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Greece: The Peloponnese Peninsula
This is a fascinating bike trip for the admirers of Greek Archaeology and cultural experiences. It is unique as you start biking high in the mountains but end up cycling next to the sea for a couple of days. It combines the magnificent fir trees of Mainalon mountain with the marvelous, endless beaches lying along the Argolic Gulf.
You will visit some of the most important archaeological sites in Peloponnese, such as Epidaurus with the famous theatre, Mycenae that conquered during the Bronze Age, ancient Mantinea, ancient Tegea, Argos, ancient Lerna with the homonymous lake where Hercules killed the mythic beast, and the walls of ancient Tiryns.
Your destination is the Central-Eastern Peloponnese, where the mythical perpetual mountains meet the fantastic blue sea. Your start point is Vytina, a small traditional village in the mountains, among the trees, where you have the chance to breathe the fresh air and listen to the sound of the birds. The next day, you will cycle from Vytina through the mountains, most of it uphill passing through picturesque villages, then downhill to Tripoli, a small, purely Greek town still uneffected by mass tourism, located in the heart of the Peloponnese peninsula.
Passing by the small picturesque fish village of Paralio Astros, you end up to the dreamy seaside town of Nafplio, situated in the eastern part of Peloponnese where you spend four amazing days. You will experience not only modern Greece, but Classical Greece! So, pack your bags and get ready for this unforgettable tour!
A note about weather: From as early as March, the day temperature is well suited for comfortable cycling and in April you can already expect balmy evenings. As of May, the sea temperature is pleasant for a longer bath and in June shady spots are already desired on the Peloponnese. High temperatures and busy season is in July and August, which is also when the locals are in large numbers on the water. Suddenly, from September leaves the hustle and pleasant temperatures are dominant again. Also, October is still a good travel month, with crystal clear water and respite from the heat.
Highlights
- Cave of Kapsia, a limestone cavern
- Winery at Kapsia
- The excavations at the ancient city Mantinea
- The ruins of the Temple of Athena in Tegea
- Loukos Monastery, built in the 12th century
- The archaeological site of Lerna, with Bronze age remains
- The remains of an ancient amphitheater near Mount Larissa
- Palamidi, a vast fortification system reachable by a foot path with 999 steps
- Castle remains at Tiryns, the most important Bronze Age center
- Mycenae, an ancient fortress which was the center of Greek civilization
- The world-famous Lion Gate
- Beautiful coastlines and beaches on the Argolic Gulf
- Ancient theater of Epidaurus
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours
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![Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece.]()
![Traditional Greek Souvlaki. Markus Winkler@Unsplash]()
CC-BY-SA-2.5 - Nafplion, Greece. CC:Andreas Trepte' data-type='image'>![Nafplion, Greece. CC:Andreas Trepte]()
CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Syntagma Square, Nafplion, Greece. CC:C messier' data-type='image'>![Syntagma Square, Nafplion, Greece. CC:C messier]()
![Epidaurus Ancient Theater, Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece. christos sakellaridis@Unsplash]()
![Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece.]()
![Baklava, a favorite among Greeks. Syedf Hashemi@Unsplash]()
![Champagne to admire the view in Greece! Anthony Delanoix@Unsplash]()
![Tripolis, Greece. Vasilis@Unsplash]()
![The great Mediterranean diet. Louis Hansel@Unsplash]()
CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Othonos Street, Nafplion, Greece. CC:C messier' data-type='image'>![Othonos Street, Nafplion, Greece. CC:C messier]()
![Epidaurus, Greece. Kostas Vrouvas@Unsplash]()
CC0 - Gyros in Greece. CC:Benoit Prieur' data-type='image'>![Gyros in Greece. CC:Benoit Prieur]()
![Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece.]()
![Mycenae, Greece. Victor Malyushev@Unsplash]()
![Hummus etc. on the Mediterranean diet. Morshani@Unsplash]()
![Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece.]()
CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Nafplion, Greece. CC:C messier' data-type='image'>![Nafplion, Greece. CC:C messier]()
CC-BY-SA-2.5 - Greek moussaka. CC:RobertK' data-type='image'>![Greek moussaka. CC:RobertK]()
Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Arrival in Vytina
Vytina, which is abeautiful traditional settlement, played an important role during the Greek Independence War in 1821. The village is located at the foot of the mountain range Mainalo at an altitude of 1,033 meters and thanks to its excellent nature, is considered one of the most famous tourist resorts of Peloponnese and one of the best in Greece. The winter is often covered with snow and offer a unique insight to the visitor. When you arrive, you will get your bikes and equipment at the hotel.
