Greece: Sparta, Monemvasia & the Peloponnesian Peninsula

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Athens right by having a VBT representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Enjoy an included breakfast this morning before meeting your VBT representative in the hotel lobby at 8:00 a.m. After brief introductions, your group boards a private motorcoach for an approximately 3.5-hour drive to the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Along the way, your representative shares insights into the fascinating cultural and historical significance of the region.

You’ll meet your VBT trip leaders at a traditional Greek taverna outside the village of Mystras, nestled among the forested slopes of Mt. Taygetos. Take in breathtaking views of the valley of Sparta as you enjoy an included lunch. Afterward, travel to your nearby hotel, change into your biking clothes, and join your trip leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session. A short warm-up loop from your hotel leads you through shimmering olive groves.

This evening, gather for a welcome cocktail and reception at the hotel, followed by a delicious dinner featuring some of the chef’s finest Greek specialties.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 11.5 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s warm-up ride offers a chance to get comfortable with your bike as you pedal along quiet country roads with minimal traffic. The route is mostly flat and takes you through scenic olive groves in the surrounding countryside.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11.5 km (7 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, set out on your bike into the picturesque valley of Sparta, once the epicenter of a powerful city-state in ancient Greece. Olive groves and scenic meadows line your route to the town of Sparta and its fascinating Olive Oil Museum. Enjoy a short visit at your leisure before cycling to the famous statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta and legendary leader of the 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE. Return to your resort for a leisurely afternoon, perhaps enjoying a poolside lunch on your own.

Later, shuttle to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras for an energetic walk with your archaeologist guide. This fortified town is one of the most historic treasures of the Peloponnese—once the cultural and artistic capital of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1,000 years before its conquest by the Ottoman army.

This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the village restaurants near your hotel.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Mystras Palace Hotel to Sparta — 28 km (18 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride is mostly easy with a few rolling hills. You’ll cycle primarily on quiet country roads, with a short stretch of city riding through Sparta.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 km (18 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, cycle through the Sparta Valley toward the Peloponnesian coast, skirting the base of the soaring Taygetos Mountains—one of Greece’s highest ranges. Its summit, known as Prophet Elias, is among the oldest recorded mountain peaks in Europe and is even mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Pass through traditional villages before glimpsing the sea and following a scenic coastal road to the charming fishing port of Gytheio. After the morning’s invigorating ride, enjoy lunch on your own at one of the seafront tavernas—perhaps savoring the fresh catch of the day.

Following lunch, travel by motorcoach to the Aegean coast. Your next hotel lies just outside the walls of Monemvasia, a spectacular castle town shaped by Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. Linked to the mainland by a causeway, this rock island—known as the “Gibraltar of the East”—rises 300 feet (91 meters) above the sea and stretches about 1,000 feet (305 meters) wide and half a mile (.8 km) long. The remains of a medieval fortress still crown its summit.

This evening, discover the history of Byzantine cuisine during a special presentation by a local chef. Sample traditional dishes as you enjoy sea breezes from the hotel’s charming outdoor terrace.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Mystras Palace Hotel to Gytheio — 59 km (37 miles)

What to Expect:

Today offers a satisfying workout as you ride a longer distance and gain some elevation before descending to a scenic coastal route. You’ll follow mostly country roads, with occasional traffic in villages and as you coast into Gytheio.

Cumulative Distance Range: 59 km (37 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a typical hearty Greek breakfast on your inn’s lovely terrace before setting out on your morning ride. Your magnificent route traces the eastern coast of the Laconia region, offering spectacular Aegean vistas. Today’s first destination is Limin Gerakas, a stunning port tucked within a unique Greek fjord. The village’s lagoon and wetlands are part of Natura 2000—a vast network of nature preserves across the European Union.

Later, try your hand at catching shrimp with the owner of a local taverna. After the harvest, join your host for a cooking demonstration as he prepares garidopetoules—a traditional savory shrimp pancake—using your catch. Then, enjoy a fresh seafood family-style lunch at a traditional waterfront taverna. Cycle or shuttle back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.

