| Athens has changed! In the midst of a sea of traffic, Athens
created an auto-free zone around the Acropolis area. For pedestrians
and cyclists, this area is now a haven. We will cycle at a very
casual, relaxing pace that allows time to gaze at the archaic
sites and enjoy the photogenic scenery.
This is not a tour conducted by a professional guide, so
do not expect to a barrage of historical facts or windy lectures
on ancient architecture. Rather, our bicycle guide treats
you to areas usually ignored in standard guide books while
pointing out interesting tid-bits of information.
We 'll pedal through Plaka, the historic old section of
Athens with its lovely pastel homes and ruins scattered
here and there. The Anafiotika neighborhood in Plaka looks
and feels like you in a village in the Cyclades islands.
We do not enter the Acropolis (a daunting feat on bike!),
but cycle beneath it to the Arios Pagos rock where St.
Paul preached in AD 51, according to the historical marker.
Philoppapou Hill will be a highlight of our tour. This is
a woody, green park with lots of hills and paths, and conducive
for leisurely cycling. From here are tremendous views of
Athens, the Acropolis, and the Aegean. We'll come upon Socrates
Cave, the tomb of the Delian League leader Kimon, the area
where it is said Plato lectured, and a new art installation
dedicated to Greece’s Olympic athletes.
We 'll cycle through the old neighborhoods of Gazi, Thissio
(meaning "sacrifice") and Monastiraki. Here you'll see a
recently renovated art complex from a gasworks foundry, a
Byzantine church built on a rock on a side street, the Maria
Callas Center, and lots of enticing outdoor cafes.
At the end of the ride, we 'll go for some strong Greek
coffee at a very traditional kafeneion in Plaka on Diogenes
Street.
When your little tour is over you'll sit and reflect how
fascinating Athens is from the saddle of a bicycle!
ATTICA
TOUR
Bus transfer to Penteli mountain, downhill to Marathon,
south to Sounion transfer back or similar ride.
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