Overnight in Vytina.Day 2: Vytina – Alonistaina – Piana - Tripoli (29 miles/47 km)
In the morning, you will begin the trip to Tripoli. The route, uphill at the beginning, will take you through mountain Mainalo, a magnificent cycling route among fir trees to the village of Alonistaina, 6 km southeast of Vytina. Alonistaina is situated at about 1200m elevation, making it one of the highest villages in the Peloponnese and is considered to be a traditional settlement.After a small stop to enjoy the beautiful landscape, you continue to Piana, another traditional and historical settlement, at 1090m elevation. In the centre of the village built on a big rock, you will find the big church of Saint Georgios. The body of the church is made of stone and it was a fort in 1821 during the Greek War of Independence. It is worth walking round the church to admire the view of the plain downhill. Next to the church you will find a traditional café that we recommend, and have a rest, drink coffee or have a snack. In the historical village of Piana, Theodoros Kolokotronis, the Greek general and the preeminent leader of the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829) against the Ottoman Empire, organised the Greek troops that supported the Battle at Valtetsi, and later dominated the town of Tripoli.
After visiting Piana you continue cycling downhill to Tripoli. Tripoli, the capital of Arcadia in central Peloponnese, built in an altitude of 650m in the plateau of Mantinea. It is a modern town that nowadays manages to maintain the pure Greek way of living away from mass-tourism! It used to be the capital of Peloponnese during the Ottoman Empire due to its strategic geographical location in the centre of the peninsula with a significant role during the Greek Independence War (1821-1828). You will have the chance to walk around the promenade center of the town, before you return to the hotel and get ready for the following 5-day exciting ride.
Overnight in Tripoli.Day 3: Tripoli round trip (29 miles/47 km)
You will cycle through scattered vineyards and apple trees until you discover the excavations of the ancient city of Mantinea, one of the most important ancient Greek cities regarding its size and conservation.You can walk around the preserved archaeological site and admire the sanctuaries in the center of the city and the ancient Greek theater which could hold up to 6,200 spectators. On the opposite side of the site you shouldn't miss a visit to the extravagant surreal church of Saint Fotini which combines several architectural elements (Classical, Byzantine, and Minoan) and was built in 1972.
Viniculture in Mantinea has a long history so if you are a wine lover do not forget to make a stop at two traditional local wineries and have some wine tasting if you wish. You may taste our local wines including one of the world's finest wine selection: "Moshofilero" produced in the blessed land of Mantinea even from ancient times! The flat ride continues through small fruit crops, before your arrival at Kapsia settlement.
There, a true underground marvel of nature is situated, the Kapsia cave which is registered among the ten most notable Caves of Greece. Multi-colored stalactites and stalagmites created gradually through millions of years, bright red, yellow and sky blue bring out masterpieces of unequal beautifulness made by Mother Nature. Then return to Tripoli passing through the narrow provincial roads!
Overnight in Tripoli.Day 4: Tripoli – Ancient Tegea – Paralia Astros (35 miles/57 km)
Today you leave Tripoli, and pretty soon you arrive through the meadows at Tegea settlement, another very important city-state of ancient Greece. What is unique here is the fact that you can see history in layers! The Byzantine church of Madonna Dormition built in the mid-10th c. AC is constructed exactly over the ruins of the ancient theatre dated the Hellenistic era and using parts of it! You can also see the Agora and on the south the temple of Athena Alea, one of the most celebrated temples of the Classical period and the second larger ancient temple after the one of Zeus in ancient Olympia!You continue the descend towards the sea cycling through Parnonas Mountain among olive groves, passing by picturesque small villages and visit olive oil factories if you wish. On your way you will also meet the ancient city of Eva where lays the recently excavated ruins of Herodes Atticus mansion with dozens of sculptures and partially colorful mosaics to see.
Soon you arrive in Paralio Astros, a beautiful small fishing village with no more than 900 inhabitants built almost artistically along the so called «Island» peninsula. You can spend the rest of your day swimming or sunbathing on the sandy beach, wandering around the streets, visit the castle on the top of the hill or walk by the picturesque harbor which accommodates small boats. Don't forget to relax at the cafes and taverns where you can always find fresh fish and other homemade local specialties.
Overnight in Paralio Astros.Day 5: Paralion Astros – Nafplio (28 miles/45 km)
Today get ready for an amazing coastal ride towards Nafplion. Fascinating images of deep blue sea expect you today while cycling along the Argolic Gulf coastline with slight ups and downs. Soon you reach Mili, a small seaside resort where you can relax enjoying a beverage or a meal facing the sparkling sea. In addition you can visit the archaeological site of Ancient Lerna with exhibitions of prehistoric and Bronze Age.The lake of ancient Lerna where Hercules killed the mythical beast with the many heads, Lernea Hydra lies just in the entrance of Mili. The ride continues through the vast plains before you arrive in Argos, one of the oldest Greek cities, hometown of Hercules. There, up on Larissa Mountain, the imposing fortress stands with the Cyclopean walls while at the foot of the mountain you can visit the ancient theater of Argos, one of the biggest in Greece.
You continue for the last kilometers to Nafplio, the famous and incomparable seaside town where natural beauty, history and modern way of living are all combined harmonically; narrow old streets, the marbled main square, neo classic buildings, modern cafes, the vivid night life and of course the dominating castle "Palamidi" and the Bourtzi fort in the sea! The beautiful promenade right along the characteristic harbor is full most of the day with small fishing boats and luxurious yachts.
