22 independent reviews for Greece cycling holiday, archaeology tour
Reviews for Greece cycling holiday, archaeology tour
Andrew-Peter McInnes review 12 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to pick one as everything was amazing but if I had to highlight something this would the the ride in Spetses. Overall a very enjoyable holiday, one of the best I have ever been.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that there are some hills to cycle up. The bikes are great and e-bikes can offer a great assistance for weaker riders.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I think it supported the locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The combination of riding the islands and mainland was superb. The hotels were charming and luggage transfer was excellent too. The communication with the operator very smooth. They were super helpful. Couldn't be happier.Lucy Thorpe review 5 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery was outstanding. The friendly Greek people that we met/cycled past.The car/truck/tractor drivers were so respectful. The GPS instructions were very good.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We hired trekking bikes, next time would get road bikes. There is so much information about the sites, a minor point: a short list with the approximate distance from the start would be helpful.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel that more information could be available in order to use local transport from Athens to Vytina - it was very easy but very little information is available on the internet.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. We totally loved the people, food, wine and cycling.Gerd Drexler review 23 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Well organized tour and cycling away from the highways .2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have a backup battery for you iPhone.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable!Christina Wallace review 26 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The kind friendly helpful Greek people that we met everywhere! Especiallynat the Sinoi hoyel in Vytina. Our favourite archaeological site wasnat ancient Mycenae.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Avoid the heat in August if you can! Bring some cheese in pocket to distract dogs that chase cyclists. Be careful to check the bikes and equipment even if you are tired and disoriented from your journey. Bring clipless pedals if you need them.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in local hotels and sought local food / restaurants. Cycling places reduced the impact of cars on local communities and meant that we stopped en route to buy supples at local shops. It also meant that we said hello to and interacted with local people along our route and didn't just drive past them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful adventure cycling mostly through secluded countryside. Choice of sites to visit en route was superb, we learnt so much about civilisation as far back as 4,000BC.Susan Haig review 23 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Riding through some of the quieter roads and orange groves and going to see Mycenae.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Some advice regarding dogs which bark and chase the bikes!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think we made little impact on the environment as we cycled everywhere and we certainly engaged with everyone we met and found all the Greeks very friendly and respectful towards cyclists4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was really good. Perhaps the maintenance of the bikes could have been a bit better as the chain kept coming off both as it hadn't been oiled. But these were small matters and we thought everything was wonderfulLiz Runcorn review 14 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Loved being based in Nafplio, particularly at this time of year. Greeks celebrating national holiday. So much history within cycling range. Pension Daphne very friendly and accommodating.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use company to make a bespoke holiday. We had extra transfer to Mycenae which made cycling easier in unexpected heat.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hope so. Had quite a few clean towels which was unexpected.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. All transfers efficient.Celia Palmer review 11 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling through small villages and meeting local people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Probably not good mid summer when it’s hot to cycle although you can set out early morning.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I think it supported local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.Jackee Chong review 13 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Riding down the coast from Astro to Nafplio. The coast is simply breathtaking.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If cycling in June where it gets quite hot, start early. Bring lots of water and ensure phones are fully charged. I needed a power bank to last through the day with gps and photo taking.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Enjoyed local food and tried the recommended restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent. I am not a regular cyclist and I felt the difficulty was just right for me. Everything was well planned.Erika Darmstaedter review 26 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling Vitynia to Tripolis; Triplis to Arcas; and the last day of cycling.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Beautiful trip. September is a great day. This holiday is not so touristy and you get to eat the best food ever3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great trip, can highly recommendRichard Mander review 19 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling through the beautiful Greek countryside along quiet roads and the hospitality of the tavernas we visited2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Choose your months, The temperature in September was perfect. July and August may have been just too hot for us.