CYCLE CYCLADES
ferry hopping 5 gorgeous islands
guided with vehicle support
Cycle Mykonos, Syros, Delos, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos and Santorini Hiking add-on
When travelers fantasize about Greece they usually conjure up stark whitewashed island villages surrounded by a blinding blue sea. That’s the Cyclades. Blue and White, just like the Greek flag. Our bike tour uses ferries to hop from island to island.
Read a day by day account of the Cycle Cyclades tour in Odyssey magazine.
The 4 night Santorini Hiking add-on offers Cyclades in all its glory with cultural activities and land and sea excursions. You hike along the volcano’s caldera ridge to witness the watery horizon 360 degrees. Sail into the caldera and ascend a volcanic peak. In a Cyclades cooking class, discover the unique local foods. We introduce you to Santorini’s marvelous wines grown in volcanic soil.
Before or after your bike tour, while in Athens see the city and surrounding region from a bike. Check out Athens Day Tours
Details
| 2025 Dates | May 17-25, September 1-9 |
| Duration | 8 nights, depart on Day 9 |
| Add-ons |
Santorini Hiking -see Add-On tab |
| Arrival City | Athens |
| Arrival transfer | see Extras tab |
| Tour Start Point | Piraeus port to Syros island |
| Tour End Point | Naxos island |
| Minimum Age |
18 |
| Minimum Pax |
8 |
| Maximum Pax |
14 |
| Total Mileage | 346 km, 215 miles for standard route. Possible to vary most daily routes to add mileage, or lessen miles with vehicle transfer. |
| Highest Elevation |
496 meters, 1627 feet |
| Rating | Active. See Rating System |
2025 Itinerary 8 nights, depart on Day 9
Day 1: Athens
Arrival day — test ride and fit the bikes in late afternoon. Welcome Dinner on rooftop terrace with Acropolis view.
Day 2: Syros
Early morning departure on a ferry to Syros, the capital of the Cyclades islands. Syros is known for its many beaches and elegant capital, Ermoupoli which means “trading city.” A warm-up short ride in the interior of the island to Ousyra Winery, a family run winery for wine tasting. Later a walk up to the car-free medieval neighborhood Ano Mera. scenic warm up ride 21 km, 13 miles
Day 3: Syros
Today’s ride makes a big loop in the southern half of Syros starting with a 204 meter ascent (670 feet), the highest point of the day. The route goes from one beautiful beach to the next finally stopping at Vari Beach for lunch and swimming in the protected bay. 36 km, 22 miles
Day 4: Mykonos
Mykonos is famous for its party scene, its high end shopping, its cool vibe. Mykonos offers a stark contrast to the other low key simple elegance of the other Cyclades islands. Biking is minimal on Mykonos — a ride to a ride sandy beach and a classy Mediterranean lunch.
Day 5: Paros
A morning local boat takes us to the ancient sanctuary of Delos island, a World Heritage Site to its explore its extensive grounds. Lunch in Mykonos harbor, then catch a ferry to Paros. We bike to the hotel in Naoussa, check in, then bike and hike the dirt path to the 1887 Korakas Lighthouse. 12 km, 7 miles, 45 minutes hike
Day 6: Paros
Our main destination is adorable Antiparos island, a 10 minute ferry hop from Paros. There’s a fun detour to the unique Valley of the Butterflies. In Antiparos, we bike ride to the famous cave and descend by foot to its bottom, A ferry back to Paros to bike the southern coast. 58 km, 36 miles
Day 7: Naxos
Morning ride to Lefkes, the highest village on Paros. Take a ferry to Naxos, arriving in time for lunch and to walk to the Portara. There are a number of biking options in Naxos, including to an olive oil museum, a 6th century BC “kouros,” or the protected Alyki juniper forest. 23 km, 14 miles in Paros, 23 km, 14 miles in Naxos
Day 8: Naxos
Today is the tour’s highest cycling day, up to 1633 feet. En route there’s a stop at a marble kouros (ancient Greek male statue) left unfinished in its quarry. At cute little Halki, sample the “kitron,” shop at an olive wood store, visit the art gallery. Cycle to Aria Springs and hike up to Za Cave. 48.55 km, 30 miles
Day 9: Departures
Take ferry or flight to Athens or 2 hour ferry to Santorini for Santorini Hiking add-on tour
Four Night Santorini Add-On, All Inclusive
2025 dates: May 25-29 and September 9-13
After biking the Cyclades islands, cap it off by visiting the famous cliffs of Santorini, and its lesser known island, Therasia. Highlights include:
- Wine tastings & traditional Greek cooking class
- Caldera sailing to hot springs with warm mud
- Hikes to Ancient Thira & Oia atop the caldera ridge
- Swimming at Red Beach & sunset harbor dining.