Overnight in Nafplio.Day 6: Round Trip to Mycenae (32 miles/51 km)
Today, riding through the beautiful countryside you are going to explore the great city of the Bronze Age, Mycenae, over 3500 years old! On your way, you can make a stop at the huge castle remains at Tiryns, which was considered to be one of the most important centers in the Eastern Mediterranean. Then you cycle through orange and lemon groves, till you reach Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical King Agamemnon, which was for a long time the center of Greek civilization.The Acropolis of Mycenae-fortress with the old Cyclopean walls was built 3360 years ago in an altitude of 280m. The uphill part at the edge of the mountainside is quickly forgotten as you marvel at impressive excavations and important findings.
The world-famous Lions Gate at the main entrance of the Acropolis which constitutes the first example of monumental sculpture in Europe and the shaft graves such as the well preserved vaulted Atreus Grave, Agamemnon's father, are among the major cultural and historical attractions of Greece.
Overnight in Nafplio.Day 7: Excursion to Epidaurus (26 miles/42 km)
The last biking day of your journey begins with a transfer to Epidaurus, which counts to the historical highlights of every trip to Greece. You will quickly understand why. You will be impressed by the huge and well-preserved, over 2300 year ancient theater, which could hold up to 14000 viewers in its time and in which nowadays during summer time hosts theatrical plays! Epidaurus is considered to be the birthplace of medicine as it was the most important healing center of antiquity with a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing.A visit through the archaeological site indicates the view that ancient Greeks had about medicine and healing which concentrates on the principal: "healthy mind in healthy body". Watching theatre plays was an important part of that process.
You will also discover the remains of the ancient city with temples, porticoes, houses, shops and spas. After having met Epidaurus you cycle mostly downhill through mountainous landscape and through the vast pistachio growing region to the coast. Enjoy again a dip in the crystal clear sea water and look forward to another night in Nafplion.
Overnight in Nafplio.Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, you will depart from Nafplio. A transfer to the airport can be booked for an extra cost, you could extend your stay in this beautiful destination.Surface and terrain
You cycle to 99% on paved roads and only a few km on gravel roads. The fertile plateau of Tripoli and the flat region between Nafplio and Agros are crossed by small asphalt roads, and in the few areas on wider roads, there is almost no traffic. Overall, the region is sparsely populated and is therefore ideally suited for low traffic pleasure-cycling.
At each stage there are some short and some long slopes to master, but overall the descents dominate. That is because you are starting in Vytina at 1,033m altitude and roll down to the sea, and also the transfer to Epidauros takes you to 300m altitude and again you descend down to the sea.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.
You will have accommodation in 3-star hotels or apartments.
Tripolis: Palatino Hotel
Paralio Astros: Ariadne Hotel
Nafplio: Hotel Grand Sarai
Vytina: Aigli Hotel
Note: visitor's taxes are not included in the cost of the tour. Please expect to pay €1-2 per room/per night on this tour.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Athens or Kalamata, GreeceBook your flight to Athens or Kalamata. From either airport, transfer options are available. You can book transfer through the local bike tour company for an extra fee, or you can travel by public bus to Vytina.
If you do not book both arrival and departure transfers, there will be a bike delivery/pick-up fee of € 60 per booking.
Private transfer (to be requested at the time of booking):
Please note, if transfers are booked before 8:30 AM and after 9:00 PM, there is an additional € 100 surcharge.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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Dates
Saturdays: Apr 6 - Oct 26, 2024.
Prices
Tour package
Per person, double occupancy €840 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €995 Bike Rentals
Trekking bike €90 Road bike €130 Electrically assisted bike* €240 Tandem bike €250 Helmet €10 GPS rental** €70 *E-bikes are unavailable for tours starting between May 4 and 11.
**GPS navigation via RidewithGPS is included in the tour cost
Extra Nights, Nafplio
Per person, double occupancy €65 Single room (1 person/1 room) €115 Extra Nights, Vytina
Per person, double occupancy €35 Single room (1 person/1 room) €60 Transfer
Transfer from/to airport (Nafplio to Athens), per vehicle/per way up to 3 persons €190 Transfer from/to airport (Nafplio to Athens), per vehicle/per way 4-8 persons €350 Transfer from/to airport (Athens to Vytina), per vehicle/per way up to 3 persons €230
Transfer from/to airport (Athens to Vytina), per vehicle/per way 4-8 persons €420 *If you do not book arrival and departure transfers, a bike delivery/pick-up fee of € 60 per booking/direction will apply.
*Please note, if transfers are booked before 8:30 AM and after 9:00 PM, there is an additional € 100 surcharge.
Included services
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transport
- Maps with route information and points of interest; tourist information about sights along the way (1 set per pair of travelers)
- 24-hour emergency hotline
- Transfer from Nafplio to Epidaurus on Day 7
- GPS navigation via RidewithGPS app
Note: visitor's taxes are not included in the cost of the tour. Please expect to pay €1-2 per room/per night on this tour.
Bike rentals
Bikes available for rent on this tour (must be reserved at time of booking):
- Men's and women's 18-speed standard trekking bikes
- Road bikes
- Electrically assisted bikes*
- Tandem bikes
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Equipment available with bike rental:
- Pannier
- Mobile Phone mount for the handlebar
- Tool kit
- First aid kit
- Water bottle holder (Standard bikes)
- Bike lock
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available to rent on this tour for €10. We recommend that you bring or buy your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Janice Guimond 7 months ago
Loving Greece!
