Biking on the Peloponnese

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1 Activity Level: Enthusiast Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights Biking on the Peloponnese Experience Greece In some of the most picturesque and important regions in this ancient country, Greece s history and culture come to life amidst its undeniable hospitality and charm. Contemporary uniquely combines the present with its storied past, while Peloponnese, one of Greece s most historically rich regions, reveals tradition, ancient monuments, quaint towns and stunning scenery. Peloponnese may be Greece s mythical heart, but a visit here is not all about the ancients; Peloponnese today is an un-spoiled patchwork of dizzying mountains, deep gorges, green valleys and wildflower meadows. The further south you go, the fresher the air and the more splendid the isolation. THE B&R DIFFERENCE Travelling with B&R is an over-thetop experience. It seems that every moment from biking in the breathtaking countryside to the luxury hotels, the food, the wine, the other travellers, and the excellent guides all are the most memorable. The hardest part of the trip is the return to reality! Betsy Sampliner WHY TRAVEL WITH B&R? The B&R difference is the best biking and walking routes in the world s most incredible places. It s the most capable and genuinely friendly guides you ll find anywhere. It s amazing culinary experiences. It s state-of-the-art equipment, great wines at dinner, a water bottle that s always filled and route suggestions you won t find in any guidebook. Call us at the journey p.2 / notes from the road p.8 / the details p.9 / next steps p.10

2 2 the journey Day 1 ATHENS IS ALWAYS A POPULAR DESTINATION: MODERN restaurants with fabulous chefs, lively nightlife and various cultural events run every day. And still the Athenian past is obvious in every corner of the city, reminding that is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. Your trip will begin with a short reception with your guides in the lobby of the King George hotel at 17:30. You will meet your guide, have a short walking tour in and end at a restaurant with views of the Acropolis, where we ll discuss the itinerary and prepare for the coming days events. HOTEL King George, Located in the centre of, the 5-star King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel represents the absolute essence of a luxurious city hotel. An inspiring and gracious venue, King George is located within walking distance of the wonders of. The Acropolis, Agora, Plaka and Thission are nearby, as are upscale boutiques, world-renowned museums, and the city s vibrant business district. THE WALKING Day 1: Leisurely walking tour of. Day 1: Dinner is Included Day 2 & your first ride This morning you ll enjoy an early breakfast before your guided tour in the city centre and storied landmarks. Put the best of science, art and philosophy together in one creation and you have a definitive monument to human civilization. UNESCO calls it the symbol of World Heritage; the world calls it the Acropolis! The history of the Acropolis is long and rife with seminal moments, of a time when democracy, science, philosophy and art flourished. It continues

3 3 to stand as a symbol to human development in many ways: it is not jut the symbol of Greek democracy and culture, but also Western civilization and European unity. During the walk you will also visit the Hephaisteion temple, Hadrian s Library, the Roman Agora and the new Acropolis Museum, housed in a state-of-the-art building designed by Swiss-born architect Bernard Tschumi. After an early lunch in the traditional neighbourhood of Plaka, you ll start your journey to the Nemea wine region, on the Peloponnese. The drive is just less than two hours, and we ll have a short stop to admire the Korinthos Canal, connecting the Ionian and Aegean Seas. We ll arrive at the ancient temple of Nemea a short time later, where you ll have just a few brief minutes to explore before we mount our bikes, which await us there. Your ride today begins with a moderate climb for a few kilometres, then cruises through gentle fields and vineyards, ending with a rocking descent on a winding mountain road. After the ride we ll stop in at Skouros Winery, one of Nemea s finest for a tasting and introduce you to the lush and smooth wines of the region. At the end of the ride we ll drive the final stretch to the charming mountain town of Dimitsana, where your hotel awaits at the edge of town, overlooking the mountains and the gorge. Tonight we ll enjoy a casual dinner tonight at a local tavern. HOTEL Nerida Boutique Hotel, Dimitsana The stone-built Nerida Boutique Hotel, situated in a unique location overlooking the river Lucius, and the dramatic Arcadian mountains follows the tradition of the historic city of Dimitsana. This authentic residence combines the natural beauty of the area with elegant comfort and service excellence. THE BIKING Day 2: A 32.5 km (20 mi.) moderate ride starting with some climbs and ending with descents on a winding mountain road. Longer options available. Day 2: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Day 3 Dimitsana After a short drive this morning we ll arrive at a small church near the town of Elati, a beautiful small village in the mythical forest of Mainalo. Nature, history and culture meet in Mainalo, a place blessed with pristine, rugged landscapes and picturesque villages. Your ride will take you past several villages, fields and forests eventually reaching Stemnitsa, a precariously perched mountainside village with cobbled streets and tower houses. Here we ll stop for a snack and coffee at a local bakery, and then ride back to Dimitsana for lunch. Built like an amphitheatre overlooking the Lousios River Valley and the plains of Megalopoli, Dimitsana is enveloped by mountain peaks and lush pine forests. This afternoon we have a hike planned to visit an old Monastery built on a huge vertical rock overlooking the Lousios River Gorge. There is no road to the monastery, and the hike provides a special opportunity to witness the peace and tranquility

