Greece biking vacation, archaeology tour

From

€735

8 Days excluding flights

More info:Price includes: Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast, luggage transfer between hotels, maps and info about the area, 24h hotline, transfer riders & bikes from Nafplio to Epidaurus on day 7. Single supplement €140, Bike rental €80.

Tailor made

“The perfect self-guided Greece cycling vacation for anyone with a passion for archaeology and idyllic seaside resorts. Easygoing daily routes trace the history of ancient Greece across the Peloponnese.”

Highlights

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.

Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.com

Map

Departure information

This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements

Vouchers

Accepted

Responsible tourism

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.

We are also owners of a small city hotel in the city of Tripoli in the center of Peloponnese. In all of our tours that pass from there you will most possible stay to us during your vacations. Here we recycle paper, glass, plastic and metal. At your arrival here you will be given a Travelers Code of Conduct, where you will get informed about how to apply maximum responsibility during your vacations concerning environmental and socio-cultural factors.

The Impacts of this Trip

Choosing our vacations, you choose responsible vacations. As Mr Panagiotopoulos, founder and president of our company, was born and raised here, one of his biggest concerns is to secure that tourism will not affect negatively our area in ecological and socio-cultural way, and also that the locals will mostly benefit from your travel.

Our company which is the organizer and operator of this package is local-based and all our guides, drivers and employees are locals too, ensuring not only the economical benefit of our area but also your cultural benefit. In this trip, you will visit so many different places and you will always be surrounded by locals, experiencing the Greek way of living. But the most important thing for us, is that your presence here gives us a strong negotiation card for pressing the local authorities for the development of our area, such us constructing cycling streets in our city or finance and organize better our archaeological museums and sites.

Environment

Community

The Impacts of this Trip

Climate

11 Reviews of Greece biking vacation, archaeology tour

4.5 out of 5 stars

SHOW

Reviewed on 03 Oct 2020 by Michael Jackson

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Cycling under clear blue skies along roads lined with olives, walnuts, oranges, pistachio, pomegranate.....against the backdrop of the mountains of the
Peloponnese.
Visiting the ancient Greek archaelogical sites especially Epidaurus and Mycenae.
The wonderful old town of Nafplio with it's 3 castles and port side restaurants.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Try to learn some basic Greek terminology but don't worry if you don't as English is well understood even in the remote areas visited.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes. Our driver lived in one of the villages we passed through, we ate lunch snacks from local shops for s little as 2 - 3 Euros for two, we ate in traditional Greek restaurants. All villages we stopped at, as far as I recall ,had recycle waste bins for different types of waste.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

This a great cycling vacation, not too strenuous but enough to make you feel like you have done a good days exercise. The visits to the archaeological sites, the
caves, churches, the mountains, the sea and the small towns and villages provide interest along the way.

Reviewed on 28 May 2019 by Tiffany Arthur

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Smelling the orange blossoms as we rode from Astros to Nafplio. It was very fragrant, and we smelled them pretty much every day for the remainder of the trip. It was also very nice making friends with the other bikers on the same trip. Everyone was super nice.
Also the food! Loved all that delicious Greek yogurt with honey and fruit. And feta cheese was on EVERYTHING. It was heaven.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

We took this trip in early May. The weather was generally good, but variable. The first few days, when we were in the interior of the country, the weather was quite cold in the mornings. We encountered some rain as well, but only for short spurts. The day we left Tripoli, I had on 5 layers of clothing on my upper body. By the time we reached Astros, I was down to my t-shirt.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes. I think that the Greeks do a good job of limiting environmental impacts as a part of daily living. I'm not sure this trip made a difference, but I liked seeing all of the windmills and all the little ways they try to reduce their carbon footprint.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

This was a great trip! It is well organized and a good value. All of the hotels were nice, particularly the one in Nafplio. Support from staff was excellent. They made an effort to see that everyone on the tour got what they needed.

Reviewed on 05 Jun 2018 by Sanjiv Dewan

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The entire route was memorable between places, orchards, wildflowers
Coastal regions. History, architecture, the people and food and wine

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Perfect Iteneriary to cycle as well as look around the places enroute

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Did not get much opportunity to interact on this except that cycling is a way to conserve energy

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

The entire journey was mapped well, GPS was excellent. All the staff at the operator were very pleasant helpful and prompt to answer any queries. Would like to thank the entire team. A special mention of the hotel in Nafplion The grand Sarai all the hotel staff were wonderful. The breakfast there was a treat

Reviewed on 27 May 2018 by Lucy Watson

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Hard to pick out high points of this vacation because there were no low points. Even the brief and brutal thunderstorms on two occasions did not dampen the spirits (and only dampened cycling kit for a short while). The theatre at Epidavros was spectacular and the experience of staying in Napflio was memorable.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

