with the group.

Bike rental is not included in the tour price.
Hybrid bike rental is €85:
• Frames - Our bicycles are available in four different frame sizes; 2 ladies (for up to 160cms (5 ft. 3 in.),
and above that) and 2 men's (up to 6 ft., and above) to cater for all body heights.
• Wheels - Very stable 28 inch hollow chamber rims with Continental Top Touring tyre (easy turning and
solid).
• Gear change - 21-gear derailleur, Alivio
• Further Equipment - Shimano V-brakes with strong "bite", partly inclination-adjustable stern, carrier,
very stable chainstays stand (HEBIE), comfortable touring saddle of Selle Royal, safety mudguards with
releasing mechanism.
• Please Note: You can bring your own saddle (without the post) or your own click pedals, and the tour
guide will attach them to your rental bicycle.

E-Bikes
Its also possible to hire an e-bike for a supplement of €205.

Helmet use is mandatory on all bike tours in Croatia. You are strongly encourages to bring your own (well fitted) helmet. Rental Helmets are available on board in limited number (reservation requested).

On a scale from 1 - 10 (1 being the easiest and 10 being the hardest) we are giving this tour 7 points

Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous cycling tour experience are able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1,30 m (4.3 ft). For e-bike rental minimum heights is 1.50 m (5 ft).

The bike route has a lenght of 15 to 35 km / 10 to 22 mi. and leads through hilly or mountainous area. Some uphill stretches are included. The roads are mostly asphalted. Your tour guide informs you each day about the tour details. This tour is primarily a guided group tour. Upon consultation with your tour guides, the possibility to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes, may present itself.
You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat instead of taking a planned cycle tour.

The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day (2 x full board and 5 x half board). The catering starts with dinner on the arrival day and ends with breakfast on the departure day.

Specialised cycle clothing may be handy but not strictly necessary. What you do need (among other things) is the
following:
• shorts/ long trousers/ track suit/ leggings
• shirts/ sweater/ rain clothing
• good shoes plus shoes for use on deck only
• sunglasses/ cap/ swimming costume
• extra towel for swimming
• soap/ insect repellent
• own helmet

Delux ship Thalassa

The Thalassa is a three-mast motor yacht built like traditional Turkish gullet. A ship with the best equipment, which combines pure elegance with greatest comfort. With its towering masts, this proud ship is a real eye-catcher in any harbour. The saloon and guest cabins are spacious. The expansive ship's deck provides an array of comfortable seating arrangements. A perfect setting in which to enjoy the cruise, read a book or simply to regenerate in,  whilst the sea breeze soothes the senses. At mealtimes the guests are pampered with a generous variety of authentic dishes, created masterfully in the onboard galley, bringing an insight into the diversity of the Greek kitchen to the table. 

Delux ship Thalassa image 1Delux ship Thalassa image 1

GREEK CYCLADE ISLANDS 2024

€2790 per person sharing (all season)

€1200 for single cabin occupancy
( you can also request a half cabin to share to )

Self Guided Tour Information

This tour is not available on a self guided basis

How to get to the start point in Piraeus:

Fly to Athens airport.
Piraeus, your port of embarkation is only 25 km away from Athens Airport (named El. Venizelos Airport). You will find the boat in Marina Zeas, the yacht harbour of Piraeus.
We can arrange a transfer from Athens Airport to the  port at a cost of €35 per person one way
A transfer from the city of Athens to the port is €20 per person one way

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

The Greek trip was, in a word, fantastic. The leaders, the crew, the cycles, the tours and meals were all the best. This was really a memorable trip. 

John M. (Cyclade Islands 2014)

We had a marvellous time. The crew of the ship couldn't have been nicer, the food was extraordinary and our guides (Ellen and Lars) were terrific. All was fine

Linda Standifer (Cyclade Islands Tour 2014)

A great adventure made even better by the people we had as our hosts. Good job all the way around the perfect wedding of outstanding employees with one of the most beautiful parts of our world.

James R. (Cyclade Islands 2015)

We had 17 people in our group and everyone said it was the "best trip of their lifetime".  You cannot get any better than that. The boat was fantastic, the food the greatest, the bikes were great, especially the e-bikes, The crew was outstanding and our two guides were the best.

Chuck Murphy (Cyclade Islands 2015)

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.