Hera Motorcycle tour

The total distance covered on this tour is about 1800 kilometres, with a daily average of 250 kilometres, and participants will cover a large area, but will have time to explore and enjoy the countryside. Although many well known attractions are included, this tour will travel off the beaten track, using gorgeous small country roads. The port of Igoumenitsa being the starting and ending point makes this tour ideal for European riders.

The itinerary refers to the guided tours - it is strongly recommended that individual bikers follow the same.

Day 1
Participants will arrive at Igoumenitsa Port early in the morning, and will be received by the guide. After a short briefing, participants can start enjoying their tour.

The brand new Egnatia Odos as well as some small roads will initially be used to get used to Greek traffic conditions to arrive at Loannina for the first stop, next to the lake. The bikers will then head for Metsovo - the final destination for the day. Small country roads through forests and next to rivers will be followed, so that participants have the opportunity to admire and take pictures of some beautiful stone bridges and traditional settlements. They will also ride close to Pindos National Park - Valia Calda, before arriving at the traditional town of Metsovo.

Day 2
Participants will head west, to the Zagori area. Starting from the villages of East Zagori, an area of great natural beauty and still relatively untouched by tourism, the riders will visit some villages of Central Zagori to admire the local architecture before reaching the final destination, the picturesque village of Aristi in West Zagori.

A few small detours will be made to admire numerous old stone bridges, different views of the magnificent Vikos Gorge and some traditional settlements, where pictures of the impressive rock formations may be taken. The short stops in the villages are an opportunity to try delicious local pies and other traditional dishes.

Day 3
One day is not quite enough to explore Zagori, so the third day will involve visits to some more villages to the North. Participants will ride around the impressive mountain of Gamila, on perfect biking roads through forests and alpine fields before plunging into the Aoos gorge. The next stop is Konitsa, to cool off under the famous stone bridge.

A winding road will lead further north, up to Eptahori. From there the bikers will leave the main road to visit Arenes, and the two small alpine lakes under the shadow of dense forests. Nestorio, next to Aliakmon River is the next stop, before arriving at Kastoria - one of the most beautiful cities of Greece, for a refreshing coffee next to the lake or a small tour to the city's Byzantine churches.

The final part of the day will take participants to the Prespes Lakes National Park, and to the village of Agios Germanos, a few kilometres from the lakes. The road is great and the dilemma is whether to enjoy a fast ride or soak in the scenery.

Day 4
After a great breakfast of home made pies, marmalades and local products, participants will visit the small isle of Agios Achillios, Mikri (Little) Prespa Lake with the ruins of the homonym great Basilica church. The path ahead is a great biking road passing through the Pisoderi ski centre on the way to Florina. Local products like beans, honey or herbs can be bought from the sellers by the roadside.

The next destination is the traditional settlement of Nymfeo, hidden on a mountain range. The shorter route with tight turns in the forest will be followed to free more time to explore the village. The bikes will have to be left at the village entrance, as vehicles are not allowed inside. Time allowing, it may be possible to visit the Arctouros wild life refuge for bears, just outside the village.

A pleasant ride through pitch and cherry trees will lead to Edessa for a short stop at the waterfalls park. The Macedonian era tombs are on the way to the final destination for the day - Naousa, right on the roadside. The hotel is a pleasant place to end the day. Guests can enjoy a great view on the balcony with a drink, or relax at the spa.

Day 5
Just 30 minutes from the hotel is the archaeological site of Vergina, a UNESCO world heritage site. The tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great is actually a museum, and treasures of immense value are exhibited here.

Participants will then climb Mt. Pieria, and from its peak, will have the first views of the legendary Mt. Olympus. The ride on the slopes of Olympus, the home of the 12 Gods, will descend to the golden beaches of the Aegean Sea. The meandering coastal road to the south has several spots perfect to stop and swim in.

The riders will then head for Mt. Pelion, home of the Centaurs, and continue to the village of Portaria which has a marvellous view, where the night will be spent. Participants can relax at the hotel, take a leisurely walk down the narrow streets of Portaria, or visit the nearby village of Makrinitsa.

Day 6
The day will largely be spent at the same hotel, so the programme is very relaxed and flexible. However, it is strongly recommended that the guide be followed. Mt. Pelion is one of the most beautiful places in Greece, combining mountains, beaches, rich plantation, unique architecture and snaking roads with breathtaking views.

Day 7
Participants will depart from Pelion with the Aegean breeze behind them, towards the plains of Thessaly. The easy, flat roads will lead to the stunning Plastira Lake. The narrow coastal road fringes the lake, passing on the top of the dam. There is the option to stop and enjoy a cold coffee next to the lake at this point.

The next stop is another UNESCO world heritage site - the famous monasteries at Meteora, on the crown of the vertical rocks. The monasteries are home to some unique treasures.

The final destination for the day is the hotel at Aspropotamos - after 50 kilometres of tight turns, tall trees and white-water rivers. The day ends with an evening BBQ in the forest.

Day 8
On last day, the tour will follow roads off the beaten track to visit two traditional stone built settlements, then ride toward the Ionian sea, following the river route through a beautiful valley to the city of Arta, with its famous bridge. The last stop is the picturesque city of Parga, which is reached by following the coastline to the north. Late in the afternoon, participants will continue north to the final destination, the port of Igoumenitsa.

Ferries depart from 20:00 to midnight.