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8 Day Self-Guided Archaeological and Seaside Biking Tour in Greece
Vytina, Greece
Self-Guided Cycling Tour in Greece
This is a fascinating bike trip for the admirers of Greek archaeology and cultural experiences. It is unique as you start biking high in the mountains and you end up cycling next to the sea for a couple of days. Begin your ride high through the beautiful mountainous landscape of Peloponnese. Ride downhill until you meet the coast and then follow the amazing Greek coastline towards Nafplio. Visit some of the most important archaeological sites of Greece and some of the most beautiful picturesque towns.
Key information
- Trip type: Self-guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Terrain: Uphills and downhills through mountains and countryside; some flat plains
- Starts in: Vytina
- Ends in: Nafplion
- Total Distance: 172 Miles / 277.2 Kilometers
- Type of bike: Road bike, trekking bike, tandem bike (bike rental available at an extra cost)
- E-bike: Available to rent / 260 EUR per week
Highlights
- Self-guided cycling holiday, 6 days with riding
- Map and information of the area are provided for a smooth journey
- Visit the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the ancient city of Mycenae
- See the amazing Nafplio and ancient Tegea
- Explore the charming coastal town of Paralio Astros
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- 24h telephone support
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
Skill level
- Intermediate
8 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Greek
Group size: Minimum of 2 participants
Accommodation
During the tour, you will stay at 3-star hotels or apartments (depending on availability).
Program
This tour combines the magnificent fir trees of Mainalon mountain with the marvelous endless beaches lying along the Argolic Gulf. You will visit some of the most important archaeological sites in Peloponnese such as Epidaurus with the famous theatre, Mycenae that conquered during the Bronze Age, ancient Mantinea, ancient Tegea, Argos, ancient Lerna with the homonymous lake where Hercules killed the mythic beast, and the walls of ancient Tiryns. Your destination is the Central-Eastern Peloponnese where the mythical perpetual mountains meet the fantastic blue sea.
You will experience not only modern Greece but also the classical one. A trip that is suitable for anyone fitness wise, since the daily routes are easy enough to be made. So pack your bags and get ready for this unforgettable tour!
Day 1: Arrival - Vytina
Transfer under request from the Athens airport to Vytina, which is a beautiful traditional settlement that played an important role during the Greek Independence War in 1821. The village is located at the foot of the mountain range Mainalo at an altitude of 1,033 meters (3389 feet) and thanks to its excellent nature, is considered one of the most famous tourist resorts of Peloponnese and one of the best in Greece. In the wintertime, it is often covered with snow and offers a unique insight to the visitors. When you arrive, you will get your bikes and equipment at the hotel.
Overnight in Vytina.
Day 2: Vytina - Alonistaina - Piana - Tripoli
In the morning, you will begin your trip to Tripoli. The route uphill at the beginning will take you through mountain Mainalo, a magnificent cycling route among fir trees, to the village of Alonistaina, 6 km (4 mi) southeast of Vytina. Alonistaina is situated at about 1200 m (3937 ft) elevation, making it one of the highest villages in the Peloponnese and is considered to be a traditional settlement.
After a small stop to enjoy the beautiful landscape, you continue to Piana, another traditional and historical settlement, at 1090 m (3576 ft) elevation. In the center of the village built on a big rock, you will find the big church of Saint Georgios. The body of the church is made of stone and it was a fort in 1821 during the Greek War of Independence. It is worth walking around the church to admire the view of the plain downhill. Next to the church you will find a traditional ‘kafeneio’ (café) that they recommend, and have a rest, drink coffee or have a snack.
In the historical village of Piana, Theodoros Kolokotronis, the Greek general and the pre-eminent leader of the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829) against the Ottoman Empire, organised the Greek troops that supported the Battle at Valtetsi, and later dominated the town of Tripoli.
After visiting Piana you continue cycling downhill to Tripoli. Tripoli, the capital of Arcadia in central Peloponnese, built at an altitude of 650 m (2133 ft) on the plateau of Mantinea. It is a modern town that nowadays manages to maintain the pure Greek way of living away from mass tourism! It used to be the capital of Peloponnese during the Ottoman Empire due to its strategic geographical location in the centre of the peninsula with a significant role during the Greek Independence War (1821-1828).
You will have the chance to walk around the promenade center of the town before you return to the hotel and get ready for the following 5-day exciting ride.
Overnight in Tripoli.
