Cycling in Greece

Our first time visiting Greece and it did not disappoint. The scenery was beautiful. The weather excellent and our fellow travelers were great company. The food was delicious, with plenty of choice. The hotels were clean and comfortable. Our guides were awesome and looked after us incredibly well.

Most Inspirational Moment

This happened on the last but one night on our trip. Earlier in the day we’d been wine tasting and Dimitris had taken great care to ask us which were our favorite wines. On our way to dinner we were taken to a jetty to watch the sunset, and with a flourish, bottles of the most popular wines were produced for us to enjoy. We were all encouraged (if we wanted to) to stand up and say a few words about what we’d enjoyed, learned or been surprised by on the trip. It was a lovely idea, and I think we all enjoyed the moment (and the wine!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were Niovi Stasinou & Dimitris Gotsis, with Niovi leading the cycling and sorting out the many bike maintenance issues and Dimitris driving the support vehicle and doing the shopping for our delicious lunches they both prepared. Niovi led the cycling at a very sensible pace. She was very diligent with regards to our safety and made us aware of how she expected us to cycle on the busier roads. She kept us safe, and we also had Dimitris providing cover at the back of the line. They were constantly in contact with each other, providing feedback if anyone was slowing down at the back of the line. They also stopped the traffic at busier junctions, to allow us safe crossing. I was a little apprehensive about the promised picnic lunches, but they were beautifully presented and were absolutely delicious. The choice of evening restaurants were also first class. It was lovely that they both always joined us for our evening meal, although they didn’t really sit still and relax and were constantly on the move, sorting out what we would be eating, explaining the drinks menu and generally looking after us, and we were a full group of 16. They were great fun, friendly, informative and were excellent ambassadors for [the operator] and Greece. We loved spending time with them.

Advice for Potential Travelers

The cycling was not too demanding. There were some good up hills and some very steep descents where great care needed to be taken. The weather was beautiful and very warm at times, so be prepared for that. We were provided with frequent water stops to keep us hydrated in the heat. We also had stops for snacks. Don’t be afraid to do this trip as there was absolutely no pressure to cycle at a fast pace.

I had a great time cycling around Greece with [the operator]. The scenery on each day was so diverse, from cycling along the coast, through vineyards and mountains. No two days of cycling were the same. The tour guide was excellent, he always found the best places for lunch, usually off the beaten track and told interesting Greek Myths during our breaks. I would highly recommend this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along the coast to a Greek hut where we sat and had lunch. It was so secluded and all of the guests had the chance to swim in the clear blue waters whilst the guide prepared a very fresh lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dimitris was great. He was very friendly, knowledgeable about all things to do with Greek Mythology, and kept the right cycling pace for the group. He was also very thoughtful and printed some photos for each customer at the end of the trip and ensured we tried all of the Greek delicacies.

This was a very enjoyable cycle tour with a wonderful combination of cycle routes, spectacular scenery, excellent food and beer/wine, history and mythology . The two guides Dimitri S and Dimitri G excelled at making sure everyone was looked after and nothing was too much trouble – from providing vehicle support to explaining Greek history and recommending local wines.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to swim in the sea three times in different seas all in the same day. Stopping at the ancient Olympic site at Namea and running the 200m for which everyone received a Laurel garland.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both D1 and D2 were fantastic - knowledgeable, helpful and nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travelers

With the combination of cycling, scenery, local cuisine, history and mythology I would definitely recommend this tour. For anyone unsure about the distances or difficulty then hiring an E-bike makes this an achievable and rewarding trip.

Our very first [operator] trip (recommended by friends) commenced apprehensively (and very early) in the Terminal 5 Lounge at Heathrow. After a couple of ‘Pineapple Juices’ for breakfast and 40 winks on the plane we were soon at our hotel to meet the Group Leaders Dimitris and Dimitris soon being referred to as D1 and D2.

