Singles Only Travel & Tours

We sail on a Greek 32 meter long two-master from the harbour of Rafti to the Island of Kythnos. It is the starting point of further “hopping” by bike and ship into the heart of the Greek island world. The first advanced European civilization developed here 5000 years ago on the Cyclades archipelago that includes more than thirty islands. Greece shows its most original side here and its whole diversity: shining white cubic houses with blue window panes, and labyrinth like alleys, characterise the architectural landscape of the island villages. The ragged coastlines, turquoise-blue sea, and lovely sand beaches frame each days ride. Experience the fascinating mix of antiquity and modernity as well as the beauty of the central island group of the Greek Aegean by bike and with the MS Andreas.
     
RATING: Moderate to Hilly

The daily routes of 20 to 60 km cover partly hilly and mountainous terrain. You can expect some steep ascents. Most roads are asphalted. You can rest for a day or half a day on the ship at any time.

Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1:   Porto Rafti (embarkation)
Individual arrival in Porto Rafti, a small fishing village 15 km away from the airport in Athens. Check-in on the Andreas from 2 p.m. onwards. When all guests are onboard, we sail to the island of Kea, or perhaps spend the night in Porto Rafti. Dinner on board.

Day 2:   Island of Kythnos (approx. 25 km)
Cruise to the island of Kythnos which has been famous for its splendid cheese and honey since antiquity. A quiet, mostly flat island: the first tour begins in the harbour in Merichas and ends in Kythnos, the main town on the island, built in a typical Cycladian architectural style. Next destination is Loutra, a seaside resort located on the ragged coast. It is famous for its healing thermal springs. Night in Merichas.

Day 3:   Island of Seriphos (approx. 20 km)
We sail to Seriphos in the morning: a small island, untouched by tourism, with deep valleys, numerous bays and many beautiful sandy beaches. You bike on a high altitude road to the Byzantine monastery of Taxiarchis as well as to the main town of Seriphos. Its cubic houses stretch out on a mountain ridge high above sea level. A serpentine road takes you downhill back to the harbour village of Livadi, where you stay for the night.

Day 4:   Syros (approx. 25 km)
We sail to the island of Syros and cycle from Ermoupolis to the peaceful fishing village of Kini, located in the western part of the island. You cycle back along the numerous bays of the coastline through the whole southern part of the island to its capital, Ermoupolis, where you stay for the night. The town is situated on two hills. It differs from other Cycladian towns because of its strong urban character. You can let the evening come to an end in one of the numerous cafés on the long harbour promenade.

Day 5:   Island of Mykonos (approx. 25 km)
In the morning we sail to Mykonos. Here, on your bike-free morning, you can take the boat to the important ancient excavation site on the island of Delos, where according to Greek mythology, god Apollon and his twin sister Artemis were born. The bike tour begins in the afternoon in the northern part of the island of Mykonos: you travel along the coastal road to the cape lighthouse Armenistis and then continue around the Marathi Lake to the centre of the island, the village of Ano Mera. The return journey takes you into the island’s southern regions and ends in the picturesque capital of Mykonos with its famous windmills. We spend the evening here.

Day 6:   Island of Tinos (approx. 35 km)
This morning we sail to Tinos. The first stop on the water-rich island of Tinos takes us to the shrine of the sea god Poseidon which is located near the town of Tidos. Afterwards you cycle on a hill road with impressive panoramic views to the mountain village Kambos. You will find numerous stone dove towers here with their characteristic filigree architecture – relics from Venetian times. You continue to Pyrgos, a fairytale village in the mountains where marble sculptor tradition reaches antiquity. The ship awaits you in Panormou, before sailing onwards to Andros.

Day 7:   Andros (approx. 60 km)
On Andros we cycle this morning from the harbour village Batsi into the seclusion and rich flora of the mountain landscape. At lunchtime you reach the picturesque island capital Andros. Its white houses and charming alleys invite a stroll. In the afternoon, you cross the fertile Messaria Valley and return eventually on the high altitude coastal road to the ship which will bring you to Karystos. You spend the last night on the island of Euboia.

Day 8:   Departure
We return to Porto Rafti, have breakfast and unload. Individual departure follows, or you can extend your holiday in Greece.

 Your Motor Sailer

The MS ANDREAS is a Greek two-master motor ship of 32 m length and 6,5 m width. It has belonged to Captain Ioannis since 1968. The ship was built as a cruise ship from oak on the island of Samos in 1952. The 12 cabins are wainscoted and have two beds, one above the other, air-conditioning and a separate bathroom with shower and WC. Ten cosy cabins are located below deck and have one porthole. Two cabins are located above deck. Some cabins have a broader bed (120 cm) below and a narrower bed (80 cm) above it. They can be occupied by three persons. The spacious salon and numerous cushioned deck-chairs are at your disposal.
 

This tour includes:
8-day-journey on a two-master motor ship with a crew
7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom.
Breakfast buffet  AND one hot meal per day, prepared by the ship's cook.
Five lunches aboard
Linen and towels
Six day tours with your guide, as per program
Detailed travel maps and guide for each days tour
Rental bicycle: 21-speed trekking bike with pannier bags