Day 8: Santorini
Leaving Naxos we take a two hour high speed ferry to Santorini. Your first glimpse of the volcanic caldera cliffs from the ferry are enchanting, looking like vanilla icing on a long cake. We take a late afternoon 2 hour hike on the caldera ridge, arriving in Oia to catch an incomparable sunset.
Day 9: Santorini
The day is consumed by a Cyclades cooking class in Pyrgos where you are introduced to the unique foods of the region, including white eggplants and tiny tomatoes. Learn to make four different appetizers, an entree and dessert. The class includes wine tasting and a sumptuous lunch.
Day 10: Santorini
A day full of culture: an hour hike up to the 7th century BC ruins of Ancient Thira, a tour of a renovated winery that is now a contemporary art gallery, a visit in an underground wine museum with Santorini’s oldest wine press and a walk-through of the local museum with finely preserved Minoan frescos.
Day 11: Santorini
Take a “party boat” (other passengers) to the center of the caldera where you walk the 20 minute path up the volcano and see the emitting smoke, smell the sulphur. The boat stops for a swim in thermal healing waters and lather yourself with warm sea mud. Lunch on Therasia island.
Day 12 Departure
daily flights to Athens
COST
2500 euros per person based on double occupancy. 900 euros single supplement
INCLUSIONS
Guide Company guide to act as tour leader, accompany you on all scheduled activities, lead the hikes
Accommodations 4 nights accommodations 4 star hotel on the caldera with daily breakfast, view of caldera.
Meals 4 dinners and 4 lunches
Ferries transfer from Naxos, boats to/from Therasia
Flight flight from Santorini to Athens
Transfers on arrival from port to hotel and on departure from hotel to airport
Cooking class traditional Cyclades cooking class includes gourmet lunch and wine tasting
Wine tasting two sessions at local wineries
Land excursion Full day. Private vehicle, destinations include Ancient Thira, wine museum, folk museum, art gallery, entry fees
Sea Excursion Full day. “Party boat” (meaning other passengers). Includes entry fees and lunch.
Cost in euros based on double occupancy
| Cycle Cyclades Tour Cost |
3950 euros per person |
| Cyclades Single Supplement | 800 euros |
| Santorini Hiking Add-on |
2200 euros per person |
| Santorini Single Supplement |
700 euros |
TOUR INCLUSIONS
8 nights Accommodations: 3–4 star hotels, primarily family owned and operated, ranging from boutique hotels to seaside upscale hotels. Tasteful, clean, air-conditioned, private bath, abundant hospitality, comfort. All accommodations are standard doubles with option for upgrade. All accommodations serve breakfast, usually buffet style. Tour prices are based on double occupancy. See Accommodations tab to request more info about tour’s accommodations
Ferry Transfers: 4 one-way tickets: Piraeus to Syros to Mykonos to Paros to Naxos. 2 round trip tickets: Delos and Antiparos.
Bikes: Specialized Allez road bike with drop handlebars or Trek FX2 with flat handlebars. Upgrade to a carbon road bike 560 euros for this tour. Upgrade to an electric bike Yucatan 12 with Yamaha motor for 400 euros this tour. Regular pedals or toe clips. You are welcome to bring your own clip-in pedals and shoes. See Our Bikes and Our Gear
Bike Gear: helmet, water bottles, handlebar pouch, odometer
Cue sheets and cue sheet holders on request
Bike Routes: Options (1) RideWithGPS tour routes to upload to your iphone or Android with voice narration – bike mount provided for your cellphone, (2) GPX tracks to download to your Gramin device – bring your own bike mount
Support vehicle: “Sag wagon” with bilingual driver who is also a bike mechanic. Vehicle carries spare parts, floor pump, ice cooler, water, nutritious snacks, bike tools, first aid kit, day packs, luggage and gives you a lift if you get tired. Additional vehicle/driver for groups of 10 or more riders.
