2019-01-08 13:01:00

Kalavryta Biking

Kalavryta Biking

Known as one of the most intriguing destinations in Greece, resting on the slopes of Mt. Helmos in an area of exquisite natural beauty, Kalavryta is home to a selection of scenic mountain biking trails and asphalt back-roads. White during winter, multicolored during the rest of the year, Kalavryta is the ideal destination for an authentic mountain biking adventure.

 

Day 01


Welcome to Athens! After your transfer to your hotel, take a leisurely stroll and explore the beating heart of the city. Explore the colorful network of streets in the town center and in the island-like paths of Anafiotika neighbourhood in Acropolis, and end your day relishing an original Greek dinner at a scenic restaurant overlooking the beautifully-lit Parthenon.

Overnight Athens

 

Day 02


Wake up early in the morning and hop on your private vehicle (van or minibus), for a 2.30-hour scenic drive to Kalavryta-Peloponnese. Check in to a family run guesthouse, put on your biking clothing and let our driver take you to the first day’s ride starting point, at Mount Helmos at 1700m height. Follow your expert biking guide in the magnificent fir forest and stop midway at a refuge for photos and refreshments. The first part of our expedition ends at a charming little village. Lunch will be served at a tiny tavern by a local lady who will make us feel as guests at her house. Continue your ride through a single track trail which is later connected to asphalt back-roads which lead back to Kalavryta village. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore Kalavryta further at your own pace.

Overnight Kalavryta

 

Day 03


Today we will ride to Agia Lavra Monastery one of the most important monasteries in Greece. The monastery was built in 961 AD, at an altitude of 961 meters, and can be described as the symbolic birth-place of modern Greece.

It is famously linked with the Greek War of Independence, since it was here that the call for “Eleftheria I Thanatos” (freedom or death) was first heard on the 17th of March 1821, launching the revolution against the Ottoman Empire. That day, Bishop Paleon Patron Germanos performed a doxology and administered an oath to the Peloponnesian fighters. The revolutionary flag was supposedly raised by the Bishop under the plane tree just outside the gate of the monastery.

Later on, take a short ride to the hill opposite to the monastery, where lies a monument dedicated to the heroes of the Revolution of 1821. Continue your backroads ride descent to picturesque Skepasto village, where you will have a short break for Greek coffee or herbs tea, before jumping back on your bike for a short remaining ride to Kalavryta. Take a refreshing shower and go for lunch in a traditional tavern serving delicious local food.

Your transfer vehicle will take you back to Athens International airport