New itinerary for 2025! 

This tour starts and finishes at the Corinth Canal – the gateway between Northern Greece and the Pelopennese. Private shuttle from/to Athens Airport is provided.

Suggested Flights:

• Arrives Athens, Greece Saturday 3rd May
  • Ryanair departs Dublin 05:45
  • Aer Lingus departs Dublin 05.55am
• Depart Athens, Greece Friday 16th May
  • Ryanair no direct flights until the 17th May 
  • Aer Lingus departs Athens 12.55pm 
• Private shuttle from / to Athens Airport is provided. 

Itinerary *Subject to change. 

No part of mainland Greece is more than 150km from the sea!

Highlights include:

• Ancient Olympia ; inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century BC, Olympia became a center for the worship of Zeus. The Altis – the sanctuary to the gods – has one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. In addition to temples, there are the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 BC
• Peloponnese Region ; Great  archaeological sites, amazing  castles , natural beauty in the form of mountains, forests, rivers and caves surrounded by the sea, beautiful beaches (sandy and smooth on the west coast – rocky on the east) make this part of Greece ideal for motorcycle touring .
• Magnificent Pindus Mountain Range & National Park ; The biggest mountain range of Greece, stretching from the Greek-Albanian borders (NW) to the northern Peloponnese (SE). It is roughly 160 km long and is considered the backbone of mainland Greece.
• Stunning Coastal Routes
• Gorges & Canyons galore 
• Twisty mountain passes
• The Corinth Canal;   An important navigational route which once allowed ships to enter the Aegean Sea. Dug through the isthmus at sea level, the canal is 6.4 kilometers long with a width of only 25 meters and took apporx. 12 years to construct. Impossible for modern ships to go through, the canal has now lost any significant economic importance it once had.
• Greek Cuisine
  • Greek food spreads its culinary influence throughout Europe and beyond. It is known as some of the best food in the world! With an age old tradition, Greek cuisine has been greatly influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures. With each subsequent invasion and settlement came culinary influences – from the Romans, Venetians, Balkans, Turks, Slavs, and even the English – and many Greek foods have names with origins in those cultures, most notably the Ottoman Empire.

Nafpaktos is regarded as one of the most picturesque and romantic spots in the Greek hinterland, combining natural beauty with significant historical importance. Nestled in the shadow of the mountains of South Central Greece, Nafpaktos offers an idyllic setting. For those looking for a bit of adventure, a climb to the Venetian Castle provides stunning views over Nafpaktos and the Corinthian Gulf. 

Nafpaktos to Karpenissi

Leaving our base and the coast behind, we travel north along winding roads through gorges and into the mountains, which will serve as our backdrop for the next four days. Karpenissi is one of Greece’s hidden gems, nestled in the embrace of its pine-covered slopes and snow-capped peaks. This remote and mountainous region is only a three-hour drive from the sandy beaches on either coast and from Athens. Alpine peaks rise over 6,000 feet, interspersed with ravines, rivers, meadows, waterfalls, lakes, dense forests, Byzantine monasteries, and charming traditional villages. Designated by UNESCO as one of Europe’s cleanest areas, this vast natural park offers a variety of activities—white-water rafting in the Trikeriotis and Tavropos rivers, canyoning in Vothonas, skiing and paragliding in Velouchi, as well as riding, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, trekking in the Pantavrechi ravine, trout fishing in the Karpenissiotis river, shrimping along the Acarnania coast, and even truffle hunting. Karpenissi truly has it all, but most importantly, it offers excellent motorcycling opportunities.

Karpenisi to Meteora

Today’s route takes us further north, circling the man-made wonder of Lake Plastiras—an artificial lake that blends beautifully with nature, surrounded by charming rural villages, fir forests, and the majestic Agrafa mountain range. Our destination is the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora, home to one of the largest and most significant complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece. 

Meteora to Monodendri

Today is dedicated to exploring Pindus National Park, offering fantastic routes that wind through and around the park. No trip to Northern Greece would be complete without visiting Metsovo—a charming alpine village located on the edge of the Pindus National Park, making it an ideal spot for lunch! This evening, we’ll arrive at the entrance to the Vikos Gorge, which begins just 600 meters past Monodendri village and stands as a true natural monument. Stretching over 30 km (Tselepovo to Kleidonia), its depth varies, but it is considered the world’s deepest canyon relative to its width. In Monodendri, it reaches its narrowest point at 600 meters, while in Vikos village, it expands to 1,200 meters (more than 1,300 meters in the eastern section and around 1,100 meters in the west). At its deepest point, the gorge spans approximately 2,200 meters in width. Due to its geological isolation and lack of human presence, Vikos Gorge is home to rare plant and flower species endemic to Epirus, along with over 110 bird species, 19 species of reptiles and amphibians, and many rare butterfly species.

