Heart of Greece
Cycling tour
HEART OF GREECE
Northern Greece and Mount Olympus
Epic Northern Greece Cycling Tour: A Journey Through Culture, Nature, and Adventure
Duration: April 8 - April 17
Tour Type: Road Cycling & Cultural Exploration
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Overview
Embark on a breathtaking cycling adventure through Northern Greece, a region rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. This guided tour takes you through picturesque villages, UNESCO sites, and the stunning landscapes of Macedonia, Thessaly, and Mount Olympus. With a mix of challenging climbs, serene lakes, historic monasteries, and authentic Greek festivities, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.
From the vibrant town of Edessa with its famous waterfalls to the mystical rock formations of Meteora, every day presents a new and exhilarating challenge. Riders will traverse rolling countryside, dense forests, and scenic mountain routes, encountering local wildlife and historical landmarks along the way. Cultural highlights include visiting a centuries-old restored mansion, exploring a renowned bear sanctuary.
Food lovers will also be in for a treat, with opportunities to savor traditional Greek delicacies, from fresh local mushrooms to traditional mou ntain fare. The tour concludes with a triumphant ride up the legendary Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek gods, offering breathtaking views and a fitting finale to this remarkable cycling expedition.
Whether you’re drawn by the challenge of mountain climbs, the allure of ancient history, or the charm of traditional Greek hospitality, this tour delivers an exceptional blend of adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Tour Highlights:
✅ Cycle through diverse landscapes from vineyards to mountain peaks
✅ Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Meteora and Nymfaio
✅ Experience authentic Greek Easter celebrations and local traditions
✅ Visit Arcturos Bear Sanctuary & historic mansions
✅ Enjoy mushroom foraging, traditional feasts, and a Mount Olympus ride
Join us for this unforgettable cycling adventure through the heart of Northern Greece!
WHEN ?
Custom Dates:
We run tours throughout the year For private groups groups of 6 or more aswell as self suppotered tours
Contact us for availabiliy
ITINERARY:
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Day 1 Arrival in Edessa
Your adventure begins in Edessa, the city of waterfalls. Upon arrival, you'll set up your bike or be fitted with a rental before a pre-tour briefing. Enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the famous waterfall park before our welcome dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 Edessa – Nymfaio
Distance: 41mi | Elevation Gain: 4170ft
Activity: Restored Mansion Tour
A scenic ride through lush vineyards and serene lakes leads to a challenging climb towards the beautiful mountain village of Nymfaio. This UNESCO-listed village, named one of the top 10 most picturesque in Europe, invites you to explore its charm and visit a beautifully restored mansion.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Nymfaio - Kastoria
Distance: 40mi | Elevation Gain: 1900ft
Activity: Visit to the Bear Sanctuary Arcturos
Cycle through dense forests to the Arcturos Environmental Center for an up-close encounter with local brown bears in their natural habitat. The ride continues down to Kastoria, a lakeside town renowned for its beauty and wildlife. In the evening, witness the Good Friday Epitaphios procession, a moving cultural tradition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Kastoria - Grevena
Distance: 49mi | Elevation Gain: 2755ft
Activity: Easter Midnight Mass
Ride through rolling landscapes, crossing historic river bridges en route to Grevena, Greece’s mushroom capital. Celebrate Easter with the locals, attending a midnight mass and enjoying a traditional Easter feast featuring Magiritsa soup.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Grevena - Spilaio
Distance: 15mi | Elevation Gain: 2800ft
Activity: Easter Sunday Celebration & Lunch
A short but rewarding climb leads to Spilaio, where a festive Easter celebration awaits. Enjoy a feast of spit-roasted lamb, kokoretsi, and local wines amidst the lively Greek traditions. After lunch, transfer back to Grevena.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – | Grevena – Meteora
Distance: 48mi | Elevation Gain: 3570ft
Activity: Mushroom Foraging & Cooking Demo
Start the day with a visit to a local mushroom delicatessen before cycling through the pristine forests of Valia Kalda. A guided mushroom foraging experience and cooking demo will enhance your appreciation of the region’s flavors. The ride continues to Kalabaka, where you’ll embark on an 8-mile loop through the stunning rock formations and monasteries of Meteora.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Meteora (Rest Day)
Activity: Guided Tour of Meteora Monasteries
A well-deserved break from cycling allows you to explore Meteora’s awe-inspiring monasteries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its massive rock pillars and six ancient monasteries, offers breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility. In the evening, transfer to the charming village of Palaios Pantelimonos.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Palaios Pantelimonas – Mount Olympus – Litochoro
Distance: 34mi | Elevation Gain: 4917ft
Activity: Cycling Mount Olympus
The grand finale! Cycle up the legendary Mount Olympus to the Prionia Refuge, the starting point for climbers heading to the summit. Descend to Litochoro, a stunning town at the foot of the mountain, where we celebrate our final evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Litochoro - Thessaloniki
Transfer to Thessaloniki, concluding this remarkable adventure filled with lifelong memories.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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BREVET​
NO MINIMUM RIDERS
€880
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SPORTIVE​
2 Riders €1420
3-6 Riders €1320
6 + Riders €1220
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GRAND TOUR
MINIMUM 6
€2250
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optional extras:
€550 single person supplement
€250–bike rental
E-BIKE - upon request
Custom Tour:
If you would like this, or any of our tours customising to your specific needs and request please dont hestitate to contact us
What's Included
Extra Info
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Exact itinerary and activities may be subject to change depending on availability
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Distances and elevation are Approx. and may vary slightly depending on exact location of destination accommodation and starting points
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Difficulty: The tour is a medium to high challenging tour designed for people who are experienced cyclists comfortable with cycling 6 hours a day with some challenging hills
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Flight info: You Will have to fly to Thessaloniki international airport and aim to arrive at least one day prior to the tour start and departure from Thessaloniki airport no earlier than 14:00 on final day
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Hotels in before and after the tour are not included