Stand on the mythical Mount Olympus, bike through the fairy-tale world of Meteroa with its ‘floating’ monasteries, explore the breath-taking mountains of the Pelion Peninsula by MTB. And combine all this with biking fun through the centre of Athens with an incredible view of the Acropolis! This MTB tour is sure to make your biking dreams come true and put a smile on the face of any MTB enthusiast. This MTB tour combines four of mainland Greece’s major landmarks into one unforgettable holiday experience.
On this trip, variety is guaranteed and there’s plenty of biking fun to look forward to! From the urban flair of the Greek capital to untouched nature on the wild Pelion Peninsular – a true insider tip among bikers. Whether it be the Mount Olympus National Park, renowned as the residence of the ancient gods, or the Meteora sandstone cliffs and monasteries, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these four remarkable landmarks promise a fascinating and variety-packed holiday. The varied terrain, from flow to technically demanding, ensures exciting biking adventures. Magnificent views of the mountains and the sea are included.
During the trip, guests stay in carefully selected 3–4-star accommodation. Traditional Greek hospitality ensures a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The local guide accompanies the guests throughout the week, showing the way on the bike tours and giving great advice on which of the local restaurants are best for sampling Greek delicacies.
For groups of 8 people or more, individual desired dates are also possible on request.
Check in at the hotel in Athens old town is possible from 3 pm onwards. If you arrive in the afternoon, take some time for a walk through Plaka or do a bike fitting together with the guide. In the evening, the guide gives the group an overview of the upcoming week.
We can look forward to breath-taking views of the Athenian Acropolis and narrow, colourful alleyways. A visit to a typical kafenion, where we can sample traditional sweet treats, completes this urban biking experience. After lunch, a transfer takes us to the Pelion Peninsula (approx. 4.5 hours’ drive).
Here we check into the fantastic apartment accommodation, located close to the sea. Once settled in, there is plenty of time to take a walk on the beach or to explore the nearby villages of Kato Gatzea and Kala Nera before rounding off the eventful day with dinner altogether.
In short: an MTB paradise! Today we bike through the villages of Ag. Georgios, Vyzitsa, Pinakates and Milies. In Vyzitsa there is time for a well-deserved coffee break under an impressive plane tree. In the village of Milies we visit a 14th-century Byzantine church with beautiful frescoes.
The route continues along a section of the historic railway line which connects the villages of Pelion with the harbour town of Volos. Before reaching the coast, we stop at a local cooperative, where we have the opportunity to buy various crafts, honey, and jams.
Once back by the sea, there is plenty of time for a refreshing swim and delicious lunch. Afterwards, a transfer takes us to Mount Olympus (approx. 2 hours drive). Here, we can look forward to the beautiful accommodation on the picturesque and tranquil Bellou Wine Estate. At dinner, the inhouse restaurant will convince you that it alone was worth the trip!
Afterwards, we continue along the varied route on both wider and narrower trails to the villages of Kokkinopilos and Livadi, well known for their cattle breeding. We then return to the winery, where we will spend the night once again.
In the afternoon you are free to choose whether to go for a hike or enjoy the accommodation’s cosy atmosphere. Another varied day ends with a shared dinner.
After a short break, we bike towards the second highest peak, where there is one pushing stage of approx. 1 mi. / 1.5 km. Once back on our bikes, we can enjoy a breath-taking descent from the home of the ancient gods. Great trails through alpine meadows, forest passages, and fabulous views of the impressive mountains and the Aegean Sea await us.
Along the way, we stop to enjoy a picnic. The final trail ends at the village square of Karya, famous for its meat specialities. Here, we enjoy an early dinner before returning to the Bellou Winery for another overnight stay.
Meteora was declared a World Heritage Site because of its unique setting in a dried lake and the multitude of Orthodox monasteries clinging to the pointed sandstone outcrops. Shortly after our arrival, we start today’s bike tour. Fantastic flow trails with magical views of the rocky landscape await us along the way.
After lunch, we visit some of the monasteries and, at the end of the bike tour, we have the opportunity to visit the Natural History Museum in Kalambaka. In the evening, we enjoy a meal together with a selection of excellent local wines.
We start by taking the ring road around the Meteora rocks until we reach a lookout point that offers a panoramic view over the Thessalian plain and the entire Meteora complex. The return journey to the hotel mainly follows flow trails that end at the outskirts of Kalambaka.
For those who brought their own bikes, there will be time to clean them and pack them away at a nearby washing area, ready for the return trip home. After lunch, we take a transfer back to Athens (approx. 4.5 hours).
After check-in at the Athens hotel, our guide accompanies us to a great restaurant with a view of the famous Athens Acropolis, which is beautifully illuminated every evening.
MTB
For our mountain bike tours we use high-end, full suspension bikes. These lightweight bikes are fitted with 27.5’’ rims, 140 – 150 mm of travel, Shimano or SRAM gear and brake systems as well as hydraulic dropper posts.
E-MTB
It is also possible to take part on our tours with a full suspension e-MTB. Our reliable 27.5’’ e-MTBs are equipped with powerful Bosch motors with extra range, 150 mm of travel, Shimano gear and brake systems as well as hydraulic dropper posts.
During this trip, guests are accommodated in good to very good 3–4-star hotels, in double or single rooms depending on your booking. All accommodation possibilities are carefully selected and offer the greatest possible comfort after a day full of activity. They are all very well-kept and are characterized by a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff.
Of course, all hotels have a secure area to keep your bicycles. Booking of overnight stays is subject to availability. You will receive a hotel list and further detailed information about your tour before the beginning of the trip.
If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan, please let us know in good time before the start of the trip. Drinks except breakfast coffee/tea and mineral water are excluded.
The mountain bike terrain is as varied as the landscapes of mainland Greece: technically demanding single trails (which can also be skipped if necessary) requiring appropriate riding skills alternate with flow trails, natural paths, and quiet asphalt side roads. Pushing sections are extremely rare. The majority of the bike stages are on trails from S0 to S1. There are short S2 passages, but they can also be skipped or avoided if necessary.
The following list is only a guideline, which you can of course modify according to your own needs:
from 2,390 € per person in a double room
Single rooms can be booked for an additional fee of 500 €/trip.
8 days/7 nights
Oct
Moderate – Challenging
Heraklion
Heraklion
Persons: 6+
Age: 18+
2,5 Hrs
All Year Round
Easy-Challenging
Kalambaka
Kalambaka
Persons: 2+
Age: 12+
4 days/3 nights
Apr, Nov
Moderate
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
Persons: 4+
Age: 18+
8 days/7 nights
May, June, September, October
Moderate – Challenging
Bodrum
Bodrum
Persons: 14-30
Age: 18+