We had a really good tour. We love the self-guided approach, so that we can go at our own pace. The RideWithGPS app worked very well, and the turn-by-turn directions on it were excellent. We really appreciated the excellent restaurant recommendations (the food was SO good). The mix of scenery and culture were what we were seeking. The only reason I give this 4* instead of 5* is the issue of dogs. We were given a safety briefing and told how to deal with aggressive dogs, and that worked mostly, as long as we had time to react. There is a dog between Piana and Tripoli that raced out (with two other dogs) and I had no time to react and was bit on my leg. The bite broke the skin so I had to go to the hospital to get antibiotics and a tetanus shot. One of the other riders on the same itinerary was also bit by the very same dog! In Tripoli, we spoke to some locals who said, "we know that dog." So, this is a known issue, yet apparently no one has addressed it. One other rider on our itinerary got bit on a different day, by a different dog. So, that's 3 of 9 of us that got bitten. If not for the dog problem, this would be an excellent tour. As is, I still recommend it, but feel that riders should be aware of this issue. We had some very special interactions with locals, enjoyed the small towns along the route, LOVED Nafplio, and it was really fun to have three nights in Nafplio so that we didn't have to pack up our things as much. The bikes were very good. We didn't have any mechanical issues r flats, and the helmets were good (with visors). Things were organized well.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ James Krause 8 months ago
Greek hospitality and history combine to make this an unforgettable experience
How better to learn than while enjoying something so good for the body? This trip, our third biking adventure, feeds the muscles and mind. The hospitality enjoyed was, without question, some of the best enjoyed anywhere. This all leaves an enduring impression.
Stories are told as new ones are created. Over the course of this adventure, the Greek philosophers remind you of the value of a healthy body, healthy mind. History has a way of reminding us of our roots and progress. The journey was refreshing.
It was a tour of contrasts, high in the mountains, down to the sea. We experienced life in villages and larger centers. We felt safe throughout and the tour operators responded immediately to all questions or concerns. For us, little things matter much and we were satisfied by those enjoyed.
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★★★★★ James Krause 8 months ago
Greek hospitality and history combine to make this an unforgettable experience
How better to learn than while enjoying something so good for the body? This trip, our third biking adventure, feeds the muscles and mind. The hospitality enjoyed was, without question, some of the best enjoyed anywhere. This all leaves an enduring impression.
Stories are told as new ones are created. Over the course of this adventure, the Greek philosophers remind you of the value of a healthy body, healthy mind. History has a way of reminding us of our roots and progress. The journey was refreshing.
It was a tour of contrasts, high in the mountains, down to the sea. We experienced life in villages and larger centers. We felt safe throughout and the tour operators responded immediately to all questions or concerns. For us, little things matter much and we were satisfied by those enjoyed.
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★★★★★ James Cieslak November 12, 2022
A Greay Way to Experience Greece
Enjoyed a quieter side of Greece and met wonderful people along the way. The mountains were beautiful, sea side riding scenic, the agricultural valleys relaxing, and the ancient sites were amazing. We were a group of experienced riders ( ages early 60's through late 70's). E-bikes made the physical part of the trip very enjoyable and not too difficult. The cycling routes kept us off of the main highways the vast majority of the time. Greek hospitality was everywhere. On our daily routes we were offered water, invited into a home for a meal, and received gifts of fruit and nuts all along the way. One of our best trips!
Points to consider for future cyclists on this trip:
1-The e-bikes were either Fuji (step over seat) or Breezer (step through) models. Request your preference when booking. Had a few problems charging batteries overnight. Double check that your bike is indeed charging before leaving it for the night.
2-Use the app 'Ride with GPS' for your routes. Much easier than the materials provided by the company.
3- Hotels in Vytina, Tripoli, and Napflio were very satisfactory. The hotel in Paralia Astros (Ariandne Hotel) was unsatisfactory. The pool was not maintained (green, filthy water present) which led to a mosquito problem throughout the hotel. A new hotel is needed.
4-None of the bikes had water bottle holders. Had to carry water in the pannier or strapped to the rear rack (bring a few short bungee cords for that purpose).
5-Request a full sized tire pump. Flats happen and you'll make changing tires much easier.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Beth Gray November 7, 2022
The best part of Greece!!!
We spent a couple of weeks touring Greece before heading to the Peloponnese Peninsula. What a great way to end our trip! The roads were beautiful, the hills manageable, accommodations were great except for one night where the location was fabulous, the hotel not so much. We met some great people who may be international friends from Amsterdam and Australia now!
Thank you Bike tours for another incredible ride and looking forward to the next. -
★★★★★ Peter Bachman October 26, 2022
Fabulous trip
There were eight of us on E bikes on a self guided trip. The bikes were great. The routing was excellent on small, mostly very low traffic roads. We rode about 30 miles a day and had plenty of time for sightseeing. We loved the food, wine and friendly people. The only downside was that we had several flat tires and the tool kits we were given were incomplete. So check them before you leave to make sure you have what you need. We would highly recommend this trip!