If you opt for a road bike make sure you take a) a small saddle bag for tools b) a portable road pump and c) a cycling water bottle. Basic tools and repair kit and a pump are provided when you start but these must be packed in your pocket or backpack and - as cyclists may be aware - small pumps are very quality dependent if they are going to work! As for bikes a) the EBikes were superb for those who are challenged by 40kms per day but Very heavy b) our road bikes were good quality aluminium frame bikes with 700 x 25mm tyres - which struggled a little on some of the off road tracks on the route. We enjoyed them but it is a close call between road bike and the impressive quality Trek hybrids which our companions were on.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

yes. very much. We believe strongly that cycling is the way to see and feel the countryside and make contact with local people. We had good conversations with people, made sure that we ate and drank local produce [including the excellent wine and oranges] and particularly enjoyed the Kapsia Vineyard.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

The vacation was very very enjoyable. Organisation was great and the Peloponnese is both quiet / rural / stuffed with ancient history which is worth the visit and yet has fantastically enjoyable hotels and cooking. We came back refreshed.

Reviewed on 01 May 2018 by Greg Liebman

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Every day presented something new and memorable. The archaeological aspects, notably at Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Argos, lived up to the epic tales that surround them. The Kapsia cave was beautiful, as was Nafplio and the Palamidi. But I think what I enjoyed the most were the days spent out in the countryside, coming over the pass from Vytina to Piana and down to Tripoli, or the side trip I took to Ostracina. The days cycling through the olive and orange orchards, filled with wildflowers, or the day I got lost and found a tiny church, 10 km from the nearest town, up in the hills, open to visit. The whole trip was spectacular, but I enjoyed the countryside and the small villages the most.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

I don't know why everyone thinks summer is the time to visit. My tip is to go in Spring, when the hotels and restaurants are empty, the roads aren't busy, and the weather is cool enough to sleep with windows open at night, while being pleasantly warm during the day. I would also strongly encourage you to add days to the itinerary. I added at the beginning and the end, and am glad I did.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I certainly tried to benefit locals---I stopped in nearly every town to have a coffee or a snack and chat with locals.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Absolutely wonderful. The tour operator, worked with me with amazing patience as I made changes and asked endless questions. Angelos, who shuttles you to Vytina, was a great guy who had to deal with some challenging logistics. Christos, the owner, who I accidentally texted instead of Angelos, jumped right in and tried to help me arrange an additional side trip I was trying to organize. The entire organization is incredibly helpful. The bikes are of excellent quality, with dynamos for headlight and taillight, good gearing for the climbs, Schwalbe tires and good components, and a solid rack if you want panniers. The lodging is excellent in every town, breakfasts are delicious and hearty, and the GPS was easy enough to use, though I did get lost (and am glad I did) a couple of times. If you're looking for a nice combination of history, culture and spectacular scenery, this is an excellent choice.

Reviewed on 02 Oct 2017 by Scott Kalish

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Visiting Nafpoli

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Know how to repair a flat tire & always check the tires before starting out each day

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent experience

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2017 by David Tallmon

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The ancient ruins.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be prepared for the rigors of the cycling and heat.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I suspect the income at local hotels and restaurants benefited local people but there were no efforts at conservation or reducing environmental impacts.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Our vacation was quite good overall.

Read the operator's response here:

Dear David,

Thank you very much for your nice review and we're glad you enjoyed your trip.
Thank you also for giving me the opportunity to clarify that we are a local company fully commited to the policies of Responisible Travel. According to them, we fully respect the environment. Not only cycling has no environmental impact but here in our office and the hotels we cooperate, we recycle paper and plastic. At the end, we have a refosteration programme for the mountains in our area in which we offer 1% of each vacation package.
We hope to see you again and create new memories for you and your friends.

Sincerely,
Vasiliki Damoka

Reviewed on 01 Jun 2016 by Anne Stevens

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Our stay in Nafplio was the most memorable part of our stay as the town is incredibly charming and full of good restaurants. Our hotel, the Adiandi, had an incredible breakfast from local sources, friendly employees and a great funky charm.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Make sure you are fit. The bicycles are properly geared, but there is still a lot of
uphill pedaling to be done.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes. The hotels all provided food items from local farms and fishermen and our personal travel around the area was done by bicycle.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

An incredibly enjoyable vacation! Good food, friendly people and wonderful sights. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was my legs aren't used to much uphill....I live in Miami where it's pancake flat!

