Best of Greece BOG2601
Welcome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization! The group has arrived, and we’ve already gathered at the hotel for our welcome briefing, the motorcycle handover, and our first dinner together. Now, we are all eager to hit the road—especially since the weather forecast for tomorrow is fantastic!
Let’s hit the road! Leaving Athens on a workday is never easy due to the traffic, but fortunately, our hotel was located right near the highway. As soon as we exited, the traffic magically disappeared and we began enjoying the twisty roads along the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth. After a coffee break in a small village and a photo stop overlooking the sea and the rugged coastline, it was time for lunch—where we tasted the first Greek salad of the tour. So delicious! Back on the twisty backroads with almost no traffic, our next stop was the ancient Monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by something even more ancient: the ruins of Delphi. For the Ancient Greeks, this was the "center of the world," a sacred site and home to the famous Oracle of Apollo! From there, it was only a short ride to the hotel. As you can see from the pictures, the weather was awesome... what a fantastic day!
Throttle Through Time: From Spartan Legends to Silent Summits 🏍️ The second day of our motorcycle tour through Greece delivered everything you could hope for: winding mountain roads, dense forests, vast valleys—and a journey straight through history. We set off in the morning from Arachova, nestled at the foot of Parnassus. From the very first kilometers, it felt like riding on purpose-built roads: flowing curves, great grip, and constantly changing views. Our first stop in Amfiklia offered not only excellent coffee but also a glimpse into the slower pace of life in a region that once served as a key link between northern and southern Greece. From there, we descended into the valley toward Thermopylae, site of the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. It was here that Leonidas I and his men stood against the vast army of Xerxes I—a moment that still echoes through history. Today, the setting feels calm, almost understated, yet its significance is unmistakable. Around midday, on our way into the Pindus Mountains, we stopped at a traditional taverna. Alongside fantastic food came a short but spirited debate: do onions belong in a Greek salad or not? No final verdict—but plenty of laughter. As the afternoon unfolded, the landscape grew wilder, the roads narrower, and the riding even more rewarding. Eventually, we reached Lake Plastira, beautifully set within the surrounding mountains—a perfect place to wind down after a full day in the saddle. Our destination for the night, Kalyvia Pezoulas, welcomed us with calm and quiet. Dinner once again highlighted Greek generosity: portions so generous that we ended up taking a doggy bag—later shared with a few cats and a mother dog we came across. Now, sitting by a crackling fireplace in our hotel room, with the cool mountain air outside and a warm glow within, it’s the perfect moment to reflect. Greece is far more than islands and beaches. Venture into the mainland, and you’ll discover a raw, authentic landscape steeped in history—and roads that feel as though they were made for motorcycles.
From Kaliva to Metsovo: it wasn't a long ride today, but it featured one of the biggest highlights of the entire tour: the stunning rocks of Meteora, with monasteries nestled precariously on their peaks. We first stopped at Pyli to admire its impressive stone bridge while sipping coffee, then proceeded toward Meteora via a twisty backroad. We were quite lucky; at one point, the road seemed to have been recently reopened after being washed away by a flood, with repairs still in progress! Once at Meteora, we visited the Monastery of Agios Stefanos, the most accessible one thanks to its bridge (no endless steps for us today!). There was also a surprise waiting: Julia had prepared a delicious picnic with a view! After refueling both ourselves and our bikes, we hit the curvy road to Metsovo. Unfortunately, the road to the Katara Pass was closed, so we had to take the highway for the final few kilometers. Tonight, it's dinner in town: pasta and pizza!
Today was all about the raw beauty of the northern Pindus Mountains, though nature decided to test us! It was raining for much of the day, which made the ride definitely more challenging. The wet asphalt on those winding mountain roads required extra focus and smooth handling, but we were skilled enough! After a short stint on the A2, we explored the beautiful small roads of Zagori, stopping for a coffee and to photograph one of the famous stone bridges. Despite the weather, we reached our main goal: the Vikos Gorge. Relative to its width, it is the deepest gorge in the world! Even with the clouds, the views down to the river 500 m below were breathtaking. This area is one of the wildest in Greece—home to bears, wolves, and lynx. After a good lunch in Monodendri, we were ready to head back. On the way, we stopped for one last photo to admire the beautiful Lake Pamvotida. We arrived back in Metsovo wet but happy!
