Arrive at Kalamata airport, where our team will welcome you and transfer you to the luxurious Elysian Luxury Hotel & Spa, your home for the week. Take time to settle in and unwind as our mechanics prepare your bike.

Ease into the adventure with a relaxed shakeout ride, offering both a climbing and non-climbing option. Both routes hug the stunning coastline, providing magnificent views of Kalamata and a first taste of the local roads. 

Back at the hotel, take part in an Inner Works session, setting your intentions for the week ahead and connecting with your fellow adventurers. In the evening, enjoy welcome drinks and a gourmet dinner in the elegant Elysian dining room as the perfect close to your first day.

Ride Profile: 27km and 160m climbing

Today, venture into the agricultural heartland of the Messenia region with two flatter ride options. Pedal along peaceful minor roads that follow mountain-fed waterways through fertile valleys renowned for producing some of the world’s finest olives.

The longer route includes a gentle climb, offering a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy elevated views as you leave the valley behind. This day is all about immersing yourself in Messenia’s landscapes and its rich agricultural heritage, setting the tone for the adventures to come.

Ride Profile: 120km / 800m or 52km / 200m

Today’s routes take you to Ancient Messini, the cultural jewel of the region and a stunning relic of early Greek civilisation. Choose between a shorter, easier route or a longer, more challenging one. Both start from the coast and climb gently inland, offering majestic views of the ruins as the roads contour the hills.

Riding through welcoming villages and past the iconic Arcadian Gate, both routes peak at 400m, blending gentle climbs with well-surfaced roads framed by cypress trees. The routes meet for a lunch stop at a charming taverna featuring a stunning outdoor terrace, where you can savour traditional Greek cuisine while enjoying glorious views across the valley and Ancient Messini. 

This day combines history, breathtaking scenery, and authentic Greek hospitality, offering a perfect balance of culture and exploration.

Ride Profile: 104km / 1250m or 70km / 600m

Head into the dramatic Taygetos mountains for a true flavour of the region’s rugged terrain. Starting from the coast, both routes feature switch-back climbs with stunning views back towards the Gulf of Messenia. The dry, rocky landscape, dotted with hardy shrubs, offers a stark contrast to the lush agricultural valleys explored earlier in the week.

Enjoy a well-earned lunch at a taverna perched at altitude, where riders from both routes come together to refuel and take in the breathtaking scenery. The shorter route provides an accessible introduction to the mountainous terrain, while the longer option challenges riders with an additional 1000m of climbing.

This area is steeped in history, with the Taygetos mountains once forming a natural defence for Ancient Sparta, protecting the region from invaders. Cycling these roads offers not only stunning views but a connection to this historic landscape.

Ride Profile: 115km / 2250m or 80km / 1500m

Embark on the longest day in the saddle, exploring the western peninsula’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural gems. Both routes aim for a lunch stop in the historic coastal town of Pylos, offering riders a chance to relax and refuel.

The shorter route follows a scenic coastal path west before heading through shaded forested hills on quiet, well-surfaced roads to reach Pylos. Meanwhile, the longer route ventures north to revisit the ancient sites around Messini, crossing a stunning col to the peninsula’s west coast before descending south to Pylos for lunch.

After lunch, riders on the longer route can take an additional rolling loop to the south, offering more spectacular views, before rejoining the shorter route for the return to the hotel. Nearby, the iconic horseshoe-shaped Voidokilia Beach adds to the allure of the region, its turquoise waters and golden sands offering a perfect post-ride destination for reflection and relaxation.

This day combines epic riding, cultural landmarks, and the stunning natural beauty of one of Greece’s most captivating coastal areas.

Ride Profile: 162km / 2200m or 100km / 1400m

Today’s routes showcase two distinct experiences while converging for a shared lunch stop in the hills west of Kalamata. These hills, where the sun sets each evening, offer a final chance to explore the region’s stunning diversity.

The shorter route provides a gentle recovery ride, covering 55km through a mix of conurbations and agricultural land. These roads reflect the region’s vibrant contrasts, blending the modern and ancient worlds in perfect harmony. After winding into the hills, the route concludes at the picturesque lunch stop.

For those seeking more challenge, the longer route ventures deeper into the lush, rolling countryside, with quiet, well-surfaced roads accumulating over 1400m of climbing. The landscape here offers a stark contrast to the arid slopes of the Taygetos, presenting a greener, softer side of the region.

Fun fact: The hills west of Kalamata have been a vital part of Messenia’s history, serving as a natural vantage point for trade and defence throughout ancient times. Riding these routes is a journey through the layers of a land where the past and present coexist seamlessly.

Ride Profile: 128km / 1400m or 55km / 450m

Climbing takes centre stage on the final day of the Tour, with two short yet punchy routes showcasing the stunning landscapes east and south of Kalamata.

The shorter route features a lollipop-style loop, providing high-altitude views of the breathtaking coastline before returning to Kalamata on superb tarmac for a celebratory lunch. This ride offers a rewarding climb and descent, perfect for those seeking a satisfying end to their week.

For those craving more, the longer route is all about elevation. Tackle four challenging climbs near Kalamata, offering over 1000m more climbing than the shorter option. Each ascent delivers jaw-dropping views, and there may even be a Strava segment to conquer! The flexible design allows riders to customise their experience—taking on as many climbs as they wish, with lunch as an optional reward.

Ride Profile: 83km / 2400m or 64km / 1300m

After an unforgettable week of exploration, Day 8 is all about a relaxed and unhurried farewell. Take the morning to pack up, enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Gulf of Messenia, and reflect on the adventures shared. With plenty of time to check out and prepare for your journey home, this peaceful send-off ensures you leave feeling refreshed and inspired.