Kalavryta, Odontotos Train & Cave of Lakes Full-Day Private Tour

Kalavryta, Odontotos Train & Cave of Lakes Full-Day Private Tour

By Athenaos Travel & Tours

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
11h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup
Multiple languages

Overview

Enjoy a private full-day tour from Athens to the Corinth Canal, the Train at the Odontotos Rack Railway, the Cave of the Lakes, and Kalavryta. Begin with a comfortable pickup by your professional driver in a premium, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle. Stop at the Corinth Canal, the impressive waterway connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas, before continuing to Diakopto. Board the famous Train at the Odontotos Rack Railway with included tickets for a breathtaking ride through the Vouraikos Gorge, surrounded by cliffs, rivers, and lush forests. Visit the Cave of the Lakes in Kastria, a stunning natural wonder with cascading underground lakes and striking stalactites. End your journey in the mountain town of Kalavryta, known for its traditional streets, lively square, and authentic Greek flavors. With flexible scheduling and reliable door-to-door service, this private tour combines history, nature, and mountain charm for an unforgettable day trip from Athens.

Activity location

Athens
- Athens, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

Athens
- Athens, Greece

Check availability

Kalavryta-Odontotos-Kastria

11h
English

Pickup included

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 8:30

Price details

RM 2,588.56 x 1 AdultRM 2,588.56

Paid at activityRM 43.14

Total

Until Sat, 20 Dec

What's included, what's not

Pickup and drop-off available at any location in Athens, Piraeus, Athens Airport, and Piraeus Port
Private transportation
WiFi on board
PDF guide for all sights and monuments of the tour
Charge your devices with our USB quick chargers (Type C & Apple)
English-speaking tour driver with extensive knowledge of each location's history and significance
Mercedes Premium A/C Minivan with cool bottled water and refreshments
Odontotos Rack Railway Train tickets
Cave of the Lakes Kastria - Tickets sold only on site (9€/adult, 4,5€/child)
(Optional) Municipal Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust - Tickets sold only on site (4€/adult)
Lunch
Gratuities

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Weather & Clothing Advice: Kalavryta lies in a mountainous region, where temperatures are generally cooler than in Athens, especially during autumn, winter, and early spring. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a jacket or warmer clothing, even on sunny days. During winter months, snow is common, so layered clothing is advised for comfort during outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Luggage: Please inform us in advance if you have any special luggage requirements, such as large items or extra bags.
Special Requests: If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Our tour drivers will provide engaging commentary in fluent English, sharing insights about the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history. As you journey through the lush landscapes of Mountainous Kalavryta, they will highlight key landmarks, scenic spots, and fascinating local stories, ensuring a memorable and informative experience.
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours each way, included in the total tour duration.
We provide assistance to people with movement disability for boarding and alighting from the vehicle. However, it is advisable to inform us in advance if any special arrangements are required.
For families with younger children, we offer child safety seats upon request.
Important Note: To ensure availability for Odontotos Rack Railway train tickets, we recommend booking this tour at least 48 hours in advance.
The train ride is subject to weather and operational conditions set by the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE).
The Cave of Lakes includes steps and uneven terrain and may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

Activity itinerary

Athens

Pickup at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.

Corinth Canal

A quick stop to admire and photograph the Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.

Odontotos Rack Railway

1h 30m
Admission ticket included

Experience one of Greece’s most scenic train journeys aboard the historic Odontotos Rack Railway. Built in the late 19th century, this narrow-gauge line connects Diakopto with the picturesque mountain village of Kalavryta, traversing the stunning Vouraikos Gorge. As the train ascends, marvel at dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and stone bridges — all part of a breathtaking landscape carved by nature. The rack (toothed) system allows the train to climb steep gradients safely, making the ride both an engineering marvel and an unforgettable experience. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike.

Gorge of Vouraikos (Pass by)

The Gorge of Vouraikos is one of Greece’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching from the coastal town of Diakopto up to the mountain village of Kalavryta. Formed by the Vouraikos River as it carved its way through the limestone mountains of Achaia, the gorge offers breathtaking scenery with steep cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and dense vegetation. It is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with a well-marked trail running alongside the historic Odontotos Rack Railway. The combination of rugged beauty, natural tranquility, and remarkable geological formations makes the Gorge of Vouraikos a highlight of any visit to the region.

The Municipal Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust

30m
Admission ticket not included

Delve into the harrowing history of Kalavryta by visiting this museum, dedicated to one of the darkest chapters of World War II. On December 13, 1943, German forces executed nearly the entire male population of Kalavryta and burned the town in retaliation against the Greek resistance. The museum’s exhibits include personal artifacts of the victims, photographs, survivor testimonies, and detailed narratives that vividly recount this tragic event. Walking through the museum is a deeply emotional and educational experience that pays tribute to the resilience and courage of the survivors and ensures that this history is never forgotten.

Kalavryta

1h 30m

Once you arrive in Kalavryta, immerse yourself in the charm of this mountain town. Wander its cobblestone streets, visit boutique shops selling local products such as honey and handmade crafts, and savor traditional Greek dishes at a local taverna. Learn about the town’s significant historical role during World War II through its museums and monuments.

Place of Sacrifice of Kalavryta

The Place of Sacrifice is a solemn memorial marking the site where, on December 13, 1943, Nazi forces executed over 500 men and boys from Kalavryta in one of the most tragic massacres of World War II. Located on a hillside overlooking the town, this sacred site features a large white cross and engraved stone plaques listing the names of the victims, serving as a powerful reminder of the town’s suffering and resilience. Each year, a commemorative ceremony is held here, ensuring that this dark chapter in history is never forgotten. The site offers a deeply emotional experience, inviting visitors to reflect on the horrors of war and the enduring spirit of Kalavryta.

Kastria Cave of the Lakes

1h
Admission ticket not included

Continue your exploration with a visit to the enchanting Cave of Lakes. This unique natural wonder features a series of cascading underground lakes and stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Wander along well-lit paths and wooden walkways as you marvel at the cave’s surreal beauty. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring, making it a highlight of your tour. A rare creation of nature with mysterious galleries and strange stalactite formations. A unique natural creation featuring 13 cascading lakes of various sizes and shapes, three different levels, and a steady year-round temperature of 16-17°C. Around 1980 meters of the cave have been explored, though at present only 500 meters are open to visitors. Fossilized bones of various animals have been found here, as well as important archaeological and anthropological finds (including pottery and tools) dating from Neolithic, Early Helladic and Middle Helladic times.

Mega Spileo Monastery

Perched on a cliffside of Vouraikos Gorge, Mega Spileo Monastery (founded in 362 AD) is one of Greece’s oldest and most sacred sites. Built into a massive rock face, it houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be crafted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. The monastery features eight stories filled with Byzantine frescoes, religious relics, and rare manuscripts, while balconies offer breathtaking views. A key stronghold during the Greek War of Independence, it withstood destruction in WWII, standing today as a symbol of faith, history, and resilience.

Athens

Drop-off at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.

Location

Activity location

Athens
- Athens, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

Athens
- Athens, Greece

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