Guided group cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Operated by
Exodus Travels
Printed route
directions
For history, archaeology and mythology, the Peloponnese is arguably the most interesting part of Greece. Our week of cycling is a journey through fascinating classical history and a superb variety of landscapes, from the azure blue sea to the green olive trees and vineyards of the heart of Greece. Starting and finishing in Athens, the ride offers plenty of opportunities to discover some of the country’s treasures, such as Poros island and the beautiful town of Nafplio. Each day gives us the chance to sample excellent local food in various restaurants and tavernas and immerse ourselves in the Greek culture and lifestyle.
We begin at our hotel in the capital of Greece. In the evening, we have our welcome briefing, in which we meet the tour leader and come together for the first time. Get some rest tonight, the cycling starts early tomorrow.
You stay at Hotels & Pensions.
Hotels & Pensions, Athens to Athens
We spend seven nights in 2 and 3 star hotels and pensions, often located near interesting sights or by the Aegean. All rooms have en suite facilities. Several of the hotels are a short walk from the beach, there are several opportunities to finish the day with a swim in the sea. One hotel has a pool.
In the morning, we cycle down one of the major bike lanes in the city, heading to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, where we take a short transfer to the busy port of Piraeus. Here we catch the ferry (approximately 2hr 30min) across the Argo-Saronic Gulf to the island of Poros. In Poros, we cycle around the island, passing the Russian naval base and many small, beautiful bays. After an ascent to the temple of Poseidon, we have a steep descent to Askeli beach where our hotel is located and we can enjoy a refreshing swim. Please note, the ferry timetable is often modified at very short notice. On occasion, we may have to take an early ferry. Route: First part is flat with a gradual downhill in Athens. The second part is a gradual ascent to Poseidon’s Temple, then undulating and then steep downhill to our hotel. Terrain: 100% paved road.
In the morning, after a walking tour of Poros town, we take a five-minute boat ride to the Peloponnese mainland. Cycling through olive groves and quiet hamlets, we start our ascent along one of the most impressive coastlines in Greece, enjoying views of the Aegean Sea. Our tour takes us through ancient Trizina, birthplace of the Minotaur-slaying hero Theseus. Not far away is the beach, where we can have a short break, swim and a small lunch. The fantastic views throughout today’s ride are our reward for two big ascents – over 2.5mi (4km) and 1.85mi (3km) – that we climb after lunch. They lead to a 1.2mi (2km) steep descent to the ancient town of Epidaurus. Palia Epidaurus (Old Epidaurus) is built around a natural harbor and is our base for the night. Route: First part is flat with a gradual downhill in Athens. The second part is a gradual ascent to Poseidon’s Temple, then undulating and then steep downhill to our hotel. Terrain: 100% paved road.
After an uphill ride of approximately 6mi (10km), there is an optional visit to the ancient site of Epidaurus. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a 15,000-seater amphitheater, which was built for Asclepius, the god of medicine, and is renowned for its size, symmetry and acoustics. If you don’t want to go in, relax in the shaded gardens or cafeterias outside the site. After refuelling, we have a 1.2mi (2km) uphill ride, then a 6.2mi (10km) descent through some mountain roads towards the sea. The last ascent today is almost 1mi (1.5km) and takes us to the town of Tolo, where we stay tonight. Route: Long but gradual ascent to Lygourio, short ascent after the Epidaurus Theater and a long, steep and bumpy decent towards the sea, then almost flat until Tolo except for a small ascent. Terrain: 99% paved road.
Leaving Tolo, we cycle on the main road for 7.5mi (12km) and make our way to Nafplio, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece and the capital in the early 1800s. Situated on the hillsides at the northern end of the Argolic Gulf, the town has numerous neoclassical buildings plus the Palamidi Castle. Today, we can also enjoy an off-road adventure: a 6.2mi (10km) round trip to the beach nearest Karathonas, enjoying the beautiful coastline and a swim. After our return, we leave the coast and start our ride to the heart of the Peloponnese, making our way to Mycenae. We cycle through orange groves until we start an ascent of 3mi (5km) to an archaeological site at the top of the hill. The imposing Lion Gate, built around 1350-1200 BCE, awaits. Outside the walls, we can see the wonders for which Mycenae is known: the vault-shaped tombs of Lions, Aegisthus and Clytemnestra, and the Treasury of Atreus. An optional visit of the site is highly recommended. Route: Flat to Nafplio, then dirt road to Karathonas Beach, then flat and, at the end, a long ascent to Mycenae. Terrain: 80% paved, 20% dirt road.
Today is the longest ride! We start by gradually climbing on the main road for 8mi (13km) until we reach Ancient Nemea, where Hercules killed the Nemean lion and where the Nemean games were held. Here we visit an archaeological site and ancient stadium before we ride through vineyards. The town of Nemea is now known for producing exceptional wine and we visit one of the wineries, learn about the process and taste (a little) before we continue our journey on quiet country roads. The first part is undulating, then we have a 6.2mi (10km) descent towards the Gulf of Corinth. We continue by the seaside to Corinth and then Loutraki, where we spend the night. Route: Gradual but long uphill to the winery then an undulating section, followed by a gradual decent towards the sea and then almost completely flat towards the hotel. Terrain: 100% paved road.
From Loutraki, we take the bus to Athens and a metro to Plaka, the historic downtown. Here we enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis before a walking tour of the city center. Our route takes us at a relaxed pace to some of the must-see sites: Monastiraki square and the Ancient Library, the Roman Forum and Tower of the Winds, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, the Greek Parliament and the National Gardens, and the monumental 19th-century buildings of the oldest Greek university. Enjoy a free evening to sample more delicious Greek food.
The trip ends after breakfast. However, if you’d like more time to explore this fascinating ancient city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$836.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Hotels & Pensions: You will spend 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels and pensions, often located near interesting sights or by the Aegean Sea. All rooms have en suite facilities. Several of the hotels are a short walk from the beach, there are several opportunities to finish the day with a swim in the sea. One hotel has a pool.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Guided group cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Operated by
Exodus Travels
Printed route
directions