Small-Group Bike Tour of Athens and Riviera

We received a message the same morning that the bike ride was maintained. Once there we learned, after an hour and several messages sent (because the phone number we had did not answer), that the bike trip had been canceled the day before. We were not notified and we were not offered the bike ride at another time. So I wouldn't recommend.

Had a wonderful introduction to Athens with Konstantinos. Only me on the group tour in the off season so it was very private. Props to Konstantinos for going ahead anyway as it would have been all too easy to decide to cancel (and other tour operators did, or reschedule for other excursions I had planned). I really got my bearings for the first day in the city. Good pace for cycling even though my guide copped out 🙂 by taking an electric today. 28km route and not too many hills. No problems with traffic - most on cycle routes with a bit of road crossing, and even when we took to the road on the return journey for a change of scenery being as there was only the two of us. I'd had a bit of a wander around the tourist centre of Athens on my arrival the previous evening, but Konstantinos took me through Athens stopping briefly at various points to show me e.g. examples of particular architecture, and gave me lots of information about the Acropolis and advice on visiting. You'd think this might be a uphill struggle on a push bike, but no issues with the planned route (and only one heavier section on our off-piste return). After looking at the historical centre, we headed down a deliberately planned cycling throughfare towards the coast. We parked up and had a look at views over Athens from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) which while wonderful in itself, and offers a toilet stop was useful to me later in the week when I find myself in the area with a cancelled cruise with another operator, so took the opportunity to return and view the exhibits inside. We continued down the coast. There was the opportunity for a dip in the sea, but somehow Konstantinos didn't seem to keen to lead the way... in late November.🥶 After passing Kalamaki marina, we turned tail to retrace our steps for a bit before stopping for a coffee at a cafe on the coast. I discussed my plans for the week and got great advice on what would be worthwhile, what might be OTT (I took on board that visiting the Corinth Canal was too far for a solo day trip and it needed to be combined with visiting something else to be worthwhile). There was some jovial 'sales pitch' for other trips Active Holidays in Greece could offer, but it being low-season this wasn't plausible cost wise for a solo trip. Had there been any other shared trips planned for later in the week I may well have been tempted to join. With just the two of us and now used to each others we decided to head back on (quieter) roads rather than the cycle path and see more of the city. I got a wonderful personal tour throughout and confidence that I would be okay hiring a bike later in the week if I wanted (I didn't get round to it in Greece, but did visit Aegina and hire one there although the roads were much quieter so I wasn't too concerned). This was a great tour run by a small business. Research ahead of time showed what looked like a 'back street' shop/office on Google Street View. This worried me a little in terms of finding the right place in the morning but it was 10 minutes walk from my hotel and typical of Greece. Konstantinos was most welcoming and shared his time generously. I wouldn't hesitate to book other trips with Active Holidays in Greece where I in the vicinity again.

A wonderful and memorable ride with Kostos! The ride was easy, safe, and full of historical references. The views are stunning along the route and was a great introduction to both the city center and the coast. Kostos is a warm and personable guide and went out of his way to answer questions and show me items that most tourists likely don’t encounter. Highly recommend!