Islandhopping Cycling Tours E-Bike & Boat Gulf of Corinth & Ionian Islands PLUS | Cycling Tour in Greece
Route from Athens / to Lefkas Duration 8 days /7 nights Distance approx.160 km Level 1 (E-Bike) Level 1 (E-Bike) Exclusive e-bike tours suitable for islandhoppers with a good basic level of fitness. The tours and the elevation meters are very manageable with an e-bike (30-60km and 400-700 elevation meters per day). Level 2 (E-Bike) Exclusive e-bike tours suitable for islandhoppers with endurance. The tours are long, but both the length and elevation can be easily mastered with an e-bike (60-130km and 400-1,000 elevation meters per day). Share via ... E-Mail Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Copy Link
The most scenic and culturally diverse journey through Greece This e-bike & boat trip combines the Greek mainland with the impressive island world of the Ionian Sea to create an impressive cultural journey through time. For a week, you experience the scenic and cultural diversity of Greece by bike and on board the two-masted motorsailer Erato. Historical sights such as Delphi, where the ancient Greeks once consulted the oracle and the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina are among the highlights of this trip. The boat passage through the Corinth Canal, an artifically created sea route connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea, is sure to be unforgettable. Greece shows its greenest side on the archipelago of the Ionian Islands. Pure nature and centuries of Venetian influence characterize this little-known archipelago. TO NOTE: This trip takes place in two different directions: From Athens to Lefkas or from Lefkas to Athens. Book Now Highlights Culture: Sanctuary of Apollo and oracle site of Delphi Nature: Fabulous Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia Activity: Boat passage through the Corinth Canal Culinary: Try mezedes – Greek appetizers! Souvenir: Pistachios from Aegina
Itinerary Accommodation Rental Bikes Dates & Prices Journey Extended Stay Things to note Itinerary Athen-Lefkas Lefkas-Athen 1st Day Athens/Marina Alimos (Embarkation) Individual arrival in Athens and, on request, collective transfer to Marina Alimos for a fee. Check-in on the Erato from 2 pm. If all participants are on board by 3 pm, crossing to Aegina, otherwise the ship will remain in Marina Alimos until the next morning. Dinner together on board. 2nd Day Aegina Island – Corinth Canal – Galaxidi (aprx. 28 km) In the morning, we explore the island of Aegina, which is known beyond the Greek borders for its pistachios. Our first cycle tour takes us to the excellently preserved Temple of Aphaia, which towers high above the blue sea. In the afternoon, we pass through the Corinth Canal, which was planned by Julius Caesar and completed in 1893. The 6.3 kilometer-long canal, which is only 24 meters wide and 8 meters deep, connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth. In good weather conditions, we continue to Galaxidi, otherwise we stay overnight in or near Corinth. 3rd Day Galaxidi – Delphi – Nafpaktos – Mesolongi bus tour In the morning, a transfer bus picks us up in Galaxidi and transports us to the famous town of Delphi at the foot of the Parnassos Mountains. The god of light Apollo was once worshipped here and the oracle was consulted. The many temples and treasure houses, the well-preserved theater and stadium, but above all the breathtaking hillside location of the sanctuary make a visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience. At midday, the bus takes us to the port of Nafpaktos, where we have time for lunch and a stroll through the picturesque town. Afterwards, a short bus ride takes us to Mesolongi, where the ship meets us for our overnight stay. 4th Day Mesolongi – Ithaca Island (aprx. 35 km) In the morning we take a longer crossing to Ithaca. If the weather conditions are good, we can have a swimming break en route before docking in the port of Vathy. In the afternoon, we explore the legendary island of Ithaca by bike. Ithaca is a mountainous, scenic island where we can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands away from the tourist crowds. Gnarled olives, deep blue sea and friendly islanders all give the impression that on this island, time has stood still. Spectacular views await you on your round trip! Overnight stay in Vathy. 5th Day Kefalonia (aprx. 39 km) During breakfast, we cross over to Sami on Kefalonia (the largest of the Ionian Islands). On arrival, we embark on a scenically spectacular bike tour. The tour first takes us to the Melissani Cave, which we visit by rowing boat. We then continue by bike across the island on a picture-book panoramic road along the west coast with fabulous views of the world-famous Myrtos Beach and the Venetian fortress town of Assos. Our destination is Fiskardo on the northern tip of Kefalonia. Our boat awaits us here for lunch. In the afternoon & evening, we can enjoy the picturesque harbor of Fiskardo. 