Itinerary Expand all Fly to Athens.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 1 Start Athens.Start Athens. After meeting with our leader, there is time to walk around Exarhia, the lively area of downtown Athens.Comfortable Hotel Day 2 Explore Athens by bike; ferry to Poros Island; cycle to the beach for a swim.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 we take a short transfer to Piraeus harbour.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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Boat to Galatas and scenic coastal ride to the ancient site of Epidaurus.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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Optional visit to the theatre of Epidaurus, cycle to Tolo.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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 After visiting Nafplio, today's ride takes us into the heart of the Peloponnese to Mycenae.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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Explore Nemea, famous for its wine; visit a vineyard; continue to Loutraki.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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Bus to Athens; guided tour of the Acropolis.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. Meals included: Breakfast Fly to London.After breakfast we transfer to Athens airport and fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Athens.After breakfast the trip ends in Athens. Meals included: Breakfast
Hotels & PensionsYou will spend 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels and pensions, often located near interesting sights or by the Aegean. All rooms have en suite facilities.Several of the hotels are a short walk from the beach, there are several opportunities to finish the day with a swim in the sea. One hotel has a pool.
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Reviewed June 2022 Peter RhodesA fantastic cycling holiday This was a very enjoyable cycle tour with a wonderful combination of cycle routes, spectacular scenery, excellent food and beer/wine, history and mythology . The two guides Dimitri S and Dimitri G excelled at making sure everyone was looked after and nothing was too much trouble - from providing vehicle support to explaining Greek history and recommending local wines.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being able to swim in the sea three times in different seas all in the same day. Stopping at the ancient Olympic site at Namea and running the 200m for which everyone received a Laurel garland.What did you think of your group leader? Both D1 and D2 were fantastic - knowledgeable, helpful and nothing was too much trouble.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? With the combination of cycling, scenery, local cuisine, history and mythology I would definitely recommend this tour. For anyone unsure about the distances or difficulty then hiring an E-bike makes this an achievable and rewarding trip.
Reviewed June 2022 Steven MansfieldA unique way to explore Greece, Gods and Myths Our very first Exodus trip (recommended by friends) commenced apprehensively (and very early) in the Terminal 5 Lounge at Heathrow. After a couple of 'Pineapple Juices' for breakfast and 40 winks on the plane we were soon at our hotel to meet the Group Leaders Dimitris and Dimitris soon being referred to as D1 and D2. Very soon the eclectic mix of people were entrusting the next 7 days of cycling, eating, drinking, swimming and dancing with D1 & D2. We couldn't have made a better choice. We had fantastic cycling, the snacks, lunches and juices that D2 provided in support were excellent and D1 and D2 excelled at their dinner choices every evening giving us a superb taste of local foods (at very reasonable prices). D2 (the wine connoisseur) helped us choose the best wines to go with the meals, although he was not put out when the odd carafe of house red, or the local beers were ordered as well! D1 and especially D2 excelled in imparting their local knowledge, Greek history and Greek Mythology at many of our stops to visit ancient sights and places of historical interest. Even better were the lunches that they prepared and the snacks they offered during the days. In summary, D1 and D2 were fabulous The rest of the group got involved to make it so enjoyable. We had a fabulous time and met some great people. What a fantastic lot! We loved it.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hearing two American young lads Hum Ave Maria in the Mycenae Tomb of Clytemnestra. The sound / resonance was amazing. This was closely followed by a Pink Floyd rendition from "Dark Side of the Moon" in the same tomb! Our first ever trip to the Acropolis wasn't bad either.What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Dimitris S was great, but it was made so much better with Dimitris G as support. I am sure that they work well individually, but they make a great pair. Their knowledge and support were excellent. I had to leave the group on the last morning for personal reasons, and they both helped me out in getting to where I was going.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Please come along to enjoy the cycling, but make sure that you get involved with the group and join in with all the other activities - you won't regret it. The cycling and scenery are great - you can even swim (or just paddle) most days if you want. We did have a couple of issues with electric bikes, but it didn't detract from the holiday. It just meant that some had to peddle harder than others! (These were sorted out).Is there anything else you would like to add? If all Exodus trips are as good as this then you will be in for a treat which ever trip you do.