Monodendri to Lefkada Island

Southward bound for the first time on this tour we traverse the Tzoumerka mountain region, the wildest and most remote mountainous area in the country that is passable by paved roads. In the afternoon we find the Ionian sea on our right and travel along the quiet coastal roads to Lefkada Island and beach paradise.

Lefkada to Vytina

Traveling further south we reach the Gulf of Corinth and the gateway to the Pelopennese region.Today we cross the Gulf of Corinth by ferry (as opposed to a boring bridge) and immersing ourselves in the Pelopennese we travel leisurely cross country through the Vouraikos Gorge and some remote mountainous regions to Vytina – a strategic base for the next 2 nights.

Vytina rest day (optional rideout to Olympia)

Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, which were celebrated every four years by the Greeks. Olympia is situated in a valley in Elis, in western Peloponnisos (Peloponnesus), through which runs the Alpheus River. It’d be a shame to visit Greece and not visit Olympia and if Olympia doesn’t excite you then the roads to and from certainly will!

Vytina to Areopoli

Over the years we’ve compiled an absolutely spectacular zig-zag route central Pelopennese. It takes us along some of our favorite roads through beautiful gorges and never ending twisties with the odd traditional restuarant serving hearty food. 

Areopoli to Monemvasia

On the menu today is a loop of the Mani Peninsula, passing nearby the southernmost point of mainland Greece, and the 2nd most southern point of continental Europe.Our destination today is easily one of the most impressive places in Greece. Located on the south eastern side of Peloponnese, Monemvasia was entirely carved on the back of an island in medieval times. The village is not visible from the mainland which allowed locals avoid enemy attacks. Originally the only way to reach Monemvasia was by boat but is now connected by a short causeway. At first glimpse you’ll understand why it’s commonly referred to the ‘Gibraltar of the East’ and more importantly why it’s our favorite destination in Greece.

Monemvasia Rest Day (optional rideout)

A walk around the Castle Town is a journey to the past, while the sea view from the castle top is breath-taking. An opportunity to soak up the beauty of Monemvasia and get lost in its labyrinth of cobble alley ways or perhaps some local exploration to the likes of Elafonisos Island with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

Monevasia to Corinth Canal

Leaving Monemvasia behind us we cross the Oros Paronas, the greatest mountain range of Peloponnese. Mount Parnon extends along the east side of the peninsula, separating the Laconian plain from the Argolic Gulf and ending at Cape Maléa in the southeast. About 86% of its area consists of forests – mostly black pine, cephalonian firs, oaks, maples and chestnut trees- and grasslands, while the rest is cultivated land. The protected forest of Juniperus drupaceae- a species of the cedar family- close to Malevi monastery is the only one of its kind in Europe. The range is also home to 113 rare plants, including 16 locally endemic ones, as well as one of the few remaining populations of jackals in the country. As we travel north we prepare to leave the Pelopennese but not without a visit to the Great Theater of Epidaurus which is defined as the most beautiful and best preserved of all ancient theatres. We will also have to opportunity for a photo stop at the Corinth Canal. A fitting end to the day!

Corinth Canal to Athens

Today’s ride is short and intentionally so as we arrive in Athens at lunch time with the afternoon set aside for an optional guided tour of the Acropolis and/or open top bus tour of the Ancient city of Athens, home to the Greek Civilization for more than 4,000 years. Our local guides, Anna & Dimitris, are a wealth of information and certain to keep your attention. A must do when in Athens.

Athens to Nafpaktos

It’s time to leave the hustle and bustle behind as we head north and west along the northern coast of the Corinthian Gulf to our destination in Nafpaktos. Along the way, we have the option to visit the Temple of Apollo at the archaeological site of Delphi, which was once considered the center of the known world—where heaven and earth intersected and where humanity felt closest to the divine.

By the end of this tour, you’ll find yourself, like us, enchanted by Greece, and it will exceed your expectations. The combination of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, along with the less-traveled Balkan countries to the north, likely contributes to this beautiful nation being overlooked by motorcyclists from Central Europe, resulting in less publicity in the motorcycle touring scene. While this may be a drawback for Greece’s tourism industry, it benefits the few motorcyclists who do visit, as they often have the roads to themselves.

