Bicycle Tours in Greece: Bicycling through Classical Greece - Athens to Olympia Tour Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Athens

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Highlights: Introductions, visit the Plaka and Acropolis
Meet today at our hotel in the heart of Athens, where you can take a stroll through the Plaka (old Athens), people-watch from a café, and visit the Acropolis. We'll gather this evening at 6:30 for introductions, a glass of ouzo, and a special introductory dinner together.

Day 2: Ferry to Poros

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Highlights: Fit bicycles, beautiful beaches, and a ride around Poros
Leaving Athens this morning, we'll travel to the island of Poros on a high-speed catamaran. Once settled, we'll fit bicycles, and you can go out for a ride and explore the island. The ruins of a temple to Poseidon, the sea god, a 17th-century Byzantine monastery, and beautiful swimming beaches are highlights of this afternoon's ride. Dinner together this evening. Distance: 12 - 19km (7.5 - 12 miles).

Day 3: Back on the mainland

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Highlights: Visit the ruins of Epidauros, whitewashed villages
A very short ferry ride takes us to the mainland this morning. Our route follows the coastal plain amidst orange and lemon groves for about 15 kilometers. After we climb steeply up and turn inland, rural Greece begins to unfold. Rolling limestone hills, whitewashed villages, olive groves, and pastures of grazing sheep lead us to Epidauros, where you can visit the ruins of the ancient healing site of Askleipeion and the famous theater, before checking into our hotel. Dinner together. Distance: 57 km (36 miles).

Day 4: Nafplio

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Highlights: The first capitol of modern Greece, Palamidi fort, beaches and relaxing cafés
Nafplio, the first capital of modern, independent Greece, is our destination today. The first half of the ride follows an isolated road nestled among forested mountains with sheer cliff faces. We are gradually making our way back to the sea. Keep your eye out for walnut and pistachio trees! You'll want to stop for a swim at one of the beaches before heading into town. This afternoon, you are free to explore Nafplio's imposing fort, cobbled streets, and seaside cafés on foot. Be sure to check out the square in the heart of town, paved with variegated marble! Distance: 45 (28 miles).

Day 5: Akrocorinth

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Highlights: Palace of Agamemnon in Mycenae, Nemea and Akrocorinth
Our morning ride takes us to the site of Mycenae, one of the most powerful kingdoms in archaic Greece (1600-1200BC). Famous for its "Cyclopean" walls, immense underground cistern, and the ruins of Agamemnon's palace, it represents one of archaeology's greatest finds. From there, it's on to our next stop, the ancient city of Nemea, best remembered for its athletic festivals (as well-known as the Olympian games). We will enjoy a picnic lunch together in Nemea. Be sure to take in the Temple to Zeus, the ruins of the bathhouse, and the excellent museum on the grounds. From there it's mostly rolling terrain to ancient Corinth, a modern town that includes the ruins of Corinth, a bustling city in classical times and then under Roman rule. We'll enjoy dinner together this evening in the hotel garden. Distance: 77 km (48 miles).

Day 6: Ride the Gulf of Corinth from Akrocorinth to Xylokastro

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Highlights: Enjoy the spectacular views along the Gulf, visit the ancient ruins of Akrocorinth
You can ride your bike or take the shuttle this morning to the ruins of ancient Akrocorinth, which towers 565 meters above us. The defensive wall around the site runs more than 2km, and there is time to explore the ruins of what was once one of Greece's richest cities, occupied later by Romans, Byzantines, Frankish Crusaders, Venetians, and Turks. From there, we'll enjoy spectacular views as we pedal to Xylokastro. There will be many swimming opportunities at secluded beaches along the Gulf of Corinth, so be sure to pack your suit and towel. Distance: 32 km (20 miles).

Day 7: Xylokastro to Kalavrita

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Highlights: Enjoy the views
The striking contrast of whitewashed villages against the blue sea forms the backdrop for this morning's easy ride along the shore as we continue west to Diakofto. From there it's a 3,000-ft. climb to Kalavrita (Don't worry the van will be there if you need a break.), along a road where you can see cherry trees, turn around and look all the way back to the sea you've left behind, and hear bird-song everywhere, before you cross over to the forested rock canyon that leads to Kalavrita. Distance: 44 or 70 km (28 or 48 miles).

Day 8: Kalavrita to Patras

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Highlights: Olive and orange orchards, beach at Patras
Our ride today takes us west through the heart of the mountains towards Patras. Leaving our mountain retreat, we ride along rolling terrain, with vistas of high mountains (with snow on the peaks until June) and lush meadows. After lunch, we'll feel the exhilaration of a 2,500ft descent, until we reach the coastal plain and a beach south of Patras. Dinner together on the garden terrace overlooking the Gulf of Patras. Distance: 75 km (47 miles).

Day 9: Patras to Zakinthos

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Highlights: Rolling terrain and a ferry to Zakinthos
Bird sanctuaries and forests of pine trees give way to rolling pasture today as we head back toward the sea and the coastal town of Killini. Once there, we'll catch the afternoon ferry to the island of Zakinthos, nicknamed the Fioro di Levante ("flower of the east") by Venetians, who controlled the island from 1484-1797 A.D. Dinner together. Distance: 68 km (43 miles).

Day 10: Rest day in Zakinthos

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Highlights: Explore Zakinthos, optional loop ride, or enjoy the beach
Zakinthos' white sand beaches, abundant olive groves, and magnificent gardens make it one of the prettiest of the Ionian islands, and today you are free to explore it at your leisure. We'll provide maps and route suggestions for those who want to get out on your bike, or you can take the day off, relax, and go for a swim at the beach near our hotel. Or maybe you'd like to do a little of both. It's your choice, enjoy! Distance: your choice, 0-80 km (0-50 miles).

Day 11: Zakinthos to Amaliada

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Highlights: Ferry back to the mainland, visit a Frankish castle, downhill to Amaliada
We say goodbye to Zakinthos this morning and catch the mid-morning ferry back to Killini. From there, we'll ride to Kastro where you can explore the Frankish castle and enjoy views back to Zakinthos and the Ionian Sea. Then it's downhill on quiet country roads through olive groves to Amaliada. We'll be in a fine hotel along the beach this evening and enjoy dinner together. Distance: 50 km (31 miles).

Day 12: Amaliada to Olympia

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Highlights: Ruins of the first Olympic site, great final dinner
We return inland today through pastures and farmland to Olympia. Take your time and imagine yourself journeying to the Olympic games 2,000 years ago. There was no bicycling event then, but we can imagine our "team" ready to participate. We'll visit the ancient ruins together this afternoon and bid farewell to Greece at a special dinner tonight. Distance: 45 km (28 miles).

Day 13: Tour ends in Olympia

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Highlights: Shuttle back to Athens arrive by 4:00PM
After breakfast together, we'll provide a shuttle back to Athens and will arrive between 2PM and 4PM, please schedule international flights after 6PM. Of course, the Greek Islands are close by if you have some more time. Thanks for joining us!