Bike and Barge
Athens and the Gulf of Aegina

round tour from Athens

CODE GR019 / Greece
Activity Bike and Barge For families Travel with children and teenagers: boats with family cabins, discounts, easy stages and the possibility of hiring bikes and accessories for the little ones.
Tour type Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
Theme By the sea By the sea Coastal itinerary or travel programme that leaves room for relaxation by the sea.
Comfort Platinum

Departures Jul, Aug, Oct
Duration 8 days
Level
Itinerary round tour from Athens
Some meals included

from 2790€

8 days / 1 person +

To know

Highlights

A bike and boat vacation spanning 5,000 years of Greek history. Get ready for a leap in time: Venetians, Greeks, Romans, and more have left their traces in the Peloponnese. Discover medieval archaeological sites and be surprised by the uniqueness of the islands of the Saronic Gulf. Accompanied by orange groves, plantations, and the scent of aromatic herbs make a stop on the island of Hydra, where the only traffic you encounter is made up of...donkeys!

The sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia, on the island of Aegina
The volcanic peninsula of Methana
The scents of the islands among pomegranates, orange groves, pistachios and spices

What awaits you

A week-long boat ride with daily bike rides. The stages on the pedals take place in hilly or mountainous terrain and involve reaching an altitude between 200/500 m above sea level. Roads are generally paved and low traffic, except in the high season. Each day you can decide whether to ride independently, using the maps provided, follow one of the guides, or stay on board and relax.

Accommodation

Overnight accommodations are provided aboard a three-masted motor yacht-a veritable floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you aboard in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and designed down to the smallest detail to provide you with an unforgettable stay. The cuisine on board is varied, rich in Greek gastronomic specialties.

Itineraryview all

1. Arrive in Athens and board the sailing ship, in the port of Piraeus.

Individual arrival at Marina Zeas, which in ancient Greece was one of the largest ports in Piraeus. Embarkation is scheduled from 2:00 PM. The captain and crew welcome you to begin your adventure on the beautiful sailing ship, which will host you throughout the tour. more

Accommodation barge / Meals dinner

2. On the pedals to discover Poros, the island of Poseidon

Begin the day with a stretch of sailing to Poros, considered in antiquity to be the island of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Before reaching the harbor, you will have a chance to take a relaxing swim. Arriving in the island’s capital of the same name, get on your bike and pedal along the entire length of the island, toward Russian Bay, a bay with turquoise waters. End the day in the bustling port of Poros, where the clock tower soars.

Accommodation barge / Meals half board / Bike 23 km

3. Ferry to Peloponnese, then bike and sail to Porto Heli

After breakfast a small ferry takes you to the small town of Galatas, in the eastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. From here, start your bike ride along the coast and through the green Greek countryside reach the small seaside town of Ermioni, where the sailing ship awaits. Board the ship to reach Porto Heli during the afternoon. If the weather permits, it will be possible to enjoy a swim before docking at the port. Overnight stay in Porto Heli.

Accommodation barge / Meals half board / Bike 40 km / Transfer ferry 10 minutes

4. From Porto Heli to the island of Spetses

During the morning sail to Spetses and along the way enjoy a rejuvenating swim in a picturesque bay. Before lunch on board, you can explore the historic town center of Spetses. The Venetians originated the name of the island, calling it “island of spices.” Indeed, the aroma of these spices will accompany you during the afternoon ride, which takes you along scenic roads that follow the island’s coastline. Stop at one of the spectacular beaches in the area for a long swim or coffee break and then return by boat, moored at the old port of Spetses.

Accommodation barge / Meals half board / Bike 18 km

5. Hydra island and the Methana peninsula.

In the morning reach the Hydra island. Since ancient times, donkeys have always been the only means of transportation on this unique island, which experienced a heyday during the Middle Ages thanks to sea trade. After the Greek War of Independence, the island experienced a period of decline that lasted for hundreds of years. However, in 1957 it became the set of the film “The Boy on the Dolphin” starring Sophia Loren, which breathed new life into the island by attracting many artists. After exploring the port of Hydra, ride to the volcanic Methana Peninsula: it has more than 30 volcanoes, some of which are still active, as well as many hot springs. Late afternoon all riding for a scenic ride and coffee break at the picturesque harbor of Vathy. The overnight stay is in Methana.

Accommodation barge / Meals half board / Bike 17 km

6. The island of Aegina and its old town

After breakfast, cycle around the Methana peninsula before setting sail for the island of Aegina in the afternoon. Aegina is known for its excellent pistachios, which you can taste in the many products available for purchase in the typical stores in the center of the old town. You can stroll around the old town, or hop on your bike for a ride along the coast to Perdika, a picturesque fishing village. Overnight stay in the town of Aegina for the night.

Accommodation barge / Meals half board / Bike 25 km

7. Return to Athens

Today’s bike tour takes you to the shrine of the goddess Aphaia, whose beautifully preserved towers rise above the azure sea. Drive through the center of the island, passing the large monastery of St. Nektarios, and then reach the town of Aegina. Here the sailing ship is waiting to… more

Accommodation barge / Meals half board / Bike 35 km

8. Athens: disembarkation at Piraeus and end of tour

After breakfast, disembarkation is planned. If you have some time left before saying goodbye to Athens, take the opportunity to visit the wonderful Acropolis. more

After breakfast, disembarkation is planned. If you have some time left before saying goodbye to Athens, take the opportunity to visit the wonderful Acropolis.

