Three excellent Cycle & Sail cycling holidays in the Aegean Sea, exploring the coastline and islands of this ancient and historic country.

TOURS

BIKE & SAIL THE CYCLADES                                                        

BIKE & SAIL THE SOUTHERN AEGEAN

BIKE & SAIL THE IONIAN ISLANDS AND THE GULF OF CORINTH

BIKE & SAIL THE IONIAN ISLANDS

Bike & Sail the Cyclades

8 day Escorted Tour

The Cyclades, which comprise more than 30 islands, were the cradle of the first European civilised society 5,000 years ago. It is also here that Greece shows all its variety: Gleaming white cubic houses with blue shutters and labyrinth lanes give the typical architectural flavour to the island towns. The mostly ragged coastlines show impressive geological formations, turquoise-blue sea and fantastic sandy beaches. Experience the fascinating mixture between antiquity and modern times on the MS Panagiota or your bike, as you imbibe the beauty of the Greek Aegean.

Day 7:   Kea  (approx. 20 km)

In the morning the ship will bring you to Kea. The starting point for the tour of Kea, the most westerly inhabited Cyclade island, is the wonderful natural harbour of Korissia. From here you will begin your cycle tour to the white beach of Otzias, where the Mediterranean will tempt you to a refreshing swim. The next stop is the picturesque main town of Ioulis which is situated in the mountains and has the main attraction on the island: The smiling lion of Kea which was chiseled from stone in the 6th Century B.C. At the end of the day we sail to Athens for our overnight stay in Piraeus.

Day 8:   Departure (Piraeus)

We have breakfast and unload. Individual departure follows, or you can extend your holiday in Greece.

RATING: Moderate to Hilly

The daily routes of 20 to 60 km cover partly hilly and mountainous terrain. You can expect some steep ascents. Most roads are asphalted. You can rest for a day or half a day on the ship at any time.

Your Motor Sailer

The PANAGIOTA, our newest ship in Greece, is an affectionately restored two masted motor yacht, which is 23 ft. wide and 102 ft. long. It was built in 1990 and modernized in 2001 in conformity with the requirements of cruises.

6 cabins below deck and 4 cabins above deck are at the guests’ disposal. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a French bed (4,6 ft. wide) , one single bed and private shower and toilet.

There is room for all guests in the spacious saloon to have the meals, to regenerate or to spend some time with new friends. When the weather conditions are fine the guests can have their meals outside on the shaded rear deck.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest airport is Athens, just 30km from the port of Lavrio. We suggest a taxi ride to the port, at an approx. cost of Euro 35.00.

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Schedule & Price    

Bike & Sail the Southern Aegean

8 day Escorted Tour

Pedal on two wheels and sailing on a comfortable motor sailing yacht for a week in the marvellous Dodecanese Islands of the southern Aegean Sea – that sounds like a fantastic opportunity to relax, get a fine tan and yet acquire some fitness and culture. Enjoy the variety of the islands e.g. pulsating and yet tranquil Rhodes, the high volcano crater of Nissiros, or the barren yet charming island Symi.

Your tour guide gets you to the most idyllic and interesting spots in these idylic islands. Travel back into long lost times and get a close view of the history laden past of this part of the Aegean Sea. Rock-throwing Poseidon, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Knights of St. John order, or the famous sponge-divers of Symi: they all left there traces, tales and monuments.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marmaris
Individual arrival in Marmaris, Turkey. Embarkation starts at 2 pm. Individual arrival from the Turkish airports of Izmir or Dalaman. Transfer to the harbour with the handing over of the cabins from 2 pm. First dinner on board. The final participants arrive on board in the late evening.

Day 2: Rhodes - Rhodes City ( approx. 10 km)
After breakfast crossover to the city of Rhodes, which lasts approx. 4 hours. After arrival the bikes will be adjusted for you and you will undertake an exciting voyage of discovery with your tour guide through the 2400-year-old island’s history. The deer and the hind at the entrance of the port of Mandraki is an ecellent time to use your camera. One still wonders whether or not the famous Colossus of Rhodes has ever stood here. From here the tour continues to the ancient part of the hill of Monte Smith with its huge stadium and the sanctuary of Apollo. Subsequently you will traverse the crusade town with its imposing walls and fortress.

Day 3: Rhodes ( approx. 65 km)
Today you will mainly cycle along quiet side streets along the coast towards the village of Lindos. Along the way you will stop off in a tavern where you can enjoy a typically Greek meal. Lindos is one of the most beautiful villages of entire Greece. After a very last ascent you will have an unforgettable view on the ship that waits for you in the small bay as well as on the idyllic town with its white cubic houses and its narrow alleys which is dominated by the walls of a medieval fortress of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and the remains of the ancient acropolis. Overnight stay in Lindos.

