NORTH CYCLADES CRUISE
powered by the Aegean wind and your legs
Go to Our Yachts for detailed information about the yachts used in a Sail & Cycle tour
Sailing cycling in Karystos (Evia), Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos, Syros, Kythnos. Ends in Lavrio.
The North Cyclades Sail & Cycle adventure stops in the main harbors of seven islands including car-free Delos, the ancient sanctuary. Average two hours sailing between islands. These islands lie on the high seas where the meltemi winds can be strong in the summer months. The tour is best suited for seasoned sailers.
Each North Cycladic island has a personality that flirts, teases, charms you like a lover, and yes, you will fall in love with these islands once you get to know them intimately on two wheels. The bike rides go to small villages, beaches, tiny chapels, archaic ruins and museums. At the end of the day you’re back in the island’s harbor town where the yacht is based, rubbing shoulders with the locals who just might invite you for a game of backgammon (tavli) if you buy them a shot of tsipouro.
Before or after your North Cyclades cruise we recommend you can book the Athens Add-on which immerses your in the culture of Athens and Attica region with exciting activities: Historic Central Athens bike tour (90% traffic free), Acropolis & Acropolis Museum with professional guide, Temple of Poseidon coastal cycling, Attica wine tasting, Temple of Artemis.
If you have only one spare day in Athens and want to see the region by bicycle, we recommend Athens Day Tours.
Details
| Dates | choose your dates |
| Duration | 7 nights, 8 days |
| Charter Terms | Groups only, up to 16 guests including children 12 and older |
| Charter Cost | depends on inclusions & season |
| Add-ons |
yes, Athens – see Add-On tab |
| Arrival City | Athens |
| Arrival transfer | see from Athens Airport |
| Tour Start Point | Rafina port to Evia island |
| Tour End Point | Lavrio port |
| Minimum Age |
12, family cruises |
| Minimum Pax |
8 |
| Maximum Pax |
16 |
| Total Mileage | 346 km, 143 miles for standard route. Possible to add mileage, or lessen miles |
| Highest Elevation |
425 meters, 1394 feet (Tinos) |
| Rating | Active See Rating System |
Itinerary
The cruise starts Day 1 in Rafina port, a 20 minute drive east of Athens Airport. Board the boat by 10:00 a.m. The yacht departs to Marmari, Evia island at 12:00 . The cruise ends on Day 8 in Lavrio port at the tip of Attika peninsula, a 30 minute drive to Athens Airport.
Bike mileage listed for each day is standard. The itinerary can be adjusted for more mileage or less mileage.
Day 1: Karystos, Evia
Board the yacht between 10:00 and 12:00. At this time you meet your fellow passengers, the crew and tour personnel and we all have an ouzo or raki toast. A full tour of the boat comes next plus fitting and testing the bike to your specifications. The yacht sails at 12:00 pm for the Petali Islands, just west of Marmari for swimming and lunch. By 4:00 pm, the boat is in Marmari port where riders disembark to bike to Karystos where the ship awaits them. Biking 15 km, 9 miles
Day 2: Andros
Morning 3 hour sail to Andros, the second largest Cyclades island. Despite its size, Andros is one of the least touristed islands in the Cyclades. Bike from the port to the capital, and back, same route. The charming capital has a mixture of neoclassical and medieval buildings. Visit the Cyclades Olive Museum, the world class Museum of Modern Art and the archaeology museum. Biking 47 km 29 miles
Day 3: Tinos
2 hours sail to Tinos, the most traditional island in the Cyclades. Once occupied by the Venetians, they left their mark with all the dovecotes still dotting Tinos and most still have birds nesting in them. While cycling you will also encounter more chapels and churches in a single cycling day than you may have seen in a month at home. The bike loop goes to Volax where basket makers still weave their craft by hand. Biking 40 km, 25 miles
Day 4: Mykonos
Less than an hour’s sailing separates Mykonos from Tinos but the contrast between the two islands feels as if they lie leagues apart. Mykonos is the sophisticated island with cosmopolitan visitors and high end boutique shops. We visit spartan Delos island (no bikes allowed), once the most sacred sanctuary in ancient Greece. In fact, Cyclades means “circle” in Greek, so named because the surrounding islands circled Delos. A late afternoon bike loop to Elia Beach. Biking 24 km, 15 miles
Day 5: Syros
A three hour sail from Mykonos brings us to Syros, the capital of the Cyclades region. Syros has a nice big 3 hour plus cycling loop that passes at least a half dozen beaches to choose from. You will enjoy strolling the beautiful port city, Ermoupouli. If you are not inclined to bike today, walk up to car-free Ano Syros, the Catholic neighborhood. Old architecture, a Capuchin monastery and home to a famous singer of Rembetika, the “Greek blues.” Biking 39 km, 24 miles.
Day 6: Kythnos
A three hour sail northward from Syros to Kythnos. Another name for the island is Thermia due to the presence of hot mineral springs located in Loutra. Tradition says that the water comes undersea from Vesuvious and the springs have been used since ancient times -and still are used- as a cure from rheumatism. In and out ride to the hot springs. Biking 24 km, 15 miles.