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2015 by Fiona Eccles

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Seeing these archaeological sites at our own pace, including those smaller ones out of the way like Argos and Tiryns.
Epidavrous in particular: amazing theatre, small museum, huge site with interesting remains where you can escape coach parties, impressive setting.
Cycling through quiet countryside and seeing rural life, miles of apple, orange and olive trees, sheep and goats grazing, beehives everywhere, wild flowers, birds, lots of opportunities for sitting and drawing or dreaming.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Think about the time of year you visit - we went at the beginning of October, and even so found it rather hot for mid day cycling although the evenings were cool. The sites and towns were not as overcrowded as in high season.
Much of the cycling is on small tracks with few hills, but of course there are hills to be climbed - you can always stop for breath or get off and push, (as I did once or twice but am not a super fit person). The bikes are well geared and suitable for the terrain covered. There are lots of dogs, but mostly on chains or behind fences.
Learn at least a few words of Greek and the alphabet if you don't already know the language - it is appreciated and gives more opportunity to interact with those you meet. Knowing your letters helps decipher road signs quickly!
For those of you as old as us (late 60s), remember to take your varifocals so you can read the Garmin and the road ahead...!

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Because we were not in a large time-organised group, we were able to spend money in small shops and restaurant/bars which may have more directly benefited local people. Cycling is an environmentally friendly way of traveling, but it does give the opportunity to see at first hand the amount of litter that gets thrown out in the countryside - we couldn't believe it even in back of the way places! We hope that booking through Arcas Travel in local currency meant that any profit went to those who did the work or provided the services.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Polee kala - very good. The organisation worked smoothly from first meeting to return to Athens. The hotels were good, the bikes were suitable for the terrain, the routes were well worked out, luggage awaited us at each stopover. Our queries to the vacation provider before we left were quickly and fully answered, and everyone we met from the organisation was friendly and helpful.
The cycling itself was not as strenuous as I had feared, and we were very happy with the mixture of exercise and culture, and the ability to take things at our own pace. The countryside and coast are beautiful and (apart from some dogs) the
locals are friendly. The wine in this part of Greece is excellent and the food fresh and plentiful. What more could we ask for?

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2015 by Helen Wells

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

We put together two vacation weeks- the Greek Cycling Archeology Tour and then the Laconia Cycling vacation in Greece- both of which are based in the peloponnese exploring different parts. Archaeology tour highlights: The castle on top of the hill in Paralio Astros and a good fish supper. Nafplio- a lovely hotel
and a good base to explore Epidaurus, Mycenae and local beaches. Lots of good restaurants for relaxing evenings. The archeological museum in Nafplio is a must and puts in context the ancient sites, the artefacts you see in the tour and the
develoments of greek culture and history. Epidaurus is a particular highlight- a place of healing through dreams which still has a very special atmosphere. The cycle ride back from Epidauus to Nafplio is stunning. Laconia Cycling tour highlights: Mystras and the sound of monks chanting across the hillside. The olive museum in Sparta- thorough and informative and beautiful. The ride from Sparta to Gytheio along the lower hilldides of the taygetos mountains - such a sense of that huge landscape. Swimming- amazing beaches at Pounta and on Elafonisos. The astonishing rock fortress at Monemvassia- You get a lift up the mountain and a spectacular ride down with plenty of time to explore the castle fortress full of layers of history.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Visit the peloponnese- Greece needs tourism and is a bold dramatic country.
You need a good level of fitness. The mountain rides are magnificent. All the luggage transfers and airport transfers worked very smoothly. The team from the vacation company were helpful and personal.

We went in June and there was good breeze and the combination of cycling and visiting ancient sites and places of interest worked well for us with enough flexibility to have an easier beach day if we wanted it. The GPS routes worked well- mainly kept off main roads and saved the need for detailed written instructions although we did like to have a map aswel. We did get lost occasionaly but on the GPS you can soon spot that you are not going the right way.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes, we booked through Christos in Tripoli and I felt the cost of the vacation was both good value for us and benefited the local economy.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent- marvellous landscape, lots to see, good bicycle rides, meeting some special people, smooth service, many moving conversations and the pleasure of Greek life. The two vacations combined gave a good combination of cycling, exploring, relaxing, learning and appreciating the land and the landscape and the mountains and the people.

Reviewed on 04 Oct 2014 by Christine Mitchell

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Going to Mycenae by cycle and a very enjoyable evening at one of the recommended restaurants with live music in Nafplio.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be aware that there are some hills to cycle up and you will be covering about 30mls a day. The bikes have suitable gearing for the hills. Be aware that there are some feral dogs in Greece.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes and the vacation company supports reforestation following the countryside fires in 2007. Our final hotel did not appear to operate a policy of minimising the washing of towels. Most hotels we have been to recently do have such a policy. It was however an excellent hotel who adapted to our request not to change towels everyday.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent. Good hotels, reasonably priced food, well maintained cycles (The best cycles we have ever hired). The sites of interest on our journey were better and better everyday. The vacation operator Christos was very knowledgeable and took us on a mini tour of The Corinthian Canal on our way back to the airport as a bonus on his own initiative.