Early this evening, join your trip leaders for a stroll through the walled medieval village of Monemvasia, dramatically perched atop the peninsula’s cliffs. There’ll be time afterward to explore local shops and enjoy dinner on your own in one of the village’s renowned restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Lazareto Hotel to Limin Gerakas — 22 km (14 miles)

Afternoon: Limin Gerakas to Lazareto Hotel — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s scenic ride features rolling hills and stunning sea views. Most of the route follows country roads, with some traffic expected when departing from and returning to Monemvasia.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 – 44 km (14 – 28 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day at sea with a scenic cruise around the massive rock of Monemvasia. During your outing, you may witness the traditional fishing technique of casting nets into the water—a centuries-old way of life still practiced today. This rewarding morning offers breathtaking views of Monemvasia from the water and a glimpse into its maritime heritage.

Back on land, cycle into Laconia’s fertile farmlands, blanketed with olive and orange groves. As you ride through the coastal hills, enjoy sweeping vistas of the Laconian Gulf. You’ll arrive in the small fishing village of Elia in time for lunch on your own. Then continue to your seaside hotel, located within walking distance of the village. Consider treating yourself to a spa treatment or a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounding your resort.

Dinner is included this evening on the hotel’s beautiful seaside terrace; please be sure to make a reservation for your preferred time.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Hotel Lazareto to Alas Resort & Spa — 35 km (22 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s rewarding ride includes some elevation gains as you cycle through the mountains toward the Laconian Gulf. Your route follows country roads, with sections of heavier traffic as you depart Monemvasia and pass through smaller villages. The VBT support vehicle will be available throughout the day for anyone who would like assistance.

Cumulative Distance Range: 35 km (22 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet of locally sourced traditional Greek selections—a delicious and nourishing start to a rewarding day of cycling. Today’s route features invigorating elevation gains that offer sweeping views of the sea and dramatic coastal mountain ranges. Your destination is the port town of Pouda, where you board a local ferry for a short cruise to Elafonisos, one of the most celebrated islands in the southern Peloponnese. Its white-sand Simos Beach is often considered one of the best in Greece—and even the entire Mediterranean. Enjoy leisure time swimming in the crystal-clear waters, basking in the sun, or exploring the island’s charming village for last-minute souvenirs. Lunch is on your own. Later, meet your trip leaders for the return ferry to Pouda, followed by a shuttle back to the hotel.

This evening, gather with your fellow riders and trip leaders to enjoy the setting sun over the Laconian Gulf and reminisce about your week during a festive farewell reception and dinner at your resort.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Alas Resort & Spa to Elafonisos — 50 km (31 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route features the most significant elevation gains of the week. You’ll follow country roads, with some heavier traffic in and around towns. The VBT support vehicle will be available throughout the ride for anyone who would like assistance.

Cumulative Distance Range: 50 km (31 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

VBT Air Package Guests:

Travel with a VBT guide to the Corinth Canal—a 19th-century engineering marvel that connects the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Gulf. This dramatic waterway, carved into bedrock, remains a vital international maritime passage, serving approximately 12,000 ships each year. You’ll have time to admire its grandeur and enjoy lunch before continuing to the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel, located within the Athens International Airport. Your tour concludes here at approximately 4:00 p.m.

You have the remainder of the afternoon and evening free to enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including a heated indoor pool, sauna, and massage services, plus a modest gym. On-site dining features two restaurants offering gourmet and international cuisine.

VBT Post-Tour Extension Guests:

Travel with a VBT guide to the Corinth Canal—a 19th-century engineering marvel that connects the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Gulf. This dramatic waterway, carved into bedrock, remains a vital international maritime passage, serving approximately 12,000 ships each year. You’ll have time to admire its grandeur and enjoy lunch before continuing to the Athens International Airport for your late-afternoon flight to Chania, Crete.

Upon arrival at Chania International Airport, collect your luggage and exit the baggage claim area, where you’ll be greeted by your VBT representative holding a VBT sign.

