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Compare Mythical Castles Of Greece Bike Tour by Travelncycle.com vs 14 Day Athens, Peloponnese & Cyclades Islands by Gate 1 Travel

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Duration 8 days 14 days
Price From $ 1,322 $ 4,759
Price Per Day $ 165 $ 340
Highlights
  • See the Corinth canal and enjoy the bike tour until we reach the ancient port of Lechaio
  • Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon
  • Explore the ancient and medieval acropolis of the city
  • Enjoy the biking towards Mystras castle which is situated on the slopes of Taygetos Mountain
  • Visit to the coastal town of Kalamata overlooking the Messinian Gulf
  • Enjoy pedaling from Koroni heading west to meet the Ionian Sea at Foinikounta bay
  • Explore the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece and visit the Acropolis Museum
  • Visit the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics
  • Enjoy a cooking demonstration led by a chef who shares his culinary secrets
  • Discover the historic mountain villages of Dimitsana and Stemnitsa
  • Tour the medieval Monemvasia Castle, perched on a massive rock
  • At the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, learn about the culture and history of olive oil production
  • Visit the picturesque town of Nauplion, the first capital of modern Greece
  • Tour the 4th century BC Theater of Epidaurus, world-famous for its exceptional acoustics
  • In Mycenae, heartland of Greek mythology, visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Treasury of Atreus
  • Discover the beautiful Cycladic islands of Paros and Naxos
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style Group tour Small group tour
Lodging Level Premium Standard
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 3- Moderate
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Cultural
  • 50 plus
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Acropolis
  • Athens
  • Corinth
  • Mycenae
  • Acropolis
  • Athens
  • Mycenae
  • Olympia
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • History
  • Swimming
  • Trekking
N/A
Meals Included N/A N/A
Description

Greece has been influenced by diverse civilizations over the centuries. Many of them left their traces on the land, through architectural gems that survive to this day, adding to the amazing natural beauty of the Greek landscape.Stunning castles dating back to the medieval times and the Byzantine period, built by the Francs, the Ottomans, and the Venetians attest to the influence of these cultures to the Greek land and people and form the perfect backdrop for an amazing bike tour. Discover by bike this less-known side of the country through some of the most famous and idyllic castles of Greece.

3 Athens, 1 Olympia, 2 Monemvasia, 2 Nauplion, 2 Paros, 2 Naxos

Itinerary: Mythical Castles Of Greece Bike Tour

Day 1: Athens - Acrocorinth - Nafplio

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the Corinth Canal for a small break to see the canal and then beginning of the bike tour from that point until we reach the ancient port of Lechaio. From there we will head south towards the ruins of Ancient Corinth and the archaeological site located in the area. Then following a challenging uphill we will meet the first Castle of the tour, the Acrocorinth, which was continuously occupied from archaic times to the early 19th century. Load the bikes and transfer to Nafplio. Check in into our hotel. Dinner is yours to discover the streets in Nafplio.

Day 2: Nafplio – Mycenae and castle of Argos Bike Tour

Breakfast with local products and Greek coffee will be the first thing we do the next morning. After that, pure cycling heading towards to one of the most important Archeological sites in Greece: The ruins of the ancient city of Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon. The city is indissolubly linked to the Homeric epics, the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey”, which have influenced European art and literature for more than three millennia. After Mycenae we are heading to Argos where we will visit the ancient and medieval acropolis of the city. Return to Nafplio using a coastal road. Dinner on your own.

Day 3: Nafplio - Sparti - Mystras

Breakfast and check out from our hotel. Then a 2-hour transfer to Xirokampi village, a few kilometers south of Sparti. We check into our hotel, we hop on our bikes and we head out towards Mystras castle, which is situated on the slopes of Taygetos Mountain. Mystras, the best preserved example of medieval walled town in the Greek region, is today a standing ghost city that fascinates the modern traveler with its castle, churches and the palatial complex of the ruling Byzantine dynasty. Return to Xirokampi and later you are free to enjoy the dinner on your own.

Day 4: Sparti - Kalamata

Today after our delicious breakfast we pack up and board the van to the coastal town of Kalamata overlooking the Messinian Gulf. You can relax all day at the hotel’s swimming pool or have an optional ride to the city center of this bike friendly city. You can visit the small castle and enjoy a coffee or a beer at a seaside café. Dinner in our hotel under the stars with panoramic view of the Messinian Gulf.

Day 5: Kalamata - Koroni

Breakfast in our hotel and check out. We hop on our bikes for today’s bike tour. Our destination is Koroni, located at the far end of the west side of the Messsinian Gulf. The route is relatively relaxed but it includes some challenging points. On the way we pedal among small seaside villages and the landscape is full of olive trees. We reach Koroni, a lovely traditional small port and we visit the castle which is dated back to the 6th-7th century and it is an example of the Venetian fortress architecture. Free time to explore on your own and then you can enjoy seafood on your own at one of the local taverns. Transfer to our hotel in the area.

Day 6: Koroni - Methoni

We enjoy our breakfast in our hotel and we are getting ready for today’s bike tour. We start pedaling from Koroni heading west to meet the Ionian Sea at Foinikounta bay, one of the most popular in Messinia. Coffee break by the sea and we continue coast to coast to reach our next destination. That would be Methoni village located at the very edge of the west side of Peloponnese peninsula. A picturesque small port next to the impressive and very well preserved castle. Methoni castle in one of largest castles in the Mediterranean built in the 13th century by the Venetians and served as a fortress. We spend the day around Methoni, we relax by the sea and then transfer to our hotel. Dinner is yours to discover the beautiful small port of Methoni.