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, cycling holidays like this support the local communities well and have little adverse impact on the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Perfect. Just what we hoped for and as a bonus we met other like minded people on the self guided tour who have become good friends.Eric Clubley review 8 Nov 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our Tour was the Laconia Coastal Tour. The most memorable part was watching the Ochi Day ceremonies on 28 October. The second most memorable part was Monemvassia.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Read the brief carefully and look at the digital Road Maps every day before setting out.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We met a lot of local people and spent money in their bars and restaurants. We travelled almost entirely by bike...but of course we had to fly to get there. As to conservation, I'm not so sure4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very well organised and we'd do it again. Good, prompt communication with the operator - Catherine GialliMichael Jackson review 3 Oct 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cycling under clear blue skies along roads lined with olives, walnuts, oranges, pistachio, pomegranate.....against the backdrop of the mountains of the Peloponnese. Visiting the ancient Greek archaelogical sites especially Epidaurus and Mycenae. The wonderful old town of Nafplio with it's 3 castles and port side restaurants.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try to learn some basic Greek terminology but don't worry if you don't as English is well understood even in the remote areas visited.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Our driver lived in one of the villages we passed through, we ate lunch snacks from local shops for s little as 2 - 3 Euros for two, we ate in traditional Greek restaurants. All villages we stopped at, as far as I recall ,had recycle waste bins for different types of waste.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This a great cycling holiday, not too strenuous but enough to make you feel like you have done a good days exercise. The visits to the archaeological sites, the caves, churches, the mountains, the sea and the small towns and villages provide interest along the way.Tiffany Arthur review 28 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Smelling the orange blossoms as we rode from Astros to Nafplio. It was very fragrant, and we smelled them pretty much every day for the remainder of the trip. It was also very nice making friends with the other bikers on the same trip. Everyone was super nice. Also the food! Loved all that delicious Greek yogurt with honey and fruit. And feta cheese was on EVERYTHING. It was heaven.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We took this trip in early May. The weather was generally good, but variable. The first few days, when we were in the interior of the country, the weather was quite cold in the mornings. We encountered some rain as well, but only for short spurts. The day we left Tripoli, I had on 5 layers of clothing on my upper body. By the time we reached Astros, I was down to my t-shirt.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. I think that the Greeks do a good job of limiting environmental impacts as a part of daily living. I'm not sure this trip made a difference, but I liked seeing all of the windmills and all the little ways they try to reduce their carbon footprint.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a great trip! It is well organized and a good value. All of the hotels were nice, particularly the one in Nafplio. Support from staff was excellent. They made an effort to see that everyone on the tour got what they needed.Sanjiv Dewan review 5 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire route was memorable between places, orchards, wildflowers Coastal regions. History, architecture, the people and food and wine2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Perfect Iteneriary to cycle as well as look around the places enroute3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Did not get much opportunity to interact on this except that cycling is a way to conserve energy4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The entire journey was mapped well, GPS was excellent. All the staff at the operator were very pleasant helpful and prompt to answer any queries. Would like to thank the entire team. A special mention of the hotel in Nafplion The grand Sarai all the hotel staff were wonderful. The breakfast there was a treatLucy Watson review 27 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to pick out high points of this holiday because there were no low points. Even the brief and brutal thunderstorms on two occasions did not dampen the spirits (and only dampened cycling kit for a short while). The theatre at Epidavros was spectacular and the experience of staying in Napflio was memorable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you opt for a road bike make sure you take a) a small saddle bag for tools b) a portable road pump and c) a cycling water bottle. Basic tools and repair kit and a pump are provided when you start but these must be packed in your pocket or backpack and - as cyclists may be aware - small pumps are very quality dependent if they are going to work! As for bikes a) the EBikes were superb for those who are challenged by 40kms per day but Very heavy b) our road bikes were good quality aluminium frame bikes with 700 x 25mm tyres - which struggled a little on some of the off road tracks on the route. We enjoyed them but it is a close call between road bike and the impressive quality Trek hybrids which our companions were on.