A scenic 30-minute drive brings you to your centrally located hotel in Chania. VBT provides city information with helpful recommendations on what to see, do, and where to dine during your stay.

Next Day Instructions (Post-Tour Extension Guests):
Please meet your local guide at 10:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby for your included walking tour of Chania’s Old Town. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The tour will last approximately two hours and end near the Venetian harbor.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast, simply walk across the street to the Athens International Airport terminal for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your tour starts at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of our pre-tour hotel, the Electra Palace Hotel, Athens, Greece. Your VBT representative will meet you there, holding a VBT sign.

VBT highly recommends arriving in Greece at least one day before the tour begins to allow time for rest and recovery from jet lag before sightseeing and cycling.

After brief introductions, your group boards a private motorcoach for an approximately 3.5-hour drive to the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Along the way, your representative shares insights into the fascinating cultural and historical significance of the region.

You’ll meet your VBT trip leaders at a traditional Greek taverna outside the village of Mystras, nestled among the forested slopes of Mt. Taygetos. Take in breathtaking views of the valley of Sparta as you enjoy an included lunch. Afterward, travel to your nearby hotel, change into your biking clothes, and join your trip leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session. A short warm-up loop from your hotel leads you through shimmering olive groves.

This evening, gather for a welcome cocktail and reception at the hotel, followed by a delicious dinner featuring some of the chef’s finest Greek specialties.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 11.5 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s warm-up ride offers a chance to get comfortable with your bike as you pedal along quiet country roads with minimal traffic. The route is mostly flat and takes you through scenic olive groves in the surrounding countryside.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11.5 km (7 miles)

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

This morning, set out on your bike into the picturesque valley of Sparta, once the epicenter of a powerful city-state in ancient Greece. Olive groves and scenic meadows line your route to the town of Sparta and its fascinating Olive Oil Museum. Enjoy a short visit at your leisure before cycling to the famous statue of Leonidas, King of Sparta and legendary leader of the 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE. Return to your resort for a leisurely afternoon, perhaps enjoying a poolside lunch on your own.

Later, shuttle to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras for an energetic walk with your archaeologist guide. This fortified town is one of the most historic treasures of the Peloponnese—once the cultural and artistic capital of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1,000 years before its conquest by the Ottoman army.

This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the village restaurants near your hotel.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Mystras Palace Hotel to Sparta — 28 km (18 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride is mostly easy with a few rolling hills. You’ll cycle primarily on quiet country roads, with a short stretch of city riding through Sparta.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 km (18 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, cycle through the Sparta Valley toward the Peloponnesian coast, skirting the base of the soaring Taygetos Mountains—one of Greece’s highest ranges. Its summit, known as Prophet Elias, is among the oldest recorded mountain peaks in Europe and is even mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Pass through traditional villages before glimpsing the sea and following a scenic coastal road to the charming fishing port of Gytheio. After the morning’s invigorating ride, enjoy lunch on your own at one of the seafront tavernas—perhaps savoring the fresh catch of the day.

Following lunch, travel by motorcoach to the Aegean coast. Your next hotel lies just outside the walls of Monemvasia, a spectacular castle town shaped by Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. Linked to the mainland by a causeway, this rock island—known as the “Gibraltar of the East”—rises 300 feet (91 meters) above the sea and stretches about 1,000 feet (305 meters) wide and half a mile (.8 km) long. The remains of a medieval fortress still crown its summit.

This evening, discover the history of Byzantine cuisine during a special presentation by a local chef. Sample traditional dishes as you enjoy sea breezes from the hotel’s charming outdoor terrace.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Mystras Palace Hotel to Gytheio — 59 km (37 miles)

What to Expect:

Today offers a satisfying workout as you ride a longer distance and gain some elevation before descending to a scenic coastal route. You’ll follow mostly country roads, with occasional traffic in villages and as you coast into Gytheio.

