Bike Me Up

Enchanting journeys await the visitor at 1,500 meters above sea level, through dense forests on the slopes of Helmos and Ziria. The two mountains, thanks to their rich biodiversity, have been declared as protected areas (Natura 2000 Network) and National Parks. Here lies the source of the River Styx where, according to mythology, Achilles was made invulnerable after his mother dipped him into the water. Images of astonishing beauty reveal at the mountainous villages of Zarouchla and Planitero with running waters and fish farms for trout, salmon and sturgeon. The beautiful landscapes continue at Goura and the Feneos plateau with the ruins of the ancient city, the sinks of Hercules and the plateau of Skafidia in Ziria with flocks of wild horses galloping free. The enchanting memories of this tour complete with Panagia of the Rock, the Meteora of Peloponnese, and the evening outing around Doxa Lake.

We go cycling on Parnassus and Kallidromo, the mountains east and west of the Valley of Kifissos River, on a forest path which often hosts the Acropolis Rally. At an altitude of 1,350 meters there are lakes, streams and green plateaus creating a haven for herds of cattle which stare at us indifferently as we cycle past them. The view to Maliakos Gulf fascinates us from the picturesque village of Mendenitsa with the Venetian castle. Back in the valley, we visit the unique in Greece Bread Museum of Amfiklia and the Kifissos River with its sources at Agia Eleousa in Ano Polydroso while we indulge in the Hot Springs of Thermopylae and the dishes from Roumeli which lead us to a temporary exaggeration. The harmonious contrasts and beautiful landscapes charm the visitor who makes the promise to return.

The town of Aegina was the first capital of the Modern Greek state after the Greek Revolution. It is considered the jewel of the Saronic Gulf by its numerous local and foreign fans. It is also known for its unique peanut variety which is cultivated in its territory and carries its name, for the ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia, whose location forms an equilateral triangle with the locations of the Temple of the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, but also for the Monastery of Saint Nektarios, a place of pilgrimage for thousands of Orthodox Christians each year.

This one day cycling tour takes place in Parnitha mountain and especially at the summer palace of the former Royal Family of Greece situated in Tatoi , the ancient Dekelia area. The palace is built in 10.000 acre estate which includes numerous well preserved stone buildings of unique beauty and architectural value and the Royal Cemetery.In the past, the estate except for a royal residence was a self sufficient agricultural and livestock unit that its products would cater for the daily needs of the royal family as well as the ones of their visitors.

Pelion was the summer residence of the Olympian Gods and the home of the Centaurs. Today it is a haven for mountain bikers as it is covered with shady forests and full of running waters. We cycle at 1,400 m. through towering beeches in a breathtaking view. Volos is not only famous for its 'tsipouradika', taverns with fresh seafood, but also for the renovated old mansions which warmly host the guest. Cycling along the train line we see the restored train which once connected Volos with the mountain villages. We end our tour by following the route at the olive groves and crossing the bridge of Evaristo De Chirico.

We will cycle past historic and archaeological sites, picturesque, old neighborhoods, the heart of the shopping center, but also traditional Athenian places of green suitable for walking and recreation.On our route, however, we also discover the pulse of the modern city, from the busy shopping streets with designer shop windows to small shops selling second-hand goods and from the contemporary catering shops to decadent cafés.