Explore Meteora’s clifftop monasteries, cycle Lake Plastira, climb the slopes of Mount Olympus, and relax on the Aegean coast

If you’ve ever been captivated by tales of gods and heroes, epic journeys, and ancient worlds, this tour brings those stories to life in the places where it all began. It's your chance to trade the pages of myth and history books for the real landscapes of Greece, where those legends were born.

Stand where Socrates once questioned, where oracles spoke in riddles, and where Zeus was said to rule from the heights of Mount Olympus. Ride from the historic streets of Athens to the slopes of Delphi, where pilgrims once sought answers from the god Apollo. Cycle through the peaceful countryside of Lake Plastira, then gaze up at the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora, as awe-inspiring today as they were to medieval monks centuries ago.

As you hike through the gorges below Olympus and pass through quiet villages, the line between story and place becomes real. This isn't just a tour of Northern Greece, it's a return to the stories that sparked your curiosity long ago, now brought vividly to life.

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Highlights

• Athens - Ancient landmarks
• Delphi - Legendary oracle
• Lake Plastira - Scenic cycling
• Meteora - UNESCO clifftop monasteries
• Mount Olympus - Mythological hikes & gorges
• Litochoro - Seaside town at the foot of Olympus
• Mesenikola - Boutique wine tasting
• Enipeas & Orlias Gorges - Forest trails & waterfalls
• Leptokarya - Aegean Sea beach

Learn More

Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Athens.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival in Athens
After arriving in Athens, check into your hotel and take some time to explore Greece’s bustling capital at your own pace. Walk through historic neighborhoods like Plaka, with its neoclassical architecture and tavernas, or explore Syntagma Square and the surrounding shopping district. In the afternoon, meet your tour leader for a welcome drink, followed by a bike fitting and a short introductory ride through the city center.

Day 2: Athens - Lake Plastira (20 mi / 32 km)
Start the day with a scenic bus transfer from Athens to Lake Plastira, a tranquil lake surrounded by forested mountains in central Greece. Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, it was created in the mid-20th century to supply irrigation and drinking water. Once there, hop on your bike for a picturesque ride along the lake’s perimeter. Along the way, stop at the Botanical Garden to learn about local plant life, and then visit a nearby observatory for sweeping views over the water and the surrounding mountains. Spend the evening enjoying the quiet, natural atmosphere of Lake Plastira.

Day 3: Lake Plastira Round Trip (36 mi / 58 km)
Today’s ride takes you on a full circuit of Lake Plastira, offering a deeper look at the region’s serene landscapes. The lake, named after the Greek general Nikolaos Plastiras, is known for its alpine character. Visit a traditional Greek Orthodox monastery, then stop at the dam that made the lake possible, a feat of modern engineering completed in the 1950s. Continue cycling through small, scenic lakeside villages before arriving in Mesenikola. This village is known for its wine production, particularly the rare Black Messenikola grape. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and learn about the area’s winemaking traditions. End the day back at your hotel, with time to relax and take in the views.

Day 4: Lake Plastira - Meteora (22 mi / 35 km)
Transfer by bus to one of Greece’s most striking destinations: Meteora. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its massive rock pillars, atop which sit centuries-old monasteries that appear to float in the sky. Cycle through this extraordinary landscape and visit three of the monasteries, many of which were originally built in the 14th century to provide refuge from invading forces. Each monastery is perched high on the cliffs, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into monastic life. The combination of natural beauty and spiritual history makes this a highlight of the journey.

Day 5: Meteora - Litochoro (28 mi / 45 km)
Start the day with a bus transfer to Litochoro, a town nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek gods. Your first stop is the Archaeological Park of Dion, where you'll explore ruins from the ancient city dedicated to Zeus. Temples, theaters, and mosaics reflect its importance in Greek religion and politics. Later, hike through the Orlias Gorge, known for its striking waterfalls and lush greenery. Cap off the day with some downtime at Leptokarya Beach on the Aegean Sea before heading back to Litochoro for the night.

Day 6: Litochoro - Mount Olympus - Litochoro (23 mi / 37 km)
Today features a challenging but rewarding bike ride around the lower slopes of Mount Olympus, Greece’s tallest mountain at 2,917 meters (9,570 ft). It was believed to be the dwelling of the Twelve Olympian gods in ancient mythology. After biking, hike through the Enipeas Gorge, a trail that offers wooden bridges, clear streams, and impressive rock formations. Later, visit the New Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios, founded in the 16th century and rebuilt after being destroyed during WWII. It's still active today and offers a peaceful retreat. Return to Leptokarya Beach for a relaxing end to the day, perfect for a swim or a seaside stroll.

Day 7: Litochoro - Delphi - Athens
Travel by bus from Litochoro to Delphi, one of the most significant sites in ancient Greece. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once considered the center of the world, marked by the stone monument known as the Omphalos. Visit the Temple of Apollo, where the Pythia, the oracle of Delphi, was said to channel prophecies from the god himself. Explore the well-preserved ruins and imagine the pilgrims who once came from all over the Mediterranean to seek divine guidance. After your visit, continue on to Athens for your final night.

Day 8: Departure from Athens
Enjoy your last day at leisure in Athens. You can take this opportunity to shop for souvenirs, relax at a café, or explore more of the city’s historical and cultural sights, perhaps by bike on one of our fabulous day tours.

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Dates & Prices

Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.

Included services

• 7 nights' accommodations
• Daily breakfasts
• 1 lunch
• Welcome drink
• Wine-tasting experience
• Electric Bike
• Experienced tour leaders
• Light snack and beverage during on bike rides
• Support vehicle & Luggage Transfers
• All transfers mentioned in the itienrary
• All entrance tickets to archaeological sites
• Third party liability insurance
• VAT & taxes

Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Surface and terrain

This tour combines smooth asphalt roads, quiet rural routes, and gentle rolling hills. Most of the cycling takes place on low-traffic secondary roads and scenic byways through villages, forests, and coastal areas. While there are some gradual climbs, particularly around Lake Plastira and Mount Olympus, the use of electric bikes makes these sections more comfortable. Surfaces are primarily paved, with occasional short stretches of well-maintained gravel or unpaved paths.

How to get there

Tour start and end:
Athens International Airport (ATH)