Our ride today took us from the stunning Pindus Mountains all the way down to the Ionian Sea and onto the island of Lefkada — another perfect reminder of why Greece is such a paradise for motorcycle touring. Not long after leaving Metsovo, the roadsides exploded with colour. Bright red poppies, yellow wildflowers, purple thistles and soft pink flowering bushes — whatever they were — lined the winding roads through the lush landscapes of Epirus. In many places, it felt as though nature was slowly reclaiming the road itself. What must once have been proper two-lane roads have gradually narrowed as flowers and shrubs pushed in from both sides, leaving only a single lane behind. With so little traffic out here, it only adds to the adventure. Along the way we passed countless animals: cows and goats lazily grazing by the roadside, completely unimpressed by the sound of our engines, while tiny geckos darted across the warm asphalt at lightning speed. Even more memorable, though, were the people in the villages. Almost everywhere, locals waved cheerfully as we rolled through — the kind of warmth and hospitality you encounter again and again in Greece. The first major highlight of the day was the Castle of Pente Pigadia. Hidden among green hills, the old fortress ruins feel wonderfully untouched and authentic. You can freely wander through the remains, climb onto the ancient stone walls and look out across the rolling countryside. It is hard to imagine that this peaceful place once held great strategic importance and witnessed conflicts between Ottoman and Greek forces. Later in the day we visited the Aqueduct of Nikopolis, another impressive reminder of the region’s rich history. The massive stone arches of the ancient Roman water system still stretch proudly across the landscape. Surrounded by olive trees and wild herbs, the structure somehow feels both monumental and perfectly at home in nature at the same time. The day also came with a small culinary lesson: In Greece, patience is sometimes part of the dining experience — food is prepared with care and at its own pace. And it is best not to rely too heavily on familiar menu descriptions. A “burger with cheese” turned out to be what we would probably describe as a giant, beautifully seasoned meat patty stuffed generously with feta cheese. Burger buns? Absolutely nowhere to be seen. Delicious? Without question. The closer we got to Lefkada, the more Mediterranean the scenery became. Mountains slowly gave way to olive groves, sea air and small coastal roads. The scent of mediteranian herbs mixed with warm salt air, and after a day full of curves, history and colour, we were finally rewarded with our first view of the shimmering Ionian Sea. Could it get any better? Today’s ride was far more than simply getting from one place to another. It was a journey through history, landscapes and Greek culture — exactly the kind of day that makes you want to jump straight back onto the motorcycle and keep riding. Luckily, that is exactly the plan for tomorrow. But first: into the pool! …although, to be fair, it turned out to be surprisingly cold.
Since nobody had had enough of the daily mileage, we all started with the "special" option: a morning loop around the island of Lefkada. It added an extra 80 km of pure riding joy on some of the twistiest and narrowest streets we've ever encountered! Within just a few kilometers, we climbed to almost 900 meters (approx. 3,000 feet) and found ourselves literally riding in the clouds, before descending to Apollonion for a quick coffee. Afterward, we left the island behind and followed the coastal road south. The views of the Ionian Sea were incredible! We enjoyed lunch in Astakos, a charming seaside town, before crossing the peninsula to reach Etoliko. This unique little town is nestled on an island in the middle of a lagoon, making it the perfect spot for our afternoon coffee break. As we continued, the four massive towers and "harp-like" cables of the Rio-Antirrio Bridge appeared on the horizon. We admired this engineering masterpiece from the north side today, knowing we’ll be crossing it tomorrow! Nafpaktos was just a few kilometers further, and we had plenty of time for a nice walk through the beautiful historic center before dinner.
