Mythical Greece Peloponnese
May 3-15, 2026

Day 1 – Sunday, May 3, 2026  Athens - Loutraki  no cycling,  activity: thermal spa & massage
Pickup in Athens and transfer to Loutraki.  Enjoy the famed thermal spa waters and a 20 minute therapeutic body massage  to get you fully relaxed and ready for the tour ahead. Following is our pre–tour briefing, bike setup, fitting and welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2 – May 4  Loutraki - Mykines-Nafplio, cycling 48mi/2336’,  activity: Nafplio tour

We follow the ancient Corinth Canal to the archaeological site of Mycenae for a guided tour of the Lion's Gate and Agamemnon’s Tomb. Cycling inland through rolling hills and fertile valleys filled with olive groves and citrus orchards, we pass the Mycenaean-era Arkadiko bridge and Tiryns fortress. Approaching Nafplio, the road follows the coast, revealing the turquoise waters and rocky coves of Nafplio Bay. In Nafplio, once the First Hellenic Republic's capital, you’ll stroll narrow cobblestoned streets to visit the Palamidi Fortress and Bourtzi Castle, both offering stunning sea views. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – May 5  Nafplio - Ag Ioannis, cycling 32-42m/2230-4150’, activity: Malevis Arkadias  

You’ll cycle beside the Argolic Gulf to the picturesque port of Astros where our route turns inland for a gradual ascent into the foothills of Mount Parnon. Surrounded by stunning vistas, we ascend to the holy monastery of Malevis Arkadias. Located in a cedar forest of the mountain’s slopes, this spiritual sanctuary is renowned for its icon dedicated to the dormition of the Virgin Mary. Descending along winding forested roads, you’ll zigzag the slopes of Mount Sarantapsychos to the mountain village of Ag Ioannis. Enjoy the local Greek “filoxenia” while staying in a traditional stone house. (B,D) 

Day 4 – May 6  Ag Ioannis - Leonidio, cycling 38-56m/2727-4227’, activity: Panagia Elona
Riding south past the traditional town of Platanos, our climb begins to the spectacular town of Leonidio, famed among rock climbers for its sheer surrounding gorge walls. Here we’ll tour the 18th century Monastery Pyrgos Tsirkalioti fortified stone mansion and tower-house. You’ll have the added cycling option (15mi) to visit the beautiful Monastery Panagias Elonas located on a rocky crag of Mount Parnon with stunning views of the Dafnon Gorge. (B,D) 

Day 5 – May 7   Leonidio - Kyparissi, cycling 33m/4198’, activity: climbing and swimming 

After climbing six miles over craggy mountain passes with sensational ocean views, we descend along winding roads to the seaside village of Poulithra, known for its traditional stone architecture. Here, you’ll follow rolling hills along the scenic coast to Kyparissi, considered the most beautiful seaside village in Greece. Time for a dip in the ocean! (B,L,D)

Day 6 – May 8  Kyparissi-Monemvasia, cycling 35m/3966’, activity: castle town tour

Cycling south along the coastline with panoramic views of the Myrtoan Sea, our route passes through olive groves to the picturesque villages of Harakas and Riechia. Our final stretch involves both ascents and descents as we approach the breathtaking Byzantine town of Monemvasia, a walled castle fortress on a rocky islet, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Explore the preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture, narrow alleys, and historic churches of this ‘remarkably romantic’ castle town.  (B, L)

Day 7 – May 9  Monemvasia - Gythio, cycling 44m/1578’, activity: shipwreck & turtles

Following the scenic coastline towards Neapoli, we pass traditional villages before turning inland to ride through rolling hills and olive groves. You’ll visit the unique shipwreck “Dimitris” at Valtaki beach where we can swim amongst turtles on a protected seashore. Our afternoon ride to the fishing town of Gythio provides panoramic views of the Laconian Gulf. Connected to Gythio by a causeway spanning the Kranae Islet, Marathonisi is home to the historic Tzanetakis Tower and lighthouse, which now serves as the Ethnological Museum of Mani.  (B,L,D)

Day 8 – May 10  Gythio - Limeni, cycling 30m/2600’,  activity: Diros River caves

We start early and cycle through rolling hills to visit the spectacular underground river caves at Diros, renowned for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Here you’ll enjoy a half hour boat tour. Our ride continues along the turquoise coastal waters of the Mani peninsula to Limeni, known for its traditional Maniot stone architecture and its importance in the Greek war of independence against the Ottoman empire.  (B,D)