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★★★★★ Michelle Franks August 8, 2022
Absolutely fantastic!
We are so so impressed with everything about this trip! The planning, attention to detail, the hotels, the local guides, etc. Everyone was so helpful and the trip went off flawlessly. We did it in July during a heatwave and ended up switching to e-bikes halfway through, which was a great decision. ARCAS, the local bike company that took care of us in Greece, was absolutely wonderful and extremely accommodating. I did this trip with my 16 year old daughter, and it was perfect. This trip was a resounding 10/10!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- just this one!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Wendy Sigler August 3, 2022
Perfect explanation of trip. Could sound a little more magical.
The staff from the bike company was stellar and very responsive to any assistance we needed. The bikes provided were ok, they were a little grungy like they could use a tune up, but serviceable and once we got used to the battery configuration they were fins. The routes and stops were fabulous! The locals made the experience so enjoyable and special. My Only complain t was that one of our days fell on a country holiday which meant we couldn’t go to the cave, it was closed. We had no idea of this until the day the tour started and would t have known if it hadn’t come up in conversation, we would have ridden all that way to see the cave and been let down. It would be nice if the company provided a list of holidays and better indication of how it could affect the trip. There was a brief mention somewhere, but that would t have helped us, the actual holiday fell on a Sunday so got celebrated on Monday instead so it was unlikely we would have discovered it in our own.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ musicmama44 May 17, 2022
See the real Greece!
Our tour was the perfect blend of Ancient sites, beautiful nature and authentic Greek culture. The hotels we were put up at were all run by the nicest people and generally in great locations with easy walking to the center of the towns we were in. We especially enjoyed our stay in Nafplio. The local company helping us, Arcas, was easy to communicate with on the road. We experienced a broken chain on day 1 and they had someone out to rescue us in 30 minutes and a new bike by that evening. We did hit a national holiday 1 day and so the sites we were supposed to see were not going to be open, it happened to rain a bunch that day as well and we probably wouldn't have wanted to ride out there if it was open, so it worked out, but it would have been nice to have some pre trip notice or an alternative plan for a ride that day. Both companies, Arcas, and bike tours were great with answering our questions and helping us prepare for the trip. We had some specifics we needed help with like bed requests and we decided to bring our own saddles, and everyone got back to us with answers to our questions within 24 hours each time. The phone app used by the company does not require internet and gave easy turn-by-turn directions as well as historical info and all kinds of other trip info like where the hills were and far you had to go.
I have a little feedback about this particular trip if you need some particulars or aren't sure it is right for you. We are E bikers here in the US, we ride several times a week 9 months out of the year, mostly on a greenbelt system (10-25 miles range per trip). We are in our late 40's, in good health, could be in better shape and I have a knee injury that affects my riding. This trip was a 2 out of 4 difficulties, in my mind, this seemed more like what I thought a 3 would be, maybe a 2.5. While the riding was doable, it was definitely more challenging in spots than we anticipated. The batteries provided did not hold a charge as long as we expected so we were really having to push ourselves on the uphills more than we anticipated to ration the battery. Definitely download the manual for the control panel, there were all sorts of ways to customize its use as well as instructions about how to get it to recharge in the downhills, not a lot, but it did help. With the exception of the very first ascent which was very long, most of them were shorter, but the places to stop and recharge were far and few so you had to really watch your charge. The roads for the most part were back roads and/or unused older highways and that was wonderful, little to no traffic and wide open spaces and beautiful scenery. When you did have to be on a highway, however, there was a lot more traffic, and they were moving pretty fast, so it was a little intimidating at times.I'd say you were on main highways about 10% of the time, the rest was more remote. We don't do much highway riding here, I would absolutely do it again, this is just info that I would have found helpful. I think the difference in expectation on the difficulty of the trip had more to do with us and our vision than what was communicated to us, we are kinda wimpy, in other words! SHOW MORE
We would absolutely recommend a bike tour to our friends and family, we plan to do more and this trip was unforgettable and a great learning experience for us as well. If you want to see the real Greece (we met so many nice locals and ate SOOOO well), this is the way to do it.
SHOW LESS- What was the date of your tour?
- May1-8
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Darrell8 November 14, 2019
Beautiful Scenery
Excellent service that was provided by the local bike company, the gentleman was very friendly and gave us great information when asked. The bikes were excellent and all hotels were very nice with great breakfasts that was included in the rates. GPS were included so finding the right route was seamless.
There were lot of great sites to see along the way and the scenery was amazing.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 5,2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Tony123 October 27, 2019
Excellent itinerary
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 12-19
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Badger biker October 24, 2019
Good ride with a couple of asterisks
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Darrell8 October 21, 2019
Greece bike trip
- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 5th-11th
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ GRL3 October 21, 2019
Fantastic trip thru Greek Peloponnese
This is a must do trip. One of our best ever. The scenery, accommodations, rental company and everyone we interacted with were 5 star in every way. Bikes were great, GPS systems worked fine, and the routes were as expected. They really focus on keeping you off the main roads as much as possible, but even when you were on the main roads, ALL drivers were very courteous and gave lots of room. Absolutely no issues with anything, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone wishing to see the beautiful Peloponnese Peninsula the right way (by bike). Yes, there were some hills to climb, but nothing insurmountable, and it was always rewarding to come down!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Cyndi2838 October 13, 2019
Greece was surprising!
