Cycling Ancient Greece: Sparta to Kardamyli Plus! Pylos

We commence our journey in Athens, from where we'll transfer to the medieval town of Mystras, also known as the 'wonder of the Morea'. Here, we'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of an ancient fortress, one of the region's best-preserved medieval walled towns. After fitting our bikes, we'll take a scenic test ride to familiarize ourselves with the terrain. We'll conclude the day with a welcome dinner, setting the tone for the exciting journey ahead.

Today, we'll embark on a loop ride through traditional villages and the land of the Ancient Spartans, nestled in the foothills of the Taygetos mountain range. We'll then tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mystras fortress, a testament to the town's rich history, having been conquered by the Byzantines, Turks, and Venetians before being abandoned in 1832.

We'll leave the foothills of the Taygetos and head south towards the coast to Gytheio. This vibrant town boasts a bustling waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and cafes, offering a taste of the local lifestyle. We'll end the day with a group dinner, sharing stories and experiences from our journey so far.

Today, we'll cycle along dramatic coastlines, passing through several traditional villages on our way to Areopoli, located in the heart of the Mani Peninsula. The town's narrow, winding streets, restored pyrgi (fortified tower homes), and charming village plazas make it a delightful place to stay for the next two days. We'll be accommodated at Areas Polis Boutique Hotel (or similar).

We're in for a special day as we ride from Areopoli to Gerolimena. Cycling past Byzantine churches and sleepy fishing coves, we'll experience the tranquil Mediterranean lifestyle. For those seeking more adventure, there's an option to take a longer ride back to Areopoli. We'll be staying at Areas Polis Boutique Hotel (or similar).

Our journey today begins with a beautiful descent to the picturesque fishing village of Limeni. After a challenging climb, we'll be rewarded with a stunning descent into Kardamyli, a charming seaside town that will be our home for the next few days.

Today is an ideal day to rest and enjoy the elegant seaside village of Kardamyli. Explore its picturesque neighborhoods, lounge on the beach, or join a loop ride offering panoramic sea views and a chance to explore remote villages. In the afternoon, we'll visit a local olive-oil producer to learn about Kardamyli's most famous product. We'll end the day with a special dinner.

Today, we'll tackle a challenging climb, but the reward is a seemingly endless downhill ride all the way to Kalamata. In the evening, you can indulge in Kalamata's rich culinary traditions and famous local products, adding a gastronomic touch to our adventure.

We'll cycle west along a scenic coastal route, passing several traditional villages on our way to the small village of Vounaria. Our hotel for the evening is perched above a beautiful coastline, offering fantastic views of Mount Taygetos and the bay of Messinia. We'll be staying at Hotel Theoxenia (or similar).

Today, we'll pedal on a fabulous route around the Western side of the peninsula, passing through Koroni, home to one of the last inhabitable castles in Greece, and Methoni, another picturesque castle town. Our final stop for the day is Pylos, known for the famous naval battle of Navarino in 1827. In the afternoon, we'll explore Pylos on foot, immersing ourselves in its rich history.

Our last ride will connect some of Pylos' most beautiful sites and allow us to appreciate the various periods of this region's history, from the Mycenaean period to the Middle Ages. We'll visit the Palace of Nestor, home of the king of Pylos, who took part in the Trojan War. Towards the end of our ride, we'll enjoy a swim at one of Greece's most beautiful beaches. We'll celebrate the end of our bike ride with a special dinner together.

Our adventure ends today as we transfer back to Athens. We'll bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes and rich history of Greece, carrying with us memories of an unforgettable journey.