6th Day Meganisi Island – Lefkas Island (aprx. 18 km + optional 10 km) Morning crossing to Meganisi, where our bike tour takes us along a panoramic route on lonely island roads through three villages of this lovely island. The tour gives us a good impression of traditional Greek island life. We can stop for a coffee and a swim at Spartochori beach. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Nidri on Lefkas, where guests have the option of cycling through enchanting olive groves to the hidden waterfall of Nidri. Overnight stay in Nidri. 7th Day Nidri – Lefkas Town (aprx. 30 km) Today’s cycling tour is the crowning stage of our trip and takes us through the impressive mountain world of Lefkas to the island capital of the same name. On the way, we can enjoy numerous fantastic views and a well-earned coffee in the mountain village of Karia. In the afternoon, we can round off our trip with a long swim in the crystal blue waters of the Lefkas Lagoon; this area has also become a wind- and kite surfers’ paradise. In the evening, we round off our unforgettable trip to Greece with a last cozy dinner on board. 8th Day Lefkas Island/Lefkas Town (Disembarkation) Check out after breakfast. On request, collective transfer to Aktio/Preveza Airport for a fee and individual journey home or extension of one’s vacation in Greece. 1st Day Lefkas/Lefkas Town (Embarkation) Individual arrival in Lefkas. On request, shared transfer from Aktio/Preveza Airport to the port for a fee. Check-in on the Erato starts at 2 pm. Dinner together on board and overnight stay in Lefkas Town. 2nd Day Lefkas Island and Meganisi Island (aprx. 30 km + 18 km) Today we cycle from Lefkas Town through the fascinating mountain world of the island to the lively port of Nidri. On the way, we can enjoy numerous spectacular views before a well-earned coffee in the mountain village of Karia at lofty heights. Another pit stop will include the Nidri waterfall. Our boat will be waiting for us in the harbor with lunch, which we can enjoy during the short crossing to Meganisi. In the afternoon, we can enjoy another short bike tour on Meganisi. This tour takes us along a panoramic route on lonely island roads through the three villages of this lovely island, giving us a good impression of traditional Greek island life. Stop for a coffee and a swim at Spartochori Beach. Overnight stay on Meganisi. 3rd Day Kefalonia Island and Ithaca Island (aprx. 39 km) During breakfast, we cross over to Fiskardo on the northern tip of Kefalonia. Before we start today’s cycling tour, we have some time to stroll through the picturesque harbor. We then embark on a scenically spectacular cycle tour on the largest of the Ionian Islands. This route takes us along a picture-book panoramic road along the west coast of the island. Look forward to fabulous views of the Venetian fortress town of Assos and the famous Myrtos Beach! We then continue across the island to Melissani Cave, which we visit by rowing boat, before reaching the destination port of Sami. On the subsequent crossing to the neighboring island of Ithaca, we can sit back and relax. Overnight stay in Vathy on Ithaca. 4th Day Island of Ithaca – Mesolongi (aprx. 20 km) Ithaca is the home island of Odysseus. A mountainous, scenic island where you can enjoy the typical character of the Ionian Islands away from the tourist crowds. Gnarled olives, deep blue sea and friendly islanders all give them impression that time has stood still. In the afternoon, a longer crossing to Mesolongi in the Gulf of Corinth awaits us. Overnight stay in Mesolongi. 5th Day Mesolongi – Delphi – Galaxidi bus tour In the morning, a transfer bus brings us to the medieval town of Nafpaktos. There we can take a short stroll through the enchanting old town with its Venetian harbor and fortifications. The journey then continues to the famous town of Delphi at the foot of the Parnassos Mountains. In Delphi, the god of light Apollo was once worshipped and the oracle consulted. The many temples and treasure houses, the well-preserved theater and the stadium, but above all the breathtaking hillside location of the sanctuary make a visit to Delphi an unforgettable experience. Our transfer bus then takes us to the picturesque port of Galaxidi. For those who like, we can cycle to a nearby beach in the afternoon and enjoy a dip in the sea! Overnight stay in Galaxidi. 