Reviewed June 2022 Lianne SScenery, sites, salads and stories I originally booked this trip for summer 2020, it was rolled over twice due to the pandemic, but my word, it was a trip worth waiting for! Challenging cycling, spectacular scenery, fabulous food, and heaps of history - it has something for everyone, and then some. One of the best trips I have ever done (and this is my 12th with Exodus), "Team Dimitris" made it a wonderful re-introduction to cycling holidays abroad after the last few years of uncertainty.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? As a student of ancient history, visiting Epidarus and Mycenae could not be beaten. As a cyclist, the scenery was simply stunning, especially the Nafplio coastline. As a foodie, absolutely all of it!What did you think of your group leader? Dimitris on the bike and Dimitris in the van have to be the best double act on an Exodus trip I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Their meticulous attention to detail with elevation profiles and distances, maps, carefully selected snack and rest spots, and particularly their choices of local cuisine, meant that everything ran smoothly and all we had to do was pedal along, eat, and enjoy ourselves. The real magic though was in their storytelling - if you love Greek myths (or even if you don't), you will be spellbound.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be open to sharing evening meals (and a kitty for arranging lunches, snacks, and drinks). Team Dimitris chose a wonderful selection of local dishes on each day which, when shared between all, meant our group could try a huge variety of delicious food at a really reasonable price. Handing over the decision-making never tasted so good!! The itinerary is quite a busy one but regardless of how hot or tired you might feel, keep going! You won't want to miss out on a single thing.Is there anything else you would like to add? Go for it, you won't regret it!
Reviewed June 2022 Laura KnappFantastic trip! This is our 6th guided cycling trip with Exodus. I realized how much 2 great guides, both named Dimitris, can add to a trip. Not only was the cycling interesting and varied, both Dimitris planned lunches, ordered food for us for dinner, had us stop at museums, and took us on extra little trips, such as visiting tombs after dinner. This trip was beyond my expectations. There is so much to see in the Peloponnese area: so many beautiful ruins of temples, baths, theaters, stadiums....And "The Dimitris" were passionate about their country and Greece's mythology. I thought nothing could top Romania, Morocco and South Africa, but this trip just might have done that.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The seas were so blue and the flowers were so intensely colored. I was inspired to buy Greek Olive oil instead of Italian! Oh, and I learned that I love ouzo.What did you think of your group leader? The group leaders were incredibly well-planned and had even drawn up an elevation-gain map. So organized.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be ready to enjoy fantastic food and views. Read some mythology before you go. Perhaps read the Iliad and the Odessey (even if you read the approachable graphic novels--it's still good).Is there anything else you would like to add? I highly recommend this trip.
Reviewed May 2019 Nigel TurnerGreat cycling trip and super food This was our seventh cycling trip in Europe but our first with Exodus. It was up there with the best of our past trips. The bikes were good (brand new), the hotels as good or better than expected and the guides were excellent. We managed the climbs ok and felt increasingly confident as the week progressed. One of the nice things about this trip is being by the sea. A real highlight was the food organised by Niovi and Demetrius - the snacks, lunches and the dinners. Delicious, good value and time effective. We were a small group and all were good company. We recommend this trip!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sitting up high at the amazing Epidauros amphitheatre, taking it all in and looking across at the Greek landscape.What did you think of your group leader? Excellent - Niovi is great fun and a super organiser and Demetrius a terrific driver, cook, teller of stories, additional guide. They made a great team and added various fun or thoughtful surprises for us. Their organising of the food was exceptional and a real highlight of the holiday.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There are some good climbs on this trip but, having done cycling trips before and practiced on the local hills in the weeks just before going, we coped ok and are now up for more 'moderate' trips.Is there anything else you would like to add? If you have the time, you could perhaps add a couple of extra days and extend your visit. We went to Meteora to see the wonderful scenery and monasteries in the mountains. We organised a two night trip via train and Exodus switched our return flight from the Saturday to the Monday afternoon. It added another dimension to the holiday.
Reviewed October 2018 William AllanGreat Trip! Excellent trip. A nice combination of historical sites and cycling. Our local guides offered to provide guidance for the evening meals so the culinary experience was also top notch. The two guides were both very passionate about sharing their history and culture. I can’t say enough good things about Dimitris Steriotis and Dimitris Gotsis.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It is literally hard to pick as there were three categories of highlights: Favourite site: the theatre at Epidarous Cycling: the km downhill stretch into the pistachio orchard Meal: Petite Planette Other fav: swimming in the Aegean SeaWhat did you think of your group leader? Both group leader and support driver were excellent. Dimitris and Dimitris were a good team that worked well together.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be open to eating with group. Do some long rides with uphill before you go. Prepare to enjoy yourself.Is there anything else you would like to add? Excellent trip, thanks very much.
