Greece: The Peloponnese Peninsula

Day 1: Arrival in Vytina

Vytina, which is a beautiful traditional settlement, 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 and thanks to its excellent nature, is considered one of the most famous tourist resorts of Peloponnese and one of the best in Greece. The winter is often covered with snow and offer a unique insight to the visitor. When you arrive, you will get your bikes and equipment at the hotel.
Overnight in Vytina.

Day 2: Vytina – Alonistaina – Piana - Tripoli
24 miles/38 km

In the morning, you will begin the 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 southeast of Vytina. Alonistaina is situated at about 1200m 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 1090m elevation. In the centre 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 round the church to admire the view of the plain downhill. Next to the church you will find a traditional café that we recommend, and have a rest, drink coffee or have a snack. In the historical village of Piana, Theodoros Kolokotronis, the Greek general and the preeminent 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 in an altitude of 650m in 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.

Day 3: Tripoli round trip
29 miles/47 km

You will cycle through scattered vineyards and apple trees until you discover the excavations of the ancient city of Mantinea, 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.

Viniculture in Mantinea has a long history so if you are a wine lover do not forget to make a stop at two traditional local wineries and have some wine tasting if you wish. You may taste our local wines including one of the world's finest wine selection: "Moshofilero" produced in the blessed land of Mantinea even from ancient times! The flat ride continues through small fruit crops, before your arrival 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 beautifulness made by Mother Nature. Then return to Tripoli passing through the narrow provincial roads!
Overnight in Tripoli.

Day 4: Tripoli – Ancient Tegea – Paralia Astros
34 miles/55 km

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 descend towards the sea cycling through Parnonas Mountain among olive groves, passing by picturesque small villages and visit olive oil factories if you wish. On your way you will also meet the ancient city of Eva where lays 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, visit the castle on the top of the hill or walk 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.

Day 5: Paralion Astros – Nafplio
28 miles/45 km

Today get ready for an amazing coastal ride towards Nafplion. Fascinating images of deep blue sea expect you 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 in the entrance of Mili. The ride continues through the vast plains before you arrive in Argos, one of the oldest Greek cities, 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 night life 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.

Day 6: Round Trip to Mycenae
32 miles/51 km

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 in an altitude of 280m. 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.
Overnight in Nafplio.

Day 7: Excursion to Epidaurus
26 miles/42 km

The last biking day of your journey begins with a transfer to Epidaurus, which counts to the historical highlights of every trip to Greece. You will quickly understand why. You will be impressed by the huge and well-preserved, over 2300 year ancient theater, which could hold up to 14000 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 principal: "healthy mind in 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 mountainous landscape and through 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 Nafplio.

Day 8: Departure from Nafplio

After breakfast, you will depart from Nafplio. A transfer to the airport can be booked for an extra cost, you could extend your stay in this beautiful destination.