{"id":1291,"date":"2015-11-05T12:42:39","date_gmt":"2015-11-05T12:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cyclegreece.com\/?page_id=1291"},"modified":"2026-01-17T11:40:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T11:40:14","slug":"saronic-jewels","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cyclegreece.com\/tours\/guided-tours\/saronic-jewels\/","title":{"rendered":"Saronic Jewels"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row css=».vc_custom_1479913737684{margin-bottom: 100px !important;padding-top: 35px !important;}»][vc_column width=»2\/3″ css=».vc_custom_1456165759616{padding-top: 30px !important;}»][vc_column_text]\n

SARONIC JEWELS<\/span>
\n3 islands, legendary Peloponnese sites<\/span>
\nguided with vehicle support<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_tabs style=»modern» color=»blue» spacing=»» alignment=»center» active_section=»1″ css=».vc_custom_1469711485251{padding-top: 25px !important;padding-bottom: -50px !important;}»][vc_tta_section title=»DESCRIPTION» tab_id=»description-saronic-jewels»][vc_column_text]Tour destinations: Athens, Hydra island, Spetses island, Poros island, Nafplio, Corinth, Kalamaki Beach, Salamina island<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/a>The Argo Saronic region in the southeast corner of the Peloponnese Peninsula is where everything encourages you to pedal at a gradual pace, or siga-siga (slow, slow) as the Greeks say. We bicycle, swim, smell the lemons, shop for quality souvenirs and take enlightening archaeology tours of legendary antiquities.<\/p>\n

The tour introduces you to three islands, two World Heritage Sites, the incredibly lovely city of Nafplio which you will rate your favorite. The region is known for its Nemean wines where wine-making from ancient days continues to inspire and delight visitors.<\/p>\n

During the tour you will also get in the kitchen to learn how to make a traditional Greek meal, and then you will get to eat it.\u00a0 There will also be a Greek spirits night of liqueur flavors you’ve probably never tried before and whose tastes are unique to Greece.\u00a0\u00a0 Learn a few handy phrases during a one hour Greek language lesson, and then you can greet the locals.<\/p>\n

We recommend you take the Athens Add-on<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0which precedes the Saronic Jewels spring tour and follows the fall tour.\u00a0 You will immerse yourself in the culture of Athens and Attica region with exciting activities:\u00a0 Historic Central Athens bike tour (90% traffic free), Acropolis & Acropolis Museum with professional guide, Temple of Poseidon coastal cycling, walking food tour of Greek cuisine.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=»DETAILS» tab_id=»details-saronic-jewels»][vc_row_inner css=».vc_custom_1447927129881{padding-top: 10px !important;}»][vc_column_inner width=»3\/4″][vc_column_text]Details<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
2026 Dates<\/strong> <\/span><\/td>\nJune 1-11 and September 6-16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Duration<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n10 nights, depart on Day 11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Add-ons
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n		Athens see Add-on tab<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arrival City<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nAthens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arrival transfer<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nSee Extras tab<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tour Start Point<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nAthens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tour End Point<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nAthens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minimum Age
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n		18<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minimum Pax
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n		8<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maximum Pax
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n		14<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Mileage<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n335 km or 208 miles\u00a0<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Highest Elevation
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n		1561 feet 476 m<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rating<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nModerate — see Rating System<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=»ITINERARY» tab_id=»Itinerary-saronic-jewels»][vc_row_inner css=».vc_custom_1447927169841{padding-top: 10px !important;}»][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Itinerary — 10 nights, depart on Day 11\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 1 Athens<\/strong><\/p>\n

Welcome to Historic Central Athens for the first day of the tour.\u00a0 \u00a0The meeting point of the tour is Acropolis pedestrian walkway.\u00a0\u00a0Today is for relaxing, adjusting to jet lag, meeting fellow cyclists on the tour and getting fitted for your road bike and test riding it on the Acropolis walkway.\u00a0 Welcome Dinner on a rooftop taverna.<\/p>\n

Day 2 Hydra island\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A two-hour hydrofoil transfer takes the group to car-free Hydra, an elegant island attracting high-end artists whose paintings, jewelry and clothes fill the local shops. As Hydra is also bike-free, the day\u2019s activity is a hike up to a monastery offering tremendous views. Hydra hike\u00a06 km, 3.7 miles<\/strong>, from sea level to 1561 feet, 476 meters<\/p>\n

Day 3 Spetses island<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arriving by boat from Hydra to Spetses we bike to a lunch spot right on the beach offering swimming and relaxing.\u00a0 After lunch, a short bike ride through the old harbor and up to the lighthouse built in the 1890s plus a visit to the Laskarina Bouboulinas Museum \u2013 she was a national heroine who commanded her own fleet during the Greek Revolution.<\/p>\n

