Day Tour with Kalavryta, and Cave Of Lakes
Discover the Wonders of Kalavryta: A Scenic Day Tour with Mega Spileo monastey & Cave of Lakes!
Join us for an unforgettable private tour of the Peloponnese Peninsula’s stunning scenery and historical wonders. This exclusive trip includes visits to the iconic Corinth Canal, the Mega Spileo monastery, the Monastery of Agia Lavra, the fascinating Cave of Lakes, the charming town of Kalavryta, and the breathtaking Vouraikos Gorge.
Travel ID
Duration: Full day / 10 Hours
Tour Type: Private Tour
Destinations: Corinth Canal, Kastria Cave of Lakes, Kalavrita
Region: Peloponnese
Starting Point: Athens
Tour Language: English
Age Range: 1 to 99 years old
Available: All year round
Departures: Daily
- 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 with its breathtaking views
- The Mega Spileo (the great cave monastery)
- The historical monastery of Agia Lavra
- Experience the Vouraikos River Gorge on the way to Kalavrita
- Enjoy a delicious Greek lunch at Kalavryta, one of the most beautiful Greek villages
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.
The Corinth Canal
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.
The Mega Spileo Monastery
Perched dramatically on a steep cliff in the Peloponnese, Mega Spileo Monastery is one of Greece’s oldest and most striking religious sites.
Founded in the 4th century, it is deeply connected to Orthodox Christian tradition and the legend of the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been created by the Apostle Luke.
The monastery has endured fires and destruction over centuries, yet it remains an important spiritual and historical landmark. Its architecture blends naturally with the rugged rock face, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding gorge.
Today, it attracts pilgrims and visitors alike, who come to experience its serene atmosphere, rich history, and remarkable setting.
Continue our journey with Athens Tours Greece as we head next to explore the remarkable Cave of the Lakes, known for its stunning natural formations and cascading underground waters.
Vouraikos River Gorge
On the way to Kalavryta, enjoy the journey as you take in the breathtaking scenery of the Vouraikos River Gorge.
Stretching between Kalavryta and Diakopto, this remarkable landscape has been carved over centuries by the flowing Vouraikos River.
Towering cliffs, rich vegetation, and a diverse ecosystem create an unforgettable natural setting. Perfect for hiking and photography, it provides a serene escape into nature while revealing the rugged beauty of the Peloponnese.
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.
We will drive now towards Kalvryta to visit the historical Holy Monastery of Agia Lavra!
The Monastery of Agia Lavra
The Monastery of Agia Lavra, near Kalavryta, Greece, is a historic monastery dating back to 961 AD. It played a key role in Greece’s War of Independence, as it was where Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the revolutionary flag in 1821.
The monastery was destroyed multiple times, including by the Ottomans and Nazis, but was rebuilt each time. It houses important relics, including a gospel gifted by Catherine the Great.
Surrounded by scenic mountains, it remains a symbol of Greek freedom and Orthodox faith, attracting visitors for its history, religious significance, and stunning views.
Next Athens Tours Greece will drive you to famous Kalavrita!
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.
Known for its role in the Greek War of Independence (1821) and the tragic Nazi massacre of 1943, it offers deep historical significance.
Visitors explore the monument and museum of the Holocaust, the clock of the Metropolitan Church in the center of the square, the Monastery of Agia Lavra, and the Odontotos Rack Railway through the breathtaking Vouraikos Gorge.
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.
In winter, Kalavrita becomes a skiing hotspot, while all year round, it captivates with stone houses, tavernas, and stunning mountain views.
After exploring Kalavryta and the breathtaking Vouraikos River Gorge, we begin our return journey to Athens, where our tour concludes.
The Diakofto-Kalavryta Rack Railway is currently suspended due to safety concerns following severe weather and rockslides in the Vouraikos Gorge. These geological shifts from Mount Helmos made the route hazardous, requiring urgent maintenance and stability studies by the Technical Chamber of Greece. While local authorities are pushing for a swift reopening to support tourism, no official date has been set for 2026. Reopening will likely occur in phases as fortification works finish.
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 to 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, an extra charge for Athens Airport.
- Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Kasomouli 44, 117 44 Athens, Greece.
- Accommodation is based on availability (for multiple-day tours)
- 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, drinks, and beverages
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interests and mobility. 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
Acropolis Skip-The-Line Tickets
Timed entry tickets for the Acropolis are required for all visitors! Since April 2024, the Acropolis and all associated archaeological sites and museums have operated under a strict timed-entry reservation system. You must book your slot before arriving, as entry without a pre-scheduled ticket is not permitted under any circumstances. Read More…
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 those 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.
Important Notice: Terms and Conditions
- Please review our Terms and Conditions thoroughly prior to proceeding. By booking a service with our company, you hereby acknowledge and provide automatic acceptance of all established terms and policies.
