Macedonia - 

Travelers who limit themselves to Greece's islands and Southern charms do not know what they are missing. Macedonia is one of Greece's most fascinating regions.  Sandwiched between Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria, the land of Alexander The Great is full of history, holy places and natural beauty. For those keen on understanding some of the most important history of the early Western world, while enjoying Greek hospitality, cuisine and mountain air, this is the place.   

The cycling totals over 400 miles with plenty of climbing, so best to train well for this one in advance. 

Very good rental road bikes are available on this tour at reasonable cost, but you can also bring your own. There are also e-Bikes available.  

Day 1 - Thesalonniki

We meet up on Thessaloniki.  Thessaloniki dates back to 300BC and was the the 2nd largest city (Constantinople was the largest) and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. it sits at the far Northwestern corner of the Aegean Sea. Today it is vibrant city of 1 million people with lots of festivals and cultural attractions.  There are frequent flights from/to Athens as well as a direct train link (3.5 hrs).  It is the heartbeat of Macedonia.

We will meet up in Thessaloniki.  From the US, you will most likely get there through Athens, so, with this tour, there is the option of taking in the amazing things that Athens offers before heading to Thessaloniki. To get to Thessaloniki from Athens you can take a flight or the train, whichever suits you.

Day 2 - Florina

After a night in Thesalonniki, we will transfer by vehicle (1.5 hours) to Edessa where we start our ride. The first day is a relatively short ride of 42 miles. It will be a good warm up for what is to come. Florina is a town of about 20,000 people lying in a wooded valley.  The town motto is "Where Greece Begins". In actuality, it is also about where it ends, because Florina is only about 8 miles from the border with the Republic of North Macedonia. Still it is a good place to start our little adventure in earnest.

Day 3- Kastoria

Kastoria, which lies on the lovely Lake Orestiada and is surrounded by mountains, is considered one of the most picturesque towns in all of Macedonia. The town contains an astounding 70 churches, the earliest of which dates back to the 9th century. The beaver based fur trade flourished here in the 17th century and there are still a lot of furriers in town. Kastoria features a nice 9 kilometer lakeside road which is perfect for a shakedown ride to make sure our bikes are in good riding order. 

Day 4 - Konitsa

We head Southwest, parallel to the Greek-Albania border from which we are never more than 5 to 10 miles away.  We stop overnight in Konitsa, a small town which spills down a hillside. Konitsa serves as a hub for surrounding villages and features shops, schools and a general hospital. It is also popular starting point for exploring the Vikos Gorge, the Aoos Gorge and the Tymfi mountains.   

Day 5 - Tsepelovo

Our route to Tsepelovo takes us through beautiful and rugged territory that not many people ever see.  There is a single grocery store and a single tavern all day.  I expect that we will be stopping at both. The route takes us around Mount Tymfi, a vaulted escarpment in the Vikos-Aoos National Park.  Tsepelovo, the largest of the 46 villages of the Zagori region, is at an elevation of 3,500 feet. It is very traditional town and all the buildings there are made of stone.  All the roofs are stone.  Given the challenging nature of the day's ride, your legs will probably feel like stone. 

Day 6 - Metsovo

Today we head East, away from the Greek-Albanian border and into the heart of Vlach territory.  Vlachs are an ethnic group with proud traditions dating back centuries.  They speak Aromanian, which is a Balkan Romance language. A Romance language takes it's name from the city of Rome and it basically a is derivation of Latin. It's dying out, but now you know. You learn stuff on a bike tour! 

Day 7 - Kalabaka

We continue our cycling further East to Kalambaka.  Kalabaka is the location of the Meteora Monastery, which is probably the most photographed site in all of Macedonia. It's improbable where Monasteries show up.  It reminds me a little of Mount Popa in Myanmar and the Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro. These places are not easy to get to on a bike, but they are not to be missed.  

Day 8 - Neraida

Today we go Southeast a few kilometers before turning North.  Today's ride is a combo of forests and fields. There is still quite a bit of climbing. When we get close to the Haliacman River we largely follow it North. The Haliacman is the longest river contained entirely within Greece. It is 300 kilometers long. Our destination of Neraida is not large with just a few hundred people. However, it will be tough to miss though since it is right at the end of 1,372 meter bridge. 

Day 9 - Veria/ Thesalonniki

Today is a shorter ride at 45 miles.  We will ride North of the Lake and, after it becomes a river again, cross to the other side at about the 13 mile mark. In Veria we will relax a bit before having a short transfer to Thesalonniki, the 2nd most populous city after Athens for our last night and a celebration. The next day, you have the option of staying on to  explore Thesalonniki or the surrounding area more or returning to Athens by plane or train (3.5 hours non-stop).

Included:
9 nites accommodations.
Dinners
Breakfasts
Transport of baggage
Stocked Sag Vehicle

Excluded:
Rental bike, if needed
Airfare
Visas (not needed for US Citizens). Any covid tests required.  Entry to ruins.
Beer, wine, booze
Lunches are excluded. There are many places to stop and eat along the way and food is relatively inexpensive.
Immunizations from your doctor or travel clinic
Airport transfers- easy to arrange - we will give you instructions.