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Spring Spin: Greek Easter in the Peloponnese

April 1st to April 14th

Ride Coordinator: Rosa Katz
Report by: Gail Husson

Wow! Stunning scenery, perfect temps, lessons about history and culture, sampling delectable cuisine – that summarizes this tour!  Rosa Katz contracted with Greek Cycle Holidays, a relatively new tour company, owned by Steven with additional support from his son Phillip and our wonderful tour guide Tassos. Aside from being a great rider, Tassos educated us about Greek history, culture and food!

 We had a special treat at the start of the tour in Loutraki, visiting the warm mineral baths followed by a short massage! And the seafood dinner that night was one of my favorites.

After riding to Epidaurus for a two-night stay, we had a loop ride to the ancient theater of Epidaurus, where we had a fantastic tour of the old amphitheater with perfect acoustics and the surrounding grounds. Turns out that this was home to the God of medicine, Asclepius, where people came to be healed.

Our next stop was the island of Poros, accessed by a short ferry ride. We enjoyed spectacular sunsets from the balconies of our hotel overlooking the sea. During our dinners, we had the opportunity to sample Ouzos – the traditional Greek liquor, with an anise flavor.

On to Ermioni, we delighted in the coastal views with wildflowers appearing as a carpet of gold as we descended to the sea. On the following rest day, we took a ferry to the island of Hydra, where there was no shortage of shopping opportunities and eateries. The highlight was a visit to Leonard Cohen’s home which took a bit of navigating and walking up many steps to find.

Riding to Nafplio, was a bit of a challenge, with 46 miles and 3635 ft. of climbing, but we rewarded ourselves with lunch and gelato from Italy! Nafplio was the original capital of Greece, and a fortress still stands above the city. Here we got to sample some local olive oils at our happy hour spot.

The ride to our final destination, Leonido, was perhaps my favorite, riding high along the cliffs with stunning views of the turquoise waters below. Leonido is famous for being a “climbing destination” with huge red rock mountains that border the town.

Our accommodations were in an old mansion, from the early 1800’s, complete with thick stone walls. We arrived on Good Friday, preceding the Easter holiday, which is very important in Greek culture, and participated in a candlelit procession.

An optional ride took us up to a monastery built high upon a sheer rock face – quite striking when if first comes into view! It looks as though it’s glued onto the mountain.

On Saturday night, We had a late dinner so that we could stay up for the lantern lighting celebration at midnight. In front of the church, hundreds of paper lanterns, like hot air ballons, are lit and sent up into the sky creating the illusion of stars in the distance. It was a unique experience; one I will always remember.

Our last day took us on an optional ride into the Parnon mountains – with breath taking hairpin turns on the decent.

In addition to all of the great riding, this tour was a culinary treat as well. The owner, Steven, was formerly a chef, so he provided a wonderful sampling of traditional Greek foods, beers and wines.  All meals were served family style, which allowed us to try a bit of everything!

Thanks to Rosa for organizing a great tour.

Photo: Ferry to Hydra with Margie, Rosa, Olivia, Kathy & Ed.