Details

Itinerary

Below is a standard Cross Peloponnese tour, but it can be adjusted to add or subtract days or substitute overnight destinations, as these examples indicate:  Opt for a longer tour by staying overnight 1-2 nights in Monemvasia because the “island” is such a unique, no-place-like-it spit of land.  Or add an extra day in Dimitsana because you are in the heart of the Peloponnese, the Arcadian mountain villages which are so endearing.

You can receive the vehicle, bike rack and the bikes either in central Athens or at Athens Airport directly upon arrival.

Day 1: Nafplio

Once you reach Nafplio you will be tempted to stay and skip a bike ride.  The old car-free town of Nafplio is just lovely with its huge plaza, the original Parliament (as Greece’s first capital) and the 17th century Venetian Palamidi Fortress overlooking the entire bay.  Yet, an exciting bike ride awaits to ancient Mycenae, home of King Agamemnon who launched the Trojan War.   46 km, 29 miles  Drive Athens Airport or central Athens to Nafplio 170 km, 105 miles  2 hours

Day 2: Nafplio

Bike to ancient Epidavros Theatre, built in the 3rd century as but one part of the Epidavros healing complex.  There were over 400 such Asclipion healing sites in ancient Greece and Epidavros was the largest.  Some cyclists feel the grounds emanate powerful energy.  Ride there and find out for yourself.  55.40 km 34 miles

Day 3:  Sparta

We Are Sparta!  Welcome to Leonido’s land, the warrior king who led the battle at Thermopylae against the Persians.  The cycle route is peppered with historical points of interest.  There’s the Trypi hole where Spartans are said to have thrown deformed babies.  There’s Mystra, an abandoned Byzantine town that is a World Heritage Site.  There’s Menelaus Tomb, the husband of Helen of Troy.  Back in Sparta, visit the ancient town’s ruins and theatre.  There’s also an exquisite olive oil museum.  Short loop 18 km, 11 miles   Long loop 37.30 km, 23 miles  Drive Nafplio to Sparta 120 km, 75 miles  1.40 hours

Day 4: Sparta
You will swoon when you visit Monemvasia “island” or “the rock,” as it is affectionately called by the locals.   First there is the short causeway (200 meters, 656 feet) before reaching the sole entry gate.  When you step through it you feel as if you have entered a fantasy theme park, but the medieval mansions, fortresses and labyrinthine walkways are real.  If you manage to tear yourself away from Monemvasia, a short ride awaits you to delightful Gerakas, site of perhaps the only fjord in Greece.  24 km, 15 miles  Drive Sparta to Monemvasia 86 km, 53 miles, 1.30 hours one-way

Day 5: Dimitsana

Today you arrive to the heart of Arcadia.  In English the word connotes a pastoral scene, harmony with nature.  That is the best description of this mountainous area dotted with traditional red-tiled roof homes and gentle villagers.  If you feel like switching activities, there’s a marvelous hike in the Lousios Gorge that takes you to the “Secret School.”  If biking is still your purpose, take a loop ride to Vytina town, known for its traditional natural produce.  78 km, 48 miles   Drive Sparta to Dimitsana 92 km, 57 miles  1.30 hours

Day 6: Olympia

Don’t all cyclists harbor a self-image of an Olympian athlete?  Today you meet your inner spirit at Ancient Olympia, the event that caused the warring city-states to stage a peace truce every four years so that participants and fans could travel safely to the Olympic Games.  After paying homage to the grounds and the museum, you have two bike options.  There are two bike options. The Lake Kaifa ride takes you down to the coast and back to the lake next to the sea that has hot springs. 48 km, 30 miles  The Foloi Forest ride takes you deep into the mountains to one of the few oak forests in all Greece.  38 km, 23.50 miles  Drive Dimitsana to Olympia  77 km, 48 miles 1.40 hours

Day 7: Kalavrita

Situated at 2300 feet, 700 meters in the Achaea region of western Peloponnese, the town of Kalavrita is a popular retreat center for outdoors enthusiasts who bike and hike and ski.   Be sure to sample the unique local liqueur tentura which tastes like Christmas!  The bike route is to Plataniotissa, a village with a very very special tree.  No spoiler alerts here.  54 km, 32 miles  Drive  Olympia to Kalavrita 96 km, 60 miles, 2 hours

Day 8: Departure – Athens

Drive to Loutraki beach and park at one of the many seaside tavernas where you’ll likely dine after a bike loop that passes through and stops at many arousing sites, including Ancient Corinth where St. Paul preached and wrote his Corinthian Letters, the Akrocorinth Fortress with spectacular 380 degree  views of the two surrounding gulfs and finally you bike across the Corinth Canal bridge and look down to see boats passing.  46 km, 28 miles  Drive Kalavrita to Loutraki  120 km, 75 miles  1.45 hours.  Drive Loutraki to Athens Airport  110 km, 68 miles or Loutraki to central Athens 84 km, 51 miles  1.30 hours  Return vehicle by 7:30 pm at either central Athens or Athens Airport

Electric Bike

• E-bikes for an 8 day tour cost 400 euros. See Our Bikes and Our Gear for more info
  

Carbon Road Bike

• Upgrade to a Specialized Tarmac Sport, carbon fiber frame and fork. Cost is 560 euros for an 8 day tour.  See Our Bikes and Our Gear for more info

Travel Insurance

• For travel insurance for U.S citizens, we are official agents of Travel Guard.   Contact us to receive a policy quote.   Cost of coverage depends on various factors including your state of residence, your age, your days of travel.   Travel insurance is not provided for flights booked using frequent flyer mileage.  Some policies require booking within 15 days of paying your trip deposit, such as, cancel for any reason or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
  

Airport transfer on Arrival

• Private transfer from Athens Airport to Athens hotel. You are met at the arrivals exit by one of our team holding a sign with your name on it. We wait for you regardless of how late your plane may arrive.  No waiting in taxi or bus lines. 170 euros per transfer for up to 8 persons.

Private Archaeology Guides

• Visiting famous ancient ruins without a professional guide is like watching a movie with the sound turned off!   The guides we work with make the archaic stones and temples come alive.  Costs below do not include entry fees.
• Epidavros Theatre:   1 hour, 120 euros per group
• Mycenae:  1 hour,  120 euros per group
• Ancient Olympia:  2 hours, 160 euros per group

Wine Tasting in Nafplio

• A professional certified oenologist enlightens your taste buds at a one hour wine tasting session in his “cava” (wine store).  The focus is on the famous Nemean wines of the region, including the incomparable agioritiko, affectionally known as “Blood of Hercules.”  Cost is 15 euros per person.  Includes tasting of 3 reds, 3 whites.  Rusk & cheese served.