Cumulative Distance Range: 59 km (37 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a typical hearty Greek breakfast on your inn’s lovely terrace before setting out on your morning ride. Your magnificent route traces the eastern coast of the Laconia region, offering spectacular Aegean vistas. Today’s first destination is Limin Gerakas, a stunning port tucked within a unique Greek fjord. The village’s lagoon and wetlands are part of Natura 2000—a vast network of nature preserves across the European Union.

Later, try your hand at catching shrimp with the owner of a local taverna. After the harvest, join your host for a cooking demonstration as he prepares garidopetoules—a traditional savory shrimp pancake—using your catch. Then, enjoy a fresh seafood family-style lunch at a traditional waterfront taverna. Cycle or shuttle back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.

Early this evening, join your trip leaders for a stroll through the walled medieval village of Monemvasia, dramatically perched atop the peninsula’s cliffs. There’ll be time afterward to explore local shops and enjoy dinner on your own in one of the village’s renowned restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Lazareto Hotel to Limin Gerakas — 22 km (14 miles)

Afternoon: Limin Gerakas to Lazareto Hotel — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s scenic ride features rolling hills and stunning sea views. Most of the route follows country roads, with some traffic expected when departing from and returning to Monemvasia.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 – 44 km (14 – 28 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day at sea with a scenic cruise around the massive rock of Monemvasia. During your outing, you may witness the traditional fishing technique of casting nets into the water—a centuries-old way of life still practiced today. This rewarding morning offers breathtaking views of Monemvasia from the water and a glimpse into its maritime heritage.

Back on land, cycle into Laconia’s fertile farmlands, blanketed with olive and orange groves. As you ride through the coastal hills, enjoy sweeping vistas of the Laconian Gulf. You’ll arrive in the small fishing village of Elia in time for lunch on your own. Then continue to your seaside hotel, located within walking distance of the village. Consider treating yourself to a spa treatment or a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounding your resort.

Dinner is included this evening on the hotel’s beautiful seaside terrace; please be sure to make a reservation for your preferred time.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Hotel Lazareto to Alas Resort & Spa — 35 km (22 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s rewarding ride includes some elevation gains as you cycle through the mountains toward the Laconian Gulf. Your route follows country roads, with sections of heavier traffic as you depart Monemvasia and pass through smaller villages. The VBT support vehicle will be available throughout the day for anyone who would like assistance.

Cumulative Distance Range: 35 km (22 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet of locally sourced traditional Greek selections—a delicious and nourishing start to a rewarding day of cycling. Today’s route features invigorating elevation gains that offer sweeping views of the sea and dramatic coastal mountain ranges. Your destination is the port town of Pouda, where you board a local ferry for a short cruise to Elafonisos, one of the most celebrated islands in the southern Peloponnese. Its white-sand Simos Beach is often considered one of the best in Greece—and even the entire Mediterranean. Enjoy leisure time swimming in the crystal-clear waters, basking in the sun, or exploring the island’s charming village for last-minute souvenirs. Lunch is on your own. Later, meet your trip leaders for the return ferry to Pouda, followed by a shuttle back to the hotel.

This evening, gather with your fellow riders and trip leaders to enjoy the setting sun over the Laconian Gulf and reminisce about your week during a festive farewell reception and dinner at your resort.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Alas Resort & Spa to Elafonisos — 50 km (31 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route features the most significant elevation gains of the week. You’ll follow country roads, with some heavier traffic in and around towns. The VBT support vehicle will be available throughout the ride for anyone who would like assistance.

Cumulative Distance Range: 50 km (31 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel with a VBT guide to the Corinth Canal—a 19th-century engineering marvel that connects the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Gulf. This dramatic waterway, carved into bedrock, remains a vital international maritime passage, serving approximately 12,000 ships each year. You’ll have time to admire its grandeur and enjoy lunch before continuing to the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel, located within the Athens International Airport. Your tour concludes here at approximately 4:00 p.m. Departing flights before 7:00 p.m. are not recommended. If you have an earlier flight, you will need to make your own transportation arrangements to Athens from Elia.

Included Meals: Breakfast