   
Day 4: Rhodes - Lindos- Plimiri (approx. 35km)
Today's cycle tour takes you to Nikia, a town 430 metres above the sea, which is built directly on the edge of the crater and has a wonderful view over the volcano. You will be spellbound by the white houses and the numerous pebble mosaics and you must not miss the chance to enjoy a Greek coffee in the village square. From here you will cycle on to the volcanic crater with its steaming sulphur springs and then finally back to the small harbour town of Mandraki. In the evening you cross to Tilos, where you will stay overnight.

  
Day 5: Nissiros ( approx 40 km)
Early in the morning the ship will bring you to the volcanic island of Nissiros. Today’s cycle tour takes you to Nikia, a town which is built directly on the edge of the crater and has a wonderful view over the volcano. You will be spellbound by the white houses and the numerous pebble mosaics and you mustn’t miss the chance to enjoy a Greek coffee in the village square. From here you will cycle on to the volcanic crater with its steaming sulphur springs and then finally back to the small harbor town of Mandraki, whose charm has attracted visitors for centuries. In the afternoon you cross over to the island of Symi, where the Bahriyeli anchors in the bay of the Byzantine monastery Panormitis, which is dedicated to Michael the arch angle.

Day 6: Symi  ( approx. 25 km)
After breakfast you will set out on your bike to cross over the island. The destination for the cycling tour is Symi town. Along the way you will be constantly surprised with new and wonderful views. Shortly before you begin the descent to the town you will enjoy a picnic high above the deep blue bay. The main town of the island reaches deep into the mountains with its classical buildings, which are remnants of the former riches of the sponge divers on the island.

In the evening your guide will accompany you up the almost 500 steps to the highest point of the town. From here you will have a breathtaking view of the harbor and the deep bay. 

Day 7: Symi and Marmaris  ( approx. 10 km)

In the morning the last short cycle tour leads you to an idyllic bay where you have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in a quiet cove. The crossing from Symi to Marmaris in the afternoon takes approx. 5 hours. After the last dinner on board you say goodbye to your tour guides and the crew of the Bahriyeli.

Day 8: Marmaris
Individual departure this morning or extend your stay in Turkey.

Subject to weather and sea conditions route changes might occur!

RATING: Moderate to Hilly

Hilly terrain, mostly asphalt roads with some steeper grades. A good level of fitness is required.

Airport / Transfers

The nearest large airport is Dalaman, located approx. one and a half an hours from Marmaris. A second option is Izmir, approx. three hours away.

We will arrange a transfer for you free of charge from either airport as long as they are on days of embarkation and disembarkation.

Your Motor Sailer

"BAHRIYELI“ The name Bahriyeli on the Turkish south coast is a synonym for the highest comfort and best materials. The three masts reach into the sky and her lean body lies calmly in the waves. The boats are equipped with 8 – 12 spacious cabins, all with individual heating/air conditioning and en suite shower bath/toilet. The stylish salon invites to have meals or rest and on the sundeck you may relax and or sunbath. The crew has been working together for a long time and is dedicated to making your stay on board as pleasant as possible.

For more details - CLICK HERE

Schedule & Price  

Bike and Sail the Ionian Islands and the Gulf of Corinth

8 day Escorted Tour

This special tour combines the fascinating islands of the Ionian Sea with the Greek mainland. For one week, travelling by bike and on the two-masted motor sailer Panagiota, you experience first-hand the cultural and scenic diversity of Greece. Famous sites such as Delphi, where the ancient Greeks once consulted the oracle, or Aegina, where the white temple of Aphaia gleams high above the sea, are some of the highlights of the tour. The passage through the Corinth Canal, an artifical seaway connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean, will surely become an unforgettable memory.

In the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, you see Greece at its greenest. An unspoiled landscape and centuries of Venetian influence characterize this still fairly unknown group of islands. The crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea glittering in all shades of blue, the small island of Paxos densely covered in olive groves, the mountainous landscape of Cephalonia, the bird-sanctuary island of Lefkas as well as enchanting Ithaca – alleged home of legendary Odysseus – all guarantee a wonderfully relaxing vacation.

RATING: Moderate to Hilly

The bike routes have a length of 20 to 50 km and lead through hilly or mountainous areas, so this tour requires a good level of fitness. Mostly asphalt roads with some steeper grades where you may wish to walk. There are no time constraints so you may cycle at your own pace. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 1:   Athens (Piraeus) - embarkation

Individual journey to Athens airport and collective transfer to Marina Zeas, the yacht harbour of Piraeus close to Athens, only 25 km (15 mi.) from Athens airport.

