Greece: Sparta, Monemvasia & the Peloponnesian Peninsula

7 days
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Group Tour
If you’re looking for a Grecian cycling adventure that escapes the crowded tourist centers, this VBT vacation is a breath of fresh air. The Peloponnese Peninsula juts into the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, and here you’ll experience authentic Greece. Cycling from historic Sparta, your Greek trip leaders introduce you to local traditions dating back to ancie...
From$3,845
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Uncover the treasures of the hillside medieval gem of Mystras, the Byzantine Empire’s cultural capital for nearly a millennium, with an expert archaeologist-guide.
    • Savor the recipes and the flavors of ancient Byzantine cuisine during a special dinner.
    • Walk through the maze of alleyways in the medieval castle town of Monemvasia, a crossroads of civilizations with Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.
    • Cruise around the monolithic Rock of Monemvasia.
    • Join a taverna owner on a shrimp-harvesting excursion, then join him for a cooking lesson and prepare garidopetoules—a savory shrimp pancake.

What's this trip about?

    If you’re looking for a Grecian cycling adventure that escapes the crowded tourist centers, this VBT vacation is a breath of fresh air. The Peloponnese Peninsula juts into the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, and here you’ll experience authentic Greece. Cycling from historic Sparta, your Greek trip leaders introduce you to local traditions dating back to ancient times. Discover the region’s important role in the Byzantine Empire as you explore the imperial capital of Mystras with a local archeologist. Learn the art of Byzantine cuisine—passed down through the generations to the local chef who guides your cooking class. As you spin past seaside villages dipping their toes in Aegean waters, you may even feel the heart of western civilization pulsing beneath your wheels.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age range13 to 80 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAthens
End CityAthens

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Sailing
  • Photography

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Sailing
  • Short Cruise
  • Guided Group

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 10

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 22

Trip includes

    • Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
    • Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
    • Support Vehicle
    • Luggage Transportation
    • Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
    • Welcome Reception
    • Facilitated Cultural Experiences
    • Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1:  Travel to the Peloponnesian Peninsula / VBT Bicycling Vacation begins / Greek taverna lunch / Warm-up ride / Welcome reception and dinner

Your tour starts at the Electra Palace Hotel in Athens, Greece. Your VBT representative will meet you in the lobby with a VBT sign.

VBT highly recommends flying to Greece at least one day before the tour begins; this allows you to rest and recover from jet lag ...

DAY 2: Cycle Sparta Valley / Visit Olive Oil Museum / Tour the fortified village of Mystras

This morning, set out on your bike into the picturesque valley of Sparta, once the epicenter of a prominent city-state in ancient Greece. Olive groves and scenic meadows point the way to the town of Sparta and its impressive Olive Oil Museum. Enjoy a short visit at yo...

DAY 3: Cycle to the fishing port of Gytheio / Travel to Monemvasia / Byzantine dinner

After breakfast, you cycle through Sparta Valley to the Peloponnesian coast, skirting the base of the soaring Taygetos Mountains, one of Greece’s highest ranges. Its summit is known as “Prophet Elias” and is one of the oldest recorded mountain peaks in Europe. It is e...

DAY 4: Cycle to Limin Gerakas wetlands / Cooking demonstration / Traditional Greek lunch / Monemvasia walking tour

Enjoy a typical hearty Greek breakfast on your inn’s lovely terrace before setting out on your morning ride. Your magnificent route follows the eastern coast of the Laconia region, delivering you to scenic Aegean vistas. Today’s first destination is Limin Gerakas, a s...

DAY 5: Cruise around Monemvasia Peninsula / Cycle from Monemvasia to Elia

Start your day at sea as you cruise around the massive rock of Monemvasia. During your outing, you may witness the traditional fishing technique of tossing nets into the water. This rewarding morning gives you a breathtaking view of Monemvasia from the water and some ...

DAY 6: Cycle and ferry to Elafonisos Island / Farewell reception and dinner

Enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet of locally sourced traditional Greek selections, a delicious and nourishing start to a longer riding day full of endless rewards. Today’s route offers invigorating elevation gains that provide sweeping views of the sea and dramatic coas...

DAY 7: Corinth Canal / Athens / VBT Bicycling Vacation ends

Travel with a VBT guide to the Corinth Canal—a 19th-century engineering masterpiece connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Gulf. Today, this dramatic waterway cut into the bedrock remains an international maritime hub and serves approximately 12,000 ships per y...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,845
Price per day$549
Last Updated: 12/11/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with VBT Bicycling Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

VBT Bicycling Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
579
Great
42
Average
11
Disappointing
4
Terrible
3
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Tour Operator

VBT Bicycling Vacations

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Since 1971, VBT has crafted immersive and authentic biking vacations for active travelers. When you travel with VBT, you’re not just another tourist—you’re a traveler. With us, you’ll experience your destination with the help of a local, bilingual trip leader with a passion for sharing their home with you. You’ll eat in local restaurants, stay in accommodations that have been family-owned for generations and cycle through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. 


With VBT, you won’t just visit a place—you’ll immerse yourself in it. You might follow a centuries-old pasta recipe while taking a cooking class in Rome—or learn a folk dance in Croatia, followed by sharing a bottle of locally-produced Grk wine with your new friends. Exploring the world on two wheels lets you experience your surroundings on a deeper level.

 

VBT offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Simply put, no other US-based active travel company offers an experience this rich for such a reasonable price. On our tours, you can see more sights, have more local experiences, and enjoy more delicious, authentic meals—all while staying in high-quality, boutique hotels and charming, family-run inns.

 

All you have to do is show up at the airport—we’ll handle the rest! From tour consultants who help you find the perfect vacation to expert local trip leaders who show you the best place for gelato, we take care of all the little details that make your trip memorable. We book your flights, arrange all your transportation and accommodations, and move your luggage between hotels. Our support vans are available to give you a lift up a hill or quickly fix a flat tire. VBT takes care of your travel details and creates unique itineraries so you can relax and enjoy your small-group vacation from start to finish.

 

Friendly camaraderie, cultural immersion, and casual comforts are the hallmarks of our vacations. Discover delightful people, beautiful hotels, foreign cultures, and fascinating lifestyles that will enrich your life and provide memories for years to come.

What they’re known for
VBT Cycling are renowned for offering exceptional guided and self-guided bicycle tours worldwide.

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Logistics

Accommodation

6 nights in 5-star hotels and a 4-star historical boutique inn

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

12 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners

Age Requirements
13 to 80 years
Additional Information

This tour offers a combination of rolling terrain and moderate-to-challenging hills and is ideal for energetic beginners to experienced cyclists. The majority of rides are on rural paved country roads with some traffic. Our VBT support vehicle is always available for those who would like it.

Daily Mileage: 7 - 37 miles| Biking: 1 - 4 hours| Group Size: 22

Trip ID
vbt-vbt-GrSp

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