The landscape was amazing, from the Fraser Fir trees to the beaches our ride was wonderful. The GPS needs updating as many of the roads are small.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 28,2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ KenK September 22, 2019
Awesome Bike Trip
This was a great way to experience the beauty of The Peloponnese Peninsula and meet so many friendly locals and fellow bikers along the way.
Our accommodations were all very nice and our baggage was transferred without any problems.
Our only criticism is with the quality of the bikes which caused us quite a few problems along the way. Luckily we were able to improvise repairs and continue on.
Four British bikers we spoke to that were with the same local bike tour company had the same criticism. The local company was helpful and friendly but their bikes needed tune ups and refurbishing.
Also....the thorns on the side of the roads on the Peloponnese Peninsula are notorious for causing flat tires...and we had lots of flat tires. Why doesn’t the local operator use the more puncture resistant bike tire technology? I was unable to get an answer to that question when I asked.
I don’t want to dwell on the negative.
We had a wonderful time and I would do it again but hopefully with a more reliable bike.- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 7-14
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe September 23, 2019
Hi Ken, thanks kindly for the feedback. We're so glad that you enjoyed the Peloponnese Peninsula and meet many friendly locals and fellow bikers along the way. Thanks especially for the feedback about the bikes. It sounds like some simple updates would take this tour from awesome to spectacular. We'll inform our local operator partner of your suggestions and work with them to improve this aspect of the tour. Thanks again and glad you enjoyed your tour!
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★★★★★ ArmannI July 25, 2019
Wonderful trip
Pros: The perfect way to experience this part of Greece. The Greek people were very friendly.
Cons: One of the bikes broke down resulting in minor injury of one of the person in the group. When we were leaving the local tour company intents to claim us (without result) for the bike and driving the injured person to the nearmest hospital. The companys "clarification" for the claim for the bicycle was "careless" and/or "speedy" cycling even though we only followed the provided cycling routes. This resulted my in "one" star rate to the company. My "one" star has nothing to do with the people from the company that were wery helpful and nice. Regarding the bycicle I thougt such biking company would have its insurance to tackle such "incedent".
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6.7.2019 - 12.7.2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe July 26, 2019
Hello, and thanks for submitting a review. While we are overjoyed that you enjoyed Greece and it's friendly people, we're a bit concerned about the incident that occurred. Our Client Service Manager will reach out to you for more details via email. We hope the injured person is okay. Thanks again for sharing.
-
★★★★★ Icebikers July 20, 2019
Greece has been on my list for a long time!
Cycle is a perfect way to see fantastic places in many countries, Greece is no exception. I saw places that are spectacular like old theatre build 4000 years BC. Cycling in the country side as well as the coast is fantastic. Epidaurus, Nafplio and many other players in this tour as well as the Corint Canal on my way back to Athens is worth seeing.........
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 6th to July 13th 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Love2ride July 15, 2019
Great way to see Greece!
Overall, we were highly satisfied with our experience on this self guided bike trip. The scenery was great, starting in the (relatively cooler) mountain town of Vytina, cycling down into Tripoli. We enjoyed the day trip to the Kapsia Caves. The ride from Tripoli to Astros was scenic, with a very noticeable flora change as we dropped over the pass and started to head down to the (much warmer) seaside. The dip in the Aegean to cool off after the day's ride was exultant. The ride along the coast to Nafplio was beautiful, and we enjoyed the ancient sights along the way (Agros). Nafplio is a charming town, absolutely worth staging out of for the final few days.
Pluses: Hotel and staff in Vytina, Tripoli, Nafplio. The ancient sights to visit got better and better with each day (Argos, Mycenea, Epidaurus). The charming towns, intimate small lanes and shops, late night restaurants out in the squares or along pedestrian streets in Paralion Astros, Vytina, Nafplio were a delight. Dips to cool off in the Aegean a joy.
We found the Greeks, those with the local tour company, the shuttle pick up and drop off, the Hotels and well, just about everywhere along the way, to be friendly and eager to engage and to help. Also, the relative cost of goods, meals, etc. were quite affordable.