4 4 of this beautiful place. The local caretaker monk is happy to take us for a little tour of the grounds, and talk about his life here. The walk contours along the lush Lousios River Gorge, through forests, orchards and olive groves, and past soaring limestone cliffs and canyons. We ll return to Dimitsana late this afternoon, before leaving you to enjoy dinner your own at one of the many restaurants and tavernas in town, or at your hotel if you wish. ACTIVITIES Day 3: A 32 km (21 mi.) moderate cycle beginning near the town of Elati, past several villages, eventually reaching Stemnitsa and back to Dimitsana. The afternoon will include an hour and a half long hike on ancient trails. Day 3: Breakfast and lunch included onto the sea. We ll end up in a small seaside village after about 18 kilometres, where we can cool down at a great swimming beach nearby before retracing our steps to Stoupa. Lunch today will be on on your own in Stoupa, or for longer mileage you can ride all the way back to Kardamili. This afternoon we have an optional cooking class available, or you can relax before a special dinner and olive tasting in the mountains above Kardamili. HOTEL Elies Resort, Kardamili Built in the simple style of the local Maniot architecture, the guesthouse and restaurant are integrated with care and respect into the natural environment. Earth, stones, herbs and olives augment the design of the estate. The covered patios protect from the summer sun and offer a perfect view to the surrounding olive grove. THE BIKING Day 4: A 44 km (27 mi.) moderate cycle beginning from Stoupa Beach and continuing along a coastal road with views of the sea. Day 4 Kardamili Day 4: Breakfast and dinner included We have an early start this morning as we drive to the town of Kardamili, encircled by a petite and tranquil bay in the Mani Region on the south coast of the Peloponnese. It combines the best that this peninsula has to offer: captivating scenery comprising endless olive groves, tall pine trees, rugged snow capped mountains and crystalline seawater. This region is also renowned for its traditional tower-houses, tranquil fishing villages and a delicious local cuisine. We ll stop in at the hotel to get changed for riding and drop off our luggage. Today s ride begins from Stoupa Beach and continues along a secondary coastal road with beautiful views

