Cycling in Greece

Most Inspirational Moment

Day three, midway through the trip, we took a lightly-winding gravel path along the coast of Platanus that served up some of the most stunning views we've ever seen on the back of a bike. The path led to a beach where we swam in the sea and picnicked on delicious food before a rigorous climb out, up foothills and mountain passes before reaching our hotel and dinner restaurant, hosted by genuinely kind-hearted folks who helped make the perfect end of our day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexandros said he felt like a parent to his "children", guiding us and showing us parts of his world that made him happy, proud, and reverent of the Greek history and culture. We indeed felt his sense of responsibility and were very happy with his direction and never-ending energy to keep us all happy, invested, and on the right path.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We believe these trips are best for those who have an open mind about what they will see, where/how they will go, and what they will eat. Handing off our predisposition for a fair amount of control of our day was, pleasingly, a key part of our joy. We reckon most people who say 'yes' to this kind of journey are like-minded, but it's important to arrive physically AND mentally prepared. We left feeling a world more enriched than when we came.

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 favourite 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 Exodus and Greece. We loved spending time with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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.

Suggestions

We’ve been on many Exodus holidays over the years, and gladly paid into the kitty to cover tips, snacks etc. This was the first time ever that we were provided with all of the receipts to check at the end of the holiday, and then how much we were to be reimbursed. It was very refreshing and made us think that other tour leaders should be encouraged to provide the same level of transparency.

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.

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 Travellers

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.

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 Travellers

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).

Suggestions

If all Exodus trips are as good as this then you will be in for a treat which ever trip you do.

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 Exodus 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 Travellers

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.

Suggestions

Go for it, you won't regret it!

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 Travellers

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).

Suggestions

I highly 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 organiser 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 organising of the food was exceptional and a real highlight of the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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.

Suggestions

If you have the time, you could perhaps add a couple of extra days and extend your visit. We went to Meteora to see the wonderful scenery and monasteries in the mountains. We organised a two night trip via train and Exodus switched our return flight from the Saturday to the Monday afternoon. It added another dimension to the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is literally hard to pick as there were three categories of highlights: Favourite 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 Travellers

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

Suggestions

Excellent trip, thanks very much.

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 Travellers

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!

Suggestions

I think it would be terrific if Exodus could organize cycling jerseys for sale to participants, that symbolize Greece in some way. That would be s great souvenir for me.