Check-in from 2 p.m. on the Panagiota. Dinner on board. Overnight stay in Piraeus.

Day 2:   Piraeus - Aegina Island - Corinth Canal (biking distance ca. 30 km)

Here we go! First a morning crossing to Aegina, the famous pistachio island. Here our first cycle tour takes us to the excellently preserved temple of Aphaia. Then follows the crossing to Corinth and we sail on the Panagiota through the Isthmus of Corinth, which was completed in 1893. Julius Caesar had already plans for its construction! This 6.3 km long but only 24 m wide and 8 m deep canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth and saves travellers sailing from Athens and Corinth the 400 km long trip around the whole Peloponnese. Overnight stay in Corinth.

Day 3     Corinth - Delphi - Nafpaktos - Island Cephalonia

The Panagiota takes us in the morning to Galaxidi, where a transfer bus picks you up to bring you to the famous site of Delphi at the foot of the Parnassos range. Apollo, the god of the light, was once worshipped here and the oracle consulted. Not only the many temples and treasuries, the well-preserved theatre and the stadium, but mainly the breath-taking hillside location of the sanctuary makes the visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience. Early in the afternoon, the bus takes us to Nafpaktos, where the boat awaits us to a long sail to Sami on Cephalonia island. There we’ll spend the night.

Day 4   Island of Cephalonia (biking distance ca. 38 km)

Today’s bike tour leads us from Sami to Fiskardo. Along the way we will visit the stalactite and stalagmite caves of Melissani, which can only be viewed in row boats. We will continue on through the interior of the island and finally we reach the high road of the western coast of the island, where we will have lots of unforgettable views, like the panoramic view down to Myrtos beach. The ship awaits us in Fiskardo, where we will spend the night. The harbour town on the Northern point of the island charms visitors with its colourful houses and numerous cafés and bars along the picturesque harbour promenade.

Day 5    Islands of Ithaca and Lefkas (biking distance ca. 20 + 25 km)

In the morning a short crossing to Frikes on Ithaca Island, that we will discover by bike. The homeland of the mythical king Odysseus is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. Today’s cycle route leads along the northern part of the island. We can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands here away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time appears to stand still on Ithaca. Afterwards we sail to Lefkas and will anchor to Porto Katsiki, one of the most famous beaches in Greece, for swimming. In the late afternoon we will cycle from the harbour in Vasiliki, which has a historical town centre worth seeing, along quiet roads through the mountains past Sivros to the beautiful harbour of Nidri, where we will overnight.

Day 6   Nidri - Mytikas - Lefkas town - Paxos Island (biking distance ca. 45 km)

The day begings with a crossing to Mytikas on the Greek mainland. We will ride along the coast to Mythikas and then on panoramic roads, passing some mountain villages to Lefkas town where the Panagiota awaits us and takes us to the island of Paxos, where we can spend the evening in a cosy taverna in the unique natural harbour of Gaios. Overnight stay on Paxos.

Day 7    Paxos Island -  Corfu (biking distance ca. 23 km)

Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is covered in groves of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green colour. On our last cycle trip we will circle the whole island. We can also have a swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. In the afternoon the Panagiota takes us to Corfu. Here, our tour guide will join us on a walk through the athmospheric old town, before this impressive cruise ends with a last dinner on board.

Day 8 (Sat) Disembark at Corfu

Subject to weather and sea conditions route changes may occur!

Your Motor Sailer

The PANAGIOTA, our newest ship in Greece, is an affectionately restored two masted motor yacht, which is 23 ft. wide and 102 ft. long. It was built in 1990 and modernized in 2001 in conformity with the requirements of cruises.

6 cabins below deck and 4 cabins above deck are at the guests’ disposal. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a French bed (4,6 ft. wide) , one single bed and private shower and toilet.

There is room for all guests in the spacious saloon to have the meals, to regenerate or to spend some time with new friends. When the weather conditions are fine the guests can have their meals outside on the shaded rear deck.

Airport / Transfers

As this tour starts from Athens and ends on Corfu you will need an open jaw flight with an outward flight to Athens and a return flight from Corfu.

We organize collective transfers from Athens airport to Piraeus and from Corfu town to Corfu airport. As long as those transfers take place on embarkation and disembarkation days they are free of charge.