Very soon the eclectic mix of people were entrusting the next 7 days of cycling, eating, drinking, swimming and dancing with D1 & D2. We couldn’t have made a better choice. We had fantastic cycling, the snacks, lunches and juices that D2 provided in support were excellent and D1 and D2 excelled at their dinner choices every evening giving us a superb taste of local foods (at very reasonable prices). D2 (the wine connoisseur) helped us choose the best wines to go with the meals, although he was not put out when the odd carafe of house red, or the local beers were ordered as well!

D1 and especially D2 excelled in imparting their local knowledge, Greek history and Greek Mythology at many of our stops to visit ancient sights and places of historical interest. Even better were the lunches that they prepared and the snacks they offered during the days.

In summary, D1 and D2 were fabulous The rest of the group got involved to make it so enjoyable. We had a fabulous time and met some great people. What a fantastic lot! We loved it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hearing two American young lads Hum Ave Maria in the Mycenae Tomb of Clytemnestra. The sound / resonance was amazing. This was closely followed by a Pink Floyd rendition from "Dark Side of the Moon" in the same tomb! Our first ever trip to the Acropolis wasn't bad either.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Dimitris S was great, but it was made so much better with Dimitris G as support. I am sure that they work well individually, but they make a great pair. Their knowledge and support were excellent. I had to leave the group on the last morning for personal reasons, and they both helped me out in getting to where I was going.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Please come along to enjoy the cycling, but make sure that you get involved with the group and join in with all the other activities - you won't regret it. The cycling and scenery are great - you can even swim (or just paddle) most days if you want. We did have a couple of issues with electric bikes, but it didn't detract from the holiday. It just meant that some had to peddle harder than others! (These were sorted out).

I originally booked this trip for summer 2020, it was rolled over twice due to the pandemic, but my word, it was a trip worth waiting for! Challenging cycling, spectacular scenery, fabulous food, and heaps of history – it has something for everyone, and then some. One of the best trips I have ever done (and this is my 12th with the operator), “Team Dimitris” made it a wonderful re-introduction to cycling holidays abroad after the last few years of uncertainty.

Most Inspirational Moment

As a student of ancient history, visiting Epidarus and Mycenae could not be beaten. As a cyclist, the scenery was simply stunning, especially the Nafplio coastline. As a foodie, absolutely all of it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dimitris on the bike and Dimitris in the van have to be the best double act on an [operator] trip I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Their meticulous attention to detail with elevation profiles and distances, maps, carefully selected snack and rest spots, and particularly their choices of local cuisine, meant that everything ran smoothly and all we had to do was pedal along, eat, and enjoy ourselves. The real magic though was in their storytelling - if you love Greek myths (or even if you don't), you will be spellbound.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Be open to sharing evening meals (and a kitty for arranging lunches, snacks, and drinks). Team Dimitris chose a wonderful selection of local dishes on each day which, when shared between all, meant our group could try a huge variety of delicious food at a really reasonable price. Handing over the decision-making never tasted so good!! The itinerary is quite a busy one but regardless of how hot or tired you might feel, keep going! You won't want to miss out on a single thing.

This is our 6th guided cycling trip with [the operator]. I realized how much 2 great guides, both named Dimitris, can add to a trip. Not only was the cycling interesting and varied, both Dimitris planned lunches, ordered food for us for dinner, had us stop at museums, and took us on extra little trips, such as visiting tombs after dinner. This trip was beyond my expectations. There is so much to see in the Peloponnese area: so many beautiful ruins of temples, baths, theaters, stadiums….And “The Dimitris” were passionate about their country and Greece’s mythology. I thought nothing could top Romania, Morocco and South Africa, but this trip just might have done that.

Most Inspirational Moment

The seas were so blue and the flowers were so intensely colored. I was inspired to buy Greek Olive oil instead of Italian! Oh, and I learned that I love ouzo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders were incredibly well-planned and had even drawn up an elevation-gain map. So organized.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Be ready to enjoy fantastic food and views. Read some mythology before you go. Perhaps read the Iliad and the Odessey (even if you read the approachable graphic novels--it's still good).

