Who says you can't have it all? Sail with us aboard our 111' traditional motor/sailor as we cruise the crystal blue waters, and visit the historic ruins and whitewashed villages of the Greek Islands. Daily options for both bicycling and hiking mean that you can choose the tour itinerary and activity that most interest you each day*, while enjoying the warm hospitality and culinary delights of our charming Greek crew each night!
Seven nights aboard ship also means there is little need to pack and unpack, so you get to spend more time doing what you enjoy most - hiking and bicycling. We won't say that this is the perfect active travel vacation, but it's close.
*Important Tour Note! Please notify us at the time you reserve space on our Bike, Hike, & Cruise the Greek Islands tour if you are interested in bicycling. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee bicycle availability for you!
Day 1: Arrive Athens, Greece
Highlights: visit the Plaka and the Acropolis before introductions over a glass of ouzo
Arrive today in Athens, where our hotel is located near the heart of the old city center. Take a stroll through the Plaka or visit the Acropolis. We'll gather this evening for introductions, a glass of ouzo, and a special introductory dinner.Day 2: Cape Sounion
Highlights: Classic temple of Poseidon, ferry to Tinos
After breakfast, we'll shuttle to the southern coast near Cape Sounion where we will have a bike fitting. Explore the classic temple of Poseidon before we bicycle or walk (your choice) through the rolling countryside of Attica to the Port of Rafina. From here we'll take a fast ferry to the island of Tinos where we'll board our yacht. Dinner tonight will be together on board. Biking option: 30-40 km (18-25 miles). Walking option: 2 hours.Day 3: Set sail for Delos and Mykonos
Highlights: Visit Delos a UNESCO World Heritage site, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, enjoy an evening on Mykonos
We set sail this morning for Delos - one of the most sacred places in the Mediterranean. We'll have a guided tour through the ruins of this intriguing island, where according to legend the gods Apollo and Artemis were born, and then return to the boat for lunch together as we continue on to Mykonos. Explore Mykonos on your own this evening. Walk time 3 hours.Day 4: Paros
Highlights: Coastal cycling or a visit to an ancient marble quarry
We sail this morning to the island of Paros and drop anchor in a small fishing village. The marble of Paros was so prized by the Greeks and Romans that the stone used in many classical masterpieces was quarried there. Cyclists will enjoy a ride around the perimeter of the island today, while walkers will visit the ancient marble quarries of Marathi and the island's former capital, Levkes and walk the famous Byzantine trail. We will have dinner together on board this evening. Biking option: 5 - 55 km (22 - 34 miles) Walking option 3-5 hours.Day 5: Paros to Santorini
Highlights: Visit Santorini, donkey ride from the port to main town of Fira
We will have a swim and lunch together on the boat on our way to Santorini. In the true tradition of Santorini you can take a donkey ride from the port up to the main town of Fira. Enjoy the stunning views and sip a cocktail as the sun sets. Tonight dinner is on your own.Day 6: Santorini to Ios
Highlights: Visit to Prehistoric Museum, Hiking the island's volcanic rim
We will hike around the edge of the crater from the main town of Fira to the breathtakingly beautiful town of Ia. We will also visit the Prehistoric Museum where we see treasures from ancient Thira and the ancient site of Akrotiri. The latter is unfortunately closed for renovation. Our boat will pick us up from the port below Ia and we will sail on to Ios. We will have dinner together on board. Walk time: 4 hours (shorter options)Day 7: Ios to Naxos
Highlights: Exploring Ios island, Naxos town and Apollo's temple
This morning cyclists can enjoy a short spin around the island while walkers will hike around scenic Gialos Bay and explore the main town of Ios. Biking option: 25 km, Walking option: 2 hours.We leave about midday for Naxos. We'll have lunch on the way. On Naxos, cyclists can ride to one of the nearby beaches for a swim, while walkers will explore the winding alleys which lead from town up to the Venetian castle and watch the sunset from the unfinished temple of Apollo which dominates the harbor entrance. Biking option: 15 kms or more, Walking option: 1-2 hours.
