Cycling in Greece

Cycling in Greece

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8 Days From

$2745

Cycling in Greece

8 Days Starting and ending in Athens

Visiting: Greece

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MWH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $2745

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Cycle along idyllic coastlines

  • Visit historical sights of Ancient Greece

  • Discover Athens and its archaeological treasures

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Tour leader throughout

  • All breakfasts

  • Entrance fees to Acropolis and private guide

  • Support vehicle and driver

  • Local bike hire (e-bike can be requested, subject to availability, please inquire for prices)

  • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • E-bike hire supplement

  • 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.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    2 and 3 star hotels

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    16+ Age people can go on this tour.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • 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.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Brilliant trip in beautiful Greece

A brilliant trip from start to finish. The cycling is a nice mix of countryside, coastal and a few hills thrown in. You also get to see Greece away from hustle of tourists. The cycling is all on mostly quiet roads and through a couple of towns although you're not on any busy roads for more than a few minutes. The food is also excellent, and you also get some excellent local knowledge on just about everything from Greek mythology to which is the best Olive oil to buy to take home. I highly recommend this trip.

Awesome trip

Our guides were great. They shared their passion for Greek History, Greek culture, Greek food and cycling.

a Greek cycling adventure

A fabulous holiday, with beautiful scenery, a lot of hills and excellent guiding from Yannis and Angelos. The trip went without a hitch and it was great to be on the bikes from start to finish.

Cycling in Greece

A marvellous group including 4 Canadians, 2 from the USA and 9 from the UK. We seemed to gel from the start and it was a pleasure to talk with everyone. There was a remarkable consistency in the fitness of the group and so very little hanging around even after some of the longer climbs. Very much enjoyed the cycling and thought the "moderate" rating was spot on. Distances were typically around 40 miles in a day. I found the hills quite manageable; some fairly long climbs but they tended to be steady climbs followed by some exhilarating long descents. There were cultural stops on most days at ancient sites and there was free time to explore. The guided tour on the final day at the Acropolis was particularly enjoyable. Excellent hotels with very friendly staff. Lovely views across the bay from one hotel; another hotel was situated right on the beach; in one hotel run by the family the breakfast included home-made specialties. Enjoyed the food. The group leader normally ordered a selection of local specialities for starters and on a couple of occasionally the main courses which gave the opportunity to taste genuine Greek food. We had a kitty for the lunch snacks fruit and drinks so again sampled many Greek specialities. The weather was the icing on the cake. A little windy and cloudy on the days of arrival and departure but for the most part clear sunny days and warm but not stifling.

Scenery, sites, salads and stories

I originally booked this trip for summer 2020, it was rolled over twice due to the pandemic, but my word, it was a trip worth waiting for! Challenging cycling, spectacular scenery, fabulous food, and heaps of history - it has something for everyone, and then some. One of the best trips I have ever done (and this is my 12th with Exodus), "Team Dimitris" made it a wonderful re-introduction to cycling holidays abroad after the last few years of uncertainty.

A fantastic cycling holiday

This was a very enjoyable cycle tour with a wonderful combination of cycle routes, spectacular scenery, excellent food and beer/wine, history and mythology . The two guides Dimitri S and Dimitri G excelled at making sure everyone was looked after and nothing was too much trouble - from providing vehicle support to explaining Greek history and recommending local wines.

cycling Greece

Great trip. Cycling quite challenging but scenery was spectacular. Guide was delightful. Nothing was too much trouble.

Cycling in Greece

This is the Review of Amanda Hubbard. I think this holiday was the 20th trip I have taken with Exodus and most have been extremely good. This trip ranks as excellent, together with recent cycling holidays in Croatia and Romania. Not only did Helios, the Greek God of the Sun, smile on us and give us October days of sun, blue skies and gentle breezes, but we were also blessed with a friendly group of fellow travellers and 2 excellent guides, Yannis and Constantinos (Costos) and their boss, Yiorgos (George) from Head Office in Athens. It was amazing how much activity we crammed into each day and this was not just cycling, but visits to archaeological sites and museums and even a tour of a Nemea Winery. And we also had time to eat the most delicious food, which included picnics prepared by Costos and sumptuous meals at well chosen restaurants. I would recommend this holiday for those, who enjoy not only cycling but also soaking up sun and Greek culture.

Cycling in nGreece

This was a most amazing trip filled with beautiful scenery, Greek archaeology and fantastic Greek food and traditions. The cycling was quite challenging (for me because I find hills difficult!!!) although I didn't have to get off and walk or push so it was 'do'able. However, the reward at the top of spectacular views and the tremendous exciting descents made it all worth while! Greek achaeology was everywhere, hotels were great and the food delicious. It was the perfect time to go as I have always visited in August before so we saw a Greece that was green, lush and covered in wild flowers of every colour imaginable. The aroma from the orange blossom should be bottled!!! Altogether, very enjoyable.

Cycling In Greece

This was our first trip with Exodus Travels and to Greece. This was an excellent way to really see the countryside of Greece. We went to many local places that your average tour bus trips would not go. We had a larger group of 16 people so we were fortunate to have two fantastic guides (Niovi and Demitrius) as well as a wonderful driver. (Also named Demetrius) This trip is highly recommended if you want to see more of the local culture of Greece. My only suggestion is to definitely upgrade the quality of bikes used on this trip. On our last day of the trip my husband had a small medical emergency. Niovi helped us handle this situation with complete professionalism and ease. She helped us locate a private doctor in Athens (on a Saturday!) stayed with us, and helped with translation with the doctor. We both will be forever grateful for her assistance!

Read all 42 reviews

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    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.

  • 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.

  • 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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