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes. very much. We believe strongly that cycling is the way to see and feel the countryside and make contact with local people. We had good conversations with people, made sure that we ate and drank local produce [including the excellent wine and oranges] and particularly enjoyed the Kapsia Vineyard.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was very very enjoyable. Organisation was great and the Peloponnese is both quiet / rural / stuffed with ancient history which is worth the visit and yet has fantastically enjoyable hotels and cooking. We came back refreshed.Greg Liebman review 1 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every day presented something new and memorable. The archaeological aspects, notably at Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Argos, lived up to the epic tales that surround them. The Kapsia cave was beautiful, as was Nafplio and the Palamidi. But I think what I enjoyed the most were the days spent out in the countryside, coming over the pass from Vytina to Piana and down to Tripoli, or the side trip I took to Ostracina. The days cycling through the olive and orange orchards, filled with wildflowers, or the day I got lost and found a tiny church, 10 km from the nearest town, up in the hills, open to visit. The whole trip was spectacular, but I enjoyed the countryside and the small villages the most.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I don't know why everyone thinks summer is the time to visit. My tip is to go in Spring, when the hotels and restaurants are empty, the roads aren't busy, and the weather is cool enough to sleep with windows open at night, while being pleasantly warm during the day. I would also strongly encourage you to add days to the itinerary. I added at the beginning and the end, and am glad I did.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I certainly tried to benefit locals---I stopped in nearly every town to have a coffee or a snack and chat with locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely wonderful. The tour operator, worked with me with amazing patience as I made changes and asked endless questions. Angelos, who shuttles you to Vytina, was a great guy who had to deal with some challenging logistics. Christos, the owner, who I accidentally texted instead of Angelos, jumped right in and tried to help me arrange an additional side trip I was trying to organize. The entire organization is incredibly helpful. The bikes are of excellent quality, with dynamos for headlight and taillight, good gearing for the climbs, Schwalbe tires and good components, and a solid rack if you want panniers. The lodging is excellent in every town, breakfasts are delicious and hearty, and the GPS was easy enough to use, though I did get lost (and am glad I did) a couple of times. If you're looking for a nice combination of history, culture and spectacular scenery, this is an excellent choice.Scott Kalish review 2 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting Nafpoli2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Know how to repair a flat tire & always check the tires before starting out each day3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent experienceDavid Tallmon review 18 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The ancient ruins.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for the rigors of the cycling and heat.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I suspect the income at local hotels and restaurants benefited local people but there were no efforts at conservation or reducing environmental impacts.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our holiday was quite good overall.Read the operator's response here:
Dear David,
Thank you very much for your nice review and we're glad you enjoyed your trip.
Thank you also for giving me the opportunity to clarify that we are a local company fully commited to the policies of Responisible Travel. According to them, we fully respect the environment. Not only cycling has no environmental impact but here in our office and the hotels we cooperate, we recycle paper and plastic. At the end, we have a refosteration programme for the mountains in our area in which we offer 1% of each holiday package.
We hope to see you again and create new memories for you and your friends.
Sincerely,
Vasiliki Damoka
Anne Stevens review 1 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our stay in Nafplio was the most memorable part of our stay as the town is incredibly charming and full of good restaurants. Our hotel, the Adiandi, had an incredible breakfast from local sources, friendly employees and a great funky charm.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you are fit. The bicycles are properly geared, but there is still a lot of uphill pedaling to be done.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The hotels all provided food items from local farms and fishermen and our personal travel around the area was done by bicycle.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An incredibly enjoyable holiday! Good food, friendly people and wonderful sights. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was my legs aren't used to much uphill....I live in Miami where it's pancake flat!Fiona Eccles review 19 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing these archaeological sites at our own pace, including those smaller ones out of the way like Argos and Tiryns. Epidavrous in particular: amazing theatre, small museum, huge site with interesting remains where you can escape coach parties, impressive setting. Cycling through quiet countryside and seeing rural life, miles of apple, orange and olive trees, sheep and goats grazing, beehives everywhere, wild flowers, birds, lots of opportunities for sitting and drawing or dreaming.