FAQs
CYCLING TRIPS
How many cyclists are in each group?
We like to keep our maximum group size to 16. Epidavros is a special place and we are not going to ruin it by hosting hoards of cyclists. We work with the locals so that our trips work best for everyone.
Can I book as a group or for my cycling club?
Yes, we can book out a week for one entire group.
Can I bring a non-riding family or friend?
Yes! See all our outdoor activities, if they wish to participate in any.
How do the visits to classic sites work?
We will stop off to see the highlights of each site.
For ease, all entrance fees and guides for the historical sights we visit, Epidaurus Amphitheatre, Olympia, Ancient Nemea, a vineyard tour, etc can be paid by your guide and re-charged at the end of the week.
We encourage riders to use SPD pedals/cleats on their cycling shoes, to make off-bike walking and visits as easy and comfortable as possible.
Your bikes will be safely looked after by the entrances of each site you visit.
THE RIDING
Will I be fit enough?
We cater for all abilities, although it is hilly inland around here. We would advise that cyclists are at very least commuting regularly or regular weekend cyclists. For maximum enjoyment, we recommend less regular cyclists hire an e-bike.
There are four various routes out of Epidavros and we choose routes based on the ability of the group. Stronger riders can go ahead and meet at the next coffee stop. No one will be left behind - but also no one will be stopped from pushing themselves to their chosen limits!
Our very best rides start at 80km and 900m of climbing.
Riding here is for all levels of cyclists, from those who race and want a hard training week, including 1,000’s of metres of climbing, to those who just want to enjoy the very best cycling, with coffee stops at ancient Greek sites and beach cafes!. We aim to ride in groups but we can provide self-guided and guided personalised itineraries, depending on what you would like to achieve and your level of fitness.
Do I need a GPS computer?
Ideally yes, an on-bike computer, such as a Garmin or Wahoo will be useful for loading up and following the daily routes.
We do intend to cycle together and the ride leader will know the route well.
The roadbook you are provided with after booking will also contain details of your routes. No one will get lost :)
Do you provide energy gels/powders/bars?
We don’t, as we have found riders have their own particular favourites. We are though big supporters of using real food - bananas, Greek pastries and general cuisine for on-bike replenishment, and we stop for coffee and lunch stops where there is a good choice from local cafes, bakeries and shops.
You can of course bring your own on-bike supplies.
Will there be coffee and lunch stops?
YES! We pride ourselves on finding the very best coffee and lunch stops possible on every ride.
How does the vehicle support and guiding work on the tour weeks?
We do intend to cycle together, with Chris, the ride leader. We only provide a support vehicle when the group require one. If some riders feel stronger or are struggling during the day, we can split into two groups.
How much spending money do I need?
Budget around £10 per day for on-bike replenishment and £20 for evening dinner and drinks.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Can I have a single room?
Yes, you can book a single room. Please note and pay the supplement when booking.
On occasion, riders may find themselves in a single room by default, when there is no one further to share with.
What is the food like?
It’s no secret that the Mediterranean diet is recognised as one of the world’s healthiest - plenty of fresh, local, seasonal produce and olive oil. And on your trip, it will be in abundance.
From the morning buffet breakfast of toast, cereals, fruit and pastries with local yoghurt and honey, to daily stops for coffee with gyros pitas, saganaki (fried cheese), tiropita (cheese pie), spanakopita (spinach pie) and cake to evening meze, souvlaki and fresh fish.
Greece is at the forefront of the global coffee revolution, so you can enjoy everything from an original strong Greek coffee to anything from the modern coffee shop menu. It’s an espresso macchiato for us.
Note, that hummus and halloumi are actually Greek/Cypriot favourites so not as freely available as you might expect!
Vegetarian dishes (and any specific dietary requirements flagged in advance) will also be available.
Can you cater for my specific dietary requirements?
Yes, as long as you note them when booking, we can cater for all requirements.
Is there a laundry?
We aim to arrange a laundry kit wash for one night during the middle of each week. We recommend you have a minimum of two jerseys, bib shorts and socks for each week.
Do you have wi-fi?
Yes, although occasionally ten riders simultaneously going online and uploading their daily photos can cause a short-lived Wi-Fi crash
BRINGING MY BIKE
Should I have my bike serviced before coming?
Yes, please. This will help reduce to a minimum any chance of bike problems during your week. Please check your tyres, cables, chain and cassette to see if any need replacing prior to arrival.
We recommend Continental 4-season tyres and for you to also bring a spare rear derailleur hanger.
How do I get my bicycle to Greece?
Most airlines will carry a bicycle in a bike box or bag to Athens. Check on costs, it is often cheaper to travel with an airline that carries bicycles for free than a cheaper airline that charges to carry the bicycle.
You often also need to separately inform the airline that you are bringing the bicycle to make sure room (and weight) is allowed for.
It is easy to pack down a bike (you need to do very little these days) and we can help you make it ride-ready when you arrive.
I personally use a cardboard box that I get free from bike shops. A box that has had a new bike delivered in, but is now no longer needed.