Today’s journey took us from Nafpaktos across to the Peloponnese, to a very special place: the birthplace of the Olympic Games. And once again, Greece showed us just how incredibly diverse this country is. Even the ride across the impressive Rio–Antirrio Bridge was an experience in itself. High above the Gulf of Corinth, it connects mainland Greece with the Peloponnese — right in one of the most earthquake-prone regions in Europe. Even more fascinating: the gulf expands a little every year, and the bridge was engineered to “grow” along with it. Afterwards, we headed into the mountains. Winding roads, tiny villages, dense forests, and breathtaking views around nearly every corner made today’s ride a true highlight. The landscapes of the Peloponnese impressed all of us deeply. As we admired the scenery passing by, one particular question stayed with us throughout the day — a question Joy had asked during the morning briefing: How could a woman become an Olympic champion when women were not allowed to participate - not even allowed to enter the stadium during the ancient Games? The group discussed, guessed, and came up with increasingly wild theories along the way. Shortly before arriving at the hotel, Peg finally solved the mystery: in chariot racing, it was not the driver who was declared the winner, but the owner of the horses. And that is how the Spartan woman Kyniska became the first female Olympic champion in history. After arriving in Olympia, there was still enough time for a refreshing jump into the cool pool before meeting our guide Nikos, who led us through the ancient ruins of Archaeological Site of Olympia. Standing among these ancient stones, right where the Olympic Games began almost 3,000 years ago, feels truly special. Suddenly, history no longer seems distant — it becomes real. Another beautiful day comes to an end: full of curves, history, and unforgettable landscapes.
“What was your highlight of the day?” was the question at dinner. “Lunch!” – “Lunch!” – “Lunch!” came flying in from three different corners of the table. Then a short pause. “The roads were beautiful!” “The weather was perfect!” “We had a phenomenal van driver who managed to get Cindy an awesome magnet.” “… the gorge after the fuel stop in Sparta!” So yes — a lot happened today. But let’s start from the beginning. After a breakfast buffet at Hotel Europa that left absolutely nothing to be desired, we set off towards our first coffee stop in the mountain village of Langadia. The road there took us along fantastic mountain roads and through wonderfully wild backcountry landscapes. After a well-deserved break, we continued on to one of the day’s many highlights. More stunning mountain roads carried us through nature and countless charming little villages toward Megalopoli. Just beyond the city, we suddenly turned left … and people started wondering where on earth we had ended up. Some suspected Joy might finally have taken a wrong turn. But no. Hidden somewhere in the middle of nowhere was Deppi’s wonderful restaurant. The table in the garden had already been prepared for us, and barely had we sat down before she started covering it with one dish after another: toasted bread, Greek salad, moussaka, eggplant cream, tzatziki, huge mixed meat platters, bifteki, sausages, and grilled zucchini. We feasted like young gods while Deppi entertained us with one funny story after another. Her laughter was absolutely contagious. Completely stuffed and very happy, we continued on, rolling through the valley toward Sparta. There, our thirsty two-wheeled companions were quickly refueled — because this was a long riding day! We covered well over 300 kilometers today, most of them through the mountains. After the fuel stop, things became truly spectacular. We climbed higher and higher onto the Langada Pass. What impressed us most was the ride through the Langada Gorge. Here, the road had literally been carved into massive rock walls. To our right, the land dropped steeply into the depths below, while enormous cliffs towered beside and above us. A real goosebumps moment. After conquering the Langada Pass, we had definitely earned a coffee break. And where better to enjoy it than right by the sea, with a beautiful view of the motorcycles parked in front of the crashing waves? But even then, the day still wasn’t over. After the coffee — or, well… iced tea and Coke Zero — one final breathtaking road awaited us, heading south toward the second finger of the Peloponnese. With the sea constantly on our right-hand side, we enjoyed the last incredible roads of the day as they twisted and curled through the rugged landscape. Back at the hotel, our super tour guide — and today’s dream-fulfilling van driver — Domenico was already waiting for us with the room keys. And that balcony view… It’s almost impossible to put into words. You simply had to see it for yourself. … Did I forget something? Of course. Once again, there was an incredible dinner waiting for us. You’re probably noticing a pattern by now: starving in Greece is practically impossible. And tonight, dessert wasn’t just mille-feuille — it also came with a glowing red sunset.
After a breakfast with a wonderful view, it was tough to leave our beautiful hotel in Areopolis! But the ride was worth the effort: wonderful roads and stunning vistas all around. Our first stop was the Diros Caves, where we took a boat ride to explore this subterranean wonder of Nature. We then continued to the southern tip of the Mani Peninsula for a coffee break by the beach. We were "lucky" enough to be there just as an excavator was performing beach maintenance—certainly interesting to watch, but definitely loud! Having reached one of the southernmost points of continental Europe, we turned back north. A fantastic twisty road took us to Valtaki Beach for lunch, where we admired one of the Peloponnese's most famous man-made landmarks: the haunting shipwreck of the "Dimitrios." Back in the saddle, we crossed into the next "finger" of the Peloponnese. After a final break in the small village of Archangelos, we hit the narrow, scenic roads leading to our destination: a wonderful hotel overlooking Monemvasia, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights!