Day 7: Lavrio
In three hours sailing you are back on the Greece mainland in the Attiki peninsula. Cycle a loop to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon and the Sounion National Park. Farewell dinner in Lavrio’s lovely marina Biking 42 km, 26 miles
Day 8: Departure
Morning transfer from Lavrio port to Athens Airport at designated hours.
Pre or Post Cruise Athens Add-on
Athens Add-On, 4 Nights
Day 1: Athens – Historic Central Athens & Acropolis & Acropolis Museum
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’ prison. Bike tour is 11 km, 6.8 miles. After lunch in an outdoor taverna at Plaka visit the incomparable Acropolis with a professional archaeology guide and the Acropolis Museum holding the monument’s treasures.
Day 2: Athens – Temple of Poseidon
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’s 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 or vehicle transfer to Vari and bike from there, 42 km, 26 miles
Day 3: Athens – Attica Wineries
The roads are primarily rural in this agricultural region full of grape vineyards, fig farms and pistachio orchards. The tour visits five wineries including an organic winery which won Greece’s first award for its bio-climatic system. At these wineries you have the opportunity to taste several varieties of local wine, such as, Savatiano, Attica’s indigenous wine, a white grape that withstands the summer temperatures with an aroma of citrus fruit and flowers. 45 km, 28 miles A special detour is made to the Temple of Artemis in Vravrona (a/k/a Brauron). This was an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of hunting, Artemis, that was a female-only place of worship.
Day 4: Athens –Athens Food Tour
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 ½ hours 10:00 – 14:00.
NOTE: You may substitute the walking Food Tour for a cycling tour on Aegina Island or Marathon.
Day 5: depart
COST
1430 euros per person for 4 persons based on double occupancy
1690 euros per person for 2 persons based on double occupancy
440 euros for single supplement
INCLUSIONS
Accommodations: 4 nights in hotel within walking distance of Acropolis with daily breakfast.
Athens Bike Tour: 3 hours, hybrid bike, helmet, water bottle, front handlebar bag for cellphone, wallet, camera
Acropolis & Acropolis Museum: 3 hour private tour with professional guide, includes entry fees to Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
Temple of Poseidon: full day excursion, road bike, biking guide, vehicle support, entry fees to Temple of Poseidon, helmet, water bottle, front handlebar bag,
Attica Wineries: full day excursion, road bike, biking guide, vehicle support, wine tasting at 3-4 wineries, entry fees to Temple of Artemis
Athens Food Tour: 4½ hour walking tour, over 25 tastings at 11 food spots
Meals:
* Breakfasts are included at the Athens hotel.
* Four lunches
* No dinners
EXCLUSIONS
* All dinners
* Airport transfer on departure, requires minimum 4 persons, maximum 8 persons. See Extras tab
* Travel Insurance. See Extras tab
CHARTER COST
Sail & Cycle cruises are offered to groups only up to 16 guests including children of 12 years old and up. The yacht’s weekly rate depends on inclusion choices and season. Please inquire. Below are available inclusions.
CHARTER INCLUSIONS
7 Cabins: (A) 4 double cabins 3 x 4 square meters with upper twin berth. (B) 1 master cabin 5 x 4 square meters with double bed and 2 upper twin berths, (C) 2 double cabin 2 x 4 square meters with two twins. All cabins have ensuite WC with shower-sink-toilet, hot water showers, air conditioning with individual controls, linens and towels.
Cruise Leader / Bike Guide: Leader handles all logistics and leads the bike rides
Airport Transfers: On arrival from Athens Airport to Rafina port where the yacht is waiting for boarding from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. On departure, from Lavrio to Athens Airport.
Departure Transfers: From Lavrio port to Athens AirportBikes: Specialized road bike or hybrid bike. Electric bike and carbon bikes available as an upgrade on request. E-bike for 400 euros. Carbon bike for 560 euros. Regular pedals or toe clips on request. You are welcome to bring your own clip-in pedals and shoes. See Our Bikes and Our Gear
Bike gear: water bottles, helmet, handlebar pouch, odometer, lock, rear rack on request, helmet. For hygienic purposes we encourage you to bring your own helmet.
Meals: APA system applies, see details here. Snacks and beverages during the cruise.
Fishing rods & gear: the catch of the day can be cooked on the outdoor Bar-B-Q
Snorkeling gear
Sea kayaks two-man kayaks on request at additional rates
Cue sheets: plus distance/elevation profiles. Routes are provided on RideWithGPS App to download to your phone
Maps: road maps in English and Greek
Trip packet: useful information, such as, recommended tavernas, points of interest, phone numbers for region’s bike shops
CycleGreece jersey: short sleeved, rear pockets, locally made
Entry Fees: entry fees to Ancient Delos island and museums
Port taxes
CHARTER EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare to/from Greece
- Diesel
- All meals except snacks — see Meals tab
- Vehicle support for bike rides — see Extras tab
- Travel Insurance – see Extras tab
- Gratuities, tips
- VAT
TAKE NOTE
Travel Insurance is required as a condition for participation in a CycleGreece tour.