5 5 Day 5 Local ride around Kardamili After breakfast today we ll drive to a mountain village high above the seashore of Kardamili and at the base of snowcapped Mount Taigetos, one of the tallest mountains in Greece. We ll take a short walk to a viewpoint overlooking the orange and grey limestone ramparts of Viros Gorge, then in the cool mountain air, we ll ride a spectacular series of small mountain roads through several small villages, along olive groves and shaded forests. This first portion of the ride is quite challenging, with some longish climbs, but the air is cool, the olive groves provide shade, and the scenery onto the sea is stunning. We ll also take a break from riding and walk a short trail for a few hundred metres to a Byzantine Monastery. Today we ll lunch in the plaka of a small village, under the shade of a huge plane tree. There is an ancient olive press to visit, and a tiny but perfect Byzantine church as well. Eventually the road points us back to the sea and we begin a huge and exhilarating descent all the way to a small shaded beach near Kardamili in the afternoon, where we ll relax, swim and cool off after this extraordinary ride. Dinner will be on your own this evening. Day 6 Areopoli, Gerolimenas & Cape Tainaro Today you will fully indulge yourself in an exploration of the Peloponnese! After a brief drive from Kardamili to Areopoli we ll take a short tour of the village, then start today s ride to Marmara beach, a distance of about 38 km (25 mi). We ll pass by our hotel in the town of Gerolimanes after about 25 kilometres, so if you wish to have a shorter day on the bike you can just duck in here to spend a little leisure time at the pool, or relax with a massage. Those continuing to Marmara beach will have lunch at the beach restaurant, and enjoy a swim in the scenic bay. If you are really looking for a challenge today you can continue riding to Cape Tainaro (or we can shuttle there as well), and take a very scenic 45-minute hike to the end of the cape, where a small lighthouse stands at the southernmost point of Mainland Europe. The walk is rewarding for its views towards Crete, and Africa beyond. Gerolimenas is a small but historic port with a picturesque setting. It was once one of the most significant ports for trade serving the wider area and its name derives from the two Greek words Ieros, meaning sacred and limin, meaning port which should give us an idea of just how important it was in the past. ghfgdfg HOTEL Kyrimai Hotel, Gerolimanes Dating back to 1870, this elegantly restored property enjoys a prominent setting on the ancient harbour of Gerolimanes. It offers a historic atmosphere, creative Greek and International cuisine and country-chic rooms with antique furniture. The Kyrimai Hotel, a member of the Historic Hotels of Europe, lies a few kilometres from the southernmost point of the Tainaro peninsula, where the Ionian meets the Aegean Sea. THE BIKING Day 5: A 45 km (27 mi.) ride through small mountain roads. Day 6: A 38 km (25 mi.) moderate cycle with challenging longer options, including an optional hike. Day 5: Breakfast and lunch included Day 6: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

6 6 Day 7 Gerolimanes to Monemvasia This morning, after checking out of the hotel, we have a two-hour drive to the hills above Monemvasia, stopping for a short break in the ancient town of Gytheio en route. Today s spectacular ride is about 45 km (28 mi.) long and we begin heading north on small back roads to a simple and beautiful whitewashed village. The riding is varied, with some climbs and descents, but also includes long, flat beachfront stretches. After a seafood lunch at a family-owned restaurant (and maybe a swim) on the waterfront of this quintessential seaside Greek village, we ll continue our ride. Our destination is ancient Monemvasia. Located in the southeastern Peloponnese, 400 metres from land, the town of Monemvasia was separated from the mainland by an earthquake in 375 A.D. We ll take a private tour of the city, an improbable enclave tucked between impossibly sheer cliffs and the sea. Many ruins of the original 800 houses, and four out of the town s original 40 churches can be found in the lower town. High above, castle walls protect the upper town on the summit. There, one can see the remains of Byzantine houses and public buildings and a vast cistern that ensured a water supply in times of siege. After the tour we ll drive the remaining seven kilometres to our hotel for the evening, the beautiful Kinsterna Hotel. Our final night dinner will be in a private setting on the hotel terrace, overlooking the sea and the hotel vineyards, a fitting final dinner in a perfect setting. HOTEL Kinsterna Hotel, Monemvasia Just on the outskirts of Monemvasia, the fairytale-like castle city in the southern Peloponnese, lays the Kinsterna Hotel & Spa. Surrounded by gardens and vineyards, the Kinsterna Hotel & Spa offers flawless hospitality with a strong focus on spa and wellness. The history, location & unique architecture of the Byzantine era rural mansion where it is situated, makes Kinsterna Hotel & Spa a truly unique experience. THE BIKING Day 7: A 45 km (28 mi.) cycle with longer options and city walking. Day 7: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

7 7 Day 8 Kythira Island and back to We ll leave the hotel at 9 a.m. sharp this morning to catch the small ferry from Neapolis to the island of Kythera, idyllic birthplace of the mythical Aphrodite. Arriving in Kythira, we ll drive to Chora, the capital of the island, surrounding a 13thC Venetian castle. You will have the chance to stroll around, admiring the little churches and Venetian mansions with beautiful gardens. If you would like more exercise there are also options for excellent walks in the region. We ll have a final seaside lunch in the nearby village of Kapsali. After lunch we ll have about an hour or so of beach time, where you can enjoy a final swim in the green-blue crystal clear sea. This afternoon your guides will drop you at the airport in time for your flight back to, a journey of about 45 minutes. Depending on your ongoing travel plans, if needed we can arrange to take you to a hotel in as well. Bon Voyage! ACTIVITIES Day 8: Short hikes, city walking and swimming in the greenblue crystal clear sea. Day 8: Breakfast and lunch included.