Day 9 – May 11  Limeni- Kardamyli, cycling 25m/2100’, activity: olive oil tasting 

With spectacular sea views, we follow the rugged Mani coastline to Kardamyli whose historic old town, with its fortified towers, is popular to Greek tourists and mentioned in Homer's Iliad as one of the 7 cities offered by Agamenmon to Achilles.  At Areopoli, we visit a traditional olive oil press to sample their world famous kalamon olives and extra virgin olive oil.  (B,D) 

Day 10 – May 12  Kardamili - Kalamata, cycling 22m/1900’, activity: olive farm tour and dinner

We ride to Kalamata, capital of the Peloponnese region, a bustling town on the gulf of Messenia known for its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful beaches. Explore Kalamata's historic Old Town with its narrow cobblestoned alleys, neoclassical buildings, and famed Kalamata Castle offering panoramic city views. Tonight you will be taken by bus to a local olive oil farm for a tour followed by dinner. (B,D) 

Day 11 – May 13  Kalamata – Pilos, cycling 35m/2526’, activity: waterfall swimming

Riding west through coastal roads and gentle hills, we pass the traditional villages of Velika and Charavgi before arriving at the Polilimnio waterfalls. Here you’ll have the opportunity to swim in its cascading series of falls and natural turquoise pools nestled in lush greenery. Our route continues through the olive groves of Koryfasio to the pretty coastal town of Pilos to visit the Navarino Castle with its historical exhibits and stunning sea views. (B,L,D)

Day 12 – May 14  Pilos - Ancient Olympia, cycling 67m/2551’, activity: Olympics tour 

Our journey north along the picturesque Ionian Sea takes us past the legendary Nestor’s Palace and the delightful seaside village of Kalo Nero. From here, we cycle inland through rolling hills to reach Ancient Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Amidst tree-shaded ruins, enjoy a guided tour of the captivating Altis sanctuary, home to the magnificent temples of Zeus and Hera. Altis boasts one of the highest concentrations of preserved masterpieces from ancient Greece, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of this historic era. (B,D) 

Day 13 - Friday, May 15  Departure,  transfer by bus to Athens (B)

Joining the ride

“Request to participate" below. Upon acceptance you will be asked to sign a waiver and pay the People Cycling registration fee, The deposit will be paid directly to Greek Cycling Holidays (GCH) after ride confirmation. If you have any questions please contact the ride leader, Bruce Rayvid, bprojects@gmail.com

Payments and Cancellations

The total tour cost per person is $2995  based on two persons sharing a room, calculated at a current currency exchange rate of $1.04 USD equals 1 Euro (€2880). As  exchange rates fluctuate, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. Singles are welcome at a surcharge of approximately $1100 per room. If you do not have a riding partner, we will do our best to connect participants as roommates. A deposit of $800  is required on booking with the balance due 90 days prior to the tour. The People Cycling ride fees  are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. GCH requires a minimum of ten participants for the ride. Refunds of deposits and payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recovered.  If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made when the replacement has paid their fees.  If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride.  Refund calculations are based on the principle that a canceling participant will not increase the cost for others.  All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $150, which GCH will  deduct from the deposit.  If a participant that is sharing a room cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the supplement for a private room of the roommate remaining on the tour.  You are encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance. The itinerary and menus are subject to change depending on availability, local conditions and size of the group.

Tour includes:

• 12 x nights’ Accommodation in 3 * hotels or private villa

• 11 x Dinner with wine, beer and soft drinks unless otherwise indicated

• 11 x Breakfast, 4 x Light Lunch

• Spa and massage on day one

• Light snacks, energy bars and electrolyte drinks for the rides 

• Transfer to and from starting and end points

• Basic spare parts. inner tubes 

• Vehicle support and luggage transfer

• Entrance fee to museums, archaeological sites and tours per itinerary 

• GCH cycle jersey

• Map of the area

• TCX or GPX files for each day’s route

• Not included: flights, bike hire, insurance, tips and gratuities  and pre/post tour hotel nights in Athens (highly recommended) 

Bike Rentals
Carbon road bikes, as well as a  limited number e-bikes, are available for rental at their respective rental tour costs  of €350 (road) and €580 (e-bike). Participants who bring their own bikes are encouraged to use compact or collapsible bike boxes to fit our limited available van storage space.

Weather

May weather in the Peloponnese region is excellent, ranging from daytime highs of 75  to nighttime lows of 55.  Rain is always a possibility; participants should be prepared to ride regardless of weather