Schedule & Price

BIKE & SAIL IN THE IONIAN ISLANDS

8 Day Escorted Tour

On the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: Pure nature, the crystal clear blue shimmering Ionian Sea and centuries of Venetian influences dominate the archipelago of the Ionian Islands. From Corfu, which was the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Sissi, this journey will lead us to regions which are not very well known abroad. Discover the famous island of Ithaca which is said to have been the home of Odysseus, you will never forget the green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, the fantastic mountain world of Kefallonia and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. We enjoy our stay on board of the wooden motor yacht and let us be pampered by the excellent Greek cuisine and the cosiness of the ship.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1  Boarding in Corfu town

Individual journey to Corfu airport and collective transfer to Corfu town  Check-in from 2 p.m. on the Panagiota. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Corfu town.

Day 2 Island of Paxos (approx. 23 km / 14 mi.by bicycle)

In the morning we will crossover to Paxos, whose unique natural harbour creates a special island atmosphere. Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands is a grove of olive trees, which gives the island its wonderful silver green colour. On our cycle trip in the afternoon we will circle the island. We can have our first swim in the Mediterranean on one of the many beaches. We can spend the evening in a cosy taverna in Gaios.

Day 3 Island of Lefkas - Mytikas - Island of Meganisi (approx. 50 km / 31 mi. by bicycle)

Early in the morning our boat will bring you to the island of Lefkas. From Lefkas town today’s bike tour leads you to the Greek mainland. We will ride on panoramic roads, passing some mountain villages and further on we will cycle along the coast to Mytikas, where the ship awaits us for lunch. Afterwards we will sail to the small island of Meganisi, where we will spend the night.

Day 4 Islands of Meganisi and Ithaca (approx. 10 + 20 km / 6 + 12,5 mi. by bicycle)

Meganisi is a tiny island with lots of charm, which we will explore in no time by bike. After the bike ride during our sail to Ithaca we will pass by boat a beautiful cave where the ship will anchor for swimming. In the afternoon we will discover Ithaca by bike. The homeland of the mythical king Odysseus is a hilly island with a beautiful landscape. Today’s cycle route leads along the northern part of the island. We can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands here away from the beaten tourist track: gnarled olive trees, crystal clear water and friendly islanders – time

appears to stand still on Ithaca.

Day 5 Island of Kefallonia (approx. 38 km / 24 mi. by bicycle)

In the morning short crossover to Kefallonia Island. Today’s bike tour leads us from Sami to Fiskardo. Along the way we will visit the stalactite and stalagmite caves of Melissani, which can only be viewed in row boats. We will continue on through the interior of the island and finally we reach the high road of the western coast of the island, where we will have lots of unforgettable views, like the panoramic view down to Myrtos beach. The ship awaits us in Fiskardo, where we will spend the night. The harbour town on the Northern point of the island charms visitors with its colourful houses and numerous cafés and bars along the picturesque harbour promenade.

Day 6 Island of Lefkas (approx. 25 km / 15 mi. by bicycle)

In the morning our ship will take us to the island of Lefkas, which is connected to the Greek mainland with an original swing-bridge. Before lunch we will anchor at Porto Katsiki, one of the most famous beaches in Greece, for swimming. In the afternoon we will cycle from the harbour in Vasiliki, which has a worth seeing historical town centre, along quiet roads through the mountains past Sivros to the beautiful harbour of Nidri, where we will overnight.

Day 7 Parga - Sivota - Island of Corfu (approx. 25 km / 15 mi. by bicycle)

After breakfast the ship will take us first to Skorpios, the island of the shipping giant Onassis, where you will anchor for swimming. Afterwards the boat will bring us to Parga, the only centre of tourism on the western coast of the Greek mainland. The pretty town with the medieval fort which towers over the old town is the start for today’s cycling tour, which will lead us to Sivota, where the boat is awaiting us and will take us to Corfu town. After dinner we can round off our journey in the atmospheric old town.

Day 8 Disembarkation

Guests disembark after breakfast on board followed by individual departure or guests may extend their stay in Corfu

RATING: Moderate to Hilly

This tour requires a good level of fitness as you will encounter some hilly terrain. Mostly asphalt roads with some steeper grades where you may wish to walk. There are no time constraints so you may cycle at your own pace.

Your Motor Sailer

The PANAGIOTA, our newest ship in Greece, is an affectionately restored two masted motor yacht, which is 23 ft. wide and 102 ft. long. It was built in 1990 and modernized in 2001 in conformity with the requirements of cruises.

6 cabins below deck and 4 cabins above deck are at the guests’ disposal. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with a French bed (4,6 ft. wide) , one single bed and private shower and toilet.

There is room for all guests in the spacious saloon to have the meals, to regenerate or to spend some time with new friends. When the weather conditions are fine the guests can have their meals outside on the shaded rear deck.

Airport / Transfers

We organize collective transfers from Corfu airport to Corfu town. As long as those transfers take place on embarkation and disembarkation days they are free of charge.

Schedule & Price