Guided bicycle vacation - Adventure cycling tour Greece

or Greek, it is the sacred land – land of Olympic Games. It was a centre of pilgrims as far back as the 11th century BC. The myths say that Heracles founded the Olympic Games and in 2004 Greece will host them again. But ancient Olympia is just one of many sites that make this region so special. Ilia is a land of pine forests, cypresses, mountain streams, beautiful beaches, olives, lemon and orange trees, wines… Western part is a valley – home of the best farming in Greece. Farther on the East we will enter into the mountains where we will ride through the forest with dense vegetation and high pine trees. The winters here are very mild but summers could be warm.
We will try to meet all varieties of the region during our cycling tours. Our base will be Olympia village and every day we will do the loop bicycle tours ranged from 50 to 70 km. We will always have a van support so you can easily choose to shorter the tour if you are tired. Some days start directly from hotel, others involve a short trip in a van to reach a suitable starting point.

WHAT WILL YOU SEE
Our base will be Olympia village, just half kilometer from archeological site Olympia. You will need many hours to thoroughly explore everything. Before you enter archeological site you should go to the new Archeological Museum. And where will we go on our bicycle tours? One day we will go to Pyrgos – the capital of the region, next one we will ride to Killini town where you can relax your muscles in thermal bath and mud or explore Chlemoutsi Castle.

We will bicycle on one of the most beautiful Ionian islands – Zakynthos. Your bicycles will take you to famous Temple of Apollo, ancient Ilis, small mountain town Langadhia homeland of the wood carving and skilled craftsmen and artisans. Always, after more advanced riding we will take a day for relaxing and gentle ride. One of these days we will use to visit beautiful Mercouri Estate where we will taste some of the best Greek wines.

OUR GUIDING
At least two bicycle guides will accompanied you throughout the tour. We assure you that you will ride in your own pace without fear to get lost. Beside two of us there will be a driver in a van. Whenever you wish you can choose to shorter your trip and get into the van. We will provide bicycle mechanic support. During the rides we serve snacks, fruit-cereal bars and refreshment drinks.

ACCOMMODATION
As most of our tours this tour will have home based touring approach. You will not lose anything from cycling program but you will gain more relaxing atmosphere and your stay in Ilia will be more pleasurable. Your “home” for Greek vacation will be four star hotel Antonios in Olympia. The hotel is situated in very tranquil area and surrounded with pine trees. Each room has an excellent view of the valley of Olympia. All rooms are with private toilets (with selection of three music programs), air conditioned, direct-dial telephones, TV with satellite channels (hope you will not spend too much time watching it). All breakfasts and most of your dinners you will have in hotel’s restaurant where you will have a chance to taste some of the Greek national specialties. Some dinner we will have in local Tavern.

TOUR SCHEDULE
Here you can find a sample for 7 day/ 6 night tour. As you told me that you plan your vacation from February 1st to February 9th longer tour is available and in that case we will spend one or two nights on Zakynthos Island.

