Course V

Starting from Nafpio you will cycle towards Tripoli, the city that was one of the main targets of the Greek revolutionary forces in the Greek War of Independence towards the Ottoman Empire. The Greeks stormed and liberated the city on 17 October 1821.

Distance 35.27 mi

Total Ascent 4,808 ft

Total Descent 2,642 ft

You will start your next cycling expedition the next day towards Sparta, probably the best known city in Peloponnese. Sparta is home to King Leonidas, who with only 300 Spartans made a legendary last stand at the battle of Thermopillae against the massive Persian army. Sparta is also home to King Menelaus, husband of Helen. The abduction of `Helen by Paris, caused the Trojan War, as Menelaus and his brother Agamemnon of Mycenae led a Greek Army to Troy in their successful effort to bring Helen back to Sparta. After the Trojan War Menelaus planned to kill Helen, but he was mesmerized by her beauty and they were reunited. One theory has it that they were both buried in a tomb near by.

Distance 36.47 mi

Total Ascent 2,092 ft

Total Descent 3,610 ft