“It is never cold in Greece” – this frequently quoted line of a Greek song is most certainly true of the Greeks themselves as well as of the coastal regions, where temperatures rarely drop below 10 °C / 50 °F even during the winter months thanks to the Mediterranean climate. Meanwhile, in the mountains, it can be crisply cold and wonderfully white.
These contrasts are precisely what makes Greece such a fantastic travel destination in winter, particularly for those who love active holidays! If you are looking for a great combination of hiking, rafting, skiing, and cultural experiences, this round trip through the Gulf of Corinth is the perfect choice for you!
There is no other time of year during which you can experience Greece so authentically. Visit the ancient site of Corinth and Delphi without crowds of tourists! Hike through magnificent gorges and fairy tale forests! Raft through the enchanting natural paradise along the crystal-clear Evinos River and enjoy incredible days in the snow at the Chelmos and Parnassos ski resorts!
During the trip, you will be accommodated in carefully selected 3–4-star accommodation. Traditional Greek hospitality ensures a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. The local guide accompanies you throughout the week, competently leading the way and sharing interesting stories and facts about the country, its culture, and people.
One of the best ways to discover Greece is through the stomach and so, accordingly, your guide knows all the best restaurants where you can sample the multitude of Greek delicacies.
For groups of 6 people or more, individually chosen travel dates from mid-January to mid-March are possible on request by email to info@cycling-greece.com.
You can check-in at the hotel from 3 pm onwards. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can spend your free time exploring Plaka. In the early evening, the guide gives the group an overview of the coming week in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, the first dinner of selected Greek delicacies is enjoyed altogether.
Once we arrive, there is plenty of time to explore the ruins of the ancient city. In its day, Corinth was a powerful trading centre and founded a number of colonies throughout the Mediterranean. Afterwards, we explore Acrocorinth, the city’s mighty fortress which sits enthroned on a mountain high above the Gulf of Corinth. Here there are spectacular panoramic views to look forward to.
After a well-deserved lunch break, a transfer brings us to the Ziria Plateau. During the afternoon, dependant on the weather, we either go on a short hike or a ski tour. We end the day with a delicious dinner in a cosy taverna and spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.
Once we have arrived, we head out on a 15 km / 9 mi. hike which follows a section of the E4 long-distance hiking trail through tunnels and over bridges, always following the Vouraikos River. Be sure to take the time to marvel at the beautiful waterfalls along the way!
At the end of the tour, we can enjoy a delicious lunch in a cosy tavern located directly on the riverbank. After lunch, a short transfer takes us to our cosy guesthouse, close to the Mega Spileo monastery, with the magnificent view to the gorge we explored earlier, where we spend the night. In the evening we enjoy dinner reminiscing on the eventful day.
We spend the whole day at Mt. Chelmos: you are free to choose whether you would like to have a day of downhill skiing or snowboarding on groomed slopes, take part in a ski tour through the official ski area, or go all the way up to the 2,340 m / 7,677 ft. summit, where the highest telescope in Greece is located.
At around 3 pm we return to the sea. In the late afternoon, after a short stop in the pretty mountain town of Kalavryta, we pass the Rio Antirrio Bridge on our way to the Greek mainland. The imposing cable-stayed bridge has spanned the Corinthian Gulf since 2004 and is a marvel of engineering.
Shortly after passing the bridge, we reach the beautiful coastal town of Nafpaktos, where we spend the night. After dinner, enjoy a stroll through the charming town.
After the tour, we enjoy a light lunch. We then begin our 2.5-hour transfer which first leads along a panoramic coastal road and later through the largest olive grove in Greece.
Our destination is Arachova. We can look forward to a delicious dinner and a walk through the winter resort, famous beyond the borders of Greece.
During this last section of the hike, we can enjoy fantastic views of the sea and the ancient oracle site. From this height, we can best appreciate the incredible size of the famous ancient site with its temples, stadium, theatre, and gymnasium.
After a lunch snack, we visit the excavation and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi with a certified guide. We then return to Arachova, where we have dinner in one of the best restaurants in town and spend another night.
As at Mt. Chelmos, you are free to decide whether you would like to go skiing, snowboarding, or take part in a ski tour. After plenty of fun in the snow, the transfer back to Athens follows at 4 pm (approx. 2.5 hours).
Once we have checked into the hotel, our guide takes us to a great restaurant with a view of the famous Athens Acropolis, beautifully illuminated every evening, for a final dinner.
On this tour, you will be accommodated in good to very good mid-range 3–4-star hotels. All accommodation is carefully selected and offers the highest possible comfort. They are characterised by well-maintained facilities, a feel-good atmosphere, and friendly, helpful staff. Booking of accommodation is subject to availability. Before the start of your tour, you will receive a list of hotels as well as further detailed information about your tour.
Your guide informs you daily in detail about the demands of the planned tour. If you choose to ski/snowboard on the groomed slopes at the ski resorts, you can choose from blue, red, and black runs.
The rafting on the Evinos River is an easy tour for which a standard level of physical fitness is required. Before the tour, you receive a detailed briefing to ensure that you are well prepared for this truly special experience.
You can of course choose to opt out of any of the planned activities and instead relax or do something yourself. We would be happy to suggest alternatives.
1,990€ per person in a double room
*For groups of less than 6 persons, a special quote can be given on request
4 hrs
All Year Round
Moderate – Challenging
Athens
Athens
Persons: 2+
Age: 12+