Greece Peloponnese Bike
Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Departures 2012: May 12 & Sept 29, as well as private departures.
Departing from: Kalamata, Saturday afternoon, Day 1
Tour finishes: Kalamata airport, Saturday morning, Day 8
Price 2012: €2,200 per person based on double occupancy & min. 6 people.
Single supplement €260. Smaller groups of 4-5: €2,450 per person based on double occupancy.
T
his tour of the Southern Peloponnese focuses on the region of Mani, an untamed region full of myths and ancient history. Known for its rugged terrain, vast olive groves, Byzantine churches, castles, and stone hilltop villages, the region’s beauty is truly magnificent. Not to be outdone, the northern part of the peninsula, “Outer Mani”, features rocky peaks, hidden gorges, wooded slopes and a stunning coastline decorated with inviting coves and beaches.
We ride the entire length of the peninsula, staying along the sea before retreating inland to loop back to Kalamata. We visit the former Byzantine-Venetian fortress-town of Monemvasia as well as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras, one of the most beautifully preserved archaeological sites in Greece. Our ride back to Kalamata takes us through the breathtaking Taygetos mountains, a beautiful and unspoiled part of the world. Our grand finale is dinner prepared by our local guides at their family home in Kalamata. To see see a slide show on your tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JntcwoSEq0
Day 1: Arrive in Kalamata and transfer to your hotel by the sea. You can test out your bike along Kalamata’s new bike paths or explore the town’s historic center before tonight’s welcome dinner. Kalamata has direct flights from Athens operated by Aegean Airways. Hotel and dinner included.
Day 2: Our first ride begins with a climb, but of course what you gain in elevation this morning you will “lose” on the second half of the ride as we descend into the picturesque village of Kardamyli and then to our hotel, which overlooks the most famous beach of the Outer Mani. We dine together again tonight at a local restaurant. Overnight Agios Nikolaos. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3: Today we ride to Aeropoli – the heart of Mani – along a scenic coastal route that passes several traditional villages. Areopoli’s narrow winding lanes, restored pyrgi (fortified tower homes), and it delightful village squares make this traditional settlement a lovely place to be. See the sights around town before meeting up again for dinner. Overnight Aeropoli. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4: Our ride today takes us through another part of the Inner Mani, one of Europe’s wildest and most isolated regions, cut off from the rest of Greece by the towering Taygetos mountain range and hemmed in by the Aegean and Ionian seas. Our destination, the charming coastal town of Gythio, offers up plenty of fresh seafood for dinner tonight. Overnight Gythio. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5: Take a short break from the bike today with a road-trip to the imposing ruins of Monemvasia, the “Gibraltar of Greece.” We exercise different muscles with a climb up to the top of this important rock-fortress, then relax with a swim at a nearby beach. We have a cycling option for anyone who still wants to get some pedaling in. Tonight is a free night, so you are free to dine wherever you like. Overnight Gythio. Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner not included.
Day 6: We leave the coast this morning and travel inland towards Sparta. The mountains that surround the Evrotas river valley served as natural defense for ancient Sparta, and indeed, Sparta was never sacked! This means that we will have to face a couple of short hills today, but our hotel at the foothills of Mt. Taygettus will reward our efforts. We have a visit of the Byzantine ruins of Mystras this afternoon before meeting up again for dinner. Overnight Mystras. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7: After having “conquered” the invincible Sparta, it is time to return home to announce victory. We first have a challenging climb over a mountain pass but then enjoy a seemingly endless downhill all the way back to Kalamata. Our last dinner will be a home-cooked meal served in the garden of our guides’ home, and Yorgos LOVES to cook! You will be spoiled as Yorgos and his family lavish their hospitality on you. Overnight Kalamata. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8: Our journey ends in Kalamata. We provide transfers to the airport for the afternoon flight to Athens, or can arrange group taxis or get you onto a bus if you need to leave earlier. Breakfast and transfer included.
Kalo taxidi!
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General Information
| Note on Itinerary:Qualifications: This trip is rated moderate to challenging, with some extended climbs on most days. The tour is perfect for anyone who is physically fit and likes to cycle on hilly terrain; the presence of a support van and relatively shorter distances on most days means that intermediate cyclists may join. The daily distances are between 40-60 kms (26-38 miles) a day, which translates into 3-5 hours of riding more or less.Trip Cost includes:All accommodations (2 nights Kalamata, 1 night Agios Nikolaos, 1 night Aeropoli, 2 nights Gythio, 1 night Mystras); 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners; bilingual guide or guides; support vehicle; guided tours as noted in the itinerary; all luggage transfers; transfers from and back to Kalamata Airport; bikes (high quality 27-speed hybrid-style bikes with front handlebar bags and rear racks; road bikes are also available for a fee).Not included: air travel to Greece, airport/hotel transfers not mentioned above; travel insurance; beverages other than water at meals; and items of a personal nature.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! |
