TOCHNI: THE WINTER MTB HEAVEN | 8-Day MTB Tour
WINTER IS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING
Ride away from your winter. This tour is the perfect getaway for those cold winter days when sunshine and the freedom of two wheels is all you ever wanted.
Over the course of the week we will ride through the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, dipping into green flower-infested valleys and climbing up to scenic coastal viewpoints. We will explore perfectly preserved traditional stone build villages of the area and we’ll taste it’s delightful local produce. Our bikes will take us to some owe-inspiring places. Through the backroads and the single tracks that were once goat paths and shepherd tracks we will discover the true folk culture of Cyprus. Along the way you will taste traditional food, sweets and coffee, watch pottery making, visit archaeological sites and monasteries, and relax on the beach!
We invite you to sit back and relax as your guides take care of the details.
HIGHLIGHTS
Halloumi tasting and a visit to the silver and lace village
Epic single track descending of locally famous Kakokefalos trail
Riding on the White Rocks beach; you’ve never been closer to the water
Indulge in the delicious meals of the local cuisine and experience the authentic Cypriot hospitality
SKILLS AND FITNESS LEVEL
Average to Expert.
This tour requires good bike handling skills and average fitness level.
If this description doesn’t match your skills write us an email. This tour is fully customizable to accommodate levels from beginners to experts.
BEST TOURING PERIODS
October,November, December,February, March, April, May
ACCOMMODATION
You will stay in well preserved traditional houses for the entire course of the week.
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After your arrival at the airport, make your way to Tochni village, where we will spend our rst night.
Your Activate Cyprus guide will be there to greet you and to help you get settled in your room. Depending on your time of arrival you will be free to explore the village and get fitted on your bike before joining the group for your first Cypriot dining experience! Your guide will briefly explain our plan for the week and answer any questions you have!
Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni
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Distance: 40Km | Total Ascent: 860m
Brace yourselves for the adventure begins! The rst day of riding is action packet with both amazing riding and cultural experiences!
From Tochni we start riding towards a local family run goat farm where you will have the chance to learn about the traditional method of Halloumi making. After tasting the delicious fresh products, we carry on riding toward Lefkara, the village locally famous for silver and lace handmade goods. Take the time to ride around the small cobbled streets of this picturesque village and discover the groups of local women sitting on their doorsteps and working on their ne embroidery. This is a great spot for souvenir shopping!
After a coffee stop, we get back on our bikes and take the scenic road down, through the Dipotamos Dam and all the way back to Tochni. Tonight, enjoy your first Cypriot dinner in one of the local tavernas!
Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni
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Distance: 66km | Total Ascent: 1180m
For our second day of riding, we will join a shuttle to Vavatsinia village, today’s starting point. For those who are dedicated to elevation gain and miles, don’t worry, we will still get a great ride today!
The first destination for today is the famed Kionia peak, one of the highest peaks of the Troodos Mountain Range. The views won’t disappoint. A refuelling stop at the top is a must to take in the views and recollect our strength before we join the thrilling single tracked descend of Kakotzefalos! Our trail we drop us o in the friendly village of Lythrodontas, where we will pause to take a Cyprus coffee at the local coffee shop. The rest of the ride will require some rolling hills until we reach Tochni.
Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni
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Distance: 69km | Total Ascent: 570m
After savoring a traditional Cypriot breakfast gear up for today’s recovery ride. After two long but amazing days on the bike we ‘ll take it easy and remind you that you are on holiday’s after all!
From our beloved Tochni we’ll take the coastal road toward Limassol. Ride along the simmering blue Mediterranean waters. The sea has never been closer! One of the most iconic pieces of today’s ride is Governors beach, a name that remains from the British colonization of the island and a beach called White rocks, due to the massive wave washed rocks that lie on the coast. Ride over the white rocks, enjoy the blue of the sea and even stop to dip your toes in before we move to our next highlight, the Amathus Archeological site. Amathus was one of the most important city-kingdoms of ancient Cyprus, dating from around 1100 BC and is another UNESCO-listed site. You'll have the chance to visit this impressive site which features marble columns, some with a spiral decoration, as well as paved squares, fragments of wall and the remains of a huge stone urn. After a visit of Amathus we carry on through he city all the way to the Limassol Marina.
Enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat before we head back to Tochni! The way back is easy and enjoyable!
Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni
DAY BY DAY
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Distance: 64km | Total Ascent: 1200m
Today you’ll be introduced to another ancient tradition of Cyprus. The art of pottery making. A bus transfer will take us to the village of Kornos where we will visit a workshop, learn about the importance of pottery for the folk people of Cyprus and see some samples.
After our visit we’ll hop on our bikes and tackle one of the most famous climbs of the country, the Stavrovouni mountain (mountain of the cross). Story has it that when Saint Helen, mother of Constantine the Palaiologos was transporting the holy cross she left a piece in Cyprus and this monastery was built especially to house it. It’s a grueling climb to the top, but the 360 views are well worth every pedal stroke. Once you made it up, the only possible direction is down! Enjoy the descend! You’ve earned it. Your guide will route you through the small fishing village of Agios Theodoros before we return back to Tochni.
Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni
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Distance: 52Km | Total Ascent: 1160m
Gear up for another day in winter riding paradise. Today we will visit the village of Kellaki and Vassa. These villages are located higher in elevation and it’ll be a long and sustained climb to get there. Once at the top we’ll enjoy a Cyprus coffee in one of the local coffee shops.
Help yourself to a traditional Cyprus “spoon” sweets. This is a traditional method of candying premature fruit and turning them into deserts. Watermelon skins, Walnut shells and citrus skins are some of the most popular ones! From Vassa we’ll take the scenic road over Kalavassos Dam and down to Tochni.
Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni
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Distance: 30km | Total Ascent: 650m
On our last riding day, we will have the chance to visit one of the most important prehistoric sites of Eastern Mediterranean, the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia. Pay an independent visit for as long as you like and when you are ready join the group for a spin along the Mediterranean coast. Since this is the last day of the vacation, we have factored in some down time for simply lounging on the beach.
Time to relax and taste some fresh locally sourced sh in a nearby taverna. Life is good!
Accommodation: Traditional Houses in Tochni
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All Good Things Come to an End
You won’t be able to believe the week has come to an end. It’s time for a bittersweet farewell. A private shuttle will be there to transport you to the airport. But don’t worry, we are always here to recommend what to do on your next adventure!!
What is included?
Airport transfers (Larnaca Airport), Services of an experienced local cycling guide, Accommodation (7 nights), Breakfast and Dinner, Photos and Videos in a Digital Album, T-shirt memorabilia
What’s not included?
Airfares, Bike Rental, Escort vehicle, Insurance, Personal snacks and lunch, Entry fees to museums archaeological sites and theme parks, Hotel Upgrades, 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 visiting the mountains 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.
Cost
Fill in the bespoke tour form here or email us at info@activatecyprus.com for a quote!
Not an expert but still up for a challenge?
Make it your own! Our tours are totally customisable in duration and skill level. All you have to do is let us know what you are looking for.