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Think about the time of year you visit - we went at the beginning of October, and even so found it rather hot for mid day cycling although the evenings were cool. The sites and towns were not as overcrowded as in high season. Much of the cycling is on small tracks with few hills, but of course there are hills to be climbed - you can always stop for breath or get off and push, (as I did once or twice but am not a super fit person). The bikes are well geared and suitable for the terrain covered. There are lots of dogs, but mostly on chains or behind fences. Learn at least a few words of Greek and the alphabet if you don't already know the language - it is appreciated and gives more opportunity to interact with those you meet. Knowing your letters helps decipher road signs quickly! For those of you as old as us (late 60s), remember to take your varifocals so you can read the Garmin and the road ahead...!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Because we were not in a large time-organised group, we were able to spend money in small shops and restaurant/bars which may have more directly benefited local people. Cycling is an environmentally friendly way of travelling, but it does give the opportunity to see at first hand the amount of litter that gets thrown out in the countryside - we couldn't believe it even in back of the way places! We hope that booking through Arcas Travel in local currency meant that any profit went to those who did the work or provided the services.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Polee kala - very good. The organisation worked smoothly from first meeting to return to Athens. The hotels were good, the bikes were suitable for the terrain, the routes were well worked out, luggage awaited us at each stopover. Our queries to the holiday provider before we left were quickly and fully answered, and everyone we met from the organisation was friendly and helpful. The cycling itself was not as strenuous as I had feared, and we were very happy with the mixture of exercise and culture, and the ability to take things at our own pace. The countryside and coast are beautiful and (apart from some dogs) the locals are friendly. The wine in this part of Greece is excellent and the food fresh and plentiful. What more could we ask for?Helen Wells review 31 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We put together two holiday weeks- the Greek Cycling Archeology Tour and then the Laconia Cycling holiday in Greece- both of which are based in the peloponnese exploring different parts. Archaeology tour highlights: The castle on top of the hill in Paralio Astros and a good fish supper. Nafplio- a lovely hotel and a good base to explore Epidaurus, Mycenae and local beaches. Lots of good restaurants for relaxing evenings. The archeological museum in Nafplio is a must and puts in context the ancient sites, the artefacts you see in the tour and the develoments of greek culture and history. Epidaurus is a particular highlight- a place of healing through dreams which still has a very special atmosphere. The cycle ride back from Epidauus to Nafplio is stunning. Laconia Cycling tour highlights: Mystras and the sound of monks chanting across the hillside. The olive museum in Sparta- thorough and informative and beautiful. The ride from Sparta to Gytheio along the lower hilldides of the taygetos mountains - such a sense of that huge landscape. Swimming- amazing beaches at Pounta and on Elafonisos. The astonishing rock fortress at Monemvassia- You get a lift up the mountain and a spectacular ride down with plenty of time to explore the castle fortress full of layers of history.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Visit the peloponnese- Greece needs tourism and is a bold dramatic country. You need a good level of fitness. The mountain rides are magnificent. All the luggage transfers and airport transfers worked very smoothly. The team from the holiday company were helpful and personal. We went in June and there was good breeze and the combination of cycling and visiting ancient sites and places of interest worked well for us with enough flexibility to have an easier beach day if we wanted it. The GPS routes worked well- mainly kept off main roads and saved the need for detailed written instructions although we did like to have a map aswel. We did get lost occasionaly but on the GPS you can soon spot that you are not going the right way.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we booked through Christos in Tripoli and I felt the cost of the holiday was both good value for us and benefited the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent- marvellous landscape, lots to see, good bicycle rides, meeting some special people, smooth service, many moving conversations and the pleasure of Greek life. The two holidays combined gave a good combination of cycling, exploring, relaxing, learning and appreciating the land and the landscape and the mountains and the people.Christine Mitchell review 4 Oct 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Going to Mycenae by cycle and a very enjoyable evening at one of the recommended restaurants with live music in Nafplio.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that there are some hills to cycle up and you will be covering about 30mls a day. The bikes have suitable gearing for the hills. Be aware that there are some feral dogs in Greece.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes and the holiday company supports reforestation following the countryside fires in 2007. Our final hotel did not appear to operate a policy of minimising the washing of towels. Most hotels we have been to recently do have such a policy. It was however an excellent hotel who adapted to our request not to change towels everyday.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Good hotels, reasonably priced food, well maintained cycles (The best cycles we have ever hired). The sites of interest on our journey were better and better everyday. The holiday operator Christos was very knowledgeable and took us on a mini tour of The Corinthian Canal on our way back to the airport as a bonus on his own initiative.Holiday Reviews
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