Kalamata

This section kicks off with a quick ferry across the Saronic Gulf to the island of Poros where the riders can enjoy a quick spin to the Temple of Poseidon, warming up their legs for the journey to come. The route heads through the undulating landscape of the Peloponnese, stopping in Nafplio, one of Greece’s most picturesque towns, before heading past towering Mt Menalo and into a well-deserved rest day in Olympia. The day off the bikes will allow the cyclists the opportunity to explore one of the country’s most historic sites, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, where they light the Olympic flame every 4 years. The riders now spin north through friendly villages before stopping in the port city of Igoumenitsa to catch their next ferry to Italy.

Arriving in the bustling southern Italian port of Brindisi, the riders will prepare themselves for the challenge of cycling up the spine of Italy, truly a challenging but incredibly rewarding route. The first day’s ride brings them to a rest day in the ancient city of Matera and its remarkable cave dwellings and rock churches. The ride continues through the mountainous landscape leading to the next rest day in Sulmona, a beautiful town and the birthplace of the Roman poet, Ovid. The route continues north past forested peaks and hilltop villages before descending to Ravenna, home to some of the world’s most beautiful mosaics. Turning west, the riders spin through the countryside to Milan, a hub of high fashion and the end of this incredible section.