10-day cycling vacation to northern Greece
In Greece, you keep discovering
from
€ 949,-
pp
- Griekenland
- 10 days
- Individueel
- Fietsvakantie
- Bagagevervoer
From
€ 949,-
pp
- Lake Vegoritida
- The renowned winery Alpha Estates
- The caves of the 'dragon'
- The Meteora monasteries
- Thessaloniki
- Griekenland
- 10 days
- Individueel
- Fietsvakantie
- Bagagevervoer
Want to book this trip go to:
- Lake Vegoritida
- The renowned winery Alpha Estates
- The caves of the 'dragon'
- The Meteora monasteries
- Thessaloniki
- Griekenland
- 10 days
- Individueel
- Fietsvakantie
- Bagagevervoer
Want to book this trip go to:
- Lake Vegoritida
- The renowned winery Alpha Estates
- The caves of the 'dragon'
- The Meteora monasteries
- Thessaloniki
History and nature wrapped up in a Greek cycling adventure
On the first route you will cycle through the historic town of Bitola across the border into Greece. Bitola was an important trading town in the Ottoman period and was considered the economic center of the Balkans. The first overnight stay in Greece takes place in the charming town of Florina, located in the foothills of the Pelister Mountains.
History and nature wrapped up in a Greek cycling adventure
On the first route you will cycle through the historic town of Bitola across the border into Greece. Bitola was an important trading town in the Ottoman period and was considered the economic center of the Balkans. The first overnight stay in Greece takes place in the charming town of Florina, located in the foothills of the Pelister Mountains.
Day to day
After arriving at Ohrid airport, a 1.5-hour transfer follows to the first hotel in Bitola . Bitola is a lively (historic) city and was known as the trading city of the Balkans until the beginning of the last century. The Ottoman rule of the past is still well reflected in the streetscape: the Ottoman architecture, the cobblestones in the shopping street and Bitola’s bazaar.
During the first bike ride and pass the border with Greece. Florina is the capital of the Florina department and is located on the Sakoulevas River, amidst forests at an altitude of 700 meters. A visit to the hotel’s rooftop terrace for a drink is highly recommended.
You will cycle north today to a cluster of lakes, the largest of which is Lake Vegoritida. The lakes are interconnected by a variety of canals and tunnels. Lake Vegoritida is a haven for rare birds and is a protected nature reserve. The first 25 km are almost flat before the road gradually begins to rise to an altitude of 950 meters. Then you will descend through a region said to be among the four best wine regions in the world. This is due to the location of the wine region. The last part of this ride you will cycle along the lake to today’s final destination . A visit to the renowned winery Alpha Estates is included in the group tour.
You will depart southwest today for one of the longest rides of this cycling vacation. The first section is almost flat and takes you through the village of Amindeo and along Lake Chimaditida, a stopping place for pelicans, among others. After 30 km comes a not too difficult climb of over 10 km. Arriving at the top, a beautiful panorama unfolds over the valley with Lake Kastoria in the distance. After a long descent, you will reach the historic town of Kastoria, also your overnight location for the next two days.
Kastoria is a nice old town with plenty to do. It lies partly on a peninsula amid a large lake surrounded by sycamores. While driving across the peninsula, you will pass the caves of the “dragon” (Spileo tou Drakou). This cave system several lakes, is an absolute attraction. Kastoria is characterized by many beautiful mansions and Byzantine monuments.
Today you will cycle south to Grevena. The special composition of the earth in this area lends itself perfectly to the cultivation of legumes, such as lentils and beans. After about 25 km, the landscape begins to become significantly more hilly and the route continues through one of Greece’s most important natural areas. Wolves and brown bears are still observed in the higher elevations of this area. The route continues through an undulating landscape past streams and villages with short climbs presenting themselves at a rapid pace, before reaching the provincial town of Grevena.
You can get ready for the highlight of this cycling vacation: Meteora! The views are beautiful me a vast landscape and in the distance circling birds of prey.
This crazy area on the banks of the Pindos River is characterized by the monasteries built on high rocky pillars. Once this Thessalian plain was an inland sea, and centuries of wind and water erosion have given these rock formations their specific and difficult to negotiate appearance. The overnight location for the next two days is literally next to these rock formations and waking up to this view is a sight to behold!
Lovers for a final bike ride are presented with a scenic course overlooking limestone rock formations topped by impressive monasteries. People began building these monasteries in the 11th century. Using ropes and ladders, the building materials were lifted to the top, real monk’s work! This area also lends itself to great hiking.
After breakfast follows the transfer to your final destination of Thessaloniki. The city named after Alexander the Great’s sister. A city of culture, history, architecture and last but not least, fantastic food!
Ladadika used to be a neighborhood of commerce. Today it is home to many traditional restaurants. The old buildings have been refurbished in the original old style and are now the center of nightlife. In short, a wonderful setting to end your cycling vacation.
Day to day
After arriving at Ohrid airport, a 1.5-hour transfer follows to the first hotel in Bitola . Bitola is a lively (historic) city and was known as the trading city of the Balkans until the beginning of the last century. The Ottoman rule of the past is still well reflected in the streetscape: the Ottoman architecture, the cobblestones in the shopping street and Bitola’s bazaar.
