Ride Coordinator Comments

Ride Description

Cycle the Countryside. Sail the Seas. Live the Adventure:

June 3 – 17, 2027 - Embark on an unforgettable 14-night journey that combines the thrill of sailing the Aegean Sea with the charm of cycling through Greece's stunning landscapes. This carefully curated adventure offers a perfect blend of culture, history, natural beauty, and active exploration. Perfect for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking an immersive Greek getaway.

 Days 1 & 2: Athens – (June 3-4, 2027) Discover the Heart of Ancient Greece Start your journey in the vibrant city of Athens, a cradle of Western civilization.

• Marvel at the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, and delve into history at the Acropolis Museum with a guided tour

• Explore the charming streets of Plaka and shop for souvenirs at the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market.

 • Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and take in panoramic views of Athens from Lycabettus Hill.

 • Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine at rooftop tavernas with stunning views of the illuminated city.

 Accommodation: Centrally located hotel in Athens. (2 nights)

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Days 3–9: (June 5-11, 2027) Sailing & Cycling the Saronic Gulf Islands Adventure on Land and Sea.

Board your spacious, fully crewed sailing yacht in Salamina and set off on a 7-night exploration of Greece’s Saronic Gulf Islands. Each day combines scenic sailing with invigorating cycling routes, giving you the best of both worlds.

Day 3 (June 5, 2027): Athens → Salamina- Welcome Aboard

• Morning: Walking food tour of Athens • Afternoon: transfer from Athens to the marina in Salamina, Greece’s first naval hub and home to the historic Battle of Salamis.

 • Activities:

o Visit the Salamis Battlefield Monument, commemorating the famous naval battle that changed ancient history.

o Explore Euripides’ Cave, believed to be the place where the great playwright sought inspiration for his works. o Set up bikes and Optional cycling loop (~10-20 km/ 6-15 mile): A gentle route along the coastline to test out your bikes.

 • Evening: Welcome aboard your traditional gulet! Enjoy a sunset welcome dinner on deck with local specialties as you get to know your crew and fellow adventurers.

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Day 4 (June 6, 2027): Salamina → Aegina - Cycling Through History and Pistachio Orchards

• Sailing Time: 2–3 hours to Aegina.

 • Morning: Anchor at Aegina, an island famed for its pistachios and rich history.

• Cycling Route (~40 km / 681 m 25 miles/ 2234ft ):

 o Start at the bustling Aegina Port, passing colorful fishing boats and shops. o Cycle through pistachio groves to the Temple of Aphaia, a masterpiece of ancient architecture with panoramic views of the island.

 o Ride past Agios Nektarios Monastery, a significant site for Orthodox Christians. • Cultural Highlights:

o Tour the Archaeological Museum of Aegina, home to artifacts from the island's ancient past.

 o Sample freshly roasted pistachios and pistachio-based treats.

 • Evening: Relax on board with a traditional seafood dinner, followed by stargazing from the deck.

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Day 5 ( June 7, 2027): Aegina → Poros - Lemon Orchards and Hilltop Views

 • Sailing Time: 3–4 hours to Poros. • Morning: Cruise to the lush island of Poros, known for its tranquil ambiance.

• Cycling Route (~25 km / 474 m 16 miles / 1555ft):

o Cycle through the fragrant Lemonodasos (Lemon Forest), a beautiful grove of lemon and orange trees.

o Ascend to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, a serene monastery offering breathtaking views of the Aegean.

o Enjoy a scenic downhill ride to Poros Town.

• Cultural Highlights: o Walk through the charming streets of Poros Town and visit the Clock Tower, a landmark offering panoramic views of the island.

• Evening: Dock overnight and enjoy a peaceful evening walk by the waterfront followed by Dinner on board

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Day 6 (June 8, 2027) : Poros → Ermioni Hidden Gems and Traditional Charm

• Sailing Time: 2 hours to Ermioni.

• Morning in Ermioni:

 o Arrive at the charming mainland port of Ermioni, known for its pine-covered peninsula and laid-back atmosphere. o Cycling Route (~57 km / 569m 35miles / 1866ft):

 ▪ Erimnioni – porto cheli – Explore Ermioni’s coastal roads, passing small fishing villages and stunning seascapes.

 ▪ Visit the Bisti Archaeological Site, a tranquil pine forest containing ancient ruins and scenic trails.

 ▪ Stop at local artisan shops selling handmade crafts and traditional Greek products. o Optional: Relax by the beach or enjoy a coffee in one of the seaside cafes.

