Peaks, lakes and legends
Northern Greece & North Macedonia

Day 1: Thessaloniki to Dojran "From the Heart of Macedonia to the Tranquil Lake"

• Distance: 80 km | Elevation Gain: ~450 m

• Route Narration: Your journey begins in Thessaloniki, cycling out of the city along flat roads that lead to the peaceful surroundings of Lake Dojran at the Greece-North Macedonia border.

• Cultural Stops: Visit Thessaloniki’s White Tower and Ano Poli (Old Town) before riding out. Enjoy Lake Dojran’s tranquil lakeside promenade.

• Accommodation: Lakeside guesthouse with serene views.

• Challenge Level: Easy to Moderate.

Day 2: Dojran to Negotino "Through the Vineyards of the Ancient Kingdom"

• Distance: 75 km | Elevation Gain: ~540 m

• Route Narration: Cycle through rolling hills and green farmland as you enter the Tikveš wine region, renowned for its vineyards and relaxed rural charm.

• Cultural Stops: Stop at a local winery to sample North Macedonia’s famous Vranec wine and learn about ancient winemaking traditions.

• Accommodation: Boutique guesthouse or winery stay with tastings.

• Challenge Level: easy to Moderate.

Day 3: Negotino to Bitola "On the Road to the City of Consuls"

• Distance: 110 km | Elevation Gain: ~1100m

• Route Narration: Pedal through open plains, passing small villages before tackling gradual climbs toward Bitola, a historic city with Ottoman influences and vibrant culture.

• Cultural Stops: Explore Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Macedonian city with exquisite mosaics, and stroll Širok Sokak, Bitola’s lively pedestrian boulevard.

• Accommodation: Centrally located hotel in Bitola.

• Challenge Level: Moderate to Hard

Day 4: Bitola to Nymphaio "Crossing Borders and Climbing into the Clouds"

• Distance: 58 km | Elevation Gain: ~1,000 m

• Route Narration: Begin with a flat ride to the Niki border crossing, where you’ll re-enter Greece. The road then ascends steadily into the mountains, rewarding you with dramatic vistas as you approach Nymphaio.

• Cultural Stops: Visit the Arcturos Bear Sanctuary, which protects brown bears in their natural habitat, and explore Nymphaio’s charming cobblestone streets.

• Accommodation: Traditional mountain lodge.

• Challenge Level: Hard.

Day 5: Nymphaio to Kastoria "Descending into Lakeside Elegance"

• Distance: 61 km | Elevation Gain: ~570 m

• Route Narration: Start with a scenic descent from Nymphaio, winding through forests and open valleys before reaching the beautiful lakeside town of Kastoria. Ride along the lakefront to complete the day.

• Cultural Stops: Discover Kastoria’s Byzantine churches and learn about the town’s historical connection to fur trading.

• Accommodation: Lakeside hotel with panoramic views of the lake.

• Challenge Level: easy.

Day 6: Rest Day in Kastoria "Reflections by the Lake"

• Activities: Spend the day exploring the tranquil surroundings of Kastoria. Walk along the lake’s edge, visit the Byzantine Museum, or take a boat ride to experience the serene beauty of the water. Alternatively, explore the Dragon’s Cave, a lakeside cavern steeped in myth.

• Cultural Stops: Visit Panagia Mavriotissa Monastery and enjoy traditional Kastorian cuisine, including freshwater fish dishes.

• Accommodation: Same as Day 5.

• Challenge Level: Easy.

Day 7: Kastoria to Grevena "Stone Bridges and Mountain Passes"

• Distance: 67 km | Elevation Gain: ~800 m

• Route Narration: Cycle through rugged terrain and quiet mountain passes. The ride takes you through picturesque valleys dotted with ancient stone bridges before reaching Grevena.

• Cultural Stops: Pause to admire the Portitsa Bridge, nestled in a dramatic gorge.

• Accommodation: Quaint guesthouse with a cozy atmosphere.

• Challenge Level: moderate.

Day 8: Grevena to Kastraki (Meteora) "Pedaling Toward the Pinnacles of Faith"

• Distance: 65 km | Elevation Gain: ~740 m

• Route Narration: Start with a steady climb through lush forests and rolling hills. As you approach Kastraki, the surreal rock formations of Meteora rise dramatically on the horizon.

• Cultural Stops: Take in the awe-inspiring views of Meteora’s monasteries perched atop towering cliffs.

• Accommodation: Charming guesthouse at the foot of Meteora.

• Challenge Level: moderate.

Day 9: Rest and Exploration Day in Meteora "The Monasteries of Heaven"

• Activities: Spend the day exploring Meteora’s UNESCO-listed monasteries. Walk the trails connecting these spiritual marvels or relax while taking in the surreal rock landscapes.

• Cultural Stops: Visit Great Meteoron Monastery and Varlaam Monastery, learning about their history and significance.

• Accommodation: Same as Day 8.

• Challenge Level: na.

Day 10: Kastraki to Elassona "Rolling Toward the Shadow of Olympus"

• Distance: 110 km | Elevation Gain: ~600 m

• Route Narration: Pedal through the fertile plains of Thessaly, passing villages surrounded by golden fields. Mount Olympus grows larger as you approach Elassona.

• Cultural Stops: Visit the historic Monastery of Olympiotissa.

• Accommodation: Comfortable guesthouse.

• Challenge Level: Moderate.

Day 11: Elassona to Palaios Panteleimonas "To the Village Above the Sea"

• Distance: 65 km | Elevation Gain: ~1,400 m

• Route Narration: Ride through rolling hills and climb toward the slopes of Mount Olympus. The ascent to Palaios Panteleimonas rewards you with stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf and a charming mountain setting.

• Cultural Stops: Explore the cobblestone streets of Palaios Panteleimonas and enjoy local delicacies in its tavernas.

• Accommodation: Stone-built guesthouse.

• Challenge Level: Hard.

Day 12: Palaios Panteleimonas to Prionia and Litochoro "Ascending to the Throne of Zeus"

• Distance: ~57 km | Elevation Gain: ~1400m

• Route Narration: Begin with a descent toward Litochoro before tackling the iconic climb to Prionia Refuge on Mount Olympus. This challenging ascent is matched only by the thrill of descending back to Litochoro.

• Cultural Stops: Stop at Prionia Refuge to marvel at the surrounding alpine beauty and Olympus National Park.

• Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Litochoro.

• Challenge Level: Hard.

Day 13: Rest Day in Litochoro

"Olympus Unwind: Sea, Sky, and Serenity"

• Activities: Relax by the sea, hike to the Orlias waterfalls, or explore Litochoro’s quaint streets. Reflect on your journey under the shadow of the gods.

• Cultural Stops: Visit the Olympus National Park Information Center.

• Accommodation: Same as Day 12.

• Challenge Level: Easy.

Day 14: Departure from Thessaloniki

"Farewell to Alexander’s Homeland"

• Activities: Transfer to Thessaloniki or take a final morning stroll in Litochoro before concluding your journey.