Adventourus Active Vacations

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 cube 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 and on your bike, as you imbibe the beauty of the Greek Aegean.

Individual journey to Athens Airport where our collective transfer will take you 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.

Cruise to the island of Kythnos which has been famous for its splendid cheese and honey since antiquity. A quiet, mostly flat island: the first tour begins in the harbour in Merichas and ends in Kythnos, the main town on the island, built in a typical Cycladian architectural style.

Finally you will reach the bathing resort Loutra. Its thermal springs are said to have curing energy. In the afternoon the PANAGIOTA will take you to Seriphos. Overnight stay in Livadi.

Day 3: Islands of Seriphos (20 km)

Seriphos is 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 will 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 the ship will bring us to Siphnos, where we can relax at the beautiful beach. Overnight stay in Kamares.

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 with 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 the ship will bring you to Syros, where you can round off the day in one of the numerous cafes on the spacious harbour promenade.

We sail to the island of Syros and cycle from Ermoupolis to the peaceful fishing village of Kini, located in the western part of the island. You cycle back along the numerous bays of the coastline through the whole southern part of the island to its capital, Ermoupolis, where you stay for the night. The town is situated on two hills. It differs from other Cycladian towns because of its strong urban character. You can let the evening come to an end in one of the numerous cafés on the long harbour promenade.

In the afternoon you will continue by boat to Mykonos, where the picturesque main town with its famous windmills and its white cube form houses invites visitors to stroll through it. With a bit of luck you may even see the mascot of Mykonos in the maze of laneways, the pelican Petros.

In the morning you have the chance to visit the important ancient sites on the island of Delos, where according to Greek mythology the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis were born. After lunch you will crossover to Tinos, where you will cycle along a high road to the mountain village of Kambos. Kambos is full of walled dove towers with their filigree architecture, which represent remnants from Venetian times. On the return journey you will visit the famous Evangelistria church in Tinos town.

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.

After breakfast your cycling tour comes to an end and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES 2013:

May 18, 25              June 1             August 31            September 7, 14, 21

- 8-day journey on a two-master motor ship with crew

- 7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom.

- Breakfast buffet  AND minimum one hot meal per day, prepared by the ship's cook.

- Linen and towels

- Six day tours with your cycling guide, as per program

- Detailed travel maps and route guides for each days tour

- Rental bicycle: 21-speed trekking bike with pannier bags

- Entrances to museums and archaeological sites

- English/German speaking tour guide

Logding:

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.

The nearest airport is Athens, just 25km from the port of Piraeus. We provide collective transfer on arrivals on embarkation days. A taxi ride to the port is an approx. cost of Euro 35.00.