Welcome to Northern Greece! We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Thessaloniki. Once you’ve settled in, we’ll take a short walk around the lively city center to get a first taste of local life. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional welcome dinner with small local dishes and friendly company.

Today we head west towards the border mountains of Northern Greece. After about a three-hour drive, we reach the entrance of the small village of Nea Kotyli, where our cycling adventure begins. We start our ride through quiet forest roads and soon arrive at the emblematic Death’s Cliff, a place that combines stunning views with deep historical meaning. After a short stop, we continue towards Lake Moutsalia, a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by dense forest. From there, we ride to the mountain village of Aetomilitsa, our final destination for the day. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night surrounded by the calm mountain atmosphere.

After breakfast we start with the bikes to cross the crest of the mountain Grammos. Today we hike in alpine dirt roads and ridges with view to the most significant peaks of the area (Tsouka Petsik, Perifano). After 2 hours of uphill our trail is descending towards the village of Grammousta and the cozy guesthouse where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Today we explore the remote mountain area around Grammousta, known as the Grammos villages. The route takes us along ridges close to the Albanian border, offering wide views over two countries and the surrounding peaks. Along the way, we pass through small, almost forgotten villages — some inhabited, others long abandoned — that once formed part of a lively mountain community. It’s a day to enjoy quiet trails, open landscapes, and the sense of isolation that defines this corner of Greece. In the evening, we gather for a farewell barbeque, celebrating the days spent in the border mountains with good food, local wine, and mountain hospitality.

After breakfast, we leave the mountains of Grammos and head towards the twin lakes of Mikri and Megali Prespa and the village of Agios Germanos. Once we settle into our rooms and have lunch, we take a short transfer by van to the slopes of Mount Devas. From there, we get on our bikes and cycle for about 12 km along a ridge overlooking both lakes — a route offering some of the most beautiful views of the Prespa area. We then descend to the fishing village of Psarades, and continue cycling to Cape Roti, where we stop to visit the Askitaria — caves once inhabited by monks centuries ago. If time allows, we will also visit the Cave of Kokkali, which served as a makeshift hospital for the rebels during the Greek Civil War. From here, we return by van to Agios Germanos, where we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night surrounded by the calm atmosphere of the Prespa Lakes.

Today’s ride takes us to the heights of Mount Varnountas (2,334 m). The route starts gently through beech and chestnut forests before turning into a steady uphill climb. Reaching higher ground, we arrive at the border ridge between Greece and North Macedonia. Our trail passes near the peaks of Pineritsa (2,117 m), Bella Voda (2,154 m) and Potistra (2,118 m), where we stop for lunch and enjoy the breathtaking view of the two Prespa lakes and the meeting point of three countries. After about an hour of descent, we return to our base in Agios Germanos. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the small island of Agios Achilleios (15 min) for a short hike of about an hour. Here we visit the ruins of Byzantine churches from the 10th century, built by Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria and dedicated to Saint Achilleios. We end the day enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the sunset over the lakes.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the peaceful Prespa Lakes and begin our journey back to Thessaloniki. The drive takes us through the landscapes of Western Macedonia, offering one last look at the mountains and lakes that marked our week’s adventure.

Approximately three hours before your flight, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Thessaloniki International Airport. For some, this marks the end of the journey, while others may continue their travels in Greece or join another adventure with us. If you wish to extend your stay, we are happy to help with ideas or connections to explore more of the country.