This was our seventh cycling trip in Europe but our first with [the operator]. It was up there with the best of our past trips. The bikes were good (brand new), the hotels as good or better than expected and the guides were excellent. We managed the climbs ok and felt increasingly confident as the week progressed. One of the nice things about this trip is being by the sea. A real highlight was the food organized by Niovi and Demetrius – the snacks, lunches and the dinners. Delicious, good value and time effective. We were a small group and all were good company. We recommend this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting up high at the amazing Epidauros amphitheatre, taking it all in and looking across at the Greek landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - Niovi is great fun and a super organizer and Demetrius a terrific driver, cook, teller of stories, additional guide. They made a great team and added various fun or thoughtful surprises for us. Their organizing of the food was exceptional and a real highlight of the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travelers

There are some good climbs on this trip but, having done cycling trips before and practiced on the local hills in the weeks just before going, we coped ok and are now up for more 'moderate' trips.

Excellent trip. A nice combination of historical sites and cycling. Our local guides offered to provide guidance for the evening meals so the culinary experience was also top notch.

The two guides were both very passionate about sharing their history and culture. I can’t say enough good things about Dimitris Steriotis and Dimitris Gotsis.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is literally hard to pick as there were three categories of highlights: Favorite site: the theatre at Epidarous Cycling: the km downhill stretch into the pistachio orchard Meal: Petite Planette Other fav: swimming in the Aegean Sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both group leader and support driver were excellent. Dimitris and Dimitris were a good team that worked well together.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Be open to eating with group. Do some long rides with uphill before you go. Prepare to enjoy yourself.

Our guides were great. They shared their passion for Greek History, Greek culture, Greek food and cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

When I was able to ride down switchbacks and think that it was fun, rather than terrifying!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I found both Dimitris ‘ to be very supportive. I am a relatively new cyclist and they helped me get more comfortable with many aspects of cycling.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Don’t be shy about sharing your meals! The guides picked well, the food was terrific and the cost was reasonable. We got to taste many dishes this way!

All accommodations were excellent
Bikes were in good condition, two flat tires reported the entire trip.
Some group members thought they were to heavy.
Snacks and meals were delicious, a good selection of Greek foods.
Side excursions good as well

Most Inspirational Moment

Personally I loved Poros island, the dinner we had on the seafront, with the sunset, and our toes in the sand❤️

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was great (Niovi), she was always smiling and cheerful, she was able to turn us into a relaxed cohesive group. We had lots of laughs.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Be aware of the climate when you are planning to travel. Our trip was mid September and we rode in temperatures in the mid 30C.

A wonderful way to see Greece beyond just the beaches and the Acropolis – though you get those as well. Mostly it was small towns , back roads through orange & olive groves, and historical sites in the countryside. Hotels were, Athens aside, beautifully located and near-empty. Going for a swim in the sea to cool down after the day’s cycling was a regular event.

It was my first cycling holiday but I needn’t have worried. I’m someone who cycles for an average 2-3 hours per week and the pace was fine with regular stops for water and snacks. Some steep hills but they were fairly short and the bikes had 24 gears so everyone just went up them slowly. One particularly long but not steep climb on the way from Galatas to Epidavros was the worst bit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycle path cut into the rocky cliff along the coast from Nafplio, ending with a paddle and lunch at a shelter (from the sun!) at the far end of a sandy bay

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yiannis the group leader was great - he was a fount of knowledge about all things Greek both ancient and modern. He also led the group at just the right pace. Kostas was the mechanic, support van driver, and lunch chef. Very friendly, he and Yiannis worked well together.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Padded shorts or a padded saddle cover!

This was my first [operator] cycling trip and I was thoroughly impressed from start-to-finish. The trip involved five 50-70km days and a 6th day which involved a morning of rest in Loutraki and an afternoon/evening of sightseeing in Athens.

