eBike Tour Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Ioannina!

Starting time

09:30 π.μ.

Passengers

From 3 to 6

Duration

2 ώρες

Ioannina, a tapestry of scholars, rich merchants and unparalleled silver craftsmen next to heroic warriors, notorious rulers and legendary love affairs, all unfolded next to the lake.

Description

Embark on a cycling adventure through Ioannina's rich heritage. Admire historic buildings that demonstrate neoclassical and traditional architecture influenced by ottoman elements. Pedal through the transformed Chani Thanopoulou, now bustling with cafes. Traverse cobblestone streets to discover Kaplanio and Papazoglio Schools. Marvel at traditional Ioannina houses and Frontzou House's Ottoman-inspired design. Encounter the iconic Clock Tower. Enjoy panoramic views and visit the Center of Traditional Handicrafts for exquisite silver jewelry. Ride in the Castle, stopping for coffee amidst its historic charm. Discover the ancient Romaniot Synagogue and the Gate of Its Kale with its museums, capturing Ali Pasha's era. Conclude by visiting the Ottoman Baths and the historical archive before ending at the lakeside opposite the Pamvotida's island.

Itirenary

We start our ride by seeing the imposing Orphanage which was the first School of silversmithing. We ride through the open space in the old Chani, Thanopoulo's Inn, which today hosts cafes and catering shops as a continuation of its historical use. On our way we meet the Municipal Gallery with collections of paintings, sculptures and engravings by Greek artists and after we pass by the neoclassical architecture of KETHEA offices before stopping at the imposing building of Zosimaia School, the first school in Ioannina.

Entering the pedestrian streets we meet the Kaplanio School and opposite the Papazoglio Weaving School, today a branch of the University of Ioannina. We cycle on the cobblestone street only to enjoy the view of two courtyards surrounded by typical houses of local Ioannina architecture. Through tranquil pedestrian streets that drive us amongst the vivid district of city's nightlife, we will reach the Frontzou house, an excellent example of a building of local architecture with Ottoman influences, located opposite the city's historical Library.

Exiting the pedestrian area we shall admire the most symbolic monument of the Ioannina city, the "Clock" that was built when the Ottomans still ruled. Behind its small square we ride up in the park with a panoramic view of the city, the castle and the lake. Leaving the viewpoint, we will pass the Archaeological Museum and the Town Hall.

We next cycle through small streets at typical neighbourhoods of the modern city only to arrive to the Center of Traditional Handicrafts where we shall be guided to admire and even enjoy shopping of excellent silver jewellery made by the amazing Ioannina craftsmen who have a long tradition.

Departing the centre we'll cycle next to the lake and enter the Castle, the last stop of our tour. A stop for coffee in a traditional castle cafe welcomes us in the atmosphere of the settlement.

Through an adventurous route among the paved alleys we will discover the famous Ancient Holy Synagogue of the Romaniot community of Ioannina. The challenging ride will bring us to the Gate of Its Kale, a place which includes two excellent Museums and captures the period of city's ruler Ali Pasha. Before exiting the magnificent castle we meet the Ottoman Baths and the renovated building which is now a historical archive.

As our tour comes to the end, we cycle along the lakeside and meet the pier where the little boats depart daily full of visitors to the symbolic and picturesque island of Lake Pamvotida.