• Cultural Highlights:

 • Discover Ermioni’s sea-sponge fishing heritage at the local sponge workshops.

• Take in views of the quaint harbor and lush surroundings.

• Evening: Overnight at Ermioni, with Dinner on board :

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Day 7 (June 9, 2027)): Ermioni → Hydra Artistic Charm and Car-Free Exploration

• Sailing Time: 2 hours to Hydra.

 • Activities in Hydra ( no cycling )

o Arrive in Hydra, a car-free island famed for its tranquility and artistic allure.

o Hiking - Hike along scenic coastal trails

 o Explore Hydra’s cobbled streets lined with art galleries, cafes, and boutiques.

 o Visit the Historical Archives Museum, showcasing Hydra’s role in the Greek War of Independence. • Cultural Highlights:

 o Admire the island’s 19th-century mansions, built by sea captains.

o Relax by the harbor, watching the yachts and traditional fishing boats.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, sampling fresh seafood and local wines.

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Day 8 (June 10, 2027): Hydra → Spetses Beaches, History, and Coastal Rides

• Sailing Time: 2–3 hours to Spetses.

• Cycling Route (~27 km / 438 m 17miles / 1437ft):

o Begin with a ride along the island’s coastal road, passing hidden coves and crystal-clear beaches.

 o Stop at Bekiris Cave, accessible via a short hike, to explore its natural beauty.

o Visit Bouboulina’s Museum, dedicated to one of Greece’s greatest heroines, Laskarina Bouboulina. • Cultural Highlights:

 o Explore Spetses Town with its elegant mansions and lively square.

 o Optional swim or snorkeling stop at a secluded beach.

• Evening: Traditional dinner on board cooked by your private chef

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Day 9 (June 11, 2027)) Spetses → Epidavros Sailing and Relaxation (No Cycling)

• Sailing Time: 4 hours to Epidavros.

 • Activities:

o Spend the morning sailing along the serene waters of the Saronic Gulf, taking in the scenic coastline.

o Optional stops for swimming or snorkeling in secluded coves.

o BBQ PARTY LUNCH

o Upon arrival in Epidavros, enjoy leisure time to explore the town at your own pace or relax by the harbor.

• Evening Sleep on the boat and in the morning Disembark and transfer to your hotel in Epidavros for the next phase of the journey.

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 Days 10–14: Stay in Epidavros with Cycling Adventures Cycle the Peloponnesian Countryside From your base in Epidavros, explore the beauty of the northwest Peloponnese on two wheels. Each day features carefully planned routes that take you through breathtaking landscapes and charming villages.

Accommodation: Coastal boutique hotel in Epidavros (5 nights).

• Day 10 (June 12, 2027): Coastal Ride to Methana (~90 km 1471m 55 miles / 4800ft )

 o Visit the volcanic peninsula of Methana. Hike to the volcanic crater and soak in the therapeutic thermal springs.

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• Day 11: (June 13, 2027): Ancient Epidavros Countryside (~50 km / 1001m 31miles / 3280ft)

o Cycle through olive groves to the serene Little Theatre of Epidavros. Stop at a traditional olive press to taste locally produced olive oil.

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• Day 12: (June 14, 2027): Day Trip to Nafplio (~85 km 1092m 52miles / 3387ft)

 o Ride to the Venetian-style town of Nafplio. Visit the imposing Palamidi Fortress, stroll through cobblestone streets, and enjoy local seafood by the harbor.

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• Day 13: (June 15, 2027): Monastery loop – 59km / 1037m 36 miles / 3345ft Cycle a scenic loop to the Kalamiou monastery

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• Day 14: (June 16, 2027): Leisure Day (~optional ride)

 o Relax by the beach or take a short ride to a nearby monastery. Alternatively, enjoy a day at the beach or unwind at the hotel.

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• Day 15: (June 17, 2027): Home time, Transfer to Athens airport

Health and Safety: Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Ride Rating: The Ride Rating is 3B!, 2500-3500 ft elevation,50-65 miles. Most days are much less mileage due to sailing half days. There is one day with an elevation of 4800 ft. Most climbs are not steep, but gradual. Paved roads are in good condition with little traffic.

Cue sheets, maps, GPS files: GPX Files with maps will be sent to Riders several weeks prior to the tour. Participants are expected to have a method of navigation for the tour and telephone service.

Weather: The weather in Athens averages 78 degrees (F) low, and 84 degrees (F) high.  There is rarely rain this time of year.  Epidavros averages 69 degrees (F) low, and 85 degrees (F) high. 

