8
17 106
Start Athens. After meeting with our leader, there is time to walk around Exarhia, the lively area of downtown Athens. *Comfortable Hotel*
In the morning, we explore some of the main sights in Athens by bike and cycle down one of the major bike lanes of Athens, before our final descent to Piraeus harbour through a busy road. Here we catch the ferry across the Argosaronic Gulf to Poros Island (approximately 2.5hrs). In Poros, we cycle around town and ascend to the temple of Poseidon, from where we enjoy amazing views of the island. We then head down to one of the many beautiful bays where we can enjoy a refreshing swim. *Please note* that the ferry timetable is modified frequently at very short notice. On occasion, we may have to take an early ferry. * *
Distance in Km: 32
Distance in Miles: 20
In the morning, after a walking tour of the town of Poros, we take a boat to the Peloponnese mainland. Cycling through olive groves and quiet hamlets, we start our ascent along one of the most dramatic coastlines in Greece, boasting breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Our tour takes us through Ancient Trizina, the birthplace of Theseus, the mythical hero that slayed the Minotaur. Here we can have a short break and take in the magnificent scenery. The views throughout today's ride are fantastic and are our reward for the number of short steep ascents along the way, which eventually lead to a 5km long descent to the ancient town of Epidaurus. Palia Epidaurus (or 'Old Epidaurus'), to give it its full name, is built around a natural harbour and is our base for the night.
Distance in Km: 42
Distance in Miles: 26
After a short uphill ride of approximately 10km, there is an optional visit to the ancient site of Epidaurus (this visit is optional, you can relax at the shaded gardens or cafeterias outside the site, while the group finishes their visit). Epidaurus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its amphitheatre that was built in honour of Asklepius, the God of Medicine and son of Apollo and Coronis. The huge theatre, renowned for its size, symmetry and acoustics held up to 15,000 spectators in its peak. From Epidaurus we head inland and ride along quiet, undulating mountain roads and descend to the seaside town of Tolo.
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
Leaving Tolo, we make our way to Nafplio, one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Greece and capital of Modern Greece in the early 1800's. Situated on the hillsides at the northern end of the Argolic Gulf, the town contains numerous neoclassical buildings as well as the Palamidi Castle. Riding to the heart of the Peloponnese, we leave the coast behind and make our way to the world famous site of Mycenae. The imposing Lion Gate, dating back to 1350-1200 BC awaits us on our arrival. Outside the walls we can see many of the wonders Mycenae is known for: the vault-shaped tombs of Lions, Aegisthus and Clytemnestra, and the Treasury of Atreus. An optional visit of the site is highly recommended.
Distance in Km: 47
Distance in Miles: 29
A challenging start to today's ride sees us climb on a road through vineyards to the Ancient Nemea; here we visit the archaeological site and ancient stadium before a long descent to Namea. The town is nowadays famous for its exceptional wine and we get the opportunity to visit one of the wineries, see the process and taste (a little!) before we continue on quiet country roads to Corinth and then on to Loutraki, where we spend the night.
Distance in Km: 63
Distance in Miles: 39
From Loutraki, we take the bus to Athens city and a metro to Plaka, the picturesque historic downtown. Here we enjoy a guided tour of Acropolis before a walking tour of the city centre. Our route around the city 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 Ancient Panathenaic Stadium, the Greek Parliament and the National Gardens, and the monumental 19th century buildings of the oldest Greek University. Free evening to sample some more delicious Greek food. * *
* 5 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
* 95% tarmac, 5% dirt roads
* Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Min age 16 years
* 7 nights hotels
* E-bikes available on request
All breakfasts included.
Breakfasts are generally buffet style Greek breakfast 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 will be able to recommend his
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 like lamb, chicken and pork.
* 5 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
* 95% tarmac, 5% dirt roads
* Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Min age 16 years
* 7 nights hotels
* E-bikes available on request
This tour is classified Road: Activity level 3 (Moderate)
5 days cycling with an average distance of 47km (29 miles) per day.
Partial vehicle support (limited seats).
There are no transfers to or from hotels on this trip, all the rides are
designed to be door-to-door.
Road conditions are usually good, but in places the tarmac will be pot-holed
and the conditions not quite as good. We aim to use quiet roads where
possible, but sometimes we need to pass busy sections in order to reach the
quiet roads on the other side. On Day 2 we will be cycling through Athens,
where traffic can be intense but the leader will keep the group together and
pre warn of any areas they know to be busy.
Hotels & Pensions
You will spend 7 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.
Normally 4 to 16, plus leader and support driver
All breakfasts included.
Breakfasts are generally buffet style Greek breakfast 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 will be able to recommend his
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 like lamb, chicken and pork.
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally
minibus). All the rides are designed to be door-to-door, however we take
boats on certain days. On Day 2 we take a ferry to cross over to Poros
Island. Please note that the ferry timetable is modified frequently at very
short notice. On occasion we may have to take an early ferry in which case
the visit of Athens will be done at the end of the trip (on the last day
before the flight). On Day 7 we usually take a bus from Loutraki to Athens.
Whilst cycling the vehicle will carry your baggage and be on hand with
assistance or if you choose to 'sit out' a section of the ride (limited seats
available).
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed
until approximately two weeks before departure.
*UK Regional Flights*
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy
to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit
www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures [1] for a useful overview of the options
available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum
connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour
at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official
minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Athens *
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Athens in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to
you as part of our Final joining Instructions. If you do not receive these
at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our
office or your travel agent.
[1] http://www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
The Peloponnese is blessed with a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Clear blue
skies, sunshine and warm temperatures can be enjoyed for most of the year as
the winters are quite short. During the summer (July and August) the
temperatures can go up to around around 40c. May: pleasant daytime
temperatures 17-28c night time 8-13c with a chance of some rain; spring
flowers can be seen. June, September and October: daytime temperatures
20-32c, night time 14-19c; very dry, but a chance of showers in October.
We recommend packing the following items:
Normal daily clothes
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this tour)
Padded cycling shorts and gloves
Breathable top or cycling jersey
Sunglasses/eye protection
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
For the earlier departures you may need some warmer layers
Sun cream
Water bottle
Swimwear
*Local Bike Details:* IDEAL Crossmo trekking bikes.
*Discount for bringing your own bike:* £90.
For lunches, you should budget approx. €5‐10 according to whether we buy
a picnic lunch or sit in a café. Approximately €20‐30 should be enough
for an evening meal including drinks.
Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes)
Epidaurus Ancient site: entrance fee €12
Mycenae Ancient site: entrance fee €12
Tourist tax, €11 per room for the week to be paid locally (subject to
change).
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus, however
most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and in appreciation of
their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and
depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip,
as a guide we would suggest a total of approximately €30 per person in
total on this itinerary to be broken down as follows:
€20 for the leader
€10 for the driver
* Visas and vaccinations
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.