Day 1 – Pyrgos: It is a 50 km long ride on mostly flat terrain. We plan to get to Pyrgos before noon, so you will have time for exploring the town and have a lunch. There are many options for lunch – restaurants, outdoor grills, sandwich shops and cafes. Pyrgos is today an attractive town with the beautiful neo-classical buildings, the municipal market and the pine-shaded Town Hall square.
	Day 2 – Temple of Apollo: 48 km long ride on mostly hilly terrain. Our starting point will be Andritsena town on the slopes of Mt Minthis. The town is watered by a mountain stream, and has many fine fountains, often with multiple spouts. The finest, with four spouts, was erected in 1724. The fine scenery and the nice climate attract many visitors. Position of the town will give us opportunity to avoid some of the biggest climbs. A road south from Andritsena leads through wild scenery to our today’s goal - the famous Temple of Apollo. The temple is to Apollo Epikourios in mixed Ioninan, Dorian and Corinthian order. Built by Ictinus – the architect of the Parthenon in about 421 B.C.
Day 3 – Zakynthos Island: We will take a ferry from Killini to Zakynthos (one hour ride). It is one of the most beautiful Ionian islands. The Venetians baptized it “the flower of the Orient”, but island is also known by names like “Perfumed Isle” or “earthly paradise”. We will ride a loop ride to the western part of the island. It is 55 km long ride on hilly terrain. After we climb first hill we will enjoy spectacular view. Our noon stop will be village of Keri on the west coast. There, wherever you stand , the wild rocks meet the sea, all surrounded by rich vegetation. From here, you may admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece. Our way back will lead us through villages of Agios Nikolaos and Argasio. At the end of today’s ride you will have a time to walk along the coastal promenade in Zakynthos town which is lined with small cafes and shops selling folk art. Here you should try one of the famous local desserts is mandolato or nougat.
	Day 4 – Langadhia: One more day in hills. Tour distance – 61 km, hilly terrain. We cycle from Palouba village and after 29 km of imposing wild scenery we will come to Langadhia town. Langadhia is a very picturesque Arcadian town. Situated on a mountainous landscape with fresh water springs, it offers an imposing sight to every visitor. The two and three storey stone houses that are amphitheatrically built on a steep slope create the impression of a stone-built work of art. It is built on a steep canyon on an altitude of 900 meters. The Central Square of the village stands on the edge of a deep ravine rich in walnut trees, plane trees and fresh water streams. Langhadia is also known for its developed local weaving mill handicraft. As usually we do not go same way back. Via villages of Krakalou and Servos we will come back to our starting point.
Day 5 – Killini and Kastro: 79 km, mostly flat terrain. Starting in the town Koroutas we will cycle toward Killini (31 km). There you can visit thermal baths where you can relax your muscles, explore the 13th century Chlemoutsi Castle. We can also visit very interesting Byzantine Monastery of "the Virgin of Vlaherena". Afternoon we will ride back to Koroutas from where our van will give us a ride to Olympia.
	Day 6 – Mercouri Estate: On one of my bicycle trips in Greece when we traveled for a month or two with panniers and explore different parts of this Mediterranean country, I met my very good friend who actually “brought” me to this part of Peloponnesus. He owns one of the most picturesque farm – Mercouri and produces some of the Greek finest wines. The estate Mercouri is for many years property of his family. He and his brother run wine business nowadays. We will have wine tasting there and you can see the whole process of wine production. Bicycle ride is 60 km long on mostly flat terrain.
Day 7 – Ilis: 72 km long ride on moderate terrain. Our goal is one of the oldest villages in the region Ilis.

TOUR COST

The tour cost based on 7 day/ 6 night tour is 1.800 Euro per person. Additional single room supplement is 150 Euro. The tour cost includes:

- six lodgings

- six breakfasts and dinners

- two picnic lunches during daily tours

- seven days guided service (two bicycle guides plus van support)

- vehicle support

- snacks and refreshing drinks during the daily tours

- use of ACE hybrid bicycles

- wine tasting on Mercouri Estate

- ferry round trip tickets from Killini to Zakynthos

- ACE T-shirt and cap

The tour cost does not include:

- transportation to/ from the hotel. You can use bus or train to get from Athens to Pyrgos. We will pick you up in Pyrgos if you choose that option. It is a 300 km from Athens to Pyrgos. Keep in mind that railway system in Greece is not the same as in France or other EU countries. Train ticket is cheap but trip from Athens to Pyrgos takes some 6 hours. Bus is a faster and price for the bus ticket is about double the price of the train. If you choose to come by train or bus we will send you a train/ bus schedule.
We could organize transportation from Athens or Athens Airport to Olympia and back what we charge extra.

- all except two picnic lunches

- beverages (all except breakfasts, picnic lunches and snack brakes during daily tours)

- entry fees for museums and places of interests

- helmet supply (you should bring your own helmet)

For more information please contact us at info@ace-adventurecentre.com

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