Cycling in the Peloponnese
Experience Overview
The Peloponnese is the Greece of myth and legend. Hera bathed in the Carathus spring near Epidaurus, the attack against Troy was led from Mycenae and it was in Lerna that Hercules killed the Hydra, a mythical beast with many heads. Aside from being the cradle of Greek civilisation, it is also astoundingly beautiful. The mountainous region of Arcadia has thick pine forests and meadows alive to the scent of wild mint and the gently sloping lowlands towards the coast are a tangle of vineyards and citrus and olive groves, bright with oleander bushes.
Profile
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels — All continental breakfasts — Headwater Navigation App — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Tandem hire available on request (supplement applies) — Luggage transfers between hotels — Countries visited: Greece
At a Glance
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels — All continental breakfasts — Headwater Navigation App — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Tandem hire available on request (supplement applies) — Luggage transfers between hotels — Countries visited: Greece
Eating Drinking
Simple buffet style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch we recommend taking a picnic on most days although there may be options on some days to eat at a taverna. For dinner, in each place you stay there will be a range of different local tavernas and restaurants to choose from where you can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and much more.
Weather Information
The Peloponnese has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. Average summer temperatures can get up to 30 degrees C in July & August whilst June and September are slightly cooler at an average high of 27 degrees. April, May and October range from 20-24 degree highs. Coastal areas will feel cooler when there are sea breezes and in Vytina it will be coller in the early/late season, particularly in the evenings.
Highlights
— Cycle from mountains to coast; traditional settlements, ancient cities, fishing villages and seaside towns — Important historical and archaeological sites of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Mantinea and Tegea — Ride varied landscapes stopping at cafes and tavernas for homemade local specialities and fresh seafood
Trip Details
Product Code: 4123
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: C07GP
Starts: Vytina, Greece
Finishes: Vytina, Greece
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels — All continental breakfasts — Headwater Navigation App — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — High quality bikes — Luggage transfers between hotels — Cycle transfer on Day 7Accommodation
Accommodation is in a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels, all are within easy reach of a range of local restaurants.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,555 ($319 /day)
Itinerary
Arrival in Vytina Accommodation: Hotel Art Mainalon (four-star or similar)
Your day starts with an uphill ride into the mountains to Alonistaina, a traditional settlement and one of the highest villages in the Peloponnese. Continue along fir-lined country roads to the village of Piana, important during the Greek War of Independence. Enjoy a rest in a kafeneio beside the church of Saint Georgios, built on a rock before starting the descent to Tripoli, capital of Arcadia region. Accommodation: Palatino Hotel (three-star or similar)
A circular route today starts with a cycle through vineyards and apple orchards to reach Mantineia, one of the most important ancient Greek cities where you can explore the preserved archaeological site. Opposite the site is the church of Agia Foteini, built in 1972 but which combines several architectural elements (Classical, Byzantine, and Minoan). Continue through fruit crops to Kapsia cave, a natural wonder of multi-coloured stalactites and stalagmites before returning on quiet country roads to Tripoli. Accommodation: Palatino Hotel (three-star or similar)
Today you descend to the coast. First stop is the settlement of Tegea, where you can see history in layers with a 10th Century Byzantine church constructed over the ruins of an ancient theatre. Continue through olive groves and small villages to the ancient city of Eva. Arrive in Paralio Astros, a beautiful small fishing village. Wander along the harbour, visit the castle on top of the hill or have a dip in the sea before choosing where to eat from one of the tavernas offering fresh fish and local specialties. Accommodation: Ariadne Hotel (three-star or similar)
Follow an amazing coastal route along the Argolic Gulf coastline to reach Mili, a small seaside resort and a good place to take a refreshement break. Visit the archaeological site of Ancient Lerna and Lernea Hydra where Hercules killed the beast of many heads before heading to his hometown and one of the oldest cicties in Greece, Argos. Visit the ancient theatre before continuing on to the seaside resort of Nafplio. Spend your final three nights here allowing plenty of time to explore its narrow old streets, marbled square and bustling harbour. Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)
Cycle through beautiful countryside of orange and lemon groves via the huge castle remains at Tiryns, considered to be one of the most important centres in the Eastern Mediterranean, to reach Bronze Age Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical King Agamemnon. Marvel at the Lions Gate at the main entrance of the Acropolis before exploring the rest of this extensive site. Return to Nafplio. Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)
The day starts with a transfer to the ancient healing centre of Epidaurus. The ancient theatre here is well-preserved and still used in the summer to host plays. Along with the theatre you'll also discover temples, porticoes, houses, shops and spas of this city that is considered to be the birthplace of medicine. Cycle mostly downhill through mountainous landscape and through the vast pistachio growing region back to the coast. Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
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