Specific to the bike tour company...friendly and prompt pick up at the airport, and the GPS units provided (50 EURO refunded deposit) had each days routes preloaded and worked out quite well (given the routing had a lot of zigs and zags at times, I don't think we'd have been able to follow the route with a paper map/sticker process common to other bike company rides). Baggage transfers went without a hitch. Very accommodating for our request to switch bike types at the start of the ride.As for 'room for improvement'...there were a few items. Relative to the info we were sent, this tour was a bit thin on details on where and when to expect to see some of the sights...just that 'we'd bike by them' (and we did, but at the 10 mile point, 15 mile point or ? - the GPS path did not indicate that type of info). One minor irritation, was our third day leg (Tripoli to Astros). We found the ancient site and museum at Tegea per the route description, only to find it was closed on that particular day we were routed to bike thru it. Also, the GPS, as stated it was overall very useful (only steered us off in a minor way once, and we were able to figure out where to go well enough). But the unit would tell us we'd be at the destination...and we'd look around and not see our hotels. We'd spend time walking around, circling about to find it (and the small hotel in Paralion Astros had the hotel name in subtle letters on a glass door...we walked right by it). Similar experience in Nafplio, I had to plug in the name of the hotel in my own smartphone to have it navigate us down side street alleyways to the hotel entrance. So a bit better directions on how to find our hotel upon arrival would have saved us some time out of the sun (already tired after a hot day cycling). And finally along those lines, there was a switch in our hotel in Nafplio versus our stated first night destination (we'd not been told this). That killed time trying to sort that out. Again, more a nuisance level...folks at both hotels quickly helped us figure out the slip up. SHOW MORE
As for any general observations about the tour. Unlike some other countries we've ridden thru, there really are no bike trails. However, much of this route is on back roads, where traffic was sparse. In the more congested (streets are narrow) towns, they were pretty small, and so we'd be thru them pretty quick and back on rural side roads. We had no issues with Greek drivers, even got a few friendly honks and waves (other cyclists were few and far between). We did note a lot of stray dogs, but fortunately the only times we encountered any aggressive barking, those dogs were behind fences. We switched to the tours hybrid bikes (I had originally booked road bikes, not knowing the details of the roads and routes), and we were glad we did. There were sections of (flat) gravel roads, particularly on the second bike day, more easily handled with wider tires and upright stance vs narrow tires and drop bars of a road bike. My partner appreciated their better climbing gears, not that the hilly sections weren't beyond our expectations, but in July, the combination of hills and heat (unfortunately, we hit it during a bit of a heatwave) made for slower paced riding. Regarding temperatures, full disclosure, towards the end of the tour, it was forecast to be well over 100 degrees F....we elected to hire a car and guide versus riding (no regrets, it actually hit 105 F that day). We knew this was going to be a hot time of year for this tour (my partner is a public school teacher, though, which limits our major vacation times). If we were not otherwise constrained, this tour in May or in September would be ideal.
SHOW LESS
To summarize, our glitches were minor, and we thoroughly enjoyed this tour and we're glad we did it.- What was the date of your tour?
- First week of July, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- ~6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe July 16, 2019
Thanks so much for the detailed feedback. This is all excellent info; we appreciate you taking the time to share it! So glad y'all enjoyed Greece.
-
★★★★★ Pedalann June 14, 2019
A Beautiful and Educational Tour in Greece
This tour gave us a chance to see the natural beauty in Greece from mountains to seashore, the agricultural richness of some of its orchards from olives to oranges and the amazing cultural history during our visits to sites such as Mycenae and Epidavros. The preprogrammed GPS made each day's navigation easy and allowed us to concentrate on the sightseeing along the way. Since our tour was selfguided, we could cycle at our own rate and stop frequently to take photos and read information posters that interested us.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 4-11, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- More than 20
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Manuel and Maria November 14, 2018
Great way to explore hidden gems of Greece!!!
We love feeling like locals, eating like locals, seeing the country the way locals do. Mostly away from touristy places. This was exactly what this tour was about. Combining Greek history, mythology, archaeology, authentic Greek food in authentic tavernas, experiencing warm Greek hospitality, revelling in the natural beauty of the mountains and the warmth of the sea. What more can I say? It was an incredible trip made possible by the Arcas team, local to Greece, coordinated thru bike tours.com. Thank you so much!!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 13 to 20th, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- Several
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ happyPedals November 5, 2018
Interesting, varied, a great trip
You will see different landscapes, from the more mountainous interior to the coast. There are chances to see many historical sites. The GPS is a must for the trip, you will get lost if you don't have it. I strongly recommend bringing your own small pump which can handle both Presta and Schraeder. The pumps we were given were a bit dodgy, and handled only Presta although we had some Schraeder valves on our tires and just one spare tube (Presta). We came across some aggressive stray dogs but weren't attacked. I carried a stick on my bike just in case. As a woman I would have been a bit anxious doing this ride alone, I was happy to have a partner with me. The hotels were mostly family-run or small and felt friendly and welcoming. There were many great restaurants in the destination towns. Staying 3 nights in the final town with 2 loop trips was great - the hotel was good and you didn't have to keep packing and unpacking. You *must* carry the hotel list with you - the GPS will not lead you directly to the hotels and the hotel names are not part of the map binder. You will see some beautiful scenery and also some abandoned and derelict buildings and piles of garbage. Some days you ride on somewhat busy roads with very narrow shoulders, but we found that drivers were courteous. If you are going to use the Metro in Athens, do some research about the level of organized pick-pocketing there and take precautions. This was a rewarding trip for someone who loves biking and history and exploring.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Tim and Lisa September 26, 2018
Wonderful trip
The route was fantastic, with gorgeous scenery, some amazing long downhill stretches, and major archaeological sites. Roads usually had little to no traffic and uphills were never overwhelming (I didn't ever wear the reflective vest I brought or have to walk). All of the accommodations, staff, and breakfasts were very nice and sometimes great. We enjoyed all of the suggested stops and towns we stayed in. It would have been impossible to come up with a comparable route on our own. The Trek bikes were in good shape. The only problem we had was that one day we encountered burrs or thorns which caused repeated punctures (apparently a seasonal hazard).
