Cycling in the Peloponnese

Arrival in Vytina Accommodation: Hotel Art Mainalon (four-star or similar)

Your day starts with an uphill ride into the mountains to Alonistaina, a traditional settlement and one of the highest villages in the Peloponnese. Continue along fir-lined country roads to the village of Piana, important during the Greek War of Independence. Enjoy a rest in a kafeneio beside the church of Saint Georgios, built on a rock before starting the descent to Tripoli, capital of Arcadia region. Accommodation: Palatino Hotel (three-star or similar)

A circular route today starts with a cycle through vineyards and apple orchards to reach Mantineia, one of the most important ancient Greek cities where you can explore the preserved archaeological site. Opposite the site is the church of Agia Foteini, built in 1972 but which combines several architectural elements (Classical, Byzantine, and Minoan). Continue through fruit crops to Kapsia cave, a natural wonder of multi-coloured stalactites and stalagmites before returning on quiet country roads to Tripoli. Accommodation: Palatino Hotel (three-star or similar)

Today you descend to the coast. First stop is the settlement of Tegea, where you can see history in layers with a 10th Century Byzantine church constructed over the ruins of an ancient theatre. Continue through olive groves and small villages to the ancient city of Eva. Arrive in Paralio Astros, a beautiful small fishing village. Wander along the harbour, visit the castle on top of the hill or have a dip in the sea before choosing where to eat from one of the tavernas offering fresh fish and local specialties. Accommodation: Ariadne Hotel (three-star or similar)

Follow an amazing coastal route along the Argolic Gulf coastline to reach Mili, a small seaside resort and a good place to take a refreshement break. Visit the archaeological site of Ancient Lerna and Lernea Hydra where Hercules killed the beast of many heads before heading to his hometown and one of the oldest cicties in Greece, Argos. Visit the ancient theatre before continuing on to the seaside resort of Nafplio. Spend your final three nights here allowing plenty of time to explore its narrow old streets, marbled square and bustling harbour. Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)

Cycle through beautiful countryside of orange and lemon groves via the huge castle remains at Tiryns, considered to be one of the most important centres in the Eastern Mediterranean, to reach Bronze Age Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical King Agamemnon. Marvel at the Lions Gate at the main entrance of the Acropolis before exploring the rest of this extensive site. Return to Nafplio. Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)

The day starts with a transfer to the ancient healing centre of Epidaurus. The ancient theatre here is well-preserved and still used in the summer to host plays. Along with the theatre you'll also discover temples, porticoes, houses, shops and spas of this city that is considered to be the birthplace of medicine. Cycle mostly downhill through mountainous landscape and through the vast pistachio growing region back to the coast. Accommodation: Ippoliti Hotel (four-star or similar)

Leave Nafplio