Greece

Look forward to a wonderful cycling circuit through the mountainous world of Peloponnese. From Vytina on narrow streets through a rugged mountain world, green forests and small, dreamy places to the lively town Tripoli, the capital of the region.

Marvel at the wealth of the earth, because you will cycle through vast apple orchards, small fruit meadows and scattered vineyards. Entirely surprising you are suddenly in one of the most important caves in Greece, which is open to the public only since Dec 2012. Marvel at magnificent stalactite creations and enjoy the coolness of the earth before you will get to know a selection of red-, rose and white wines at a winery in Kapsia. Other highlights of your round trip are the excavations of the ancient city of Mantinea and the church which was built only in 1972 with its unconventional, surreal looking architectural style, with classical, Byzantine and Minoan elements and a confusing number of columns, glass windows, domes and corners. Enjoy your evening in one of the many taverns in the historical center of Tripoli.

Past the ruins of the Temple of Athena Alea in Tegea today you cycle through wide olive groves and through the Parnonas mountains down to the old picturesque fishing village Paralio Astros with its kilometer long pebbly beach and tranquil Restaurants right on the water. Shortly before your destination you should definitely visit the small monastery Loukós and a visit the current excavations of the ancient city Eva planning.

A beautiful bike course on the coast road expects you today. Again and again you will be fascinated by magnificent views of the turquoise sea, small fishing boats and the wide bay of the Argolic Gulf. You cycle on with light ups and downs till you reach the sea resort Mili and here you can enjoy a nice lunch on the beach and take a swim. Just in the entrance of Mili, you will pass over the lake of ancient Lerna where Hercules killed the Lernean Hydra, the mythical beast that possessed many heads. You can also visit the archaeological site of Ancient Lerna that contains pre-historical and Bronze Age remain. Then you cycle further through the fertile plains to Argos, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Impressive here is not only the formidable fortress high up on the mountain Lárissa, but especially the archaeological site at the foot of the mountain. Marvel at the remains of the ancient amphitheater built into the mountain, one of the biggest in Greece, before cycling the last flat kilometers to Nafplion. Look forward to this dream destination with its narrow old streets, the beautiful harbor promenade and the marbled main square surrounded by many cafes. Not for nothing Nafplion is now considered the most attrac-tive city in Greece in a picturesque location.

Today, after a few kilometers it is worth a first stop at the huge castle remains at Tiryns, which was considered as one of the most important centers in the Eastern Mediterranean in the Bronze Age. Then you cycle through the lovely countryside, surrounded by orange and lemon groves, till you reach Mycenae, a fortress with old walls which was built 3360 years ago. Mycenae is one of the most important cities of antiquity, it was a long time the center of Greek civilization. The increase at the edge of the mountainside is quickly forgotten as you marvel at impressive excavations and important findings. The worldfamous Lion Gate and the shaft graves are among the major cultural and historical attractions of Greece.

The last bike tour of your journey begins with a transfer to Epidaurus, which counts to the historical highlights of every trip to Greece. You will quickly understand why. You will be impressed by the huge and well-preserved, over 2300 year old amphitheater, which could hold up to 14,000 spectators in its time! Epidaurus was first of all a Medical and Healing Centre and was dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. A visit to the theater was an important part of the healing process. Discover in Epidaurus, and as well remains of the ancient city with temples, porticoes, houses, shops and spas. After an extensive tour you jump on your bikes. Mostly downhill you hurtle through mountainous karst landscape and through the wide pistachio growing region to the coast. Enjoy again a dip in the crystal clear sea water and look forward to another night in Nafplion. Overnight in Nafplion.