8 Notes from the Road 8 on the roof of history By Sakis Mitsoulis I used to spend summers on the Peloponnese, at my godfather s house. Here, I learned to play, to smell, to taste. But time plays tricks, and eventually I remembered this place only as a dream: ancient trails, loose stones, ruined cities, a Byzantine church whose entrance was barred to me, vines forcing me back. I knew what it meant. I had forgotten what it truly means to be a Greek living here to live traditionally, in a place ancient yet fully alive. And so I came back to the place where my senses were most alive. My godfather s place is quiet, a small stone house in Mistra, the heart of Lakonia. In this oak-forested, slumberous province far from cosmopolitan, miniature rivers tumble down the hills of Taiyetos, flowing unhurriedly through fields of corn, orange and olives groves. Layers of dried figs and raisins line the sides of roads, their skins like rusty rocks. Returning to Mistra, I quickly fell into the tempo of days, waking up to the bowl of mist that is the Sparti valley, and watching as it dissolved in the sunlight. I made morning runs to Sparta for fresh bread and koulouria and little caster breakfast pitas called bougatsas. I ate grapes from the vineyards outside the gates and bought fresh fish and olives, tomatoes and pears at the local market in Gythio. The farmer next door sold me wine and olive oil and, when the weather grew chilly, firewood. I spent my days breathing in as much of the Peloponnese as I could. I walked everywhere. The hills of Taiyetos are filled with the tracks of my hiking shoes. When I encountered the stands of a weekly market, I stopped with the locals, watched the things they bought clothing, animals, vegetables and honey. I visited Tirinth and ancient cities like Mycenae. I relearned their ancient traditions. At night, I always returned to Sparta. At my godfather s house, I began to regard the earth under my feet as skin draped over ancient bones. And beneath it all were my hidden roots. Sometimes, it s hard to maintain a sense of time and perspective, living with all these layers of history and tradition. When I was a teenager, I remember asking my godfather what was it like to walk every day on the roof of history. He shrugged. It s just there, he said. Like you and I. VETERAN B&R GUIDE Sakis Mitsoulis Sakis has been guiding and researching B&R trips in Greece and the Mediterranean islands since 2001.

9 The Details 9 BULGARIA the details GREECE E Aegean e Sea CRETE TURKEY HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) GREECE Aegean Sea LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Enthusiast This trip is rated Enthusiast, meaning it s appropriate for travellers who bike about once a week at home. Daily biking distances usually vary from 25 to 45 km (15 to 27 mi), with longer options available on most days for more avid riders. The terrain includes hills and can sometimes be challenging.. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation Meals as indicated with wine (as selected by B&R) Services of B&R guide(s) and support van Use of a customized bicycle and helmet Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All special events and private tours. All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All baggage transportation All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service Dimitsana Kardamyli Gerolimenas 2015 Price: From $7,995 ($1,000 single supplement) Monemvasia Kythera Duration 8 Days / 7 Nights WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuity for your B&R guide(s) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Start King George Hotel Finish Airport Drop-off The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD Butterfield & Robinson Inc.

10 Your Next Steps 10 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. ROOM UPGRADE If you would like to upgrade your accommodation on this trip, please enquire at time of booking to learn cost and availability. your next steps At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. YOUR BIKE We pride ourselves on having the very best equipment for each activity and locale, maintained by expert staff and custom tweaked just for you. To learn about our biking equipment and see pictures of what you ll be riding, visit us at butterfield.com/ about/equipment/bikes. And don t forget that we will modify your bike to accommodate most special gear requests. Just ask. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP is one of the great cities in the world, so chances are you will want to spend time there either before or after your trip. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our e-newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. Weather: month high low Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct Nov/Dec READY TO BOOK? Call or Caitlin Ryan with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space ext.258 / caitlin.ryan@ butterfield.com Reserve your flights to and from the region. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. PHOTO CONTEST While on your trip, keep in mind you can win some great prizes with the B&R Photo Contest. We ve created three categories that capture the true spirit of B&R adventure: Faces, Places and Moments. Submit your top shots and show us how you see the world with B&R. Full details are at In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor, or contact your travel professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD Butterfield & Robinson Inc.