5 independent reviews for Laconia biking vacation in Greece
Reviews for Laconia biking vacation in Greece
Barbara Myers review 26 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The variety of routes was a big plus. Really enjoyed the varied scenery so that it wasn't the same the whole time. Tons of orange groves, olive trees, little towns, vistas, climbs, descents, and lots of different things to look at on every ride. The wildflowers during our trip in April were incredible and profuse in nature. Stunning to look at as we cycled along. Each town we stayed in overnight was a delight to explore with tasty seafood to dine on in the evening.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The climbing, ascents, might be bigger than expected. Pack your own gear kit for putting under the bicycle seat if renting a road bike. Luckily we had two people on hybrid bikes so those items could be put into the pannier provided. Pack your own first aid kit as the one provide had outdated plasters inside. Be sure to bring anti-histamine as one of us got a bee sting in the mouth while riding through the orange groves. Bring your own water bottle for the bike as none are provided.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The local people enjoyed our visits to their coffee shops and bakeries. A few places opened just for us. Being on bicycles left no carbon footprint (other than the transport of our luggage, and the transport to and from the start/stop places which were organized in vans to make as few trips as possible! ). Nice to be there in the "off" season, and, other than our brightly colored jackets and noise from our shouts of joy, we left nothing in our wake.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall, a wonderful vacation. I would rate the cycling difficulty as medium, and with some of the climbs we had, not easy by any means. The rental bikes could have been better. The road bikes were not cleaned or inspected, or cleaned very well prior to our arrival. The chains, cassettes were dirty and one of the tires had a slit in it which eventually caused a flat along the way. One of the bikes needed the spokes trued before setting out on the first day. One bike had a 11-25 cassette instead of the 11-34 as stated on the website. That made climbing quite difficult for the one person. I asked for an upgrade to the provided road bikes, but the operator was unable to provide for that. For some of us who are avid road cyclists, it would be a nice option to have better quality bikes available for the people wanting them. Provide them at a different rental price, but at least to have that option available. The hybrid bikes were stated to be Trek, and instead they were a Breezer" brand. They were brand new, but had problems with the fenders. The breakfasts provided by the hotels were really good, with good variety of both hot and cold items. Hotels had decent rooms, with great views from our balconies.Amber Rosenthal review 6 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Laconia coastal bike tour was such a fantastic way to really see the country and feel like you've lived a bit of it. Our tour operator was great - met us at the airport with the bikes and dropped us off at the first hotel (fantastic car journey over the mountain rode between Kalamata and Sparta). Bikes were just what was needed for the slightly rough terrain in parts (perfectly smooth, virtually empty tarmac roads in others) - good and sturdy with bike stands so you could hop and off anywhere to take photos (there were a lot of photo stops - it was all so beautiful!), or scrump oranges (we had the best oranges we have ever tasted just picked up off the floor). We travelled during Easter 2016, perfect temperature for cycling during the day, the scent of hot olives and orange blossom greeting us as we meandered through little back roads and dirt tracks we would never have thought of taking if we'd been finding our own route (just turn on the GPS and follow the route - took us right to the hotel door each day)! Every hotel was expecting us and had somewhere for us to put the bikes. We smiled and waved at all the people we passed in the villages we went through and they all smiled back (cycle touring still probably quite unusual in Greece). Even had the odd thumbs up from the cars passing us, and no problems at all with car drivers so we never felt unsafe (not like cycling at home in the UK). Good mixture of seeing a few towns - Monemvasia was definitely worth spending a good afternoon/ evening wandering around - and quiet time out in the countryside, with a bit of beach thrown in for good measure. Just the right amount of easy cycling so you cover some ground and the odd challenging hill section to make you feel like you had achieved something, or for the keen hill climbers in your group (we had one keen on hills and one not so keen). Greek food is lovely and was pretty cheap, as was the very nice local rose wine. Probably is the best vacation we've ever had!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you want to reduce your environmental impact why not carry your own luggage rather than get it taken from place to place for you? We only had carry on bags for the flight so hired paniers from our tour operator and just carried our stuff. I would still get the lift up out of Neopoli though unless you are a very keen hill climber! Easter was a great day-time temperature for cycling in shorts and t shirts (while all the locals are still in winter coats etc) but it was cool in the evening so needed to cover up then. Can get quite hot in the middle of the day - we were often cycling through olive or orange groves so this wasn't a problem but if you are doing the cycle from Elia on the coastal route you may want to avoid cycling back up to the main road in the early afternoon - the dirt track heats up in the sun, there's no shade and it's quite a long hill climb so in the afternoon heat it was a bit of a challenge (you do get to do some amazing free wheeling down the other-side afterwards to compensate