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Greece is well known for the hospitable people, the wonderful climate, numerous islands and also for its mythology. This cycling holidays presents several ancient highlights like ‘Golden’ Mycenae, the theatre of Epidauros, and the island of Aegina. By bicycle you explore the Peloponnese, the largest peninsula in Greece, as well as a number of islands off the coast. This ‘Island of Pelops’ is home to some of the greatest ancient and medieval sites including the ‘Golden Mycenae’ known from the sagas of the Trojan War.
You will also visit the enchanting city of Nafplio, which was once the capital of Greece, and Epidauros, which has impressed numerous visitors with the unique acoustics of its huge theatre.
The Saronic Islands, between the mainland near Athens and the Peloponnese have a great variety. They invite for attractive exploration by bike. From the pistachio island of Aegina with its temple of Aphaia enthroned high above the blue sea to the completely traffic-free island of Hydra, where the only means of transport have since long been the numerous donkeys. Poros has beautiful sandy beaches and impresses with Galatas, its picturesque island capital.
Highlights
DAY 1 (Sat) Individual arrival in Athens.
Transfers airport to hotel can be organized on request. Check in at the centrally located city hotel. Guests and tour guide meet at 7 pm in the hotel lobby for a first briefing. Afterwards we enjoy a welcome dinner in a nearby restaurant with a wonderful view of the Acropolis. Overnight stay in Athens.
DAY 2 (Sun) Athens – Aegina Island (bike trip appr. 22 mi./35 km)
After breakfast a transfer takes us to the port of Piraeus, and we take the ferry to Aegina Island. The bikes are transferred to the ferry port separately.
Our first tour: cycling up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. This beautifully preserved temple sits high up above the blue sea, the only place on the island from where the Aegean Sea can be seen in both directions simultaneously.
On the bicycle ride back, you enjoy a refreshing swim stop at Agia Marina beach, and shortly after that we stop once more for lunch in a quiet local tavern. After lunch, we cycle inland across the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios to our hotel in Aegina city.
The afternoon is free to do with as we please, with plenty opportunities for swimming. In the evening, we enjoy a dinner together in Aegina town. Overnight stay on Aegina.
DAY 3 (Mon) Aegina Island – Poros Island (bike trip appr. 14 mi./23 km)
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and take a ferry to Poros Island,which in ancient times was dedicated to the sea god, Poseidon. Upon arrival at the island’s capital, also called Poros, we make a complete roundtrip by bike on the entire island,
Shortly before the end of the trip we arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue waters, the perfect place for a relaxing swim and a nice lunch!
Afterwards, we continue to Askeli, where our beach side hotel is located. Enjoy a free afternoon relaxing on the beach. In the evening, we dine together in Askeli. Overnight stay on Poros Island.
DAY 4 (Tue) Day trip to Hydra Island
Today we take a day trip by high-speed ferry to the neighbouring island of Hydra. Since time immemorial donkeys have been the only means of transport on this unique, beautiful island.
Thanks to seafaring, the island became very wealthy in the middle ages. Then, after the Greek War of Independence, (1821-1830), the island fell into a hundred-year slumber. In 1957, the film “Boy on a Dolphin” starring the unforgettable Sofia Loren was filmed on Hydra and life was brought back to the island. It became a mecca then for artists such as Leonard Cohen who owned a house on this charming island.
While on Hydra, our guide offers a guided hiking tour along the coast and a sightseeing tour through the beautiful main town. There are also various opportunities for bathing and shopping. The day will fly by! In the afternoon, we return to Poros, where we enjoy a communal dinner and spend a second night in the same hotel.
DAY 5 (Wed) Poros Island – Methana (bike trip appr. 17 mi./28 km). Transfers to Nafplio and to Mycenae.
In the morning we take a ferry from Poros to Galatas on the Peloponnese. We’ll cycle from here through the village of Trizina to the peninsula of Methana. We drop off our bikes at the next day’s hotel before a transfer picks us up and takes us to the iconic city of Nafplio (appr 1 hr drive). We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the old town.
Afterwards, our tour guide invites us on a stroll through the picturesque alleys of the former Greek capital. Nafplio is a charming town with its ingenious fortifications and eventful history along with its flower filled old town and the numerous, beautiful shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
In the afternoon, a transfer takes us to Mycenae (appr. 30 min drive). On arrival we check into the Petit Planet hotel and enjoy a quiet afternoon with a fantastic view of the Argolis plateau. The perfect place to spend a wonderful, relaxed evening, rounded off with a lovely dinner together. Overnight stay in Mycenae.
DAY 6 (Thu) Ancient Mycenae – Ancient Theatre of Epidauros – Methana Peninsula.
After breakfast, we’ll visit the magnificent fortress of Mycenae. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. In the 2nd century BC, Mycenae was one of Greece’s most important cities. King Atreus and his son Agamemnon play a significant role in Greek mythology.
The excavation site is fascinating: The famous Lion Gate, the incredibly thick cyclopean walls, Grave Circles A and B along with the gold and silver discoveries and the Treasury of Atreus are all very much worth a visit.
Later on, a transfer takes us to an award-winning olive oil factory. We take a tour of the factory, which of course includes an olive oil tasting.
Our next stop is the ancient site of Epidauros, once the sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing. Here we explore the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece, which has exceptionally good acoustics.
After visiting Epidauros it is only a short drive down to the harbour village of Epidauros, where we enjoy lunch, before the transfer takes us back to the peninsula of Methana. Here we check in to our hotel. Swimming possibilities and a natural thermal spa are within walking distance. Communal dinner and overnight stay in Methana.
DAY 7 (Fri) Methana Peninsula (bike trip appr. 12 mi./20 km). By ferry to Athens.
Today we explore the southwestern part of the Methana Peninsula by bike. Methana’s volcanic origins are immediately noticeable by the smell of sulphur and the shimmering colours of the rocks.
The peninsula is characterised by its 30 plus volcanos, some of which are still active, as well as its medicinal, sulphurous thermal springs. Today’s round trip offers numerous, incredible views. Our ride ends at a beautiful sandy beach, where we can enjoy a swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea close to Methana town.
After a light lunch in the port of Methana, we take the ferry back to Athens at 1:45 pm. A transfer picks us up at the port of Piraeus and takes us to a hotel in Athens. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a walking tour through the historical centre of Athens.
During our farewell dinner, we look back on a wonderful holiday week with its many unforgettable memories. Overnight stay in Athens.
DAY 8 (Sat) Departure from Athens
After breakfast check out and individual return home or extended holiday in Greece. Airport transfers can be organized on request.
Data: June 8 and September 28, 2024
Tour price: € 1890,00 a person in a double cabin
Included services
Additional optional services (on request)
Not included
