Biking Greece: The Cyclades, comprised of more than 200 islands, were the cradle of European civilization more than 5,000 years ago. So the history is deep, and abiding, and you’ll find it in every nook and cranny of this wonderful archipelago.
The Cyclades are, in fact, the peaks of a submerged mountain range that lies below the Aegean, although Milos and Santorini were created by dormant volcanos.
It is here that you’ll find Greece at its most iconic: gleaming white cubic houses with blue shutters and labyrinthian lanes find traditional favor in most island towns, and the the pace is relaxed and unhurried. Just as you would wish, just as you’d expect. The coastline carved by the Aegean is rugged and ragged, and impressive geological formations abound. And then, of course, there is the turquoise-blue sea and endless sand beaches.
We invite you to share Greece with us, to experience the fascinating melange of antiquity with modern sensibilities. Whether it’s biking through tranquil Seriphos, or drinking in the almost-liquid serenity of the Aegean archipelago aboard The Panagiota, Greece is a worthy addition to Pedal and Sea Adventures international adventures.
Biking Greece: Day 1: Boarding in
Lavrio
Lavrio sits just 30 km (18 mi) from Athens’ airport, so our 2pm check-in
time aboard the Panagiota should allow some time for exploration. If all
our guests are prompt, we’ll depart for Kythnos Island in the afternoon.
Dinner will be served on board this evening.
Day 2 Kythnos (approx. 25 km;
1 km = 0.62 mi)
The island of Kythnos has been famous for its salty cheese and golden honey
since the days when Aristotle was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Our first
cycle begins near Merichas harbor moving towards Chora, the capital,
along a delightful coastal route. Chora is a lovely little village, situated
on a high plateau. The town’s angular alleys are decorated with painted
flowers and geometric patterns. Our final destination is the beach resort
of Loutra, with thermal springs that are said to rejuvenate both mind and
body. In the afternoon the Panagiota will take you to Seriphos, and the
small coastal town of Livadi.
Day 3: Seriphos (35 km)
Seriphos is a small island far from the maddening crowd, blessed with deep
valleys, countless bays and coves, and a bevy of beautiful sandy beaches. From
Livadi, you’ll cycle the serpentine road to the main town of Seriphos,
whose cube-form houses are nestled snugly along a mountain ridge high
above the sea. This unspoiled route will eventually take you to the famous
Byzantine monastery of the Archangel Michael. Of course, the beauty of
a small island tour means that we’ll eventually return to Livadi
along a scenic coastal route. Our ship will then sail into Siphnos, so
you can unwind on a beautiful white sand beach. We’ll be staying
overnight in Kamares.
Day 4: Siphnos (20 km)
The island of Siphnos, famous for its ceramic artists
and their creations, is rugged and dramatic. But only a few souls live
near the sea, as the precipitous landscape has kept all but the heartiest
from building anywhere near the coast.
The cycling tour begins at Kamares, with a route ascending through a green, hilly terraced countryside to the central highlands and the island’s capital of Kastro. This amazing town, built on a steep cliff, has been listed and protected since 1975. With such a dramatic situation, you can see why the island stronghold was almost impervious to attack. In the afternoon, Panagiota will transport you to Syros. Might we recommend spending the afternoon in one of the numerous cafes on the harbour promenade? We know you’ll agree: Life doesn’t get much better.
Day 5: Syros (30 km)
Upon arrival, Ermoupolis offers visitors an unforgettable
view: The town is built on two hills covered with pastel-colored houses,
many displaying classical facades. It’s breathtaking, and quite unusual in this part
of the world. You will cycle along the coast of Syros, your fulsome cadence
taking you past tranquil bays and coves along the island’s southern
haunches. You can explore the beautiful beach of Galissas and the convent
in Saint Barbara before returning to Ermoupolis. The afternoon’s
sail will take us to Mykonos, as pretty as a picture, with its famous windmills
and its white cube-form houses inviting a closer look. If the Fates are
with you — and in Greece, they’re never far away — you
may see the pelican called Petros in the winding town alleyways. He’s
Mykonos’ official mascot.
Day 6: Delos and Tinos (20 km)
Delos is the island of the gods. Greek mythology names this ancient island
as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, when the world was younger.
We hope you’ll take full advantage of the opportunity to explore
this lovely island. After lunch we’ll crossover to Tinos, taking
the high road to the mountain village of Kambos. Kambos is surrounded
by walled dove towers with filigree detailing, which hearken back to
the days when the Principality of Venice was in ascendency. On the return
journey you will visit Tinos’ famous Evangelistria church.
Day 7: Kea (22 km)
Panagiota will bring you to Kea, the most westerly (inhabited) Cyclade
island, and the wonderful harbor town of Korissia. Our cycle tour will
take you to the white beaches of Otzias: you won’t be able to resist
a dip here in the Mediterranean; it’s so beautiful! Loulis, a delightful
little town, follows. It’s situated in the mountains and boasts
the island’s main attraction: The smiling lion of Kea, chiseled
from stone in the 6th Century B.C. We’ll spend the night in Lavrio.
Day 8: All Good Things..
...must come to an end, and our bike tour of Greece will end today after
a delicious breakfast. You may be returning home, or planning another
week in Athens, but in any event, we’ll be sad to see you go, and
happy to have made new friends and renewed old acquaintances. We will
meet again, if the Fates are kind. As they too love this land, we’re
sure they’ll bless our travels with many merry meetings!
Biking Greece
2008 Season
Apr 26 - May 3 • May 3 - May 10 • May 10 - May 17 • May 17 - May 24 • May 24 - May 31 • May 31 - June 7 • June 7 - June 14 • Sept 6 - Sept 13 • Sept 13 - Sept 20 • Sept 20 - Sept 27 • Sept 27 - Oct 4 •
Prices for 2008
Below-deck Room: €1180/person
Above-deck Room: €1230/person
Bike Rental: €75
Inclusions
• 7 nights' accommodation on the boat in a double
cabin with private shower
• 8-day cruise on a motorised ship
• 7 nights of full board on the ship (all meals included)
• 6 days of guided bike tour as described
• maps for the daily routing
(Please note: This tour is guided, but doesn't
include van support)
Not Included
All drinks (on or off
the boat)
Entries to museums and archaeological sites
Tips for crew and tour-guides
Flight to Athens
Be sure to also check out our Featured Departure of Southern Croatia (September 13-20) onboard The Romantica!
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