3-day self-guided motorcycle tour based in Nafplion, Peloponnese. 570-630 km of loop rides from a single base. Includes 2 nights accommodation, motorcycle rental with luggage equipment, GPS navigation with pre-loaded routes, and insurance with excess. Two route options for Day 2 (western mountain loop or southern Parnonas loop). Extensible to 4 days. Flexible departure dates. Moderate difficulty. Prices from €570 per rider.
This page presents the tour broken down in the following sections:
This Tour at a Glance:
Start / Finish
Athens, Greece
Duration
3 or 4 riding days
Riding hours
from 3 up to 5 hours on the saddle daily (route options available).
Distance
3 days tour : 570 – 630 kilometers (356 – 394 miles)
4 days tour : 815 – 855 kilometers (510 – 535 miles)
Accommodation
Mostly 4 star, elegant boutique hotels. All of them are among the best options available for each given destination, top rated and personally selected by us.
Difficulty
“Moderate” level for most riders. There are a few tight and steep hairpins along the routes. Please read here about how our tours are graded!
Roads
100% paved. A large amount of this tour runs on narrow, single lane, secondary mountain routes. See below :
TYPE OF RIDING
Most of your riding will be on secondary mountain roads and coastal routes, with traffic concentrated only near Athens. The hub-based structure means you’ll repeat the Nafplion-area roads on departure and return each day, but the core of each loop runs through different terrain.
Day 1 (Athens to Nafplion): This is the same route used in our longer tours — secondary coastal roads, moderate curves, and a gradual introduction to Greek riding. Expect 4-5 hours including stops at the Corinth Canal and Epidaurus. The route is well-maintained and non-demanding, designed to settle you into the bike without overwhelming on your first day.
Day 2 — Western Loop Option (Arcadian Mountains): This loop heads west into the Mainalo mountain range, climbing through forested terrain to roughly 1,200 meters elevation. The riding is continuous mountain curves, switchbakcs and minimal straight sections. The descent back toward Nafplion follows the Achladokampos route — a local favorite with technical switchbacks and coastal views toward the Gulf of Argolis. Total distance: 225 km.
Day 2 — Southern Loop Option (Mount Parnonas): This loop heads south through Mount Parnonas — a longer, more isolated ride. Expect 80 km of deep forest riding at elevations above 1,000 meters with almost no traffic. The roads are narrower than the western loop, with more exposed alpine sections and occasional rough patches in remote areas. This is the more demanding option by isolation and technical character. Total distance: 245 km.
Day 3 (Return to Athens): Two route options exist — either a direct coastal return via the Corinth Canal, or a western loop through the Corinthian countryside before turning east toward Athens. The direct route is 160 km; the western option adds roughly 40 km. Both routes avoid highways where possible, using secondary roads through agricultural and coastal terrain.
Hub model considerations:
- You’ll carry minimal luggage on loop days (tank bag or small backpack)
- Main luggage stays at the hotel in Nafplion
- No daily packing/unpacking
- Same parking spot each night
- Fuel planning is simpler (you know the base location)
If you extend to 4 days: You’ll ride both mountain loops (western and southern) instead of choosing one, spending three nights total in Nafplion.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
This tour includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Mycenae and Epidaurus — both accessible without significant detours from your routes. Beyond the ancient sites, the tour’s character comes from the riding itself and Nafplion’s role as your base.
UNESCO Sites:
- Epidaurus (Day 1): Ancient theater with intact acoustics, directly on route to Nafplion (30-45 minute stop)
- Mycenae (Day 3, optional): Bronze Age citadel with the Lion Gate, requires 20 km detour from return route (45-60 minute visit)
Nafplion: The tour’s hub is Nafplion — Greece’s first capital after independence and one of the country’s most intact historic towns. The old center is car-free, with Venetian architecture, waterfront tavernas, and the Palamidi fortress accessible by foot or vehicle. You’ll spend 2-3 nights here (depending on whether you extend to 4 days), which gives you time to explore beyond what riders on point-to-point tours experience during a single overnight.
What this tour doesn’t include: Unlike the 6-day and 8-day tours, this version doesn’t reach Monemvasia, Mani Peninsula, the Taygetos Pass, or the southwestern Peloponnese. If those locations interest you, consider the longer tours. This version focuses on the northeastern Peloponnese and uses the hub model to maximize riding while minimizing logistics.
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens – Nafplion (2 or 3 nights in Nafplion), (185 kilometers / 115 miles)
Your first day follows the same route as our longer tours — secondary coastal roads bypassing Athens, crossing the Corinth Canal, then continuing to Epidaurus on one of Greece’s most popular motorcycle routes.
The Corinth-to-Epidaurus section features moderate curves and good pavement — technical enough to feel engaging, but not challenging. The road climbs gradually through pine-forested hills with consistent surface quality and good sightlines. If you stop at both the Corinth Canal (5-10 minutes) and the ancient theater at Epidaurus (30-45 minutes including the acoustics demonstration), expect 4-5 hours total for the day.