Reviewed October 2018 Tricia AllanAwesome trip Our guides were great. They shared their passion for Greek History, Greek culture, Greek food and cycling.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? When I was able to ride down switchbacks and think that it was fun, rather than terrifying!What did you think of your group leader? I found both Dimitris ‘ to be very supportive. I am a relatively new cyclist and they helped me get more comfortable with many aspects of cycling.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don’t be shy about sharing your meals! The guides picked well, the food was terrific and the cost was reasonable. We got to taste many dishes this way!Is there anything else you would like to add? I think it would be terrific if Exodus could organize cycling jerseys for sale to participants, that symbolize Greece in some way. That would be s great souvenir for me.
Reviewed October 2018 sally SpencerCycling in Greece All accommodations were excellent Bikes were in good condition, two flat tires reported the entire trip. Some group members thought they were to heavy. Snacks and meals were delicious, a good selection of Greek foods. Side excursions good as wellWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Personally I loved Poros island, the dinner we had on the seafront, with the sunset, and our toes in the sand❤️What did you think of your group leader? Our guide was great (Niovi), she was always smiling and cheerful, she was able to turn us into a relaxed cohesive group. We had lots of laughs.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be aware of the climate when you are planning to travel. Our trip was mid September and we rode in temperatures in the mid 30C.Is there anything else you would like to add? Because it was very warm by 10am, it would have been a more pleasant cycle to start earlier in the morning when possible.
Reviewed September 2018 Carol KoehlerCycling In Greece This was our first trip with Exodus Travels and to Greece. This was an excellent way to really see the countryside of Greece. We went to many local places that your average tour bus trips would not go. We had a larger group of 16 people so we were fortunate to have two fantastic guides (Niovi and Demitrius) as well as a wonderful driver. (Also named Demetrius) This trip is highly recommended if you want to see more of the local culture of Greece. My only suggestion is to definitely upgrade the quality of bikes used on this trip. On our last day of the trip my husband had a small medical emergency. Niovi helped us handle this situation with complete professionalism and ease. She helped us locate a private doctor in Athens (on a Saturday!) stayed with us, and helped with translation with the doctor. We both will be forever grateful for her assistance!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We loved visiting the ancient Theater of Epidarus as well as being able to visit a local organic vineyard and see the production in action, as well as sample some fantastic wine! Also, just some of the breathtaking views of the ocean from our hotel room.What did you think of your group leader? As I have mentioned above I cannot say enough good things about our lead guide, Niovi. She went beyond her job duties to help us in a stressful time of need. She was very personable and tried to met all the needs of our group members which is a difficult task with 16 people!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Please make sure you read the travel description of this trip and that you are physically able to ride a bike at least 25-35 miles comfortably and can climb hills. This trip is described as a moderate difficulty level and if you are not as fit as you should be then request an ebike so you can fully participate.Is there anything else you would like to add? Exceptional trip with many opportunities to learn about the history and culture of Greece.
Reviewed September 2018 Chris AdamsBrilliant trip in beautiful Greece A brilliant trip from start to finish. The cycling is a nice mix of countryside, coastal and a few hills thrown in. You also get to see Greece away from hustle of tourists. The cycling is all on mostly quiet roads and through a couple of towns although you're not on any busy roads for more than a few minutes. The food is also excellent, and you also get some excellent local knowledge on just about everything from Greek mythology to which is the best Olive oil to buy to take home. I highly recommend this trip.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the Acropolis on the final day is very special, but just cycling around the amazing coastline and hills of the Peloponnese and taking in the colourful Greek history.What did you think of your group leader? The leaders were outstanding. Dimitris, Dimitris and Niovi. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they worked very well as a team looking after the group. The trip ran smoothly and without a hitch, the food they provided was excellent and they just took care of everything - I could not fault them in any way.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you take swim wear as most afternoons you'll be able to take a swim in the sea after your day in the saddle.
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