Day 7: Methoni - Pylos

After you have enjoyed a delicious breakfast we hop on our bikes to start pedaling heading to Pylos, historically also known under its Italian name Navarino. In the area there are two castles built on the summits of the two hills at the edges of the Bay of Navarino, overlooking the town of Pylos: the older castle of Navarino, called Palaiokastron (Old Castle) or Palaionavarinon and the more recent castle, called Niokastron (New Castle). We start with the last one which is one of the best preserved castles in Greece and it was built in 1573 during the Ottoman occupation. Then we have a coffee break in Pylos beautiful central square before we continue our ride to reach the last castle of the tour, Palaiokastron located on the top of a hill overlooking one of the most famous beaches in Greece, the Voidokilia beach which will leave you breathless. We end the tour riding to our hotel. We celebrate our last night together with a complimentary dinner and tasteful local wine.

Day 8: Return to Athens

Enjoy as much as you like your breakfast and then we pack up and board our van for our return trip to Athens.

Itinerary: 14 Day Athens, Peloponnese & Cyclades Islands

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Greece
Depart for Athens, Greece

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, the classical capital of Greece; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover this city known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Athens and the Acropolis
Today, explore Athens. A panoramic drive takes you past the 4th century Panathenian Stadium, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Stand before the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens, crowned by the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, visit the Acropolis Museum housing the surviving treasures of the Acropolis. Afterward, head to lively Plaka for lunch. Free time to wander the cobblestone lanes of this charming neighborhood filled with quaint shops, restaurants and cafes. Return to your hotel with time at leisure
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Sunday - Corinth Canal, Olympia Archaeological Site, Cooking Demonstration
Depart Athens via the scenic coastal road to the Corinth Canal, dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue to Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games. Visit the archaeological site of Olympia, including the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the Olympic Games were first held. Proceed to Olympia's Archaeological Museum containing significant exhibitions of the ancient world and artwork. Attend a cooking demonstration, led by a professional chef, who shares his secrets of how to prepare Greek dishes. Enjoy lunch and listen to lively Greek music and watch dancers in original Greek costumes. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Honey Farm, Dimitsana & Stemnitsa Villages, Open Air Water Power Museum
Begin the day with a visit to a family-owned honey farm, to get a glimpse into the fascinating world of the honeybee. Afterward, explore the historic village of Dimitsana with its old stone houses and beautiful mountain scenery. Continue to Stemnitsa village wonderfully perched at an elevation of 3,444 feet above the gorge of Lousios. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys and stop for a lunch of regional dishes. In the afternoon, visit a monastery and conclude with a tour of the Open Air Water Power Museum. View displays of restored milling installations which used water as the source of energy
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Tuesday - Castle of Monemvasia, Wine Cellar Visit
Morning visit to Monemvasia Castle, perched on a massive rock in an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Stroll through the narrow-cobbled alleys, explore the fortress walls and learn about its history. Later, visit a family-owned wine cellar and sample some of the wines accompanied by light snack. Continue with a visit to the home of famous Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos, a source of inspiration for his works. Spend time at leisure before dinner tonight
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Sparta, Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, Mystras
Travel to historic Sparta, the birthplace of Leonidas and visit Keadas Cave, where the ancient Spartans threw their weak newborn children. Afterward, head to The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil. Learn about the culture, history of olive oil production, and its uses. Later, proceed to the ancient city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this well-preserved Byzantine city built into a steep mountainside. View ruins of a fortress, palaces, monasteries, and churches. Return to Nauplion for dinner
Overnight: Nauplion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Nauplion, Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, Mythological Mycenae
Begin the walking tour of Nauplion, highlighted by ancient walls, medieval castles, Ottoman fountains and neoclassical buildings with unique architecture. According to mythology, the city was founded by Náfplios, son of Poseidon. Afterward, visit the 4th century BC Theater of Epidaurus, world-famous for its exceptional acoustics. Continue to Mycenae, the heartland of Greek mythology. Enter through the famous Lion Gate to visit the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Treasury of Atreus. Following lunch, return to Nauplion
Overnight: Nauplion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday - Flight to Mykonos, Ferry to Paros
This morning, transfer to the airport in Athens for your flight to the island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses, iconic windmills and trendy cafes. Savor lunch at a harborside taverna and gaze at the bustle of Cycladic island life. In the afternoon, board a ferry to the island of Paros, in the heart of the Cyclades. Arrive and check into your hotel
Overnight: Paros
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Saturday - Paros Island Tour, Moraitis Winery
Embark on a tour of Paros Island. View charming mountain villages, and ancient ruins. Visit the 4th century church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a place of pilgrimage. According to legend the church was constructed by Emperor Constantine. Later, visit Moraitis Winery and gain insight into the process of winemaking. Tour the facility and sample some of the fine wines. Following a lunch of local dishes, head to the village of Marpissa for a rug weaving demonstration. Conclude the tour with a visit to the Frankish Castle of Paroikia, built by the Venetians in the 13th century
Overnight: Paros
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Sunday - Ferry to Naxos, Explore Naxos Town
Depart Paros and board the ferry to the nearby island of Naxos with its Venetian heritage. Begin the exploration of Naxos Town. Walk through the charming cobblestone alleys, vibrant stalls, local eateries and taste some of Naxos famous cheeses. Gain insight into the history and local food culture. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Monday - Tour the Island of Naxos
Discover the island of Naxos and learn about its culture and history. Head to the small village of Damalas to visit a traditional ceramic workshop. Hear about the island's pottery tradition and watch craftsman shape the clay in creative ways. Afterward, proceed to the village of Halki and learn about the island's kitron liqueur production during your visit to a museum. View traditional tools and machinery used for distilling kitron. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel
Overnight: Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Tuesday - Ferry to Athens
Today, board the ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival at the port, transfer to the hotel. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager and to Greece
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Greece
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

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