Greece Motorcycle Tour – a motorbike adventure in the realm of the Greek Gods, ancient sites and amazing motorbike roads. In the summer time the temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. This makes riding a motorbike a bit uncomfortable. This is why we chose autumn for this adventure.
Late September comes with temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius and the great motorbike roads of Greece.
The adventure starts in northern Greece in Thessaloniki (Salonika), a charming city on the shore of Thermaic Golf. The group is formed by 11 riders on 8 motorbikes. Furthermore, the tour includes 1 support car that transports the luggage and a spare motorbike.
Evenings in Thessaloniki are busy. The terraces are full of people ready to have fun. The restaurants offer live Greek music and the flavours of Greece.
The start of a new adventure – Greece Motorcycle Tour
Dinner with Greek live show was a treat. The group emerged in the Greek culture by tasting traditional food and dancing greek folk dances.
A leisure day starts riding along the Olympian Bay to Mount Olympus, the highest in Greece, reaching up to 2918 m in altitude.
Because of the high altitude the summit is covered in snow from November until May.
The ride on Olympus Mountain offers great views over the coastal line and the summer resorts.
Olympus Riviera
The road snakes up through the forest offering some great riding and amazing photo opportunities. A short section of gravel road takes the rider to the mountain base. A small restaurant offers refreshing drinks, just what it isneeded after a walk up to the mountain.
At the foot of this majestic mountain lies one of the oldest Oracles in Greece, the Oracle of Dione. In times unforgotten, Alexander the Great used to come here to reach advice. After a short ride the adventurers arrive in Platamonas. Accommodation is right on the sea side offering an amazing sunrise. Waking up in the morning with this view can charge one’s batteries for a long time.
The ride continues on Kato Olympus Mountain with a series of hair pin curves and ends at Meteora. Built on top of high cliffs in the region of Kalampaka, the complex of monasteries offers amazing view.
The road of Kalampaka uncovers monasteries and rocks full of hermit caves.
Some wooden ladders and ropes reach the small caves in the rocks where hermits used to live. The city of Lamia offers a roof over the head and a greek traditional dinner.
The Hot Gates – Thermopylae and the 300 Spartans on this Greece Motorcycle Tour Adventure
The city of Lamia borderes the Hot Gates, Thermopylae. Here, in ancient times 300 spartan soldiers lead in the battle by King Leonidas stood against thousands of Persians. They managed to keep the gates protected for three days. They fell in the end heroically.
Today you can see the statue of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans on the place of the great battle.
Right across the street is the Kolonos Hill. Here is a memorial plaque – a modern re-creation of Go Tell the Spartans epitaph. Close by is the monument of the 700 Thespians. They have fought side by side with the Spartans in this epic battle.
Parnassus Mountain and the Oracle
The ride continues on a winding road to the foot of Parnassus Mountain. Here, the Oracle of Delphi lives on for the passionate traveller. As a result, they search the place where prophecies were made.
Important kings and commoners as well would travel long distances to ask questions. They would hear the prophecies of the God Apollo trough the mouth of Pythia – the virgin oracle.
Explore the capital city – Athens
The capital city – Athens is next. Being the cradle of civilization, the riders spend 2 days in this magnificent city. Cobbled streets give it a unique charm. In their free time the riders visit its most precious treasuries. The city of Athens offers its best. First of all they visit the Acropolis. Finally, they stop by the Acropolis Museum for a visit. Most noteworthy is the fact that even the underground metro stations are designed as museums. Some artifacts found while digging the metro passageways are displayed here.
Corinth Chanel
Back on the steel horses riding on the shores of the Aegean Sea to Corinth ancient site. Crossing Corinth Canal is a great experience. Watching the submersible bridge making way for big ships to cross the narrow canal is a treat.
The ride on the northern Peloponnese offers amazing views on the Ionian Sea, Corinth Gulf.
The accommodation is a reward: on the sea side overlooking Rio – Antirrio Cable stayed bridge.
Rio – Antirrio Bridge
Crossing the bridge was a challenge. The wind blows heavy and the motorbikes are not easy to control on such conditions. The ride prooved to be great fun, one of the highlights of the trip. The bridge makes the connection between Peloponnese region and mainland Greece.
The beautiful Island of Lefkada with its wild nature and great motorbike labyrinth roads is next.
Cape Lefkas, the southernmost point of the Island offers amazing views. The legend says that ancient poetese Sapho, allegedly committed suicide hurling herself from the rock at Cape Lefkas.
Overnight in Vassiliki at a cozy hotel right at the seaside, already dreaming of what is yet to be discovered.
Live like a Pasha in Ioannina
Heading north towards Ioannina on sinuous roads with a stop in the city of Arta. Arta is famous for its medieval castle ruins and the Bridge of Arta. The bridge today is a 17-century ottoman construction made of stones. The dramatic legend of building the stone bridge with human sacrifice is told to this day.
East of Ioannina is Tzoumerka National Park, Peristeri & Arachtos Gorges – a wild and beautiful mountainous region hiding great treasures. A rare collection of hairpin curves has attracted the riders in this region. Built right in the walls of the mountain rock, Kipina Monastery offers an insight to monastic life. The adventure closes to its end as the riders are cutting the edge of Pindus National Park towards Thessaloniki.
A stop at Edessa for a tasty traditional gyros and a visit to the highest waterfall in Greece is a must. Heading to Thessaloniki, the road passes by the city of Pella. The history buffs know this place as the birthplace of Alexander the Great.
Pella – home of Alexander the Great
Pella welcomes its guests with a statue of Alexander the Great on his horse at the entrance. The museum offers little on Alexander the Great, but totally worth a visit. The famous marble head of Alexander, dating 4th century BC is here on display. The ride finishes in Thessaloniki with a traditional Greek dinner. Greek beer and live Greek music can not be missed. And the Greeks never get tired of playing their bouzouki.
Recommendations:
Duration of the tour: 11 days
Riding days: 9 days
Total distance: Approximately 2200 km/ 1368 miles
Shortest ride – 4h15min
Longest ride – 6h40 min
Skill level: intermediate
Lodging type: Very good quality Hotels (3* and 4*)
The tour includes rides on paved roads as well as on a small sections of gravel roads.
Another recommendation is to take this ride during spring or autumn.
The temperatures will be favorable and visiting the attractions out of summer season will give the visitors more space avoiding the crowds.
The 2020 edition of Greece motorbike tour will start on September 15 and is now on sale with a generous Early Booking Discount.
The riders can find out more about the tour by clicking here
Contact details:
Adventure Motorcycle Tours – Transylvania Live is specialized in motorcycle tours in Romania and in Eastern Europe. The company operates the tours and rental services using BMW motorcycle models: BMW R 1200 GS, BMW F 800 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW G 650 GS.
The staff is very friendly and motorcycle enthusiasts, open to answer all of your questions and to offer you recommendations.
For more details contact:
Adventure Motorcycle Tours – Transylvania Live
Find out more about Greece Motorcycle Tour
office@motorcycle-tours.travel
0040-264-313112, 0040-726-253356
USA, Canada – Toll-free: 866 376 6183
UK – Free-line: 0 808 101 6781
Ride safe and enjoy the adventure!