For multi-day private charters seven nights or longer, guests have the option to choose the APA system which stands for “Advance Provisioning Allowance.” APA refers to expenses beyond the base charter cost, usually about 30% of the cruise cost, which includes extras, such as, diesel, meals and an on board chef.
Each yacht has a fully equipped galley to enable your party to be well-fed throughout the cruise. Meals are served al fresco on deck and/or the salon.
The APA system allows the chef to work with your group to satisfy your daily eating preferences. Once menus are established, the chef purchases the food supplies and prepares the meals Guests do not have the option to prepare their own meals on board.
Breakfast typically consist of omelets, Greek yogurt, fresh muffins, jams, fresh fruits, sweet delicacies, coffee and juices. Lunches tend to be sandwiches, pasta dishes, seafood appetizers, Greek specialties, soft drinks and mineral water. Dinner is a wholesome, hearty affair with the chef serving meat dishes or fresh fish, salads, Greek “mezes,” Greek wine, and after dinner treats at the chef’s discretion. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available upon request.
The rate for three meals on board (non-APA) prepared by the yacht’s chef is 150 euros per person per day, half board is 100 euros per person per day., if ordered and paid in advance. Prices include beverages during meals, such as wine and beer, plus mineral water and soft drinks. The chef arranges menus with your party, buys the food, prepares the meals and attends to the serving of the food.
Complimentary snacks and soft drinks are Included in the basic charter rate during the cruise.
Electric Bike
Carbon Road Bike
- Upgrade to a Specialized Tarmac Sport, carbon fiber frame and fork. Cost is 560 euros for an 8 day tour. See Our Bikes and Our Gear for more info
Travel Insurance
- For travel insurance for U.S citizens, we are official agents of Travel Guard. Contact us to receive a policy quote. Cost of coverage depends on various factors including your state of residence, your age, your days 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.
Athens Hotel
- If you stay in Athens pre or post cruise, we can recommend a hotel and book your room. We patronize a range of Athenian hotels in different neighborhoods and different budgets.
Vehicle support during rides
- Contact us for cost and details
Archaeology Guide at Ancient Delos
- At ancient Delos, you can hire a guide at the ticket entry window for about 20 euros per person, minimum two persons. Entry fee is 12 euros per person.
Yacht Specs
These specs for the yacht Apollon are indicative specs for yachts on Sail & Cycle cruises.
DESCRIPTION
Description
Twin masted motorsailer
Total refit: 2015
Overall Length: 23 meters
Beam: 6.00m
Draft: 2.25m
Teak-mahogany wood construction
Displacement: 74 tons
SAILS
Fully Batten Mainsail
Fully batten Misensail
Furling Genoa
Furling Staysail
Total sails area: 292 m2
ENGINE ROOM
2 Engines: IVECO 250HP each
Generators: (2) 16 KW, 220 AC – 24 DC
Bowthruster hydralic 60 hp.
Disalinator 250 lts per hour
TANKS
Diesel capacity: 4 tons
Water capacity: 4000 lts
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Sleeps 16 guests for overnight cruises
Six double bed cabins with third berth, 3 x 4 square meters
One master cabin with double bed and two berths, 5 x 4 square meters
Ensuite WC, hot water showers
Fully Air Conditioned individual controls
GALLEY
Fully equipped galley 18 sq. meters
Microwave Oven
Six burners oven with grill
CoffeeMaker 220V
Build in refrigerators (4)
Freezer (1)
Icemaker 24V – 220V
SALON
Salon area 30 sq. meters
Two tables sits 16 guests
Color TV 36”
DVD stereo throughout
Internet service
DECK EQUIPMENT
2 hydralic anchor winches astern
hydraulic master anchor winch bow side
Swimming ladder
Hydraulic gangway (5 m. long)
Deck Showers
BRIDGE ELECTRONICS
Radar 96 Miles range
Chart plotter
Autopilot
Depth finder
VHF (2) –SSB (1) –GPS (3) –NAVTEX (1)
Speedometer – Weather station
Wind Speed-Direction Indicator
Barometer-Clock-Thermometer
Intercome (3 stations).
PA system
SPEED
Top Speed 12 knots
Cruising speed 9 knots
EXTERIOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Rear Deck sitting area with one table (sits 10)
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Life rafts – life jackets
Dinghy 4.50 m. with 20hp outboard
EPIRB Satelite broadcaster system
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Sea kayaks (single – double)
Windsurfing boards
Hybrid bikes
Fishing rods and gear
Kites
Snorkeling equipment
DECK FIRE EQUIPMENT
Fire pumps and hoses stations (2)
Emergency fire diesel pump
REGISTRY
Greek registry
Fully insured (Lloyds)
Sail & Cycle tours require a deposit of 30% of the cruise cost at the time of signing the charter contract with the balance due 60 days prior to the boat’s departure date. Full payment is required if booking within the 60 day period.
To make payment, we must first set up your online account. Once your itinerary and cost are finalized, go to 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 .
In making payment you must agree to the company Booking Agreement — Sail & Cycle. Before the tour you will sign a Waiver. See more terms at Our Yachts, Terms & Pricing.
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