- Distance: 37.9 km / 24 mi
- Elevation: +552 m / +1811 ft
- Terrain: Uphill and downhill
Day 3:Tripoli round trip (ancient Mantinea - Kapsia Cave)
In the morning, you will begin the trip around the plateau of Tripoli. You will cycle through scattered vineyards and apple trees until you discover the excavations of the ancient city of Mantineia, one of the most important ancient Greek cities regarding its size and conservation. You can walk around the preserved archaeological site and admire the sanctuaries in the center of the city and the ancient Greek theater which could hold up to 6,200 spectators.
On the opposite side of the site, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the extravagant surreal church of Saint Fotini which combines several architectural elements (Classical, Byzantine, and Minoan) and was built in 1972.
The flat ride continues through small fruit crops, before arriving at Kapsia settlement. There, a true underground marvel of nature is situated, the Kapsia cave which is registered among the ten most notable caves of Greece. Multi-colored stalactites and stalagmites created gradually through millions of years, bright red, yellow, and sky blue bring out masterpieces of unequal beauty made by Mother Nature. Then, return to Tripoli passing through the narrow provincial roads!
Overnight in Tripoli.
- Distance: 46.9 km / 29 mi
- Elevation: +270 m / 886 ft
- Terrain: Flat
Day 4: Tripoli - Ancient Tegea - Paralio Astros
Today you leave Tripoli, and pretty soon you arrive through the meadows at Tegea settlement, another very important city-state of ancient Greece. What is unique here is the fact that you can see history in layers! The Byzantine church of Madonna Dormition built in the mid-10th c. AC is constructed exactly over the ruins of the ancient theatre dated the Hellenistic era and using parts of it!
You can also see the Agora and on the south the temple of Athena Alea, one of the most celebrated temples of the Classical period and the second larger ancient temple after the one of Zeus in ancient Olympia!
You continue the descent towards the sea cycling through Parnonas Mountain among olive groves, passing by picturesque small villages, and visiting olive oil factories if you wish. On your way, you will also meet the ancient city of Eva where lies the recently excavated ruins of Herodes Atticus mansion with dozens of sculptures and partially colorful mosaics to see.
Soon, you arrive in Paralio Astros, a beautiful small fishing village with no more than 900 inhabitants built almost artistically along the so-called island peninsula. You can spend the rest of your day swimming or sunbathing on the sandy beach, wandering around the streets, visiting the castle on the top of the hill, or walking by the picturesque harbor which accommodates small boats. Don’t forget to relax at the cafes and taverns where you can always find fresh fish and other homemade local specialties.
Overnight in Paralio Astros.
- Distance: 54.6 km / 34 mi
- Elevation: +700 m / 2297 ft
- Terrain: Downhill through the mountain
Day 5: Paralio Astros – Nafplio
Today get ready for an amazing coastal ride towards Nafplio. Fascinating images of the deep blue sea can be expected today while cycling along the Argolic Gulf coastline with slight ups and downs. Soon you reach Mili, a small seaside resort where you can relax enjoying a beverage or a meal facing the sparkling sea. In addition, you can visit the archaeological site of Ancient Lerna with exhibitions of prehistoric and Bronze Age. The lake of ancient Lerna where Hercules killed the mythical beast with the many heads, Lernea Hydra lies just at the entrance of Mili.
The ride continues through the vast plains before you arrive in Argos, one of the oldest Greek cities, the hometown of Hercules. There, up on Larissa Mountain, the imposing fortress stands with the Cyclopean walls. While at the foot of the mountain, you can visit the ancient theater of Argos, one of the biggest in Greece.
You continue for the last kilometers to Nafplio, the famous and incomparable seaside town where natural beauty, history, and modern way of living are all combined harmonically: narrow old streets, the marbled main square, neo-classic buildings, modern cafes, the vivid nightlife and of course the dominating castle “Palamidi” and the Bourtzi fort in the sea! The beautiful promenade right along the characteristic harbor is full most of the day with small fishing boats and luxurious yachts.
Overnight in Nafplio.
- Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
- Elevation: +457 m / 1499 ft
- Terrain: Slight ups and downs; vast plains
Day 6: Round trip to Mycenae
Today, riding through the beautiful countryside you are going to explore the great city of the Bronze Age, Mycenae, over 3500 years old! On your way, you can make a stop at the huge castle remains at Tiryns, which was considered to be one of the most important centers in the Eastern Mediterranean. Then you cycle through orange and lemon groves, till you reach Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical King Agamemnon, which was for a long time the center of Greek civilization.
