Cycling in Greece
Cycling in Greece
Cycling in Greece
8 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Greece
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MWH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Athens
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.
Day 2 : Explore Athens By Bike; Ferry To Poros; Cycle Around The Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3 : Boat To Galatas And Scenic Coastal Ride To The Ancient Site Of Epidaurus
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4 : Optional Visit To The Theater Of Epidaurus; Cycle To Tolo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Visit Nafplio; Head Into The Heart Of The Peloponnese To Mycenae
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6 : Explore The Wine-Producing Town Of Nemea; Visit A Vineyard; Continue To Loutraki
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Bus To Athens; Guided Tour Of The Acropolis
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8 : End Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Tour leader throughout
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All breakfasts
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Entrance fees to Acropolis and private guide
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Support vehicle and driver
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Local bike hire (e-bike can be requested, subject to availability, please inquire for prices)
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Free group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
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Visas and vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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E-bike hire supplement
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Tourist tax (paid locally)
Food
All breakfasts included.
Breakfasts are generally Greek buffet-style with bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, honey, and coffee or tea. We have not included any evening meals in the price of the trip to allow you more freedom over where and what you eat. There are some fantastic restaurants along the route and your guide can recommend their favourite places based on your personal tastes and budget. Greek food has strong influences from Italy and Turkey; expect lots of vegetables, olive oil, bread, and meats, including lamb, chicken and pork.
Accommodation
You will spend seven nights in two- and three-star hotels and pensions, often near interesting sights or by the Aegean. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Several of the hotels are a short walk from the beach, allowing plenty of opportunities to finish the day with a sea swim. One hotel has a pool.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
2 and 3 star hotels
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
16+ Age people can go on this tour.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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