6th Day Galaxidi – Corinth Canal – Aegina Island (aprx. 20 km) Today we lift anchor early and the journey continues towards the Isthmus of Corinth. The impressive passage through the Corinth Canal, planned by Julius Caesar and completed in 1893, is one of the absolute highlights of this trip. At 6.3 kilometers long, but only 24 meters wide and 8 meters deep, the canal connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth and saves boat travelers the approximately 400-kilometer journey around the Peloponnese. In the afternoon, we then set course for the Aegina, where a coastal bike tour takes us to the cozy fishing village of Perdika. In the evening, we have the opportunity for an extended stroll in the town of Aegina. 7th Day Aegina – Piraeus/Marina Alimos (aprx. 30 km) The island of Aegina is known beyond Greek borders for its pistachios. In the morning, our last cycle tour takes us from the island’s capital past the Monastery of St. Nektarios and on to the excellent preserved Temple of Aphaia, situated high above the blue sea. Our ship awaits us in Aegina for the last crossing to Athens/Marina Alimos. Here we end our unforgettable Greece adventure with a last cozy dinner on board. 8th Day Athens/Marina Alimos (Disembarkation) After breakfast, check out from the Erato. On request, transfer back to the airport for a fee and individual journey home or extension of one’s vacation in Greece. Accommodation Erato (Deluxe) The elegant motorsailer Erato offers all the comfort and luxury you could desire during your bike and boat adventure. The Bordeaux-red yacht, named after the ancient muse of lyric and love poetry, immediately captures the eye. The cabins are clad in fine wood while the saloon offers a warm and cosy atmosphere creating a homely ambience onboard. Each of the six guest cabins below deck offers ample space, en-suite bathrooms with a shower and WC, as well as storage for your luggage. The salon boasts a well-stocked bar and plenty of space for socialising. The outdoor area has a variety of… Read More Rental Bikes Our E-Bikes All our e-bikes are high quality pedelecs, most of which are fitted with Bosch motors with extra battery range. They are characterized by their relatively light weight and great components. Some of our fleet are equipped with other motor systems. With an Islandhopping e-bike, you will be able to climb almost any hill with ease. They are a true set of wings for anyone who needs a little ‘tail wind’ to make their ride that little bit more enjoyable. … Read More Our Hybrid Bikes For our hybrid bike tours, we use reliable, low maintenance hybrid bikes with aluminum frames in various sizes. Twenty years of experience in bike tourism has given us the knowledge and confidence to select the right components for the requirements of an Islandhopping tour. Our bikes ensure a carefree riding experience for our cycling enthusiasts.… Read More Our E-Bikes Our Hybrid Bikes Services, Dates & Prices The below calendar lists the basic cruise price per person. The final cruise price depends on cabin type, cabin occupancy and any additional optional services. The prices for additional optional services are listed below the travel calendar. The green checkmark indicates that the trip is secured. Included services 8-Day cruise on a deluxe motor yacht with crew 7 nights in a double cabin below deck with shower/WC 2 x full board and 5 x half board Drinking water on board Guided bike tours and sightseeing according Bus transfer to Delphi Entrance fees to museums and important historical sights (group visits) Boat passage through the Corinth Canal Bed linen and towels German and English-speaking tour guide Not included in the basic tour price Journey to Athens; return journey from Lefkas or vice versa Meals and drinks ashore Entrance fees for individually visited sights Please bring your own beach towel (if required) Tip for crew and tour guide SGR Insolvency protection (5€ per person) ⇒ SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation) Prices for Additional Optional Services 2024 1/2 Double cabin Price on request Double cabin for single use below deck Surcharge: 1.500 Euro Rental bikes with Ortlieb saddle bag Trekkingrad: 80 Euro/WeekE-Bike: 225 Euro/Woche (limited) Insurance against theft and damage to the rental bike Trekkingrad: 10 Euro/Week E-Bike: 25 Euro/Week (not insured: grossly negligent damage) Transfers between Athens airport and the boat 40 euro/person Additional costs may apply if you bring your own bike Transfers between a hotel in Athens city and the boat 25 euro/person Additional costs may apply if you bring your own bike Transfers between Preveza/Aktio Airports and harbor or between a Hotel on Lefkas and the boat Prices on request Additional costs may apply if you bring your own bike Individual Transfers Prices on request Additional nights in Athens or on Lefkas Prices: see additional