We were on the road from 9am -5/6pm each day; stints of cycling along beautiful coastal or mountain roads were split up with fantastic lunches, visits to cultural sites including the theatre at Epidavros and the citadel at Mycenae, and a trip to a winery.

We ate as a group in excellent restaurants each evening, and the hotels were all comfortable. There were two nights in Athens (one at the start, one at the end), four in coastal resorts (good for swimming) and one in Mycenae, where the hotel had a pool.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the coastal path at Nafplio!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yannis and Kwstas did an excellent job all week. Yannis lead the group on his bike and provided plenty of insight into both ancient and modern Greek history. Kwstas followed the group in the van and proved an excellent mechanic and chef, and was v.fun to be around!

A great trip with a mix to keep everyone happy. The support team were excellent and there was never a dull moment.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking a plunge in the sea following a day of riding and just before dinner..... heaven on earth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travelers

Think about adding a few days to explore Athens as there is lots to see.

A truly wonderful trip. Just the right combination of cycling, great swim opportunities and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

The many coastal routes where blue sky met azure seas providing the perfect inspiration to pedal. Wonderful warm blue seas to swim in at the end of most days. Seeing the Acropolis at sunset.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yannis did a really great job. He is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about Greece, has a great sense of humor and loves cycling too. He was ably assisted by Dimitris and Costas. They made a great team and looked after us well, nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travelers

The inclines are many but gradual which made the uphill sections seem quite manageable with plenty of snack stops along the way.

With Yiannis guiding and Angelos supporting the trip was definitely one of my favorites. The cycling was at a steady pace with plenty of breaks and although there were a few hills they were not too extreme. This trip allows you to see many archaeological sites over the week whilst also seeing the stunning Greek scenery. Obviously a week’s cycling needs to be rewarded and that is definitely achieved with the great food, drink & company.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling Sunday morning through the streets of Athens so seeing the sights without too many other tourists around. The many kilometres of cycling along the coast looking out to the Aegian sea. The great amphitheatre at Epidaurus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yiannis did a great job of keeping the briefings short in the evening but still informative. He was obviously passionate about Greece and wanted to pass that passion on. As someone who knew little about Greek mythology the stories that he and Angelos told have given me an insight. Yiannis & Angelos did a fantastic job of keeping us fed, watered & our bikes in working order.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Even in May it is already relatively warm (high 20s) but the regular breaks meant that this was manageable.

We chose this trip in part because of our schedule and in part because we have never been to Greece. We didn’t really know what to expect but the trip delivered more than we could have hoped for. The history, the scenery, the activity, the leaders, the group and the food combined to make this a fantastic week-long adventure. I now have a much better understanding and appreciation of Greece, its culture and its people.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were inspirational moments every single day of the trip. Whether it was seeing the actual rock from which Paul addressed the Corinthians, bicycling on the most beautiful stretch of coastline I have ever seen (near Nafplio) or simply cresting a challenging hill, the trip was filled with magical moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I cannot say enough good things about our trip leaders, Yiannis and Kristos. Yiannis was generally in charge of bicycling with the group, acting as tour guide, and telling Greek mythological stories. Kristos was in charge of driving the van, bicycle maintenance and was in charge of everything food and alcohol related. Both did a masterful job keeping us safe, informed and well-fed. I was most impressed with how the two communicated with one another and synchronized their actions. It seemed as though Kristos magically appeared at the busier intersections and blocked traffic for us with the van. Yiannis was always aware of the traffic around us and masterfully directed traffic to keep us safe. I especially enjoyed hearing Yiannis' take on current events in Greece and respected his convictions and ideology. Both leaders possess a terrific sense of humor which is perhaps the most important trait for creating an enjoyable trip experience.

Advice for Potential Travelers

Book your trip to Greece and be lucky enough to have Yiannis and Kristos as your trip leaders! You may want to ride a hill or two before you come. I'm from Iowa where the world is still flat so it took me a day or two to get used to the hills.