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/8/2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ JBxx August 14, 2018
A perfect way to see working class Greece with lots of history
We ( 3 couples) did the self guided tour . The bikes were comfortable and worked very well.. The route instructions and GPS were easy to follow. The route took us through rural / agricultural Greece , with daily visits to one or more spectacular historic site. The riding as advertised was light to moderate. The Hotels were good to excellent - The Grand Sarai in Nafplio was excellent. We were fortunate that the weather was good - in fact a few very hot days - but lots of water dealt with that. We made some great new temporary friends that were doing the same tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2-9 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Jim n Anne July 5, 2018
Follow In the Footsteps of the Ancient Greeks
This tour was scenic, engaging, varied, enjoyable, rewarding. The route was well planned; we would arrive at the highlight of each day's ride just at noon when the big groups had left for lunch so we didn't have to contend with crowds. The Greek people are friendly, happy, and agreeable. The routes were scenic and just challenging enough. The rental bikes were well suited for the terrain and conditions, and the available GPS was a valuable aid. We loved the accommodations, and the luggage service was flawless.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- Several dozen
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Julane June 26, 2018
5 Stars!
5 Stars! We highly recommend Greece: The Peloponnese Peninsula for its incredibly beautiful and spectacular landscapes, ancient history, significant archeological sites, and charming hotels in charming towns. Every Greek we met was friendly and helpful; the food was fresh and tasty; the culture was interesting. We were fortunate to be on this tour during Easter week and were able to observe several traditional practices including a religious procession and a community concert. The services offered by the local tour company, Arcas Travel, were top-notch: GPS routes along the coast, up and down mountains, through olive and citrus groves; well-maintained bikes; transfers to the start and finish of the tour; assistance a phone call away. It was a perfect cycling holiday!
- What was the date of your tour?
- March 31, 2018
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ kdorman June 21, 2018
Amazing Trip!!!
This was my first cycling tour - and it completely converted me - this is the best way to see/experience a country. Love the fact that you use local biking companies - they really know their country and how best to see it!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 20-27th
- How many tours have you completed?
- this was my first!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ KBogg June 20, 2018
Great itinerary
Well planned tour with excellent hotels
Local bike tour staff were amazing- What was the date of your tour?
- 5/24
- How many tours have you completed?
- First one!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ LewB November 16, 2017
October Must Be Best
My wife and I totally enjoyed our first bike tour together with the very pleasant Peloponnese itinerary. We had beautiful views on quiet roads through villages and hills. Every effort biking uphill was rewarded on the downhill, and with nice flat stretches in-between. The four nights based in Nafplio gave us the time to enjoy the special charms of that town. The local operator was great and BikeTour's guidance is reliable.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 28 - Nov 4
- How many tours have you completed?
- None
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Fizz November 2, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 12
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Brittanyatbiketoursdotcom October 19, 2017
The best of the mountains and the sea!
I went on this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member. The varied scenery on this tour continuously amazed me. Each day, we were cycling through orange, lemon, and olive groves. The fresh food was endless from fruit to cheese to lamb to seafood with olive oil at the center.
This is a well-rated level 3 tour with its rewarding daily hills. While cycling, we had a perfect view of the sea for miles traveling toward it while still in the mountains.The region is rich in culture and this tour opened my eyes to the ancient history of Greece. Some of the known archeological sites have been excavated and preserved while so many other sites are still buried under our feet. The people of Greece are as kind as I've met anywhere. They are lively, community-centered, and certainly welcoming to travelers.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 7, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Purple Sneakers August 17, 2017
The Peloponnese
we were drawn into the sumptuous landscape of the Peloponnese from the first kilometers of our ride around Tripoli, as were taken (by GPS) intimately through a wonderful and beautiful landcape. the second day was largely a continuation of the first, until the farmland gave way to the coast. the following day was perhaps the most beautiful as we climbed along the coast reminiscent of Big Sur, though the water below was utterly, and achingly the turquoise color only found along the Aegean. the route eventually took us inland to the archaeological site of Argos on the Plain, and finally Nafplio, a small seaside village with a Byzantine past. it was a glorious day. while the remainder of the our riding revolved around the nearby archaeological sites—Mycenae and Epidaurus—the landscape remained the draw. an exceptional countryside, highly recommended.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 24 June - 1 July
- How many tours have you completed?
- many
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Giro June 22, 2017
Great ride and amazing archaeology
The routes have nice variety and excellent scenery. The hills are moderate. There are nice opportunities to swim on a couple of the stages. The cave at Kapsia and The sites at Mycenae and Epidavros are really great. The hotels were the best we have had on a bike tour. The Greek people are remarkably friendly. Finally, the Arcas company is great. The bikes were Treks, the nicest we have had on a tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 11
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
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