During the first bike ride and pass the border with Greece. Florina is the capital of the Florina department and is located on the Sakoulevas River, amidst forests at an altitude of 700 meters. A visit to the hotel’s rooftop terrace for a drink is highly recommended.
You will cycle north today to a cluster of lakes, the largest of which is Lake Vegoritida. The lakes are interconnected by a variety of canals and tunnels. Lake Vegoritida is a haven for rare birds and is a protected nature reserve. The first 25 km are almost flat before the road gradually begins to rise to an altitude of 950 meters. Then you will descend through a region said to be among the four best wine regions in the world. This is due to the location of the wine region. The last part of this ride you will cycle along the lake to today’s final destination . A visit to the renowned winery Alpha Estates is included in the group tour.
You will depart southwest today for one of the longest rides of this cycling vacation. The first section is almost flat and takes you through the village of Amindeo and along Lake Chimaditida, a stopping place for pelicans, among others. After 30 km comes a not too difficult climb of over 10 km. Arriving at the top, a beautiful panorama unfolds over the valley with Lake Kastoria in the distance. After a long descent, you will reach the historic town of Kastoria, also your overnight location for the next two days.
Kastoria is a nice old town with plenty to do. It lies partly on a peninsula amid a large lake surrounded by sycamores. While driving across the peninsula, you will pass the caves of the “dragon” (Spileo tou Drakou). This cave system several lakes, is an absolute attraction. Kastoria is characterized by many beautiful mansions and Byzantine monuments.
Today you will cycle south to Grevena. The special composition of the earth in this area lends itself perfectly to the cultivation of legumes, such as lentils and beans. After about 25 km, the landscape begins to become significantly more hilly and the route continues through one of Greece’s most important natural areas. Wolves and brown bears are still observed in the higher elevations of this area. The route continues through an undulating landscape past streams and villages with short climbs presenting themselves at a rapid pace, before reaching the provincial town of Grevena.
You can get ready for the highlight of this cycling vacation: Meteora! The views are beautiful me a vast landscape and in the distance circling birds of prey.
This crazy area on the banks of the Pindos River is characterized by the monasteries built on high rocky pillars. Once this Thessalian plain was an inland sea, and centuries of wind and water erosion have given these rock formations their specific and difficult to negotiate appearance. The overnight location for the next two days is literally next to these rock formations and waking up to this view is a sight to behold!
Lovers for a final bike ride are presented with a scenic course overlooking limestone rock formations topped by impressive monasteries. People began building these monasteries in the 11th century. Using ropes and ladders, the building materials were lifted to the top, real monk’s work! This area also lends itself to great hiking.
After breakfast follows the transfer to your final destination of Thessaloniki. The city named after Alexander the Great’s sister. A city of culture, history, architecture and last but not least, fantastic food!
Ladadika used to be a neighborhood of commerce. Today it is home to many traditional restaurants. The old buildings have been refurbished in the original old style and are now the center of nightlife. In short, a wonderful setting to end your cycling vacation.
Roadmap
Date and prices
Prices per person and based on a minimum number of 2 people.
| Individual trip (GPS), lodging and breakfast. | |
| From | € 949,- |
| Luggage transport | € 175,- |
| Seasonal supplement June 1 - September 15 | € 69,- |
| Single supplement | € 250,- |
| Airport transfer (Ohrid Airport - hotel) | € 25,- |
| Airport transfer Skopje airport-Ohrid (max 4 people) | € 215,- |
Travel Information
- 9 hotel nights with breakfast
- Tour and wine tasting Alpha Estates
- 7 challenging bike rides
- Bicycle routes in GPS format
- Transfer to Thessaloniki on day 9
- Airline tickets
- Airport transfers
- luggage transfers
- bicycle rental
- Helmet
- GPS navigation
- Travel, cancellation and bike insurance
- Contribution Guarantee Fund VZR Garant € 7.50 per person
- Contribution Calamity Fund €2.50 per booking
| Trekking bike | € 115,- |
| E-bike | € 225,- |
| Helmet | € 15,- |
General information
On the first route you will cycle through the historic town of Bitola across the border into Greece. Bitola was an important trading town in the Ottoman period and was considered the economic center of the Balkans. The first overnight stay in Greece takes place in the charming town of Florina, located in the foothills of the Pelister Mountains.
On the way to the lake area near Agios Panteleimon, you will pass one of the four best wine regions in the world. The route towards Kastoria then takes you past several natural areas that are home to rare bird species.
Grevena is located in the middle of pristine countryside and is surrounded by rivers, waterfalls and vast, ancient forests.
Meteora is the absolute crowning achievement of the trip: one of the most impressive monumental landscapes in the world and without a doubt the highlight of this cycling vacation. The spectacular rock formations crowned by ancient monasteries create an almost surreal spectacle.
The trip ends in style with an overnight stay in the lively Greek port city of Thessaloniki.