Today offered many options, and we chose the perfect balance of riding and relaxation. We started with a short morning loop through the beautiful, curvy roads of the peninsula. Along the way, we stopped for a pleasant coffee break in Neapoli, before hitting the "rollercoaster" roads again on our way back to the hotel. We were back by lunchtime, spending the afternoon in pure "vacation mode" by the pool, soaking up the glorious Greek weather. Later, we headed into Monemvasia for a walk through this spectacular village. Nestled by the sea and still completely enclosed by its ancient medieval walls, it feels like stepping back in time. We capped off the evening with dinner at a restaurant with an amazing view... and, of course, a delicious gelato before returning to the hotel. Another great day!
Another long, spectacular ride lay ahead of us today: countless curves on narrow, scenic roads slicing along the coast and climbing high through the mountains. Sounds good, doesn't it? Leaving Agios Stefanos, we headed north through narrow winding roads until we reached the secluded village of Kyparissi, where we stopped for a coffee right by the sea. This is where one of Greece’s most breathtaking coastal roads begins—a 20-kilometer winding masterpiece that hugged the cliffs all the way to Fokiano, with almost no traffic at all! Once back in the mountains, we stopped for another break to stretch our legs. After countless curves (what a beautiful ride!), we came around a bend and spotted the incredible Elona Monastery, which clings precariously high up on a vertical red rock wall. After everyone whipped out their cameras to capture the sight, we treated ourselves to a delicious picnic prepared by Julia, right there in the majestic "shade" of the monastery! Talk about a dining spot with a view! Afterward, the road snaked its way back down to the coast, leading us all the way to our final destination for the day: Tolo with its beautiful beach!
Where did the time go? With mixed emotions, we gathered for our final morning briefing. There was excitement for one last adventurous day — and disbelief that it was already supposed to be our last. The morning welcomed us with another unbelievably beautiful mountain road. Every single day, the views of rolling hills and the sparkling sea had managed to take our breath away all over again. After about an hour of pure riding joy, we arrived at the Container Café. Not only did they know how to make truly excellent coffee, but their cookies were also an absolute delight. Well fueled and caffeinated, we continued toward the highlight of the day: the Theatre of Epidaurus. The ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is considered one of the best-preserved theaters of antiquity and was built as early as the 4th century BC. It is especially famous for its incredible acoustics — even in the very top rows, every word spoken on stage can still be heard clearly. The theater once seated around 14,000 spectators and was part of the sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing. To this day, ancient dramas and concerts are still performed here during the summer months, giving the place a truly magical atmosphere. Surrounded by green hills, Epidaurus combines architecture, history, and nature in a unique and unforgettable way. Of course, we couldn’t resist testing the acoustics ourselves, so we climbed the ancient stone steps all the way to the top rows together. Afterwards, we had more than earned a delicious lunch at Pavlos, right by the sea. We enjoyed Greek specialties such as fresh fish, moussaka, Greek salad, and by now very familiar “burgers” — without the buns, of course. As we continued our ride, light rain began to fall. We quickly learned that wet roads in Greece can become surprisingly slippery. Luckily, all guests arrived safe and sound at the hotel in Athens. The bikes were returned, and later we gathered one final time for our farewell dinner at the stylish rooftop restaurant of the hotel. Outside, the rain was still falling — almost as if even the gods of Greece were sad to see us leave the next day. It became an evening filled with laughter, stories, and beautiful memories from the past two weeks. Everyone shared their personal highlights of the tour: The food — especially at Deppi´s. The breathtaking views and ever-changing landscapes. Joy being a badass showing the guys how to fix a bike. Our restday in Monemvasia, visiting the upper town. The company — our group truly was a dream team. And the perfect group size. But perhaps the greatest souvenir of all was a sentence Cindy taught us, one that quickly spread through the group and made the whole tour even more enjoyable: YOU BE YOU. And honestly, that spirit of lightness and openness is something we will all take home with us and continue to spread. Thank you to the entire team for these unforgettable two weeks!