We will be providing a more detailed itinerary on arrival to include hotel info and GPS co-ordinates. Please note that this is an outline route and perhaps subject to change.

Included:

• Return transport of your motorcycle from our base in Gorey, Co. Wexford to Greece
• B&B accommodation in quality 3 – 5 star hotels.
• 6 evening meals
• Tour guide(s)
• Detailed route maps / itinerary etc. allowing some self-guiding if preferred.
• Ferries across Corinth and Euboean Gulfs

Not Included

• Any travel costs to get to the start and from the finish point for the tour.
• Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (covering matters such as medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to property)
• Motorcycle insurance cover, motorcycle breakdown cover or recovery costs
• Entrance fees to sights and parks, optional local excursions or local activities, (except where stated)
• Lunches or snacks (except where stated). Any meals whilst on board ferries. Evening meals on rest/optional ride out days.
• Personal spending money, tips, souvenirs or other extras.
• Personal documentation (eg visas, passport), vaccinations, personal taxes, border crossing fees, motorcycle documentation
• Costs of motorcycle repair (parts, labor or other related costs), tyres
• Fuel, oil & other motorcycle consumables
• Toll road fees, traffic fines or other charges relating to breach of the law
• Any other item not specifically included in the price.

Hotels

As with all our guided tours we carefully select very good standard 3 to 5* hotels. Over the years we have built up a vast selection of tried and tested hotels around the world and we select hotels for their character and service rather than just on their star rating. Hotel standards vary all over the world and a 4* in Africa or South America is not always the same as in Europe. In some more remote locations, we may use equivalent 3* hotels or the best available in the area, which could be a more family run establishment, with local character.

Pre trip we provide you with Tour Specific Information that gives you detailed information about how to prepare and plan your tour, and what to expect when on tour. These are a few FAQs that many people have. If you have any further queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

What bike is suitable to bring?
Generally speaking we recommend adventure or touring style motorcycles as the most suitable. However, sports, sport-touring and cruiser motorcycles may also be suitable subject to you being comfortable riding it for the distance and duration of the tour and that it has been properly prepared and adequately serviced with good tyres.

What riding experience do I need?
Generally speaking we recommend all participants to be experienced tourers in Europe and/or beyond. Obviously, some destinations are easier than others, as classified by our difficulty ratings, and should you have concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. It is your responsibility to ensure your motorcycling skills are up to the requirements for this tour. Obviously advanced riding skills increase enjoyment factor and reduce risk.

Do I have to ride in a group?
No!  We do not make you ride in convoy and we offer you the freedom to decide how you would like to ride. However, we find most people prefer to ride with the group without the need to navigate. We use either the ‘drop off’ or ‘buddy’ systems when group riding (depending on country and complexity of navigation); these are tried and tested systems of group riding and allow riders to ride at their own pace. Full details are provided at pre-trip briefings. Daily departure times are set every evening for the following morning depending on the days route and points of interest. If you prefer to ride on your own, we provide you with a map and route cards with recommendations for lunch or coffee stops and hotel information. We offer a very flexible approach with an emphasis on maximum enjoyment.

Is this ride suitable for a passenger?
Yes. Pillion passengers should be experienced tourers / travellers. 

What is the average group size?
Our groups are normally between 8 – 14 riders (some riders will have passengers). Most riders are from the Ireland, but we do also have overseas riders who may take part.

What documents do I need?
You will need your original documents as follows: 

• Passport and Driving Licence.  Passengers only need their passport.  As a general rule, passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the tour; however, this may be shorter in some European countries. 
• If you are bringing your own motorcycle, you will also need your motorcycle registration document (RF101 / log book) and your motorcycle insurance.
• In addition, you must have valid travel/medical insurance.
• Visas as required Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them.

What will the weather be like?

Depending on season / time of year we will advise expected weather conditions in the pre-trip information and also suggest the most suitable gear based on our experience. It is imperative that tour participants have suitably adequate gear. Please note our tour calendar is carefully planned taking into account the most suitable seasons / local weather for the destination. However, as much as we would like, we cannot always guarantee the best weather. Particularly considering the un-predictable climates the world has been experiencing.

What about my health when I am abroad?
You need to be physically fit and healthy and also take the necessary health precautions.  It is essential for you to consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date medical travel information prior of travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Please ensure that you are fully aware of all official travel advice, local customs, current affairs, travel requirements and medical/travel advice. Please check with your GP regarding recommended inoculations. 

