RIDE THE ODYSSEY
An epic cycling journey over mountains, along coastlines and across islands -from the Corinth Canal to Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus.
EVERY GREAT ADVENTURE BEGINS WITH THE DECISION TO SET OUT
You begin beside the Corinth Canal, with a bicycle, a route and Ithaca waiting beyond the mountains and across the sea.
You’ll ride through the kingdom of Mycenae, climb into the high Peloponnese, descend to Ancient Olympia and follow the road west until the mainland runs out.
Then the island-hopping begins: Zakynthos, Kefalonia and, finally, Ithaca—the legendary home of Odysseus.
Expect long climbs, exhilarating descents, ferry crossings, harbour swims and stories shared around taverna tables.
This isn’t simply a ride through Greece. It is a journey with a beginning, a destination and everything that happens along the way.
This is your Odyssey.
A JOURNEY ACROSS AN ENTIRE GREEK WORLD
ANCIENT KINGDOMS Ride through Mycenae, Ancient Olympia and landscapes at the heart of some of the world’s greatest stories.
MOUNTAINS AND HIGH COUNTRY Climb through the wild central Peloponnese and its beautiful stone-built mountain villages.
THREE GREEK ISLANDS Cross the Ionian Sea and ride through Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Ithaca.
A REAL DESTINATION This isn’t a collection of circular rides. Every day carries you closer to the legendary island at the journey’s end.
ARRIVAL DAY – CORINTH. Arrive in Athens and travel to the Corinth Canal for the start
DAY 1 - CORINTH TO MYCENAE AND NEMEA. The kingdom of Mycenae and the Nemea wine region. (78 km min)
DAY 2 - NEMEA TO VYTINA. Into the high country and ski resorts of the Peloponnese (90km min)
DAY 3 - VYTINA TO ANCIENT OLYMPIA. Explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games. (80km min)
DAY 4 - ANCIENT OLYMPIA TO KYLLINI. We weave through the western hills towards the Ionian Sea. (75km min)
DAY 5 - ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND. A morning ferry carries us to Zakynthos, our legs carry us across it. (65km min)
YOUR ODYSSEY
DAY 6 - KEFALONIA ISLAND. Another morning ferry to cross an island of mountains, forests, white beaches and expansive sea views. (80km min)
DAY 7 - ITHACA ISLAND. Morning ferry before riding the amazing Ithaca, Odysseus' home. (50km min)
DAY 8 – KEFALONIA ISLAND. We cycle the alternate route back around Kefalonia to the port on the south side. (40km min)
DAY 9 – FERRY & CYCLE TO AKRATA. Morning ferry to the city of Patras and a ride down south along the coastline. (60km min)
DAY 10. – AKRATA – CORINTH CANAL. A relaxing final day back to our start point overlooking the Corinth Canal. (80km min)
DAY 11 – RETURN HOME. Morning transfer by train or minibus to Athens, with your Odyssey medal!
THE DESTINATION MATTERS. BUT SO DOES EVERYTHING ALONG THE WAY.
This is a point-to-point adventure, but reaching the next hotel is never the day’s only purpose. There is time for coffee in mountain squares, ancient places, ferry decks, sea swims and lunches overlooking the water.
Ride hard when the road invites you to. Slow down when Greece gives you a reason to stop. Your luggage travels ahead. The stories travel with you.
IS THIS WEEK FOR ME?
The Odyssey is for regular, experienced cyclists who are comfortable riding on consecutive days and enjoy long, rewarding climbs.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
10 nights in carefully selected, family-run hotels
Daily luggage transfers
Two route options on most riding days
The Odyssey finisher’s medal
Locally sourced breakfast
Water, snacks, post-ride refreshment
Pre-trip support and road book.
All on-trip guidance, advice and suppor
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Airport transfer (we can arrange)
Travel insurance
Lunch and evening meals
Bike hire - available separately
Ferry tickets where applicable
Entrance fees to archaeological sites
Optional non-cycling activities.
A DIFFERENT GREEK HOME EACH EVENING
Our independent hotels are chosen for their character, welcome and location. Some sit in mountain villages; others overlook the sea or place you within an evening stroll of the harbour.
Expect comfortable rooms, locally sourced breakfasts and the pleasure of arriving somewhere new—with your luggage already waiting.
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
“A most wonderful Odyssey - passing ancient sites and beautiful towns, and eating some great food along the way.” PAUL S. (London)
“This ride was in paradise, no rush, no time constraints and a friendly, helpful Greek around every corner. Thanks, Chris & Helen.” MERYL (MELBOURNE)
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