Cycling in Greece

Fly to Athens and transfer to our start hotel upon arrival. Today there is
time to walk around Exarhia, the lively area of downtown Athens before
dinner with the group and a tour briefing from the guide.
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 2

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.

* *

Day 3

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.

Day 4

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. 

Day 5

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.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

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.

* *

Day 8

After breakfast we transfer to Athens airport and fly to London.
**