You can also fit in much of your cycle clothing, shoes and helmet in the bike box with your bicycle.
Will you transport my bike box/bag on the trip?
Once your bike is ready to ride, your bike box/bag will be safely stored until you are ready to leave.
Do I need to bring lights?
Although we don’t plan to ride in the dark, please bring, just in case they are required. Anywhere in the world, it is good to have a backlight on for most of the day.
Can someone help me put my bike together on arrival?
Yes, as above.
HIRING A BIKE
Can I hire a bike? What do you have available?
Yes, we have bikes for hire should you not be able to bring your own or would like to try something different.
Our hire bikes do have to come from Athens or Nafplio so there is a delivery/collection charge.
When is the latest I can book a hire bike?
One month before the start date of your trip is the latest we can guarantee having all choices of hire bicycle available still. After that, there may be some models already being hired.
What pedals come with the hire bikes?
Please bring your own pedals from your own bike (to fit onto the hire bike), along with your cycle shoes and helmet. We recommend SPD pedals so that it is easy to walk around during stops.
CHARITY CHALLENGES
We provide and manage both a one-day cycling challenge and our six-day ‘Lap of the Gods’ cycling trip, as ideal fundraising challenges for charities and their supporters. These are tough, unique and eye-catching, both for potential fundraisers to want to participate in and for their contacts to be interested in sponsoring them to achieve.
We have a passion and vast experience in charity fundraising, Chris has worked as a director at some of the UK’s largest charities and our aim is to deliver your supporters safe and memorable experiences and maximise publicity, engagement, fundraising and create new lifelong supporters for charities.
Contact us to discuss your requirements
THE PELOPONNESE AND GREECE
Do many local Greeks also speak English?
Yes, English is widely spoken.
How is cycling in Greece?
Mostly perfect. There are great road surfaces and considerate drivers. There will of course be times when we need to cross busier roads and towns and you should always remain aware of potholes and gravel.
All routes have been carefully planned to use the quietest, most scenic roads at all times.
What is the weather likely to be?
Breakaway trips take place in the Spring and Autumn when the tourists are at home but the sun is out, although the Peloponnese sees far less tourism than the traditional island destinations.
The Peloponnese has a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Most of the year we enjoy clear blue skies, bright sun and warm temperatures, with only the very occasional rain shower in early Spring and late Autumn.
Average high temperature/hours of sunlight.
Spring
March - 17º / 12 hours.
April - 21º / 13 hours
May - 26º / 14 hours
June - 32º / 14.5 hours
Autumn
September - 29º / 12.5 hours
October - 23º / 11.5 hours
TRANSFERS - ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Can you arrange my flights?
We can’t we’re afraid. Most cities have many airlines that offer flights directly to Athens and it is fairly straight-forward to book
Can I arrive earlier or leave later?
Yes, please let us know and we can provide an itinerary that works for you.
Which airport should I fly to?
Athens International Airport is ideal. Although there is also an international airport at Kalamata.
Will you be able to collect or deliver us from/to the airport?
As riders arrive at different times, we ask that you make your own way to the hotel. Please see ‘Getting here and away’.
Option 1
Each 2-4 guests rent a car at Athens airport (Avance and Budget rent-a-car are generally cheapest).
In a mixed week (cyclists & non-cyclists) ideally a non-cyclist is able to drive it to the three destinations that everyone can meet at during the week. If bringing your own bike in soft bag, this can also fit into the car.
There is also bike bag storage possible at the airport.
This option obviously gives each person most flexibility during their stay.
Option 2
We can arrange to pick up individuals or a group in a minibus and carry all people and bikes and transport everyone during the week.
A quote for this can be provided on request.
Option 3
Take the direct train from the airport to Corinth (one-hour journey). This is forty minutes drive from the property and you can take a taxi or we can pick you up from there.
A quote can be provided on request.
Option 4
There is a twice-daily coach from the central Athens bus station, to and from Epidavros.
The latest schedules and information are available on request.
BOOKING
How do I book?
You can fill out the form on this site and pay the deposit to confirm your booking.
What deposit is required and when?
20% of your total is required to confirm your booking.
When is the balance required?
Your 80% balance is required no less than six weeks prior to the start of your tour.
What happens after I book?
Four weeks before your break, each rider will receive a ‘roadbook’, containing everything they need to know about the route and itinerary and everything they may wish to know about the historical sites we visit.
You will also receive a suggested packing list.
What do I do if I need to cancel?
Please contact us immediately to inform us.
If you cancel over three months prior to your tour you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel from three months to six weeks before the tour, you will receive an 80% refund.
Cancel within six weeks of your tour you will receive a 25% refund.
Do I need to have valid travel insurance?
Yes, all riders require comprehensive insurance cover for international cycling trips.
All riders please note
All riders are required to sign a Breakaway waiver form, along with the booking agreement.
Relevant, travel Insurance for international cycling, is required for all our trips. Your insurance must cover you for medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air rescue services where relevant).
All riders must wear a helmet whilst participating in Breakway trips.
ANYTHING ELSE?
Please contact us directly.