Day 4 Spetses island<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spetses is so small you can circumnavigate the island by bike in a couple of hours. At a half-way point enjoy swimming at a beach with a marvelous sea cave where pirates hid out.\u00a0 Access is through a hole in the earth!\u00a0 \u00a0Swim or walk back to the bikes.\u00a0 \u00a024 km, 15 miles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 5 Poros island<\/strong><\/p>\n

Return to the Peloponnese mainland by water taxi and hug the coast eastward on mostly flat terrain to reach Galatas, the port opposite Poros, from where you take a ten minute ferry to the island. Put on your aprons for dinner to prepare your meal in a traditional Greek cooking class.\u00a057 km, 35 miles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 6\u00a0 \u00a0Poros island<\/strong><\/p>\n

Methana feels like an island but it\u2019s actually a peninsula well known for its thermal waters.\u00a0 Lunch on the water at Methana and then bike back to Poros.\u00a0 Put on your aprons for dinner to prepare tonight\u2019s meal in a traditional Greek cooking class 47 km, 16.70 miles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 7 Nafplio<\/strong><\/p>\n

After a vehicle transfer to coastal Epidavros, cycle a gradual climb to Ancient Epidavros, the 3rd century BC outdoor theatre seating 13,000 spectators with impeccable acoustics. Epidavros was the most famous healing center in ancient Greece, focusing on mind, body and spirit. \u00a0Second cycling leg brings us to Nafplio.\u00a0 48.50 km, 29.80 miles\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 8 Nafplio<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, is the prettiest city in the Peloponnese.\u00a0Bike Nafplio to Ancient Mycenae on mostly flat back road. Tour Mycenae with a professional guide. After lunch cycle back to Nafplio. Pre-dinner wine tasting of famous Nemean wines.\u00a046.60 km, 30 miles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 9 Kalamaki Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

One hour vehicle transfer to Ancient Nemea, one of the four sites where athletic games were held (the most famous being Olympia), and the one with the finest stadium entrance. From Nemea cycle to Ancient Corinth, the Roman ruins where St. Paul preached. \u00a0\u00a0Photo op in front of the Corinth columns.\u00a0\u00a0 Home stretch leg to the seaside hotel on Kalamaki Beach.\u00a0 Partake in our Greek Spirits Night!\u00a0\u00a048.60km, 28 miles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 10 Athens<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cross the Corinth Canal, the waterway that turned the Peloponnese peninsula into an island in 1893.\u00a0\u00a0 Cycle the old national highway, hugging the sea to reach the ferry crossing to Salamina island for lunch.\u00a0\u00a0 Then cycle to the second ferry that takes us to Piraeus port.\u00a0\u00a0 Farewell Dinner.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a063.30 km 39 miles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 11 Departures\u00a0<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=»ADD-ON» tab_id=»athens-add-on-saronic-jewels»][vc_column_text]Athens Add-On, 4 Nights\u00a0 —\u00a0 2026 dates June 11-15 and September 16-20<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 1: Athens <\/strong>\u2013 Arrive and Welcome Drink\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 2:\u00a0 Historic Central Athens Bike Tour & Acropolis + Acropolis Museum<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Start the morning with a three hour Athens Bike Tour that is 90% traffic free stopping at 25 points of interest, including famous sites like the changing of the guard at Parliament and unheralded sites like the Pynx where democracy was born and Socrates\u2019 prison. Bike tour is 11 km, 6.8 miles<\/strong>. After lunch in an outdoor taverna at Plaka visit the incomparable Acropolis with a professional archaeology guide and the Acropolis Museum holding the monument\u2019s treasures.<\/p>\n

Day 3:<\/strong> Athens<\/strong> \u2013 Temple of Poseidon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

We take an excursion to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon in Sounion at the southern tip of Attica Peninsula. Lord Byron carved his name in the marble but the graffiti cannot mar the temple\u2019s geometric precision nor its stupendous views. Bring your swimsuit for a dip in the sea before returning to the city. Includes lunch at a seaside taverna. Option to bike from the Acropolis to Sounion, 60 km, 37 miles<\/strong> or vehicle transfer to Vari and bike from there, 42 km, 26 miles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 4: Athens \u2013Athens Walking Food Tour\u00a0 (or choice of cycling in Aegina island or Marathon)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Take a walking tour that immerses you into Greek food, wine, local products, spirits. All things that stimulate the palate. Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest diets on the planet. The gastronomic guide takes you to places you would never know as a foreigner. 4 \u00bd hours 10:00 — 14:00.<\/p>\n

NOTE:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 You may substitute the walking Food Tour for a cycling tour on Aegina Island<\/a> or Marathon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Day 5:\u00a0 depart, end of tour\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

COST<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1420 euros per person for 4 persons based on double occupancy<\/p>\n

1680 euros per person for 2 persons based on double occupancy<\/p>\n

450 euros for single supplement<\/p>\n

INCLUSIONS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Accommodations:<\/strong> 4 nights in hotel within walking distance of Acropolis with daily breakfast.<\/p>\n

