9TH MAY - 16TH MAY 2026
SPARTAN ODYSSEY HIGHLIGHTS
This incredible touring event will take our crews on a journey of over 1,500 km, from the legendary city of Sparta to the vibrant city of Thessaloniki. Our diverse route will traverse asphalt and gravel roads, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, spectacular ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, and the dramatic Greek coastline.
DAYS 1 & 2
SATURDAY 9TH TO SUNDAY 10TH MAY | SPARTI TO LAGKADIA
After a welcome evening featuring fantastic Greek cuisine, we will begin our challenge in front of the statue of Spartan King Leonidas in the historic centre of modern-day Sparta. Our route takes us west, past the ruins of the medieval hillside fortress of Mystras. From Mystras, we will continue west, cutting through the Taygetos mountains along the winding roads of the Langada-Taygetos Pass towards Kalamata. Then heading north through the rolling hills of the beautiful Katafygio Agrias Zois Profitis Illias, stopping in the hillside town of Lagkadia.
DAY 3
MONDAY 11TH MAY | LAGKADIA TO NAFPAKTOS
Day three of our challenge begins with a climb northeast through the sharp ridges and spectacular peaks of the Peloponnesian countryside. Passing under the shadows of the heavily forested Mount Kyllini and descending through the mountain valleys towards the Gulf of Corinth. Along the way, visiting the ancient ruins of the Roman Theatre of Aigeria and stop for lunch on the shores of the Gulf in modern-day Aigeria. From Aigeria, we will head inland to cross the awe-inspiring Peristeriona Gorge before returning to the Gulf of Corinth to cross the Ionian Sea via the stunning Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge at Patras. From Patras, we head north to the gulf city of Nafpaktos, where we will spend the night.
DAY 4
TUESDAY 12TH MAY | NAFPAKTOS TO ARTA
Our fourth day will begin on the shores of the Ionian Sea as we leave Nafpaktos and journey northwest along the banks of Lake Trichonida, the largest natural lake in Greece. We will stop for a seafood lunch in the picturesque, whitewashed town of Mytikas, overlooking the mountainous Ionian Island of Kalamos, before heading north through the rugged landscape of the Katafigio Agrias Zois Petalas towards the city of Arta, our stop for the night.
DAY 5
WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY | ARTA & LEFKADA
Starting from the well-preserved Castle of Arta, we will cross the medieval Arta bridge before heading south through the Amvrakikos Wetlands towards the island of Lefkada. Known as the "Caribbean of Greece," Lefkada is famous for its breathtaking natural landscape and local salami, rich in garlic and peppercorns. Lunch will be in the pretty coastal town of Vasiliki before we head northeast along the shores of the stunning Ionian coastline, crossing the floating Santa Maura bridge towards Vonitsa. From Vonitsa, we will travel north along the winding shoreline roads of the Ambracian Gulf back to Arta, where we will stay for the night.
DAY 6
THURSDAY 14TH MAY | ARTA TO IOANNINA
Day six will start with a fantastic drive north, following the Arachthos River from the centre of Arta towards Tzoumerka, Peristeri, and Arachthos Gorge. We will stop for lunch in Kalabaka, overlooked by the legendary monasteries atop the Meteora rocks. From Kalabaka, we will spend the afternoon exploring northern Greece's rugged valleys and forest roads, including a loop around the northern shores of Lake Pamvotida before heading to the lakeside city of Ioannina for the night.
DAY 7
FRIDAY 15TH MAY | IOANNINA TO KASTORIA
From Ioannina, we will head north, climbing through the mountainous limestone valleys of Pindos National Park, crossing ancient bridges and natural streams as we journey towards lunch in the mountain town of Konitsa. Our afternoon session will include a loop through the forest roads of the spectacular Konitsa valley before we cross the Sarantaporos towards our destination, the city of Kastoria, situated on a peninsula on the western shores of Lake Orestiada.
DAY 8
SATURDAY 16TH MAY | KASTORIA TO THESSALONIKI
Our final morning will feature a breathtaking drive north through the Western Macedonian countryside. We will pass snow-capped mountains, beautiful natural lakes, and verdant pine forests as we head east towards the Thermaic Gulf and our destination, the vibrant city of Thessaloniki. We will complete our challenge at lunchtime on the final day, allowing our crews time to enjoy this lively metropolitan city before we celebrate with a wonderful night of cocktails and exquisite northern Greek cuisine.
Expect magnificent views, spectacular roads, luxury hotels and amazing culinary surprises. We hope you can join us and experience the thrill of driving like never before.
Please note that routes, schedules and timings within this itinerary may be subject to change.
CHARACTERISTICS
EVENT LEVEL
VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY
Any three or four-wheeled vehicles built before December 31st, 1999 are eligible for the challenge.
ENTRY FEE
£10280 per vehicle*
DEPOSIT
£3000
ON EVENT SUPPORT
Although mechanical support will be available throughout the event, the ability to carry out regular maintenance on your own car is essential. Should you need to be transported by truck we will help as much as we can, but all responsibility, including payment, rests with the competitor. We always have at least one doctor or paramedic on our experienced and friendly event team.
NAVIGATION
The route will be defined in a detailed tulip Road Book and an overview map of the route will also be provided.
TYPES OF ROAD
The Spartan Odyssey Challenge will take place predominantly on asphalt and lightly gravelled roads, rougher roads and surfaces will be avoided wherever possible.
HOSPITALITY
Eight nights’ accommodation is included in a shared room (double or twin). Single rooms are available for a supplementary fee but may be limited at some hotels. We aim to provide a mixture of luxury 4 and 5 star accommodation throughout the challenge, taking into account the need for parking and ease of access.
Breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner are provided throughout the event and any allergies, specific dietary requirements, or religious preferences will be catered for (subject to prior communication).
OUR ROUTE
ENTRY FEE FOR ONE CAR FROM £10280*
THIS EXCLUSIVE CHALLENGE INCLUDES
Unique experiences, hand-picked by our expert team
8 nights luxury accommodation during the event
Daily breakfast, lunch, coffee halts, evening meals and a cocktail
Gala evening, cocktails and dinner
Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
Event roadbook, maps and guidance
Mechanical and medical support
Rally plates
*Entry fees are based on a crew of two people sharing hotel rooms. If you would like the privacy of a private room throughout your trip please select this upgrade option when completing the event application form. Please note, an additional single supplement cost will be chargeable for this upgrade.