The final leg to Nafplion runs flat, bringing you to your first overnight by late afternoon. This is where the hub model begins. You’ll check into your accommodation and stay here for the remainder of the tour — 2 nights for the 3-day version, or 3 nights if you extend to 4 days.
Nafplion evening: The historic center is car-free and walkable from most accommodations. Use tonight to orient yourself — tavernas, the waterfront, and the Palamidi fortress (if you want to climb it) are all within walking distance. Unlike point-to-point tours where you arrive, sleep, and leave, you have time to actually experience this town.
Day 2: Loop Ride from Nafplion — Choose Your Route
You’ll choose one of two loop options for today, or if you’ve booked the 4-day version, you’ll ride both (one today, one tomorrow). The two loops head in opposite directions and offer distinctly different riding character.
Option A: The western loop (Mainalo Mountain, 225 kilometers / 140 miles)
This loop heads west from Nafplion into the Arcadian mountains, specifically the Mainalo range. You’ll climb gradually through forested terrain, reaching elevations around 1,200 meters. The riding features continuous mountain curves and switchbacks, with minimal straight sections — technical but not extreme, with good pavement and moderate traffic near larger villages.
The loop’s highlight is the return descent via the Achladokampos route — a technical section with tight switchbacks and coastal views toward the Gulf of Argolis. This is a local favorite among Greek riders, known for rhythm and flow rather than extreme technicality.
Expect 4-5 hours of riding time. The loop brings you back to Nafplion by late afternoon, giving you time to rest before dinner. No packing required tonight — you’re staying in the same room.
Riding character: Continuous curves, forested terrain, well-maintained roads, moderate technical demand compared to the southern loop.
Option B: Southern loop (Parnonas mountain, 245 kilometers / 153 miles)
This loop heads south from Nafplion, climbing into Mount Parnonas — a longer, more isolated ride than the western option. You’ll start with coastal riding heading south, then turn inland for an 80 km climb through deep pine forest.
Once above the treeline, expect minimal traffic — you may ride 2-3 hours without seeing another vehicle. The roads are narrower than the western loop (single-lane width in sections with passing zones), and the terrain is more exposed. Surface quality is generally good but includes occasional rough patches in remote areas.
You’ll climb to approximately 1,400 meters before descending back toward the eastern coast, then looping north to return to Nafplion. This is the more demanding option by isolation, technical character, and distance.
Expect 5-6 hours of riding time depending on pace. The longer distance and narrower roads mean this loop takes more time than the western option. You’ll return to Nafplion by early evening.
Riding character: Isolated alpine riding, narrow roads, minimal traffic, longer distance, more technically demanding than western option.
Which loop should you choose?
- Choose western loop if: You prefer moderate technical riding, want a shorter day, or value well-maintained roads over isolation
- Choose southern loop if: You’re comfortable with narrow mountain roads, want minimal traffic, and don’t mind occasional rough surfaces
- Extend to 4 days to ride both: The 4-day version lets you experience both loops without choosing
Hub model advantage: Regardless of which loop you ride, you return to the same hotel tonight. No packing, no route planning for accommodation, no adjusting to a new location. You’ll store your main luggage at the hotel and carry only a small bag for the day.
Day 3: Return to Athens (options 160 to 205 kilometers / 100 – 128 miles)
Your final day returns you to Athens with route flexibility based on your interests and energy level. Two main options exist:
Option 1: Direct coastal return (160 km)
This is the most straightforward route. You’ll depart Nafplion heading north, with the option to stop at ancient Mycenae (UNESCO site, requires 20 km detour from main route, 45-60 minutes if visiting). The ruins include the Lion Gate and cyclopean walls from Bronze Age Greece. The site requires uphill walking on uneven terrain.
From Mycenae (or bypassing it), the route continues north through the Corinthian countryside on secondary roads, crosses the Corinth Canal, then follows coastal roads back to Athens. This avoids highways where possible, using the same secondary route you rode on Day 1 but in reverse.
Option 2: Western loop via Corinthian Gulf (205 km)
This adds roughly 40 km by looping west before turning east toward Athens. The western route brings you to the Corinthian Gulf coastline before eventually heading back to the capital. It’s scenic but longer — choose this if you want to maximize riding on your final day.
Timing consideration: You’ll return the motorcycle to our facility in Athens by late afternoon or early evening. The direct route takes 3-4 hours including stops; the western option adds roughly an hour.
4-Day Extension: How It Works
If you book the 4-day version, the structure changes slightly:
- Day 1: Athens to Nafplion (same as 3-day version)
- Day 2: Ride the western loop (Mainalo Mountains)
- Day 3: Ride the southern loop (Mount Parnonas)
- Day 4: Return to Athens (same options as Day 3 above)
You’ll spend three nights total in Nafplion instead of two, and ride both mountain loops instead of choosing one. Total distance for the 4-day version is 815-855 km depending on your Day 4 route choice.
Why this works: The 4-day extension doesn’t add complexity — it just gives you both loops. You’re still using the hub model, still staying in the same room all nights in Nafplion, still avoiding daily packing. The only difference is one additional riding day and one additional night of accommodation.
