The 5 PEAKS CHALLENGE An 8 day Tour

This trip is about conquering the highest passes of . It’s about spending long days in the saddle and climbing steep grades. But it’s also about being rewarded with breathtaking scenery, authentic Mediterranean dishes and of course the best local wines!

We host this trip in Troodos Mountains, the largest mountain range on Cyprus, that combines everything that you will need in your next cycling trip. We will start from the eastern part of the mountain and throughout the week we will ride over all passes of Troodos including the highest peak, the glorious Olympus peak, almost at 2000m above sea level.

When to Come?

April, May, June, September, October

Riding Level:

Expert. This tour requires a excellent ftness level, the ability to ride for many hours on consecutive days and great bike handling skills.

Travel Info:

You can fy into either Larnaca airport (25’ from the trip hotel) or Paphos airport (1h30’ from the trip hotel).

Cost:

From: 950 eur p.p based on a 10 person group, Double Occupancy | Single Supplement fee 200 eur Day to Day

Day 1: Welcome To Cyprus Arrival in Cyprus and transfer to our frst home of the week, the traditional village of Tochni. Tochini is a quaint, stone built village that will travel you to Cyprus of the 1800’s. Stone built houses from the rich limestone of the surrounding mountains, internal yards full of blooming fowers and the simplicity of a humble village home. Settle in your own traditional house and as we will spend the following three nights here. This evening you will meet your guide who will give you a brief overview of the week and ensure you have all hat you need to embark on this adventure. You will then have time to set up your bike and get it ready for the next days of epic riding!! This evening indulge in your frst true taverna meal and fuel up for tomorrow’s challenge: Stavrovouni and Kionia peak. Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni

Day 2: Stavrovouni and Kionia Peak: The Byzantine Route Today, fuel up with some Cyprus cofee before getting on the bike as we are starting this week-long adventure with a double ascend.First we head toward Stavrovouni, a byzantine monastery decorates the top of the climb at 750m above sea level. This is one of the few places worldwide where one can see a piece of the holy cross. History has it that Saint Helen, mother of Constantine Paleologist the emperor, founded this monastery on her frst visit to Cyprus (327-329 AD) in order to preserve the Holy Cross in it. Today it is one of the oldest monasteries of the world. From the top of the climb we are able to see the whole bay of Larnaca and the pains in between infested with windmills. We continue with a fast descend, passing through several small villages. You will soon notice the simplicity and slow-paced life that characterizes the countryside of Cyprus. Cofee break anyone? We have the perfect riding fuel to share with you, “spoon sweets”, which is rocket fuel for getting up to Kionia peak (1350m) our second and biggest ascend of the day. Our ride today ends with a thrilling descend all the away to Tochni! Legs up, time to rest and recover! Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni Distance: 99Km | Total Ascent: 2100m

Day 3: Roses and Mandarines, and the Papoutsa Peak After a very short warm up from Tochni to Chirokitia we start climbing toward the village Odou. Odou means road in ancient Greek and it was indeed the passing point between the two ancient Greek kingdoms of Amathous in and Tamassos near Lefkosia. The top of this climb rests at 1140m above sea level and leads to Village, another traditional village. You will notice how diferent it is from Tochni in the surrounding nature and the materials that are used on the houses. Farmakas, being closer to the heart of Troodos has a much harsher, volcanic terrain. We carry on with a long descent to Apliki, where we start climbing towards the second and most famous peak of the day, Papoutsa climb at an altitude of 1280m above sea level. Take a break in the bustling village of Agros, famous for its long tradition in rose products. Enjoy a sample of their local delicacy, the rose sweet and an energizing cofee before the last descend and third climb of the day. The climb to Kellaki is a cool-down recovery ride not he way to our beloved Tochni. Time for a hearty dinner! Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni Distance: 107km | Total Ascent: 2560m Day to Day

Day 4: Tackle the Olympus and Madari Peak in the Same Day This is the hardest day of the week, and the reason you are here. Today we leave the beautiful village of Tochni behind and head for the highest peak of Cyprus. The description “Sea to summit” is not an understatement. We frst warm up in the outskirts of Limassol before we opt for the quiet and tranquil roads of lower Troodos Villages. Pace yourself as the day is young and the climb is long. Every pedal stroke will bring you closer to the top. We promise the views will make up for the pain! After a grueling 50 km you will fnd yourself on the illusive Madari peak, the 2nd highest peak of Cyprus, unparalleled 360 views all around. Catch a few deep breaths of vitalizing mountain air - Troodos is medicinal in every way- grab a windbreaker and enjoy the swooping descend. The welcoming village of Kyperounda, awaits us for an energizing stop before we tackle the last challenge of the day. Gather your strength as the challenge is now, 92km into the ride we will be confronted with the illusive Troodos peak, the rooftop of Cyprus. Do you still have it in the legs? Our haven tonight is Troodos hotel in the square of Troodos village. Tonight, enjoy a hearty mountain dinner and raise your glasses to a day of big accomplish- ments! Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Troodos Square Distance: 109km | Total Ascent: 3170m