Meals breakfast

Comfort Platinum

Barge Erato

bathroom and shower en suite
A/C in the whole barge
1 sundeck
17 guests, 6 cabins

Departures Platinum 2024

Departures on Friday
Jul, Aug, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures

from 2990 €

8 days / 1 person

Comfort Platinum

Barge Thalassa

comfort Platinum
bathroom and shower en suite
A/C in the whole barge
1 sundeck
18 guests, 9 cabins

Departures Platinum 2024

Departures on Friday
Jul, Aug, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures

from 2790 €

8 days / 1 person

What's includedview all

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation
Sheets and towels

Meals

7 breakfasts
2 days full board, 5 days half board (drinks excluded)

If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).

Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.

Tour leader

English speaking tour leader within an international group

The tour leader leads the way along the route, coordinates the participants and knows how to intervene in case of unforeseen events.
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.

Tour information

Before departure you will receive by email:

the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)

Assistance

We plan your trip carefully, but if you need assistance you can count on the tour leader.

In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.

Cancellation policy

In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.

In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more

Withdrawal penalties

20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
100% no-show

Round trip

Round trip not included.

To pay on the spot

Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
Drinks on board
Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.

Rental bikes and accessories

You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.

The helmet is mandatory, we recommend bringing your own.

Additional excluded services

Accommodation in single cabin/room
Transfer
It is possible to book a transfer from Athens (airport or hotel) to the embarkation point and vice versa (available on embarkation and disembarkation days only)
Bike insurance
It is possible to add an insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike (negligence damage excluded): € 10 touring bike, € 20 electric bike
Everything not mentioned in the section “included”

Bikes and accessories

The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.

Unisex touring bike

28” wheel
21/24 speed
anti-puncture tires
comfort gel saddle
the only one compatible with child accessories (where available)

Unisex E-bike

28” wheel
9 speed
anti-puncture tires
comfort gel saddle

Side bag

waterproof
to be attached to the roof rack
Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage

Practical information

Route profile

Level: medium
Total length: 185 km
Maximum altitude: 500 m
Terrain: paved and low traffic roads

Embarkation

Embarkation is scheduled from 2 PM at Marina Zeas, Piraeus port in Athens. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.

How to get there

Athens is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.

Before departure we will send you the exact boarding point.

The barge Thalassa is moored in Marina Zeas the port of Zea Marina in Piraeus, the barge Erato in Alimos Marina.

By plane

The closest airport is Athens International Airport (ATH):

From Athens airport (ATH):

train Trainose until Piraeus and then walk to Zea Marina port

For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.

By train

For information on timetables and prices you can consult Hellenic Trains official website.

Documents

If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.

Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.

If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:

valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
which was issued within the previous 10 years
and possibly a visa

You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.

Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.

For further information visit Your Europe official website.

Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.

Language and time zone

The official language is Greek. English is not spoken in all businesses and public offices.

Internet, telephone, electricity

Internet and telephone

With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.

The international phone prefix for Italy is +30.

Emergency numbers

112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.

100 – Police Help Number

199 – Fire Department

166 – Medical Emergencies

1434 – Hospitals and duty pharmacies

Electricity

The Greek electrical net is 220 volts – 50 Hz. F-type power sockets.

Type C, D, E, and H sockets are found in older installations.

We recommend to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.

Currency

The currency in Greece is the euro (€).

Equipment and clothing

Luggage

Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)

Personal equipment

a reusable water bottle
a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
a power bank
basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
sun glasses for eye protection
protective sun lotion
insect repellent

Clothes

padded cycling shorts
comfortable shoes with stiff soles
light weight waterproof/windproof tops
leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
swimsuit
clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches

Sustainable traveler

Per viaggiare nel rispetto dell’ambiente, dei luoghi e delle persone che ci accolgono:

informati sugli usi e i costumi del Paese che stai visitando
fai attenzione ai gesti, che possono assumere significati diversi o offensivi
chiedi sempre prima di fotografare le persone
nei luoghi di culto indossa un abbigliamento adeguato
non lasciare traccia del tuo passaggio, non abbandonare rifiuti
non raccogliere “souvenir” da ambienti naturali protetti e siti archeologici
cerca sempre di seguire i sentieri, non disturbare gli animali e non danneggiare le piante
non sprecare acqua ed energia, risorse preziose per tutto il pianeta
rispetta le regole stabilite dai proprietari delle strutture ricettive

3 Reviews

This holiday was a dream come true for me. I could not have asked for a better crew to guide me – Kostas and Catherina were friendly, capable, knowledgable, thorough, and made… more

This holiday was a dream come true for me. I could not have asked for a better crew to guide me – Kostas and Catherina were friendly, capable, knowledgable, thorough, and made all the incredibly hard work they did on our behalf seem easy. They handled unexpected challenges and “emergency” situations with grace and aplomb, making it seem as though these were commonplace events and nothing to stress over. Achilleas, Stavros and Photis were friendly, effective, and pleasant all the time. I feel like I left friends behind when I disembarked.

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