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Cycling Ancient Greece: Sparta to Kardamyli

Cycling Ancient Greece: Sparta to Kardamyli
  • Length 8 days
  • From USD$4395
  • Style/Level Classic 3.0
  • Countries Greece
  • Begin/End Mystras/Kardamyli
See related tours
Our bicycling tour of the Southern Peloponnese starts in ancient Sparta and covers the regions of Laconia and Messinia focusing on the Mani Peninsula, an area bursting with ancient and mythological history. The Mani Peninsula also has some of the most dramatic and varied scenery in Greece, much of it still wonderfully unexplored. You will bicycle through diverse landscapes including the lush, steep foothills of the Taÿgetos Mountains, pristine coastal coves dotted with tiny villages nestled amid olive groves, and arid landscapes peppered with abandoned stone towers in the south of the peninsula. We begin our cycling adventure in Mystras, home to one of Greece’s most beautiful archaeological sites, and ride along hilly coastal roads, staying in the picturesque villages of Gythio and Areopoli before ending the tour with a two-day stay in charming Kardamyli.

***If this sounds great but you’d prefer a longer tour, check out our 12-day Cycling Ancient Greece: Sparta to Kardamyli Plus! Pylos, where we’ll continue our our journey along the Akritas peninsula. This peninsula is known for its idyllic coastline and the medieval castles of Koroni, Methoni and Pylos.

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras, History of the Ancient Spartans, Mysterious tower houses of the Deep Mani, Cycling on quiet roads, Spectacular coastal scenery and views, Experience traditional Greek village life

Includes

  • 8 days, 7 nights accommodation

  • meals as noted in itinerary

  • Admission to the Archaeological site of Mystras with guided tour

  • All Classic tour inclusions

Date Price Private room fee Note
Apr 23-30, 2025 USD$4395 USD$550  
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May 21-28, 2025 USD$4395 USD$550 Call for availability
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Sep 24-Oct 1, 2025 USD$4395 USD$550 Departure confirmed to go!    
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Oct 20-27, 2025 USD$4395 USD$550 Departure confirmed to go!   
Book it
DateApr 23-30, 2025
PriceUSD$4395
Private room feeUSD$550
Note 
Book it
DateMay 21-28, 2025
PriceUSD$4395
Private room feeUSD$550
NoteCall for availability
Book it
DateSep 24-Oct 1, 2025
PriceUSD$4395
Private room feeUSD$550
NoteDeparture confirmed to go!    
Book it
DateOct 20-27, 2025
PriceUSD$4395
Private room feeUSD$550
NoteDeparture confirmed to go!   
Book it

Download Itinerary

We’ll send you a link to a full day by day tour itinerary that can be downloaded and printed so you can review all the details online and offline. This packet also includes details about what to expect on tour and arrival and departure details.
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Open all days
  • Total distance 291 km (181 miles)
  • Average daily distance 49 km (30 mi)
  • Tour style Classic
  • Tour level 3.0

Highlights: Test ride through olive groves of Sparta, welcome dinner.

Meet this morning in Athens to transfer together to the town of Mystras, or the ‘wonder of the Morea’. Mystras is just down the hillside from a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient fortress considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval walled towns in the region. Built in 1249, the fortress sits on the slopes of the Taygetos Mountains overlooking Sparta and is where the last Byzantine emperor was crowned. Following your bike fitting, take a scenic test ride. This evening we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together.

Meals : Dinner
 Lodging : Mazaraki Guest House

Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras, foothills of Taygetos mountain range

Today we will take a loop ride through traditional villages and the land of the Ancient Spartans. We’ll pedal through the foothills of the Taygetos mountain range, these mountains surround the Evrotas river valley and created a natural defense – one reason Ancient Sparta was never sacked. After our loop ride we will take a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mystras fortress. The fortress was conquered by many including the Byzantines, Turks and the Venetians, and was finally abandoned in 1832.

Meals : Breakfast
 Lodging : Mazaraki Guest House

Highlights: Ancient Sparta and Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil

We leave the foothills of the Taygetos this morning and travel south towards the coast to Gytheio. This colorful town features a waterfront promenade with several restaurants and cafés that are buzzing with activity until late into the evening hours. Dinner is together tonight.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Las Hotel and Spa

Highlights: Coastal cycling and the Mani Peninsula

Today’s ride takes you along dramatic coastlines passing several traditional villages on your way to Areopoli, in the heart of the Mani Peninsula. Areopoli’s narrow, winding city streets, restored pyrgi (fortified tower homes), and its delightful village plazas make this traditional settlement a charming place to call home for the next two days.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Areos Polis Boutique Hotel

Highlights: Byzantine churches, tower houses, Vatheia

We are in for a special day, as we ride from Areopoli to Gerolimena. As you cycle past Byzantine churches and sleepy fishing coves the quiet roads of the peninsula gives you a taste of peaceful Mediterranean lifestyle. Cyclists looking to add more miles will have the option to take a longer ride back to Areopoli.

Meals : Breakfast
 Lodging : Areos Polis Boutique Hotel

Highlights: Messinia, olive groves, Old Kardamyli, visit with a local farmer

A beautiful descent leads us to the picturesque fishing village of Limeni. After Limeni we have a challenging climb, but will then be rewarded with a stunning descent into Kardamyli during the second half of the ride.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Diapori Suites Hotel

Highlights: Explore old Kardamyli, olive oil tasting

Today is an ideal day to rest and enjoy the elegant seaside village of Kardamyli. Take in its picturesque neighborhoods of stone built houses and restored medieval towers, or lounge on the beach. Or if you prefer a ride, we’ll offer a loop option that will stun you with its panoramic views of the sea and views towards Mt. Taygetos. Explore remote villages and find an opportunity to talk to some of the few remaining but very friendly inhabitants before dropping back to the coast and treating yourself to a refreshing and leisurely swim and lunch. This afternoon, learn everything there is to know about Kardamyli’s most famous product during our visit of a local olive-oil producer. Dinner tonight will be a special one.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Diapori Suites Hotel

Highlights: Transfer to Athens

Your tour ends after breakfast. We’ll transfer you back to Athens today – unless you are staying in the region and touring more of ancient Greece. Whatever you decide to do, safe travels.

Meals : Breakfast

Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.

Pre-trip planning checklist

Greece travel planning page

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  • Well planned and executed. Good trip leaders that enhanced the trip experience.

    George W., Cincinnati, OH – May 2022

  • Great riding conditions, at times challenging, through beautiful countryside.

    Rick M., Evergreen, CO – September 2022

  • Greece was beyond our expectations. Want to go back and try another Greek tour.

    Xenia W., South Melbourne, Australia – May 2019
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