Athens Bike Tour:<\/strong> 3 hours, hybrid bike, helmet, water bottle, front handlebar bag for cellphone, wallet, camera<\/p>\n

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum:<\/strong> 3 hour private tour with professional guide, includes entry fees to Acropolis and Acropolis Museum<\/p>\n

Temple of Poseidon:<\/strong> full day excursion, road bike, biking guide, vehicle support, entry fees to Temple of Poseidon, helmet, water bottle, front handlebar bag,<\/p>\n

Athens Food Tour:<\/strong> 4\u00bd hour walking tour, over 25 tastings at 11 food spots<\/p>\n

Meals:<\/strong><\/p>\n

* Welcome drink<\/p>\n

* Breakfasts are included at the Athens hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n

* three lunches<\/p>\n

* no dinners<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

EXCLUSIONS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

* All dinners<\/p>\n

* Airport transfer on departure, requires minimum 4 persons, maximum 8 persons. See Extras tab<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

* Travel Insurance. See Extras tab<\/a><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=»COST & INCLUSIONS» tab_id=»cost-inclusions-saronic-jewels»][vc_column_text]Cost in euros based on double occupancy
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
11 Day Tour
\n<\/strong><\/td>\n		3600 euros per person<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Single supplement
\n<\/strong><\/td>\n		900 euros<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

See daily exchange rates<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

TOUR INCLUSIONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

10 nights Accommodations:<\/strong> 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. Check single supplement price for a single room.<\/p>\n

7 sea transfers:<\/strong> Piraeus to Hydra (hydrofoil), Hydra to Spetses (hydrofoil), Spetses to Kosta port on mainland (water taxi), Galatas port on mainland to Poros (ferry or water taxi), Poros to Galatas (ferry or water taxi), Nea Perama to Salamina island, Salamina to Perama port.<\/p>\n

Bikes:\u00a0 <\/strong>Specialized Allez road bike with drop handlebars or Trek FX2 with flat handlebars.\u00a0 \u00a0Upgrade to a carbon road bike 560 euros for this tour.\u00a0 Upgrade to an electric bike Yucatan 12 with Yamaha motor for 400 euros this tour.\u00a0 Regular pedals or toe clips. You are welcome to bring your own clip-in pedals and shoes.\u00a0 See Our Bikes<\/a> <\/strong>and Our Gear<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bike gear:<\/strong> helmet, water bottles, handlebar pouch, odometer<\/p>\n

Support vehicle:<\/strong> (\u201csag wagon\u201d) with bilingual driver who is also a bike mechanic. Vehicle carries spare parts, spare fully pumped wheels, floor pump, ice cooler, water, nutritious snacks, bike tools, first aid kit, day packs, luggage and gives you a lift if you get tired.\u00a0 Additional vehicle\/ driver for groups of 10 or more.<\/p>\n

Tour Leader \/ Bike Guide:<\/strong> the Tour Leader handles all the tour logistics and bikes with the group.\u00a0 Additional bike guide for groups of 10 or more.<\/p>\n

All Meals:<\/strong><\/p>\n

* Breakfasts are included at each hotel.<\/p>\n

* 10 lunches \u2014 you choose from the menu.<\/p>\n

* 10 dinners consisting of 2-3 appetizers and salad chosen by us and shared by the group. You are offered an entr\u00e9e choice, usually a meat, fish or vegetarian dish. Dessert, house wine or beer, water or beverage.<\/p>\n

Bike Routes<\/strong>:\u00a0Options (1) RideWithGPS App tour routes to upload to your iphone or Android with voice narration \u2013 request a bike mount (2) GPX tracks to download to your device \u2013 bring your own bike mount \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Cue sheets and cue sheet holders \u00a0<\/strong>on request<\/p>\n

Maps of the region<\/strong><\/p>\n

Trip packet:<\/strong> useful and interesting information about the regions, packing tips, general travel info for Greece<\/p>\n

Archaeology tours<\/strong>: Private one hour archaeology tour with professional licensed guides at Epidavros and Mycenae.<\/p>\n

Entrance fees<\/strong>: Entrance fees to Epidavros, Mycenae, Nemea.<\/p>\n

Wine Tasting:<\/strong> a wine tasting of Greek wines with local expert<\/p>\n

Traditional Greek Cooking Class:<\/strong> takes place in Poros, led by local cook<\/p>\n

CycleGreece jersey:<\/strong> short sleeved, rear pockets, locally made<\/p>\n

CycleGreece lite backpack:<\/strong> 17\u201d x 13\u201d, 43cm x 33cm<\/p>\n

Gratuities & 24% VAT taxes<\/strong><\/p>\n

TOUR EXCLUSIONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

* Airfare to\/from Greece<\/p>\n

* Transfers between Athens Airport and Athens \u2014 see Extras tab<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

* Travel insurance \u2014 see Extras tab<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n