Cycling in the Peloponnese

Cycling in the Peloponnese

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8 Days From

$2000

Cycling in the Peloponnese

8 Days Starting in Vytina and ending in Nafplio

Visiting: Vytina, Tripoli, Paralio Astros, Nafplio, Epidaurus

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07GP

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Activities:

Cycling

From: $2000

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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.

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

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Vytina

Location: Vytina

Arrival in Vytina



Accommodation: Hotel Art Mainalon (four-star or similar)

Day 2 : Vytina To Tripoli

Location: Tripoli

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Day 3 : At Tripoli

Location: Tripoli

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Day 4 : Tripoli To Paralio Astros

Location: Paralio Astros

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Day 5 : Paralio Astros To Nafplio

Location: Nafplio

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Day 6 : At Nafplio - Mycenae

Location: Nafplio

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Day 7 : At Nafplio - Epidaurus

Location: Epidaurus

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Day 8 : Leave Nafplio

Location: Nafplio

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

  • 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

  • High quality bikes

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

  • Cycle transfer on Day 7

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single supplements

  • Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

  • Visas and vaccinations

Food

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.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels, all are within easy reach of a range of local restaurants.

Mode of Transport

High quality bikes are provided for the cycling tour, with luggage transfers between hotels and a cycle transfer on Day 7.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels, all of which are within easy reach of a range of local restaurants.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    All continental breakfasts are included in the tour package. For lunch, it is recommended to take a picnic on most days, although there may be options to eat at a taverna. Dinner is not included, but there are various local tavernas and restaurants available at each location.

  • What kind of support is available during the cycling tour?

    The tour includes management by a local Headwater-appointed agent, high-quality bikes, and luggage transfers between hotels. Additionally, there is a cycle transfer on Day 7.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to several important historical and archaeological sites such as Mycenae, Epidaurus, Mantinea, and Tegea. You will also visit the ancient theatre of Argos and the archaeological site of Ancient Lerna.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Vytina and ends in Nafplio.

  • Is there a navigation aid provided for the cycling routes?

    Yes, the tour includes the Headwater Navigation App to assist with the cycling routes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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