CYCLE CYCLADES

The Cycle Cyclades tour is operated by our exclusive cycling division, our sister company, CycleGreece.

Trip Duration 8 days

Start & End Points 
Start: Arrive to Athens at least one day in advance to fit and test ride your bike.  Day one is an early morning departure from Piraeus port on a ferry to Syros island.
End:  The tour ends on Naxos island.  From here you either continue on to another island, such as Santorini, if you take our hiking add-on tour (see the Extras tab) or back to Athens by sea or air.

Total Mileage  346 km, 215 miles for standard route.  Possible to vary most daily routes to add mileage, or lessen miles with vehicle transfer.

Total Elevation  1627 feet, 496 meters

Minimum / Maximum   A minimum of 8 riders is needed for a tour to be a “go.”  A maximum of 14 riders per tour.

Rating   This road cycling tour is for moderate cyclists accustomed to some climbing.  The daily rides average 30 miles (48 kilometers).   The tour’s highest elevation is 1627 feet (496 meters).

BOOKING AGREEMENT Participants are required to sign our company Booking Agreement as a condition of the tour.

WAIVER Participants are required to sign our company Waiver as a condition of the tour

2027 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

TOUR COST

4200 euros per person based on double occupancy.  990 euros single supplement

Santorini Hiking Add-on 2600 euros per person.  950 euros single supplement

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 350 euros for this tour.  Upgrade to an electric bike Yucatan 12 with Yamaha motor for 350 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

Color copies of Distance Elevation Profiles  

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 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 350 euros for Cyclades tour.    See Our Bikes and Our Gear for more info
  

Carbon Road Bike

• Upgrade to a carbon fiber bike. Cost is 350 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.