In the southeastern Peloponnese Peninsula is found the Argo Saronic region where everything encourages you to pedal at a gradual pace, or siga siga (slow, slow) as the Greeks say. We bicycle, swim, smell the lemons, shop for quality souvenirs and take enlightening archaeology tours of legendary antiquities.
The tour introduces you to two islands, two World Heritage Sites, the incredibly lovely city of Nafplio which you will rate your favorite and overnight in a winery where wine-making from ancient days continues to imbue Peloponnese wines with a unique cachet and bouquet.
Tour Details
Duration
8 Days
Location
Eastern Peleponnese
Season
June 26 to July 3
Tour Type
Road Touring
Nearest City
Athens
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Eastern Peleponnese, Greece
Distance Traveled
Total: 147 miles long route, 97 miles short route. Daily Average: 25 miles long route, 16 miles short route
Minimum Age Limit
18
Skill Levels Accommodated
Beginner
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
10-16
Support Vehicles
Yes
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Bike Brands
Bikes are included in the tour price. No reduction if you bring your own bike, but you are welcome to do so. Fees may apply to transport your bike box to end destination.
Our bikes are Specialized Allez Triple road bikes with feather light aluminum frames, carbon fiber front forks, triple chain ring with 27 gears, 30/42/52. Choice of flat or drop handlebars.
Accommodations
Quality hotels, boutique hotels, family run pensions. All with private baths, air conditioning, comfort, hospitality.
Transportation to Start Site
not included
Dining
All breakfasts at accommodations. All dinners in traditional tavernas with fresh, homecooked food and local specialities epitomizing the best in Greek cuisine. Vegetarian options galore.
About Liquor
Local Greek wine included with dinner.
Additional Activities
Tour Mycenae and Epidavros, two World Heritage Sites. Overnight in a winery. Roam Venetian flavored Nafplio. Swimming in the Saronic Sea.
Rates
$2,887.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
U.S. dollars prices are an approximation only. Tour prices are based on the euro, which is the local currency of Greece. The dollar price of the tour is whatever the exchange rate is to the euro on the date you make a payment. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Spetses After testing the bikes in Athens and a short spin in the car-free Acropolis neighborhood, we take a high speed boat to lovely Spetses. Children ride bicycles and honeymooners take horse drawn carriages in this romantic harbor town. Our welcome dinner is along the sea front.
Day 2: Spetses Spetses is so small that we can circumnavigate it by bike in a couple of hours. At a half-way point we stop to swim at an appealing beach which has the added attraction of an underwater sea cave easily accessible from the water or by steps into an opening on land. If figs are in season, it is a divine pleasure to eat them right off the trees.
Day 3: Poros A water taxi takes us back to the Peloponnese mainland where we cycle along the pleasantly flat coastline stopping for a cappuccino at Ermioni. A ten minute ferry ride puts us back on another island, Poros, whose harbor town is surrounded by olive trees, lemon trees and pine trees. The highest point on Poros (for ambitious bikers) is up to the Temple of Poseidon.
Day 4: Epidavros The best part of today's cycling route is a stretch of road that looks down on the sea with tremendous vistas and next to zero traffic. The waters of Epidavros town are pure and clean and inviting for swimming. In the evening a half hour walk along the bay takes us to the town where everyone eats along the sea front.
Day 5: Nafplio A one hour gradual climb brings us to Ancient Epidavros, the 3rd century BC outdoor theatre seating 12,000 spectators with impeccable acoustics. Epidvaros was more famous in ancient times as the largest Asclepion healing center in Greece. Elegant Nafplio, the first capital of Greece, will bowl you over with its mansions and charm.
Day 6: Nafplio After one hour’s cycling amongst serene orange groves we reach Ancient Mycenae, home of the ruler who launched the Trojan War, King Agamemnon. He is buried in a beehive tomb that never fails to startle visitors with its architecture of geometric precision. We return early enough to explore Nafplio -- shop in local stores selling handmade jewelry, worry beads and arts, climb the 999 steps to the Venetian fortress Palamidi, take a quick boat to Bourtzi island or stroll the length of the harbor.
Day 7: Nemea An easy ride to the famous Peloponnese wine country. Learn how wine is made, explore the winery's cellars, taste the varieties, experience the rhythms of the vineyards. A wine-focused evening makes a glorious farewell departure point.
Day 8: THREE DAY ATHENS ADD-ON Morning transfer from Nemea to your hotel located within crawling distance of the Acropolis. In the afternoon we take you on a three hour walking tour of central Athens on a route that no other tour operator offers. The itinerary includes noteworthy houses and architecture in the Plaka, Socrates Cave, the Pynx where democracy was born, Thissio cafes, the unique water clock and lots of interesting facts and anecdotes. (Actual walking for 3 hours).
Day 9: Athens A three hour walking tour starting with the changing of the guard at Parliament and culminating in the incomparable Parthenon. A professional archaeology guide injects the walk with lively and fascinating insights. (Actual walking is 45 minutes). In the evening you will experience a cultural presentation of traditional Greek music and dance.
Day 10: Athens An excursion to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon in Sounion at the southern tip of Attika Peninsula. Lord Byron carved his name in the marble but the graffiti cannot mar the temple's geometric precision nor its stupendous views. Bring your swimsuit for a dip in the sea before returning to the city.
Day 11: departure Private transfer from your hotel to Athens Airport.
This Package Includes
All Accommodations with Private Bath, Air Conditioning, and Daily Breakfasts
All Dinners with Local House Wine
All Domestic Transportation from Designated Assembly Point to Tour's End Point
Vehicle and Guide Support
Road Bike
Helmet (used by prior clients), water bottles, rack, odometer
Map with Cue Sheets and Points of Interest
Snacks and Water
Private guided tours with professional guides to Mycenae & Epidavros, + entry fees
Gratuities and Tips
A Classic Blue and White CycleGreece Jersey
Notes
Saronic Jewels ride is rated EASY OR MODERATE. Vehicle transfers for easy riders.
Ride Ratings Easy: For travelers who do not bicycle regularly, but enjoy it. They want a relaxing vacation enriched with a modicum of daily outdoor physical activity. Day’s Cycling: 3-4 hours, up to 25 miles, steep ascents rare.
Moderate: For cyclists who bike regularly, perhaps daily. Bicycle is a primary means to satisfy their frequent outdoor activity. Day's Cycling: 4-6 hours, between 25 to 50 miles — possibly more, moderate and some steep ascents welcomed.
Challenging: For people who worship the bicycle. These physically fit riders enjoy hours in the saddle and no terrain is too formidable. Day's Cycling: at least 6-8 hours, 50 to 75 miles or even a century, capable of repetitive climbs and might even crave steep ascents.
Reservation Policy
Initial Deposit is 400 euros per person, approximately $550.00
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