The Peloponnese and Saronic Islands (Luxury)

Welcome to Athens! Your adventure begins today with individual travel arrangements to the port of Piraeus (Marina Zeas for the Thalassa or Marina Alimos for the Erato). Boarding begins at 2:00 pm, giving you time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship. If you arrive early, consider strolling around the bustling marina or enjoying a Greek coffee at a local café while watching the yachts drift by. In the evening, you'll meet your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner on board, where the tour guides will provide a detailed overview of the week ahead. The first night is spent docked in Athens, allowing you the option to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife or simply rest in preparation for the journey to come. Keep your camera ready, Athens has a unique energy, blending ancient landmarks with contemporary charm.

We begin the day with a scenic cruise to Poros, a small and serene island known for its pine-covered hills and charming port. Before docking, the ship will anchor for a refreshing swim stop, where you can jump straight into the clear blue Aegean waters. Once ashore, the cycling tour begins with a loop nearly encircling the entire island. The ride is leisurely and mostly flat, winding through fragrant pine forests, olive groves and occasional glimpses of the sparkling sea. Along the way, you’ll visit Russian Bay, a quiet beach known for its crystal-clear waters and historical naval remnants. This is a great spot to relax or enjoy a short swim break. Your ride ends in Poros Town, where the iconic white clock tower looks over the red-roofed houses. Dinner is either on board or in town, your choice. This evening, soak up the relaxed island atmosphere as the sun sets behind the hills.

After breakfast, a quick ferry takes you from Poros to the mainland at Galatas. From there, today’s cycle route takes you through fertile valleys and along scenic coastal roads toward the quiet town of Ermioni. This route is a lovely combination of sea views, orchards and olive groves, with a few rolling hills that offer gentle challenges. You’ll pass by charming rural villages and small farms where the pace of life feels unchanged by time. Once in Ermioni, you’ll rejoin the ship and enjoy lunch on board. Afterwards, the boat sails toward Porto Heli, a calm bay often frequented by sailing enthusiasts. Weather permitting, a long swim stop is scheduled along the way at a sheltered cove. In the evening, Porto Heli offers a relaxed coastal setting for a walk or a drink by the waterfront. It’s a quieter town, ideal for reflecting on the day’s journey and recharging for tomorrow.

Today we head to the island of Spetses, just a short sail away from Porto Heli. En route, we pause in a secluded bay for swimming and relaxation. Once docked, there is time to explore the quaint town centre, filled with narrow stone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and shops selling local crafts. Spetses was once an important naval power and retains a proud maritime heritage. After lunch on board, the cycling tour begins with a nearly complete circuit of the island on a scenic, low-traffic coastal road. The route treats you to views of cliffs, coves, and pine-scented landscapes. You’ll take a longer stop at one of the island’s lovely beaches, perfect for swimming or grabbing a coffee. The tour finishes at the old harbour, lined with neoclassical buildings and wooden fishing boats. Spetses has a peaceful, laid-back energy and offers one of the most relaxing evenings of the trip.

In the morning, the ship sails to Hydra, an island that has banned motor vehicles, where donkeys and handcarts remain the main mode of transport. Hydra is famous for its preserved architecture and artist community, and was brought into the limelight in the 1950s by films and celebrities. There is no cycling here, but you’ll explore the port town on foot, strolling past stone mansions, galleries, and narrow alleyways. After a relaxed morning and lunch on board, we sail to the Methana Peninsula, a volcanic region known for its distinctive sulphur springs and craggy terrain. In the late afternoon, we take a pleasant bike ride through the peninsula, looping around quiet roads that pass lava fields, wildflowers, and sea cliffs. A coffee stop in the tranquil fishing village of Vathy rounds out the day. The scenery is rugged and fascinating, offering a contrast to the more polished islands visited earlier in the week.

The morning begins with another cycling route on the Methana Peninsula, showcasing dramatic views of the Saronic Gulf and volcanic hillsides. The route is more rural, with fewer cars and more panoramic vistas. Midday, the boat heads to Aegina, a popular weekend escape for Athenians known for its pistachio orchards and historic charm. You’ll have time to explore the port town, where local shops overflow with pistachio products—from roasted nuts to ice cream and liqueur. For those who prefer to stay active, there’s an optional bike ride along the coast to Perdika, a sleepy fishing village with traditional tavernas and a charming harbour. It’s an easy, flat ride that rewards you with coastal views and a slower pace of life. Whether exploring by foot or bike, Aegina offers the perfect balance of local culture and seaside relaxation.

Your final cycling day leads you inland toward one of the most striking ancient sites in the region: the Temple of Aphaia. Perched on a pine-covered hill, the sanctuary offers incredible views of the sea on both sides of the island. The ride to the temple involves a steady uphill climb, but the reward is a serene and well-preserved Doric temple, often described as the “jewel of Aegina.” From here, you’ll cycle back toward the island’s centre, stopping to visit the Monastery of Saint Nektarios, one of the largest churches in Greece and an important pilgrimage site. The final stretch brings you back to Aegina town, where the ship awaits to take you back to Piraeus. In the evening, celebrate the week’s adventures with a farewell dinner on board, toasting new friends and unforgettable views under the Aegean sky.