though). Carry a reasonable amount of water but we usually found somewhere to refill on the journey - several of the villages have fountains that you cycle past. Don't forget to charge the GPS every night just in case - we were often out for a long time on our link days because we kept stopping for coffee or photos or at the beach etc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In terms of environment - because we carried our own bags we had less impact than if we'd driven around, or had the bags driven. We took our own water bottles so we didn't buy any plastic bottles (they got through check in ok - we separated the lids and filled them with socks etc though you may not want to do this if you wouldn't be prepared to give the bottle up if they didn't like it), though of course you could just keep re-filling a bottle once bought. In terms of overall impact - our custom was well spread around smaller hotels/ restaurants/ cafes at a time when everything was pretty quiet so hopefully some welcome economic stimulus in what are difficult financial times for Greece, and any money we did spend was going to the local community rather than any big touristy companies. It definitely felt like the kind of tourism that respects the place you are visiting and has a positive rather than negative impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really fantastic - cycle touring is a great way to see a place, mainland Greece is a fabulous destination and our tour operator gave us great service.martin mitchell review 11 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had a fantastic vacation although weather was not the best, the cycling was great and accommodation also very good. We amended the last 2 days cycling as simply to short, we cycled all the way around the island on the new road and then across the island as well, the last day we cycled the whole way from the hotel , it was hilly but not to bad , the hardest day was still the first day. The Sat Nav was brilliant and bikes very good with no problems, the locals where all vey friendly and hosts very good. Journeys all went well and a great vacation had by all. Thank you for a great experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The distances on the last 2 days can be extended and are worth it or the biking is a bit short, as usual get some biking done before going.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The trip would of certainly benefited the local people who were very friendly and great hosts, environmental impact not sure as a flight to Athens the 3 hours in a mini bus.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great vacation, wonderful accommodation with sea views, would highly recommend, this was our eleventh biking trip around Europe, we go same time each year, the first week in May, the group (seven mates) have rated this in the top three.Hilary Thomas review 8 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nothing particularly stands out - all good2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The Garmin device is OK providing you stay on track but does not show other roads - detailed maps would be a useful addition. Take a slip on gel saddle cover if you're not wearing cycling shorts.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes re local people, reduced environmental Impact - probably not. No evidence of supporting conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good fun - relatively strenuous at times even for regular commuter cyclists. People were very friendly and helpful - we felt we were well off the beaten tourist track at times. Scenery impressive. Accommodation always good but Kavos Hostel at Elia was very pleasant.Andrew Wallace review 27 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I recently completed the Discover Peloponnese cycling tour in Messinia. It was a fantastic trip and this question took some thought -- quite a few memorable and exciting aspects within the six days of cycling in some beautiful and historic locales. If I had to highlight one part, my choice would be the day I cycled from Petalidi, on the Gulf of Messini, south to the town of Koroni with its charming waterfront and impressive Venetian castle. The course then took me back inland over a range of mountains and through several small towns. The cycling became quite steep at this point, but the views of the Gulf of Messini and the surrounding area were fantastic. The day ended with a steep descent down the mountain to the Mediterranean and the beautiful beach town of Finikounda - a perfect place to end the day, and a magnificent sunset made it complete.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This trip is ideal for someone who is comfortable on bike, in good shape, and comfortable with different types of cycling - some long straightaways on the road, but also some significant mountain roads - as you would expect in Greece, also a good deal of off-road, but not technical, riding next to the coast and through olive groves made this trip a unique experience. The one other tip I can give is to try to get as early a start each day as you can. The cycling averages 23 miles a day and there is a lot to stop and see along the way!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
One of the nicest aspects of the trip was that there was always a clean, accessible and pleasant hotel at the end of each day. The hotels were locally run - in some cases, family run - and very hospitable.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Everything about the trip was excellent. The operator has done meticulous research to map out the cycling routes and provides directions that are informative and easy to follow. The equipment provided - the bike and the GPS - were top notch. This trip would appeal most to an active person, with a strong interest in history and an interest in seeing a magnificent part of Greece that is somewhat off the tourist track, though hardly isolated or forgotten.Holiday Reviews
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