The Acropolis of Mycenae-fortress with the old Cyclopean walls was built 3360 years ago at an altitude of 280 m (919 ft). The uphill part at the edge of the mountainside is quickly forgotten as you marvel at impressive excavations and important findings. The world-famous Lions Gate at the main entrance of the Acropolis which constitutes the first example of monumental sculpture in Europe and the shaft graves such as the well-preserved vaulted Atreus Grave, Agamemnon’s father, are among the major cultural and historical attractions of Greece.
Return to Nafplio and overnight there.
- Distance: 51 km / 32 mi
- Elevation: 358 m / 1175 ft
- Terrain: Countryside and groves
Day 7: Round trip to Epidaurus
The last biking day of your journey begins with a transfer to Epidaurus, which counts as the historical highlight of every trip to Greece. You will quickly understand why. You will be impressed by the huge and well-preserved, over-2300-year-old ancient theater, which could hold up to 14,000 viewers in its time and in which nowadays during summer time hosts theatrical plays!
Epidaurus is considered to be the birthplace of medicine as it was the most important healing center of antiquity with a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. A visit through the archaeological site indicates the view that ancient Greeks had about medicine and healing which concentrates on the principle, “healthy mind in a healthy body.” Watching theatre plays was an important part of that process.
You will also discover the remains of the ancient city with temples, porticoes, houses, shops and spas. After having met Epidaurus you cycle mostly downhill through the mountainous landscape and the vast pistachio growing region to the coast. Enjoy again a dip in the crystal clear sea water and look forward to another night in Nafplion.
Overnight in Nafplion.
- Distance: 41.8 km / 26 mi
- Elevation: 331 m / 1086 ft
- Terrain: Mostly downhill through mountainous landscape
Day 8: Departure
After a good breakfast, you will take your luggage and get ready for your way back to the airport.
Bike rental
- Trekking bike 100 EUR/week
- Road bike 140 EUR/week
- E- bike 260 EUR/week
- Τandem 270 EUR/week
- Helmet 10 EUR/week
- GPS device upon request 80 EUR/week
Location
Your start point is Vytina, a small traditional village in the mountains, among the trees where you have the chance to breathe the fresh air and listen to the sound of the birds. The next day you will cycle from Vytina through the mountains, most of it uphillpassing through picturesque villages and then downhill to Tripoli, a small purely Greek town still unaffected by mass tourism, located in the heart of the Peloponnese peninsula. Passing by the small picturesque fish village of Paralio Astros you end up to the dreamy seaside town of Nafplio situated in the eastern part of Peloponnese where you spend 3 amazing days.
Food
The package includes daily breakfast.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Bike delivery and bike pick up
For the guests that don’t wish to include the transfers upon arrival/departure:
- Bike delivery: 65 EUR/booking (in case you do not book the arrival transfer)
- Bike collection: 65 EUR/booking (in case you do not book the departure transfer)
Additional charges:
- Single supplement: 180 EUR per person
- Οut of season single departure: 350 EUR per person (the single supplement will apply too)
Other arrival dates
For starting any other day than Saturday, there is an extra charge due to customized transfers:
- 350 EUR for the whole booking (1-4 people)
- 500 EUR (4-8 people) for the whole booking
Transfers
Transfer by public bus (national transportation) or on your own.
Direct transfers by Greece by bike:
- Transfer Athens-Vytina: 260 EUR (1-3 persons)
- Transfer Nafplio-Athens: 210 EUR(1-3 persons)
- Transfer Athens-Vytina: 450 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Transfer Nafplio- Athens: 360 EUR (4-8 persons)
Night supplement 30% extra to the price of the transfer for transfers being operated from 23:00 to 07:00
What's included
- Complete information about the area
- Mobile phone mount for the handlebar
- Access to GPS application
- 24h telephone support
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Transfer from Nafplio to Epidaurus on day 7
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
What's not included
- Hotel tax
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Entrance tickets for archaeological sites and museums etc.
- Bike rental
How to get there
Recommended Airports
ATH
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos Airport)
157 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos Airport) (ATH). Airport transfer is not included in the price.
Transportation from / to Athens Airport:
- Transfer by public bus (national transportation) or on your own.
- Direct transfer Athens-Vytina: 260 EUR (1-3 persons)
- Direct transfer Nafplio-Athens: 210 EUR (1-3 persons)
- Own bike transfer (10 EUR per way)
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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