 Lodging, Meals, & Happy/Social Hours: The Athens hotel will be 4 star and centrally located. There will be 7 nights on the fully crewed gullet yacht and 5 nights at a boutique hotel in Epidavros. See the daily activity summary for happy hours and meals included. Happy Hour includes Beer, sodas, juice and light snacks

Logistics: The tour wiIl begin and end in Athens, Greece. We will have the first Happy Hour the June 3, 2027 in the afternoon, place to be announced. The tour will end after breakfast on June 17, 2027. Participants are expected to find transportation to the starting hotel for the tour. Taxis, buses, and Ubers are available from Athens airport. There will be a group transfer after breakfast on the final tour day to the Athens Elefterios Venizelos Airport. Bike rentals will be available through tour vendor, see below.

Cost & Administration: Total tour cost is $5975 USD per person, based on sharing a room. A deposit of $2000 is required to sign on to the ride. Second payment of $2000 due January 15, 2027. The final payment is due April 15, 2027 for $1975. The final payment may be decreased based on the number of participants.

Included: • 2 nights in Athens (hotel accommodation with breakfast). • 7 nights aboard a fully crewed gullet yacht half board (7 x breakfast 6 x dinner on board). • BBQ party lunch • 5 nights in a boutique hotel in Epidavros (with breakfast and 3 x Dinner). • Daily self guided cycling tours with routes and gpx files provided. • Guided tour of Athens including entrance fees to sites • Walking food tour of Athens • Sailing activities, fuel, and mooring fees. • Bike box transfer • Transfers between Athens, the sailing base, and Epidavros to Athens aiport Not included: Flights to/from Athens, transportation from Athens airport to starting hotel, tips and gratuities for guides, optional bike hire.

The Bike:  Bike rentals are available on request through Greek Cycle Holidays at the rider’s expense for the duration of the tour.  If bringing your own bike, please make sure that you bring sufficient parts to maintain the bike in good order throughout the ride.  Bike boxes will travel throughout the trip in Sag Vehicle. Tandem bikes are welcome, but may be limited, please make this known at registration.

Carbon road bike: $416 USD

Aluminum hybrid bike: $293 USD

 e-bike (limited availability): $608 USD

Singles & Solos Policy: It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single rider without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until April 15, 2027 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the $ 1100 Solo Supplement and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.

The solo supplement payment of $1100 is due by April 15, 2027 and can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle:

In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org

● Initiate a payment

● In the Message block, enter the name of your ride. If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

EU EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM (ETIAS) TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION: ETIAS will not be implemented until about 6 months after the EU completes its Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals. The EES is anticipated to be functional sometime in 2025, but that is also uncertain. The ETIAS process will require short-term travelers to apply online, pay a small fee (€7 – roughly $7.40) and then wait up to 96 hours for applications to be approved. The authorization is good for a three-year period or until the traveler’s passport expires – whichever comes first. Unlike the ETA, ETIAS will not be required for a layover as long as you remain within the airport's international transit area and do not leave to enter the country itself. For all of these programs, airlines will be required to notify passengers of requirements in enough time in advance of their flights to complete the process. BAC will continue to update members as things change.

Cancellation Policy: The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Greek Cycle Holidays supports the BAC cancellation policy but does not provide any refunds for cancellations less than 60 days prior to the departure of the tour. 

Ride Participant Responsibility: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

 Advisory – Outside USA Tours - Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible.

Sign-up: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is an $85.00 domestic ride fee and $150.00 international ride fee. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.

The Vessel: A Gulet built for Comfort M/S ARTEMIS Your home for 7 nights will be a spacious, traditional gulet, fully equipped with 16 en-suite cabins accommodating up to 40 passengers. With a dedicated crew handling navigation, meals, and services, you can focus on enjoying the journey.

 We will be the only guests on the vessel (Private Charter.)

 Highlights include:

• Generous deck space for sunbathing and socializing.

• Traditional charm combined with modern amenities.

 • Freshly prepared Greek meals onboard.

Who Is This Tour For?

• Cycling Enthusiasts: Routes are intermediate to hard, Suitable for road and hybrid bikes with limited e-bike options available

. • Cultural Travelers: Rich historical sites, local flavors, and authentic experiences.

 • Nature Lovers: Stunning seascapes, island views, and serene countryside rides.

 Why Choose This Tour?

• Active Exploration: A unique blend of sailing and cycling ensures every day is an adventure.

• Cultural Immersion: Visit iconic landmarks, sample local cuisine, and experience Greek hospitality. .