Day 5: A taste of Cypriot Culture Recovery Day! After a long and hard day on the bike you can treat yourself with a recovery ride in the mountains of Troodos. After 3 days packed in great eforts and even greater achievements, it’s time to take a breather and ride easy. On this ride we will visit the heart of Marathasa valley, famous for its rich fruits and produce. The stone build villages of and will bring you back some hundreds of years. Here we get to learn the traditions of the island and the way that people lived in the past. The day is to relax, indulge in the beautiful local cuisine rich in herbs and self-grown vegetables and fruits and to learn some secrets form the local cooks! Since this is a relaxing day, we’ll head back up to Troodos in a shuttle. It will be a good idea to save energy for the next two rides! Yes, you may have a second beer!

Accommodation: 4* Hotel , Paphos Distance: 53km | Total Ascent: 400m

Day 6: From Mountain to Sea through an Enchanting Forest Today we bid farewell to Troodos hotel but not to Troodos itself, as we will head east and discover the least visited and most pure parts of it! Our journey will bring us through the most ancient forest of Cyprus, existing for millennia and it will lead us all the way to the west coast of Cyprus to the beautiful fshing village of Polis. Even though we are mainly losing elevation on our way to the coast, we have added several climbs that will add some spice to our ride! Our journey through the Paphos forest will be something magical. The Paphos forest is an enchanting land full of natural wonders, with beautiful vegetation and the rarest animal species of Cyprus. If you are lucky enough you will come across a fast-moving Cyprus Moufon (Cypriot endemic deer) or a proud eagle spreading their huge wingspan. And if not, you will enjoy the gorgeous green color of the pine forest blending with the blue sun kissed Mediterranean Sea. Our destination Polis is a quiet coastal village with fresh fsh and great wine.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Polis Chrysochous Distance: 111Km | Total Ascent: 1760m Day to Day

Day 7: Exploring Paphos Monasteries and Wineries This morning soak up the sun and the views of the Mediterranean sea over a luxurious breakfast. When you are ready for one last adventure we’ll hop on our bikes and begin with an of-road section overlooking the Akamas Natural reserve peninsula, the jewel of Paphos. Inia is the last village we’ll reach on the western part of the island. From there we follow the route inland towards Panagia village, at 1000m above sea level, where we’ll pay a visit to the monastery of Panagia Chrysoroyiatissa founded in the 12th century before we roll down one of the most spectacular descends of the week towards the small village of Choulou. One last climb lies between us and Paphos, one that will open up the widest views of the simmering blue Mediterranean waters as we approach closer and closer! Tonight, we will be housed in a luxurious coastal hotel in Paphos center. Celebratory drinks on the beach are in order after a week full of adventures, struggles, rewards, memorable moments and newly found friends!

Accommodation: 4* Hotel , Paphos Distance: 88Km | Total Ascent: 2320m

Day 8: Departure: All Good Things Come to an End This morning enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the gorgeous coast of the Mediterranean sea before bidding farewell to your guide and fellow cyclists.Time to start planning your next cycling vacation! A private shuttle will deliver you to the airport for your departure fight. Good To know

Weather

Month Avg Day Temperature Average Night Temperature Average Percipitation

April 17 13 4 wet days per month

May 21 17 2 wet days per month

June 24 20 0 wet days per month

September 25 21 0 wet days per month

October 22 17 3 wet days per month

What’s Included What’s Not Included Airport transfers (Larnaca Airport) Airfares 7 nights Accomodation Bike rental Escort vehicel Breakfast and Dinner Insurance Luggage transfers & Transfers during Tour Personal snacks or lunch Serices of an experiencedlocal cycling guide Entry fees to museums archaeological sites and theme parks Photos videos in digital album Hotel Upgrades T-shirt memorabilia Personal Expenses

**ALL EXTRAS CAN BE ARRANGED UPON REQUEST

What to pack We know you come to Cyprus to sport those short sleeves but if you are visitng the mountians in October or November we recommend having some rain proof gear. While we can provide you with pedals and saddles we do recommend that you bring your own to ensure you are most comfortable.

Have Fun!