Do I need Travel / Medical Insurance?
It is a condition of you travelling with us that you are adequately insured.  Your insurance policy must cover you for the costs of any medical expenses, medical treatment or repatriation needed, due to injury or illness on this trip, including those that occur whilst motorcycle touring, either as the rider or a passenger.  It is important that your insurance company understands that the main purpose of your trip is motorcycle touring, using your own large capacity cc motorcycle or a rental motorcycle.  Your insurance must cover you for the full duration of the trip and for all countries we travel through.

In addition, we strongly recommend that your insurance policy has cover for loss or damage to your personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation and curtailment. We do not refund your deposit simply because you failed to take out insurance in sufficient time. Some travel insurance policies do not cover motorcycle travel over a certain cc or for a prolonged duration.

Minimum Numbers
We require a minimum number of 8 riders on this tour.  If we do not have this number of bookings, then we reserve the right to cancel the tour.

Preparation for Shipping (if applicable)

• All rider/pillion gear including boots and helmets should be packed into a kit/sports bag and labelled with the owners name, bike make/model and registration. One kit bag permitted per person.
  • Please note loose items or items tied onto the motorcycle will not be transported.
  • Bin liners, rubbish bags, cardboard / plastic boxes etc are not acceptable.
• Motorcycles should be in a clean and presentable condition both for outbound and return shipments. If your motorcycle is considerably dirty post trip please wash it before returning it.
• All Luggage (hard and soft panniers) should be left unlocked and removable from the motorcycle if necessary for transport purposes.
• Alarms should be switched off or in “Ferry” mode for transport purposes.
• Fuel level should be kept relatively low. All our depots are within a few km of fuel stations.
• Keys for both the motorcycle and luggage should be left with the motorcycle.
• At handover we will require a signed customs declaration form and a photocopy of the registration document / log book stapled together. Customs declaration from will be emailed pre-shipment. These should only be handed over in hard copy at time of delivery.
  • Do not email copies in advance.
  • We will not accept original copies of registration documents/log books.

Overlanders accepts to make arrangements so that travel services, such as transportation and accommodation facilities and other services, will be provided to the customer in accordance with the travel schedule(s) predetermined by Overlanders.

Booking:
• Overlanders may accept a booking online, via telephone or email. To confirm a booking a deposit is required – once the deposit is received the booking is confirmed. Spaces will not be reserved without deposits.
• Overlanders reserve the right to cancel an online booking or refuse a booking at any time.

Payments & Fees:
• All payments must be made in full at least 60 days prior to the shipment date. Failure to pay outstanding balances prior to this date results in automatic cancellation.
• Deposits amounts are NON-REFUNDABLE or transferrable within 60 days of shipment date
• Exceptions may be made on a case per case basis considering demand / cancellation list etc.
• We strongly suggest having adequate Travel Insurance in place at the time of booking.

Flights:
• It is your responsibility to confirm suitable flights / collection times. Please contact us for recommendations. Should an airline change their schedule, we will do our best to facilitate but it may not be possible considering our shipping schedule/logistics.

Costs Included in the Travel Fee:
• Transportation fees and charges for transportation facilities used are those expressly indicated in the travel schedule.
• Re: Guided Tours – please see the specific tour brochure for a list of inclusions and exclusions

Costs not included in Travel Fee:
• Any expenses other than those listed in the inclusions will not be included in the travel fee.
• Re: Guided Tours – flights, visas, and any other expenses related to getting to the starting point and from the finishing point are not included in Travel Fees (unless otherwise stated)

Passport & Visa & Travel Requirements:
• Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them. We personally recommend that you travel with a passport that has a minimum validity of 6 months remaining at all times.
• Please ensure that you are fully aware of all official travel advice, local customs, current affairs, travel requirements and medical/travel advice. Please check with your GP regarding recommended inoculations.

Travel Insurance:
• It is imperative that adequate Travel Insurance cover (including medical repatriation) is activated at the point of confirming your booking. Some travel insurance policies do not cover motorcycle travel over a certain cc or for a prolonged duration.

Cancellation/Amendments/Refund Policy:
• Please note that all payments and deposits are non refundable nor transferrable if cancellation accrues within 60 days of the shipment / tour date (whichever comes sooner).
• Where possible we will try to accommodate any amendments you wish to make.
• In the event of curtailment no refunds shall be made.
• Refunds may be processed via the original method of payment, except for cash transactions where refunds will be provided by cheque.

Feed back / Complaints:
• Customer satisfaction is very important to us and to help us further improve our service we value any feedback both positive and negative. Please email info@overlanders.ie