Arrival Day – Welcome to Ikaria

Our arrival day is designed to help you settle into island life, meet your fellow travelers, and prepare for the week ahead. After your transfer from Ikaria National Airport, we'll gather for a light welcome lunch before being fitted to our bikes and heading out for a short introductory ride.

The ride follows a scenic out-and-back route and offers the opportunity to ensure your bike fit is comfortable before our longer rides begin. Along the way, we'll stop at either the Therma or Lefkados Hot Springs. For those interested, this is a wonderful chance to take your first dip in the Aegean Sea and experience one of Ikaria's famous thermal waters.

Participants who choose not to enjoy the springs will be escorted back to the start of the ride and transferred to the hotel to relax and settle in before the evening festivities.

Later, we'll come together for a welcome toast and dinner as we introduce the week ahead, review our journey through Ikaria and Andros, and begin experiencing the culture, cuisine, and relaxed rhythm of island life.

Highlights

• Transfers from Ikaria National Airport to Agios Kirykos town center

• Light welcome lunch

• 3pm Bike fit session and short introductory ride

• Optional visit to the Therma or Lefkados Hot Springs

• Opportunity for a first swim in the Aegean Sea

• Hotel Check-IN Pyrgos Traditional Village Hotel

• 6pm Welcome dinner and preview of the week ahead

Accomplished Ride 16.5 miles/1900 ft elevation

Extended Ride: 28.5/ 4200 ft elevation

Today's ride follows Ikaria's southern coastline from Agios Kirykos to Magganitis, utilizing quiet roads that wind along the sea and through small villages. The route offers a mix of rolling terrain, coastal views, and a glimpse into the everyday life of one of Greece's most traditional islands.

Upon arriving in Magganitis, we'll enjoy a waterfront lunch in this picturesque fishing village. Following lunch, participants will have the opportunity to take a short boat excursion to a secluded beach accessible only by water. Those who prefer to relax in the village may do so before returning.

At the conclusion of the experience, participants may either take the shuttle van directly back to the hotel or, for those joining the boat excursion, return via boat transfer and then continue to the hotel by van.

travel day to Tinos with a stop in mykinos

Today's ride begins from our hotel and follows quiet roads through the countryside of Tinos, passing traditional villages, terraced hillsides, historic dovecotes, and landscapes shaped by centuries of farming and stonework. These distinctive stone towers, found throughout the island, are among Tinos' most recognizable landmarks and reflect its rich agricultural heritage.

Our first stop is the Tinos Marble Museum, where we'll meet with a local professor to learn about the island's world-renowned marble industry, its history, and the generations of artisans whose craftsmanship has helped shape Tinos and much of Greece.

From there, we'll continue to a local farm-to-table destination for a lunch featuring organic ingredients grown and produced on the island. This experience highlights the strong connection between Tinos' agricultural traditions and its local cuisine.

After lunch, we'll ride to the unique village of Volax, known for its distinctive granite landscape and traditional character, before continuing to T-oinos Winery. Here, we'll enjoy a guided wine tasting while learning about the winery's approach to producing wines that reflect the island's terroir and growing conditions.

Following our return to the hotel, be sure to save room for a very special evening. We'll gather for a unique farm-to-table dinner hosted by our good friend Georgios a master mariner. His love for the tinos and the farmland has become a passionate advocate for preserving Tinos' culinary traditions. The evening offers an opportunity to enjoy exceptional local food, hear George's story, and celebrate the flavors and culture that make this island so special.

The Ride

Accomplished 20.5 miles/2200 ft elevation

Extended : 27.5 miles 32.09 ft elevation

Today's journey begins at Gavrina Port and follows scenic roads through the southern region of Andros as we make our way toward Andros Town. Along the route, we'll pass through traditional villages, fertile valleys, terraced hillsides, and stretches of coastline views that showcase the island's diverse landscape .

For those who prefer a day off the bike, an alternative walking experience is available. Participants may choose to explore Andros on foot, following historic pathways that connect traditional cultural villages while learning about the island's history, architecture, and way of life.

Both groups will come together for lunch, providing an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy local cuisine before continuing to Andros Chorea to the hotel for the night.

The afternoon concludes in Andros Town, where you'll have time to explore its elegant architecture, narrow streets, waterfront setting, and local shops before we meet for our last dinner as a gourp. This day offers a unique opportunity to experience Andros from either the saddle or on foot while discovering the traditions and culture that make the island so special.

The ride: 36 miles/3100 ft elevation

Our final day on Andros begins in Andros Town and travels across the island toward Gavrio Port. Riders will journey through the mountainous interior, passing traditional villages, terraced hillsides, and the picturesque village of Arni, known for its natural springs, stone architecture, and lush landscape. This route offers a different perspective of the island, highlighting the rural communities and countryside that have shaped life on Andros for generations.

For those who prefer a day off the bike, an alternative walking experience is available. Participants may choose to explore a network of historic footpaths and traditional villages, providing a closer look at the island's culture, architecture, and natural beauty at a more relaxed pace.

Both groups will come together for lunch to share stories from the day's adventures and enjoy one final meal on Andros before continuing to the port.

Following our final experience together on the island, all participants will board the ferry for the return journey, reflecting on a memorable week of cycling, culture, food, and friendship throughout Ikaria and Andros.

our ferry will arrive back in Athens on Friday, September 18, at approximately 4:30 PM.

Your tour package includes one final night of lodging in Athens. For participants departing on Saturday, we recommend staying at the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel, conveniently located directly at Athens International Airport (ATH). This hotel is included in your tour package and provides the easiest option for next-day departures.

For participants remaining in Greece through Sunday, you may choose either the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel or the boutique hotel we have reserved within walking distance of the Acropolis in Athens' historic district.

Regardless of which hotel you choose, the tour officially concludes when we deliver you and your luggage to your selected hotel on Friday evening. Dinner and all meals following hotel drop-off are not included as part of the tour.

For those choosing to stay in Athens' historic district, we will be offering an optional guided visit to the Acropolis on Saturday. Please note that admission fees to the Acropolis and archaeological sites are not included in the tour package.

All activities today are at your leisure, allowing you to explore Athens based on your interests and schedule. Whether you choose to visit museums, stroll through the Plaka neighborhood, enjoy local cafés, or simply relax, the day is yours to enjoy.

For those interested, we will offer one final guided historical walking tour around the Acropolis and surrounding landmarks, providing insight into the history and significance of one of the world's most iconic ancient sites.

Please note that admission to the archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, is not included and must be purchased separately by participants who wish to enter the site.