Tour Leader / Bike Guide: Tour Leader handles all the tour logistics and rides with the group. Additional bike guide for groups of 10 or more riders.
All Meals: Breakfasts are included at each hotel. 7 Lunches — you choose from the menu. 8 Dinners are generally at trusted establishments within walking distance of the hotel. Dinner consists of 2-3 appetizers and salad chosen by us and shared by the group. You are offered an entrée choice, usually a meat, fish or vegetarian dish. Dessert, house wine, water or beverage for those who don’t drink wine.
Maps of the region
Trip packet: useful and interesting information about the region
Entrance fees: Delos island, Valley of the Butterflies, Antiparos Cave, Naxos Venetian Museum
Ancient Delos Excursion: ferry to Delos island to explore the ancient sanctuary with a private professional tour guide
Wine Tasting: Syros wine tasting with local winery owner
CycleGreece jersey: short sleeved, rear pockets, locally made
CycleGreece lightweight backpack: 17” x 13”, 43cm x 33cm
Gratuities & 24% VAT taxes
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
• International airfare to/from Greece
• Transfers from Athens Airport to Athens – see Extras tab
• Departure transfer at end of tour from Naxos
• Alcoholic beverages (other than house wine or beer)
• Travel insurance – required as a condition for participation in a CycleGreece tour
• Tips for CycleGreece guides and drivers, at your discretion
TAKE NOTE
- Participants are required to sign our Waiver
- Participants are required to agree to the Booking Agreement
Electric Bike
- Upgrade to an electric bike. Cost is 400 euros for Cyclades tour. See Our Bikes and Our Gear for more info
Carbon Road Bike
- Upgrade to a carbon fiber bike. Cost is 560 euros for Cyclades tour. See Our Bikes and Our Gear for more info
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is required to participate in a CycleGreece tour. For comparative rates see Insure My Trip. Cost of coverage depends on various factors including your state or residence, your age, dates of travel. Travel insurance is not provided for flights booked using frequent flyer mileage. Some policies require booking within 15 days of paying your trip deposit, such as, cancel for any reason or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Airport Transfer On Arrival
- Private transfer from Athens Airport to Athens hotel. You are met at the arrivals exit by one of our team holding a sign with your name on it. We wait for you regardless of how late your plane may arrive. No waiting in taxi or bus lines. 170 euros per transfer for up to 8 persons.
Athens Hotels
- If you stay in Athens pre or post tour, we can recommend a hotel and book your room. We patronize a range of Athenian hotels in different neighborhoods and different budgets.
Accommodations
An indicative hotel for Cycle Cyclades tour is St. Andrea in Naoussa on Paros island. We select the accommodations for guided tours based on quality, comfort, cleanliness, hospitality, location and charm.
Most of the hotels on this tour are family owned and operated. They all have wi-fi and all but one has a swimming pool. They are all near the sea and within walking or biking distance to a beach.
Hotels are included in the tour cost based on double occupancy. A single room entails an additional cost. Standard double rooms are provided but upgrade options are available.
All hotels are dependent on availability. In the event of no occupancy, we patronize comparable accommodations in the same location.
Guided tours require a deposit of 400 euros per person with the balance due 90 days prior to departure.
To make payment, click on the Book Now link which takes you to the secure Aegea Booking page to input your credit card information via PayPal. You may pay with a major credit card or Visa or Mastercard debit card or a PayPal account if you have one. You have the option to pay in euros other currencies. We pay all bank service fees although your credit card company may charge you a foreign transaction fee.
Alternatively, if you are reluctant to pay online, we can take your credit card information by phone. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for us to call you. We can also give you our bank account details if you opt to pay by bank wire transfer which usually has lower fees than those charged by a credit card company .
See details in the Booking Agreement which you must agree as a condition to participation in a CycleGreece tour. Participants are also required to sign a Waiver & Release of Liability.
Cyclades Photo Gallery
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