Day 8: Naxos to Tinos
Highlights: Explore Naxos before sailing back to Tinos
Olive groves and picturesque whitewashed villages accompany both cyclists and walkers today. Cyclists can choose between two different rides, while walkers will shuttle to the center of the island to walk to a crumbling Venetian fort and discover the huge, unfinished, ancient statue of a young man. We have a special captain's dinner this evening on board back in Tinos. Biking option: 32 - 90 km (20 - 56 miles), Walking option: 2 - 3 hoursDay 9: Return to the Mainland
Highlights: We hope you enjoyed your cruise, and we'll see you soon!
After breakfast together, we say goodbye to our Greek Island odyssey. We'll offer a shuttle back to Athens for those needing to return home. Or maybe you'd like to explore some more of the islands on your own? Whatever you choose, Kalo Taxidi!-
HighlightsBiking & hiking options, Cyclades Islands, Delos a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Whitewashed villages, Ancient ruins
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Includes9 days, 8 nights accommodation, 5 dinners with wine, 3 lunches, all breakfasts, ferries and transfers during tour.
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CountriesGreece
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Begin/EndAthens
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Arrive/DepartAthens
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Total DistanceSee complete itinerary for daily options
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Daily DistanceSee complete itinerary for daily options
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What to ExpectAlmost daily options for biking or hiking (see note above). Some hilly terrain. Mileage options, so you can choose the distance that is right for you.
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Rating
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Notes
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Terms
Please call 1-800-685-4565 or e-mail us for the dates for this tour.
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
Start
City (on route)
End
City (not part of route, provided for reference)The fact that everyone on this tour was a repeat customer (many, many times over) is a testament to the quality of your tours!
Georgia A., Englewood, CO
I don't think I would ever have visited the islands in Greece were this trip not offered. Thank you! Again, you've enriched my life's experiences.
Sherrye C., Arvada, CO
Swimming off the boat was terrific! The biking was also wonderful.
Kay B.
Olympia, WA
Olympia, WA
The yacht was wonderful, the sea was magnificent and the crew was great.
Susan D.
Lakewood, CO
Lakewood, CO
The tour provided a great cross section of the islands...working villages to tourist hot spots. I loved being on the boat and not having to pack and unpack.
And in Delos I learned more about Ancient History/Western Civilization in 3 hours from George, the tour guide, than I did in 4 years of high school and 4 years of college!
Laurie S.
Sammamish, WA
Sammamish, WA
What a wonderful trip! The guides, Patricia and Manolis (biking) and Annie (hiking) were the greatest! We met Vicki and John M. who were on their 13th EP trip. We certainly understand why - this was only our 2nd trip, but we hope to catch up with them one day!
Joanne and Larry W.
Clark, CO
Clark, CO
I can’t even begin to describe what a wonderful experience Nancy and I had the past two weeks in Greece. Thank you so much for all of your help and support leading up to our trip. Anne, Patricia, and Menolus were fabulous as were the boat crew and captain.
After three trips you wouldn’t think I would be surprised at what a great job ExperiencePlus does to make the travel experience ‘magical’ but it seems that your company and personnel always find a way to outdo the last trip. Nancy and I had a terrific time and enjoyed every minute of the trip!
Ken & Nancy J.
Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins, CO
One of the most amazing vacations I have ever had, and I've had a lot of amazing ones. the guides were fantastic, the boat cool, the biking superb, the food excellent.
Michael H.
Grass Valley, CA
Grass Valley, CA
The tour guide was super. She was experienced, knowledgable, flexible, and helpful.
Sanford H.
Toronto, Ontario Canada
Toronto, Ontario Canada
I thought the mixture of hikes with biking was perfect, and the Greek Islands are perfect for the concept of an "Experience+". Thanks for a great trip and life-time memory!!!
David W. & Lorraine K.
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK
Dear Rick,
Our tour leaders were outstanding in every way. They were informed, friendly, efficient, and continually full of good will and good humor. I congratulate you for creating and carrying out these fine tours.
Our tour leaders were outstanding in every way. They were informed, friendly, efficient, and continually full of good will and good humor. I congratulate you for creating and carrying out these fine tours.
Everitt S.
Eugene, OR
Eugene, OR
