The Peloponnese is a Greek region steeped in history. The Mycenaeans, ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, and Albanians have all left their mark on the “Island of Pelops”. Here you will find some of the greatest archaeological sites of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Discover this unique, culturally rich region as well as the diverse islands of the Saronic Gulf by boat and bike! The three masted Bahriyeli will be your floating home as you travel on this one-of-a-kind journey through 5,000 years of Greek history.

Cycle through orange orchards and pomegranate plantations. Experience the “Golden Mycenae” and the impressive Lion Gate, the cyclopean walls and the Treasury of Atreus. Stroll through the picturesque, medieval town of Nafplio with its imposing fortifications and embark on a geological journey through time on the volcanic peninsula of Methana!

Discover the enchanting islands of the Saronic Gulf each with its own distinct and unique character. Be it the pistachio island of Aegina where the Temple of Aphaia sits enthroned high above the blue of the sea or the completely traffic-free island of Hydra where the countless donkeys have been the only means of transport since time immemorial. The islands of Poros and Spetses, fragrant with wild herbs, is sure to enchant your senses as take in panoramic views while cycling along almost traffic-free roads!

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY 

1st Day (Sat) Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) – (Embarkation)

Individually arranged arrival to Marina Zeas; part of Piraeus and about 25 km from the airport. Check in is possible from 2 pm. Dinner will be on board and the night will be spent in Piraeus.

2nd Day (Sun) Island of Poros (aprx. 14 mi./23 km)

The morning will be spent sailing to the Island of Poros. In the afternoon, we will start cycling from the island’s capital, which holds the same name as the island itself, towards the 18th century Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Continuing on, we will almost completely circle the island which, in ancient times, was considered to be the island of Poseidon, God of the Sea. Shortly before the end of the tour we will reach Russian Bay, whose sandy beach and turquoise waters are sure to tempt us to dive in for a swim. Back in the enchanting harbour of Poros City, with its landmark clock tower reaching high above all the other buildings, we can end our eventful day surrounded by characteristic Greek atmosphere.

3rd Day (Mon) Galatas – Ermioni – Nafplio (aprx. 25 mi./40 km)

After breakfast a small car ferry will take us from Poros to Galatas in the Pelopennese. From here, the bike tour will lead us for the most part along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the Bahriyeli will await us for an on board lunch and a leisurely afternoon crossing to Nafplio. In the early afternoon, our tour guide will invite us on a stroll through the picturesque alleys of the former Greek capital. Nafplio is a captivating island with its ingenious fortifications and eventful history along with its flower filled old town and the numerous very individual, beautiful cafes, bars and restaurants. The perfect place to spend a wonderful, relaxed evening.

4th Day (Tue) Mycenae – Island of Spetses (aprx. 31 mi./50 km)

After breakfast, the day’s tour leads into the Peloponnesian inland. After cycling through an impressive apricot and orange grove we will reach the remarkable Mycenaean fortress of Tiryns and following the magnificent castle of Mycenae. Both sites have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1999. In the 2nd millennium BC, Mycenae was one of Greece’s most important cities. King Atreus and his son Agamemnon play a significant role in Greek mythology. The excavation site is enthralling: The famous Lion Gate, the incredibly thick cyclopean walls, Grave Circles A and B along with the gold and silver discoveries and the Treasury of Atreus are all very much worth a visit. In the late afternoon, the boat will take us from Nafplio to the Island of Spetses. In the evening, we can stroll through the alleys of the beautiful old town, decorated with pebble mosaics, or end the evening at the old fishing port with a glass of wine.

5th Day (Wed) Islands of Spetses and Hydra (aprx. 15 mi./25 km)

The island of Spetses got its name from the Venetians who called it “Isola della spezie”, the island of herbs. With the accompanying aroma of wild herbs and panoramic views, today’s tour will lead us along the traffic-free road that circles the island. For the majority of the ride we will be able to enjoy incredible views of the turquoise sea. Later on there will be a longer break at one of the beautiful beaches for a coffee and a swim. The journey will then continue to the island of Hydra. Since time immemorial donkeys have been the only means of transport on this unique, beautiful island. Thanks to seafaring, the island became very wealthy in the middle ages. Then, after the Greek War of Independence, spanning from 1821-1830, the island fell into a hundred-year slumber. It was only when, in 1957, the film “Boy on a Dolphin” starring the unforgettable Sofia Loren was filmed on Hydra that life was brought back to the island which then became a mecca for artists. A unique place with arguably the most beautiful sunset in the region!

6th Day (Thu) Methana Peninsula – Island of Aegina (aprx. 15 mi./25 km)

In the morning we sail to Methana Peninsula whose volcanic origin is immediately noticeable by the smell of sulphur and the shimmering colours of the rocks. The peninsula is characterised by its 30 plus volcanos, some of which are still active, as well as the medicinal, sulphurous thermal springs. Today’s round trip offers numerous, incredible views. In the afternoon, we will sail to the island of Aegina. If the weather permits, there will be the chance for a longer swimming break along the way.

7th Day (Fri) Island of Aegina – Piraeus/Athens (aprx. 22 mi./35 km)

The island of Aegina is famous even beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. Today’s bike tour takes us up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The beautifully preserved temple towers rest high up above the blue sea, the only place on the island from where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On the ride back we will cycle through the centre of the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina city where the ship awaits. We will then sail back to Piraeus and our exciting Greek cruise will come to a close with a final, celebrative evening on board.

8th Day (Sat) Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens) – (Disembarkation)

After breakfast on board it is time to disembark to return home or to extend your holiday a few days longer in Athens.

Subject to weather and sea conditions, route changes may occur!

Hilly terrain, mostly asphalt roads with some steeper grades. A good level of fitness is required. You can always choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead.

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AIRPORT / TRANSFERS

The nearest airport is Athens, just 25km from the port of Piraeus. Group collective transfers are available on embarkation and disembarkation days only. Contact us for rates.

A taxi ride to the port is an approx. cost of Euro 35.00.

Your 4**** Motor Sailer:   Premium ship BAHRIYELI A

The Bahriyeli A is a three-mast motor yacht built as traditional Turkish gullet. A ship with 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 ships 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 sooths the senses. At mealtimes

 Internet availability

This ship does not offer a WiFi connection. If you need to connect to the internet during the tour, we recommend to take your portable electronic device to a cafe or bar somewhere in the harbour. Free WiFi is on offer almost everywhere. If you order something to eat or drink, then you are able to use the WiFi to your hearts content.

TOUR DATES  & PRICE

2020 Departure Dates:     Apr. 11, 18       Jun. 27      Jul. 4      Aug. 22, 29        Oct. 10, 17

This tour includes: 

• 8-day journey on a Premium two-master motor ship with crew
• 7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom.
• Breakfast buffet  AND one hot meal per day, prepared by the ship’s cook.
• Linen and towels
• Six day tours with your guide, as per program
• Detailed travel maps and guide for each days tour
• Rental bicycle: 21-speed trekking bike with Ortlieb pannier bags
• Bike insurance
• Entrances to museums and archaeological sites
• Multilingual tour guide (English and German)

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Not included in the tour price

* Meals and drinks ashore

* Drinks on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain); flat rate for bottled water: 20 euro per adult/week or 10 euro per child up to age 16/week

* Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price

* Tips for tour guides and crew

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Helmets are mandatory and will be available to rent for free aboard ship. We recommend you bring your own.