Current as of: April 18, 2024 - 16:09
Cycling in the Peloponnese Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Greece
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: C07GP
Trip Overview
Discover the highlights of Ancient Greece by bike
The Peloponnese is the Greece of myth and legend. Hera bathed in the Carathus spring near Epidaurus, the attack against Troy was led from Mycenae and it was in Lerna that Hercules killed the Hydra, a mythical beast with many heads. Aside from being the cradle of Greek civilisation, it is also astoundingly beautiful. The mountainous region of Arcadia has thick pine forests and meadows alive to the scent of wild mint and the gently sloping lowlands towards the coast are a tangle of vineyards and citrus and olive groves, bright with oleander bushes.
At a Glance
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels
- All continental breakfasts
- Headwater Navigation App
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
- Tandem hire available on request (supplement applies)
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Countries visited: Greece
Highlights
- Cycle from mountains to coast; traditional settlements, ancient cities, fishing villages and seaside towns
- Important historical and archaeological sites of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Mantinea and Tegea
- Ride varied landscapes stopping at cafes and tavernas for homemade local specialities and fresh seafood
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 2
Max group size: 10
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Vytina
- End City: Nafplio
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London; transfer to Vytina
Fly to Athens; transfer to hotel. The hotel is located in Vytina and is approximately a 2hr 30min transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Art Mainalon (four-star or similar)
Arrive in Vytina
Arrival in Vytina
Accommodation: Hotel Art Mainalon (four-star or similar)
Vytina to Tripoli
Your day starts with an uphill ride into the mountains to Alonistaina, a traditional settlement and one of the highest villages in the Peloponnese. Continue along fir-lined country roads to the village of Piana, important during the Greek War of Independence. Enjoy a rest in a kafeneio beside the church of Saint Georgios, built on a rock before starting the descent to Tripoli, capital of Arcadia region.
Accommodation: Palatino Hotel (three-star or similar)
At Tripoli
A circular route today starts with a cycle through vineyards and apple orchards to reach Mantineia, one of the most important ancient Greek cities where you can explore the preserved archaeological site. Opposite the site is the church of Agia Foteini, built in 1972 but which combines several architectural elements (Classical, Byzantine, and Minoan). Continue through fruit crops to Kapsia cave, a natural wonder of multi-coloured stalactites and stalagmites before returning on quiet country roads to Tripoli.
Accommodation: Palatino Hotel (three-star or similar)
Tripoli to Paralio Astros
Today you descend to the coast. First stop is the settlement of Tegea, where you can see history in layers with a 10th Century Byzantine church constructed over the ruins of an ancient theatre. Continue through olive groves and small villages to the ancient city of Eva. Arrive in Paralio Astros, a beautiful small fishing village. Wander along the harbour, visit the castle on top of the hill or have a dip in the sea before choosing where to eat from one of the tavernas offering fresh fish and local specialties.
Accommodation: Ariadne Hotel (three-star or similar)
Paralio Astros to Nafplio
Follow an amazing coastal route along the Argolic Gulf coastline to reach Mili, a small seaside resort and a good place to take a refreshement break. Visit the archaeological site of Ancient Lerna and Lernea Hydra where Hercules killed the beast of many heads before heading to his hometown and one of the oldest cicties in Greece, Argos. Visit the ancient theatre before continuing on to the seaside resort of Nafplio. Spend your final three nights here allowing plenty of time to explore its narrow old streets, marbled square and bustling harbour.
Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)
At Nafplio - Mycenae
Cycle through beautiful countryside of orange and lemon groves via the huge castle remains at Tiryns, considered to be one of the most important centres in the Eastern Mediterranean, to reach Bronze Age Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical King Agamemnon. Marvel at the Lions Gate at the main entrance of the Acropolis before exploring the rest of this extensive site. Return to Nafplio.
Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)
At Nafplio - Epidaurus
The day starts with a transfer to the ancient healing centre of Epidaurus. The ancient theatre here is well-preserved and still used in the summer to host plays. Along with the theatre you’ll also discover temples, porticoes, houses, shops and spas of this city that is considered to be the birthplace of medicine.
Cycle mostly downhill through mountainous landscape and through the vast pistachio growing region back to the coast.
Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)
Leave Nafplio
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels, all are within easy reach of a range of local restaurants.
Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single will only guarantee a room for single use. It does not necessarily mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.
Please note that a member of the group may be allocated a single room by default if the make-up of the group means there isn’t anyone for them to share with. Paying the supplement in advance is the only way to guarantee a single room.
Single supplements cannot be refunded retrospectively.
Food & Drink
Simple buffet style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch we recommend taking a picnic on most days although there may be options on some days to eat at a taverna. For dinner, in each place you stay there will be a range of different local tavernas and restaurants to choose from where you can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and much more.
Weather & Seasonality
The Peloponnese has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. Average summer temperatures can get up to 30 degrees C in July & August whilst June and September are slightly cooler at an average high of 27 degrees. April, May and October range from 20-24 degree highs. Coastal areas will feel cooler when there are sea breezes and in Vytina it will be coller in the early/late season, particularly in the evenings.
Weather Charts
Athens
Joining Instructions
Regional Flights
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please ask about flights from local or regional airports.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check-in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1.5 hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.
What To Take
If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.
You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.
Recommended Cycling Clothing
Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.
E-Bikes Available
Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 20-25mph/32-40kph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are perfect if you want a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.
GPS Route Navigation
We’ve teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your route.
Before you travel we’ll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It’s available for iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner fitness devices.
For more details and to watch the demonstration video, please visit our GPS Route Navigation page.
Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.
For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.
Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.
Practical Information
Visa
Greece
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html
Vaccinations and Health
Greece
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Greece's time zone: Europe/Athens (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Greece's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Greece's currency: Euros (EUR)
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.