nights 3-day extension program in Athens Prices see extension program Athens 4-day extension program Mykonos Prices see extension program Mykonos 4-day extension program Santorini Prices see extension program Santorini 3-day extension program Corfu Prices see extension program Corfu Discounts 2024 Children up to age 16 receive a discount of 25 % on the basic tour price (not combinable with any other discount / does not apply for single occupancies). With three persons sharing a cabin, we allow a 50 % discount on the basic tour price for the third person, regardless of age (not combinable with other discounts). When booking an above deck cabin, the above deck surcharge will not be charged for the third occupant. If this is your third or more Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our SEA-YOU-AGAIN discount for your next tour in 2025. Discounts 2025 Children up to the age of 16 receive a discount of 200 euro on the tour base price (double occupancy, not combinable with other discounts). When travelling with children, we recommend our Multi-Adventure Tours in Greece and Croatia which are specifically curated for families and offer family-friendly pricing. If this is your second Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our Welcome-back-discount of 3% on the basic tour price. If this is your third or more Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our Loyalty-discount of 5% on the basic tour price. Arrival - How to get there Port of Embarkation Erato in Athens:Marina Alimos (Palaia Faliro) For our ship Erato the port of embarkation is ⇒ Marina Alimos, which is a part of the Athens suburb of Palaia Faliro. Usually your ship will dock here at Pier E. You can check in on board from 2pm on embarkation day. If you arrive without a pre-booked transfer with us and have difficulty finding the Erato, please call your local tour guide (number provided in your travel documents). Port of embarkation Lefkas (Lefkas town) The exact berth of your ship is always decided on the evening before your trip, depending on weather conditions and availability. There are two possibilities: either in the main harbor near the old town of Lefkas or in the marina of Lefkas town, which is about 1 km away. You can check in on board from 2 pm on the day of embarkation. Please refer to your booking confirmation for the relevant port of embarkation. If you have not booked a transfer, please call your local tour guide to find out the exact berth. The relevant telephone number can be found in your travel documents. Arrival by plane There are flights from many airports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland to Athens or Preveza/Aktio airport (located near the island of Lefkas). When booking your flight, please note that your journey either starts in Athens and end in Lefkas or vice versa. We recommend that you book an open-jaw flight. If you cannot find suitable flights to/from Preveza/Aktio, we recommend that you book a return flight to Athens and travel the distance between Lefkas and Athens by bus (offered up to 5 times a day). From the airport to the harbour To make your arrival as smooth as possible, we recommend that you book our transfers between the airport and hotel or ship. If you would like an exclusive airport transfer or hotel transfer, you are welcome to book this with us in advance (prices on request). You are of course free to take a cab or use public transportation. If you take a cab yourself, be sure the driver switches on the taximeter to avoid any unpleasant surprises regarding the fare. Contact us Embarkation Athens Embarkation Lefkas By plane Airport - Harbour If you would like to extend your trip Extension Program Meteora Extend your stay at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora with our three-day program, offering both organized activities and free time. The package includes travel to Meteora, two nights in a hotel in Kalabaka or Kastra-ki, a treasure hunt in Kalabaka, and a guided activity of your choice (e-bike tour, hike, or horseback riding) to explore the famous Meteora rocks and monasteries. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Greek taverna. Read More Additional nights in Athens We are happy to arrange extra nights with breakfast in Athens. The 2004 Olympic Games have changed the face of this bustling metropolis with 5 million people in a very positive way. Large parts of the city center were converted into pedestrian zones and a spacious archaeological park was created around the Acropolis. A walk through the many winding alleyways of Plaka, Athens’ charming old town district, is also unforgettable. Read More Extension Program Athens Would you like to see more of Athens? Then we recommend our 3-day extension program in the Greek capital. Athens has countless sights. The additional program includes transfers, two nights in a hotel including breakfast, a city tour by bike, admission to the Acropolis and dinner in a typical tavern. Read More Additional nights in Lefkas We are happy to arrange additional nights with breakfast in Lefkas town or other places on the island of Lefkas. Lefkas impresses above all with its particularly beautiful beaches. Especially along the west coast with its high limestone cliffs and the rugged mountains in the center of the island. For price inquiries please use our contact form (press "read more"). We are happy to send you a non-binding offer. Read More Extension Program Meteora Additional nights in Athens Extension Program Athens Additional nights in Lefkas Important information Spoken language Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German. Itinerary changes The Cyclades are relatively susceptible to wind. Normally this will only result in minor modifications of the tour route. However, should the wind be too strong or dangerous, the travel route may markedly differ from the planned route. Our substitute tour leads through the Saronic Gulf for the entire week, one of the most historic regions of Greece: We would cross between the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese and discover the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, and the Methana peninsula. A highlight of this substitute journey is a visit to the ancient Epidauros, home to the best-preserved theatre in Greece. Requirements E-Bike level 1: E-bike tours suitable for Islandhoppers with a good basic level of fitness. The tours and the elevation meters are very manageable with an e-bike (23-35 km and 350 - 700 elevation meters per day). Hybrid bike level 2 -3: The bike routes vary in length between 23 - 35 km/14 - 22 mi. and 350 - 700 elevation meters per day and lead through hilly or mountainous terrain. There are some longer climbs; however, you are welcome to take breaks or push your bike if necessary. The roads are mostly asphalted. Your tour guide will inform you each day about the tour details. This tour is primarily a guided group tour however, upon consultation with your tour guides, it may be possible to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour. Guided group pace On our e-bike tour programs, the riding pace is determined by the cyclists on e-bikes. Guests who are taking part on these tours on a regular bicycle should have the necessary physical condition to keep up with this pace. Thank you for your understanding. Requirement to wear a helmet Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required). Bringing children We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.50 m (5 ft.) for hybrid bikes. For the best tour experience with children, we recommend our Multi-Adventure Cruises in Croatia or Greece. We are convinced that these itineraries provide the best all-round experience for each individual family member. Bringing private bikes & exclusion of private e-bikes The tour which you have booked requires a bike with a fully functional set of gears, than the area is mostly hilly. Almost all of our cycling tours start at sea level. This commonly results in an uphill start to the tour. We do not allow private e-bikes on board of our boats. This decision has been made due to health and safety regulations. If you wish to ride an e-bike for the duration of your tour, please get in touch with us about the rental options. We do not recommend bringing along private road bikes, as the thin tires are not suitable for some of the road surfaces encountered on the tours. Liability Disclaimer: Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH will not be held liable for any damages caused to private bikes during loading, unloading or other logisitical handling thereof. Should you however wish to bring your own hybrid bike with you, please make sure to check the condition of your breaks, gears, and tires and don’t forget to bring along a puncture repair kit and the essential spare parts for your bike (e.g. brake pads and tubes). Your bike should be in prefect mechanical working order. Noise on board Please do not forget that the ship is your hotel as well as a machine, which has to be maintained and operated – day and night. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable. Internet availability A free WiFi connection is available on your ship. On the open sea, reception cannot be guaranteed at all times. If you need stable Internet access during your voyage, we recommend that you take your laptop or tablet to a café or bar at the port. Free WiFi is offered almost everywhere. If you order something there, you can use the WiFi without restriction.
