Mountain bike touring in Arcadia
Ark2mtb MTBCyclingGuidedEco-toursSmall Groups PeloponneseArcadia
6 DAYS
LEVEL 4
This is a beautiful cycling and MTB experience in the untouched nature of the region of Arcadia. For one week you ride through the spectacular landscapes of Arcadia; a mountainous region in the center of the Peloponnese, and one of the less populated areas in modern Greece. During antiquity, the Arcadians were considered as a shepherd people who had their own customs and lived under rather harsh conditions. Already since the Hellenistic era, Arcadia refers to a vision of pastoralism and harmony with nature. The inhabitants were often regarded as having continued to live after the manner of the Golden Age, without the pride and avarice that corrupted other regions. This idea was taken up in the Renaissance and the Baroque and inspired European art and literature during the ages. “Et in Arcadia ego”!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cycling around Mt Artemision
Morning departure from Athens and transfer to the Peloponnese. MTB tour around Mt Artemision dedicated during antiquity to goddess Artemis (Diana of the Romans). Transfer to Vytina, a lively traditional village located on a high plateau at the foot of Mt Mainalon, in the center of Arcadia. 5 nights in Vytina.- Cycling/MTB: circular, 31 km, ± 1350 m, paved secondary roads and dirt (50%), moderate to demanding
- Driving: 208 km, 3 h
Day 2: Mountain villages and peaceful landscapes
Your MTB tour, which starts from your hotel, leads you through varied, peaceful landscapes at the north of Vytina. You reach Magouliana, the highest inhabited village of the Peloponnese, you ride through Valtesiniko, Drakovouni and other picturesque mountain villages in a sparce populated area.- Cycling/MTB: circular, 57 km, ± 1670 m, paved secondary roads and dirt (27%), moderate to demanding
Day 3: Biking through the dense forest of west Mainalon
This MTB tour also departs directly from your hotel and goes mainly through the spectacular forest of west Mainalon mountain, one of the most remote areas of the Peloponnese. You pass through the traditional villages of Dimitsana, which is the commercial center of the area, and through Zygovysti, a solitary and abandoned small village.- Cycling/MTB: circular, 52 km, ± 1335 m, paved secondary roads and dirt (62%), moderate to demanding
Day 4: In the dense conifer wood of central Mainalon
The forest of Mainalon is one of the largest contiguous wooded zones of Greece, an almost exclusively coniferous forest. MTB tour directly from your hotel, through the dense forest of central Mainalon, passing by the high plateau of Arpakoti.- Cycling/MTB: circular, 44 km, ± 1390 m, paved secondary roads and dirt (55%), moderate to demanding
Day 5: On Lykaion Mountain and to the sanctuary of Epikourios Apollo
Morning tranfer to the trailhead near to Andritsaena (about 66 km). MTB tour around Mt Lykaion dedicated to Zeus during the antiquity. You can ascent by bike to the second highest peak, where the Arcadians used to perform sacrifices to honor Zeus. You reach the temple of Epikourios Apollo, a real masterpiece and an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in the mountainous solitude on the foot of Mt Kotylion. The temple is a work of Iktinos, the architect of the Parthenon; it is protected under a giant tent and you can visit it. Transfer back to Vytina- Cycling/MTB: circular, 50 km, ± 1700 m, paved secondary roads and dirt (56%), moderate to demanding
- Driving: 132 km, 2 h 50 min
Day 6: Around Mt Aphrodision
This is the last day of your Arcadian adventure. You go cycling on a panoramic road around Mt Aphrodision, once dedicated to goddess Aphrodite (Venus for the Romans). You cross the traditional village of Kontovazena and other small mountain villages. On a pass at 1150 m high, you can visit the excavation of Aphrodite’s sanctuary next to Saint Peter’s chapel. Return to Athens. Farewell!- Cycling/MTB: circular, 52 km, ± 1580 m, paved secondary roads, moderate to demanding
- Driving: 251 km, 3 h 20 min
ACTIVITY
- 6 MTB tours on paved roads and dirt trails at about 1000 m of altitude are proposed. However, there are alternatives.- This holiday is not addressed to professional athletes but in well trained cyclists in good physical condition.
RATES
From 895 EUR per personSERVICES
- Transfers in private vehicle and cycling tours as described in the itinerary- Driver / Tour leader for the whole tour
- Quality bicycle (MTB)
- 5 nights in a 3 star hotel or gesthouse
- Breakfast in the hotel
- 1 dinner (arival day in Vytina)
- Professional liability insurance, VAT and all applicable taxes
- VAT 24% and all taxes
OPTIONAL SERVICES
- Additional overnights in Athens or in the sea side village of Eleonas- Airport transfers
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to/from Greece- Entry fees in sites and museums
- Other meals or snacks
- Drinks/beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Other extras
EXTRAS
- Single room supplement 135 EUR- Hotel in Athens
123456
- Peloponnese
- Arcadia