Day Trip with Kalavryta, Train & Cave Of Lakes
“Experience a captivating, scenic, and culturally rich day trip from Athens exploring the beauty of nature and history!”
Join us for an unforgettable private tour of the stunning scenery and historical wonders of the Peloponnese Peninsula. This exclusive trip includes visits to the iconic Corinth Canal, the ancient city of Corinth, the fascinating Cave of Lakes, the charming town of Kalavrita, the breathtaking Vouraikos Gorge and a thrilling ride on the Odontotos Rack Railway.
Prepare for a day of adventure, discovery and indulgence as you explore some of the most beautiful parts of the Peloponnese. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich history, savor delicious Greek cuisine, and create lasting memories on this extraordinary private tour. As you step into your “vacation mode,” ensure you’re dressed comfortably for the day’s activities. Embrace the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation as you discover the wonders that await you in this magnificent setting.
Itinerary
Athens, Corinth Canal, ancient Corinth, or Mega Spilaio Monastery, Odontotos Rack Railway (Cogwheel Railway), Vouraikos River Gorge, Cave of Lakes, Kalavryta, Athens
- Ten-hour private tour with private driver and air-conditioned vehicle
- Explore the famous Cave of Lakes, a rare creation of nature
- Pass by the Corinth Canal and visit the ancient town of Corinth, or alternatively, the Mega Spilaio Monastery
- Ride the Odontotos Rack Railway (Cogwheel Railway)
- Experience the Vouraikos River Gorge
- Enjoy a delicious Greek lunch at Kalavryta, one of the most beautiful Greek villages
The Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth
The tour starts early in the morning from Athens; your driver will be waiting for you at your hotel, and you will travel along the new national road towards Corinth.
Passing by the famous 4.5 miles long Corinth Canal that connects the Aegean Sea with the Ioanian Sea is an experience that no one wants to miss. You will have the opportunity to see the canal and take pictures if you wish.
Once you leave the Corinth Canal, you will reach the town of Ancient Corinth, one of the most famous and powerful city-states of Greek antiquity. The location is quite accessible, so you will feel its atmosphere by walking around the ruins of the old town. Ancient Corinth was known for its wealth, luxury, and immorality in ancient times.
Mega Spilaio Monastery (Alternative to Ancient Corinth)
For those who wish, there is an alternative option to visit the Mega Spilaio Monastery, which is situated in an impressive landscape at the entrance of a natural cave. You will be left in awe of the miracle of nature and the steep cliffs of Helmos at an altitude of 940 meters.
The monastery was built in 362 AD by the Thessalonian brothers, Simeon and Theodore, who saw a vision commanding them to find the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary crafted by the Evangelist Luke.
The Cave of Lakes
The next stop is the Cave of Lakes. With its labyrinthine corridors, mysterious galleries, and strange stalactites, this famous cave is a rare creation of nature.
It features 13 consecutive stepped lakes spread over three floors and a constant temperature of 13-16 degrees Celsius, making it unique in the world.
Fossilized bones of humans and animals, including hippopotamuses, have been found in the cave, indicating that it was inhabited since the 6th millennium BC.
Gorgeous Kalavryta
After this fascinating visit, you will head to the gorgeous village of Kalavryta with its breathtaking natural beauty, which is considered a significant place in the history of modern Greece.
You will visit the monument and museum of the Holocaust, the clock of the Metropolitan Church in the center of the square, and the Palace of Palaiologina. It is speculated that the Palace of Palaiologina was built by Thomas Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor.
Enjoy leisure time for an authentic Greek lunch in the village and shopping at the local shops in the area. The Kalavryta pedestrian street, with its dozens of cafes, bars, and taverns, is the perfect place to relax and reminisce about the day’s adventures.
Odontotos Rack Railway
An exciting tour with the Odontotos Railway is what comes next! It is a unique construction in Greece. Beginning from Diakofto, you will climb the Odontotos Railway on its characteristic rail tracks, passing through the Vouraikos River Gorge between rocks, plane trees, and running water. It’s a fairytale route that will have you glued to the window, taking photos and trying to absorb all the magic of the journey. The Odontotos Rack Railway is the only rack railway in Greece and one of the few remaining in Europe.
Alternatively, board at Kalavryta or Zachlorou village and enjoy an approximately 1-hour picturesque ride from Kalavrita or a 35-minute ride from Zachlorou.
Your driver will be waiting for you at the other end to head back to Athens.
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion – Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
- If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
- When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
- Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
- Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Road tolls and all local taxes
Excluded from the tour
- Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
- Optional Gratuities
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver
Cancellation Policy
Additional info
- Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
- Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
- Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
- City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
- Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
- Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