DATES
There are no fixed dates for this tour. You may request to do this whenever you wish, provided there is availability of motorcycles and accommodation.
Best experienced during April, May, early June, then from the 2nd half of September and October.
July and August can get hot and crowded. The sea will be at its best though, if you decide to add non-riding days by the sea!
In November, chances of rain are increased.
PRICING
Pricing for this tour is given in the table below. Prices vary per motorcycle selection and accommodation (solo, sharing room, or 2-up). Booking deposits and payment details are listed after the table.
2026 Prices
For the 3-days version:
| (all prices in euros) | Single Rider, single room | Single Rider, sharing twin room | Rider + Passenger *, double room |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1300 GS | 1,010 | 870 | 1,080 |
| BMW R 1250 GS | 975 | 835 | 1,050 |
| HONDA NT 1100 DCT | 925 | 785 | 1,000 |
| BMW F 800 GS | 850 | 710 | 925 |
| HONDA NC 750X | 760 | 615 | 830 |
| HONDA ΝΧ500 | 710 | 570 | 765 |
For the 4-days version:
| (all prices in euros) | Single Rider, single room | Single Rider, sharing twin room | Rider + Passenger *, double room |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1300 GS | 1,330 | 1,115 | 1,430 |
| BMW R 1250 GS | 1,290 | 1,075 | 1,390 |
| HONDA NT 1100 DCT | 1,220 | 1,010 | 1,320 |
| BMW F 800 GS | 1,145 | 935 | 1,245 |
| HONDA NC 750X | 1,020 | 805 | 1,120 |
| HONDA ΝΧ500 | 955 | 745 | 1,055 |
(* Rider and Passenger price is for both people, not per person.)
Booking deposit :
- 3-days version: 280 euros per person
- 4-days version: 390 euros per person
Balance payment due: the day you collect the bike.
Note: prices shown are based on quotes from hotels offered to us for group tours on fixed dates. Depending on the exact dates of your travel, prices may be slightly higher. For example (but not restricted to) :
- During the entire month of August
- the “long weekends” around national holidays/anniversaries : 25th March, 28th October, Ash Monday, Greek orthodox Easter, Labour Day (1st of May), Orthodox Holy Spirit Sunday & Monday.
INCLUSIONS/ EXCLUSIONS
The following are included in the price that you are paying:
– 2 or 3 nights accommodation with breakfasts, in personally selected hotels.
– Rental of Motorcycle, with side panniers, top case, comprehensive insurance with excess.
– Rental of 1 GPS per 4 people, with routes and POIs pre-loaded for every day
– Paper map with routes marked and a handbook with key information for the trip, suggestions, tips etc.
– 2 helmets, of basic quality, European standards approved. Options available to upgrade to high quality helmets, for an added daily fee.
– Free luggage storage at our premises.
– 24% VAT
The following are not included:
– accommodation in Athens, when you fly in and when you ride back to Athens (we can certainly arrange it if you wish)
– airport transfers (offered as an option)
– Fuel & tolls
– Food, drinks, personal daily expenses & tips
– Fines, tickets
– Entrance fees to local museums, tourist sites
– Accommodation & Environmental tax. This is paid directly to each hotel during your check out, and it ranges from 1.5 to 8.5 euros per night
– Ferries, parking
– Personal travel insurance
Also, not included are the costs of any “added” days you may choose to have. Those costs will typically have to include the daily rental rate of the motorcycle plus the accommodation cost, which varies depending on where you choose to spend those added days.
Optional Gear & Services
We offer the following equipment. All prices shown are in Euros, per item, and for the total duration of the trip. For any of the equipment listed below, you will need to request it in advance, as we have very limited stock. So a reservation must be made, and 25% of the cost will be added to the intitial booking deposit of the tour.
| Summer Jacket | 30 |
| 4 season Jacket | 30 |
| Premium Helmet | 30 |
| Helmet Intercom | 25 |
| Tank bag | 10 |
| GoPro | 35 |
| GPS | included as standard |
Summer Jackets: lightweight, fully ventilated with big mesh panels in front and back. Shoulders, elbows and back protectors included.
4-season Jackets: with removable thermal liner, and an inner removable waterproof layer. The outer shell is not waterproof, it is a standard cordura type. There are zipped ventilation openings in the chest and in the forearms. Exapmple of a jacket: RevIT Outback
Premium helmets: those can be HJC RPHA 90 or Schuberth C3 Pro, or other of same quality and level.
Intercoms: by Senna, MESH technology
Tank bags: those are generic, universal models, small to medium volumes.
GoPro: recent models (currently, the 13). We will provide you with one battery, and a couple of basic mounting hardware. If you wish to mount the camera in more complex ways other than on the helmet, please provide your own combination of mounting kit.
Also:
| Airport transfers. Prices are per 2-way transfer (to and from the airport), not per person. | |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 pax | 90 |
| 4 to 8 pax | 150 |
Please read the Tour Terms & Conditions which include our Cancellation Policy.
Check the Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for further information!
Click here to return to the overview of the self-guided Tours