Athens to Dimitsana via Corinth Canal & Cog Railway Adventure

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Begin at the Corinth Canal, an awe-inspiring engineering feat connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Discover Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul preached in 52 AD, and wander through ruins that narrate the tale of a once-mighty city. Then, embark on the renowned Cog Railway through the stunning Vouraikos Gorge, passing by waterfalls, cliffs, tunnels, and verdant forests. Visit the extraordinary Cave of Lakes, an underground marvel of glistening pools.

Diakofto - Arrive at “Diakofto” to board the Cog Railway (Odontotos) linking Kalavrita with Diakopto through Vouraikos Canyon, one of Greece’s most beautiful natural sights and a spectacular railway journey. It’s been hailed as the most beautiful train trip in the Balkans. The small train travels through streams, ascending the narrow gorge into the mountains, through tunnels, over waterfalls, along cliffs, and through pine and oleander forests. The journey concludes in Kalavryta, where the driver will meet you to continue the tour at the mysterious and magnificent “Cave of the Lakes,” a rare natural creation. It consists of 13 small and large lakes, each with different colors depending on the oxides in the rocks. You’ll see the wonderful “hanging bridge” and the “waterfalls” that create the sensation of a floating corridor.

Dimitsana - Arrive in Dimitsana for an overnight stay in the late afternoon.

Monasteries of Lousios & Prodromos – Explore Historic Nafplio

Lousios River - After breakfast, depart from the hotel and drive for 20 minutes to reach the path leading to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, built in the 19th century. After a 20-30 minute walk, reach the Monastery and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Lousios River below!

The Holy Monastery of the Philosopher - The monks will guide you on how to continue walking in the Lousios Gorge to visit the next monastery of Philosophes, one of Greece’s oldest monasteries, originally built in 963 and rebuilt in 1691.

Nafplio - At the end of the tour, drive to Nafplio for an overnight stay.

Mycenae, Epidaurus & Ancient Sparta Experience

Nafplio - After breakfast, explore Nafplio, one of Greece’s most beautiful towns and the first capital in modern Greek history. Walk along the coast, visit the Castle of the Town, and enjoy the stunning view of the small island of Bourtzi in the city’s harbor.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Next, visit Ancient Mycenae, famous for the “Gate of Lions” and “Atreus King Tomb.”

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Finally, visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, which seats 15,000 spectators.

Sparta - Drive to Sparta for check-in and relaxation.

Byzantine Mystras & Medieval Monemvasia Tour

Archaeological Site of Mystra - After breakfast, visit the Museum of Olive & Olive Oil to learn about this sacred Greek product. Next, explore the nearby Byzantine town of Mystras. Wander through the castle city, the Upper and Lower Town, and feel the grandeur of the Palace of the Despots (Anaktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios, and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa and Our Lady Perivleptos.

Monemvasia - Travel to Monemvasia, a medieval fortress-town carved into a massive rock by the sea. Stroll through narrow cobbled alleys, centuries-old mansions, and Byzantine chapels for an unforgettable journey back in time. Overnight in Gythio, a picturesque coastal town.

Sparta - In the afternoon, return to Sparta for an overnight stay, where you can relax and enjoy the city’s peaceful atmosphere after a day of exploration.

Diros Caves Exploration & Kalamata Arrival

Caves of Diros - Enjoy free time exploring Gytheio, a charming seaside town. Then, head to the mesmerizing Diros Caves, an underground river system navigated by boat among stalactites and stalagmites, once believed to be entrances to the underworld.

Kalamata - Arrive in Kalamata, known for its olive groves, seafront dining, and Peloponnesian charm. Overnight in Kalamata.

Ancient Messene, Pylos Town & Olympia Highlights

Ancient Messini - At 08:30, depart from your hotel to reach Ancient Messene, a spectacular archaeological site and UNESCO monument, combining diverse beauties as it is built on one side of the Messenian valley. The city was founded in the 4th century B.C. by Epaminondas.

Pylos - Next, visit the picturesque coastal town of Pylos, known for its natural harbor and rich naval history. Enjoy an optional lunch with views over the beautiful Bay of Navarino. Stroll through the charming main square and savor the relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Palace of Nestor - Explore the ancient Palace of Nestor, one of the best-preserved Mycenaean palaces in Greece. Walk through its grand halls, see original frescoes, and uncover the myths and history of Homer’s epics.

Olympia - The day ends in Olympia. Check in at your hotel and relax.

Olympia Cultural Tasting & Journey to Delphi

Archaeological Site of Olympia - At 09:00, depart from your hotel to visit the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, located in the lush valley formed by the Alfios River, where the first Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. Visit the Temple of Zeus, the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, where Phedias created the gold and ivory statue dedicated to Zeus, one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient world. Then, see the Temple of Hera, the shrine of Pelops (one of the oldest in the sanctuary), the Council house where athletes took the Olympic oath, the Treasury houses, the Gymnasium, and the Palestra, where they trained for a month before the Games. Finally, visit the stadium.

Market of Ancient Olympia - Visit the flea market for a delightful experience of free wine and olive oil tasting, savoring the distinct blends of olive oil and iconic Greek olives.

Klio’s Honey Farm - Visit a local honey farm, where under the shade of the trees, enjoy coffee or juice and handmade local desserts, all made with honey produced on this farm for generations.

Naupactus - Stop at the beautiful seaside town of Nafpaktos, surrounded by the Venetian Castle, next to the Venetian Port. Enjoy free time for lunch.

Delphi - Arrive in Delphi for an overnight stay.

Delphi, Arachova & Sunset at Meteora

Delphi Archaeological Museum - After breakfast, visit the archaeological site of Delphi. Explore the Ancient Oracle, the Stadium, the Ancient Theatre, which can host more than 5000 seated spectators, and the Museum of Delphi, where you can admire the “Charioteer,” one of the finest bronze statues ever! Delphi is renowned for the oracle at the sanctuary dedicated to Apollo during the classical period.

Arachova - Continue to the village of Arachova, Greece’s most bustling winter destination, a mountainous village at 1000 meters altitude. Discover the village’s traditional character by taking a coffee or lunch break. Don’t forget to try the famous traditional cheese, Arachova’s formaela, in various forms.

Kalambaka - Depart from Arachova and drive through Central Greece and the city of Trikala, where a quick stop will be made, before arriving in Kalambaka, a small traditional town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks of God, in the shadow of the great Meteora Monasteries. Check in at your hotel and witness the breathtaking sunset at Meteora. Be amazed by the natural beauty of the rock formations and the fascinating way monasteries are perched atop the cliffs, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. Enjoy the sunset around the rocks.

Meteora Monasteries & Thermopylae – Return to Athens

Meteora - At 09:00, the driver will pick you up from your hotel to visit the BYZANTINE MONASTERIES of Meteora, included in the UNESCO world heritage monument list. The first stop is The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro, the biggest and oldest of all, known as the monastery “suspended in the air” (meteoro) due to the formation of the gigantic rock on which it was built. The second visit is to the great monastery of Varlaam, founded in the 16th century and located atop a rock at 380m height! This wonderful tour concludes at the picturesque village of Kalambaka, where you will enjoy a traditional Greek lunch.

Thermopylae - Afterwards, return to Athens with a short stop at Thermopylae, where you can admire the statue of Leonidas as a memorial of the battle of the 300 Spartans against thousands of soldiers of the Persian Empire. Drop off at your hotel in Athens.

• Sunset tour Meteora, around the rocks
• Private Car & English speaking driver
• 8 nights accommodation
• Breakfast
• Honey, Olive Oil and food tasting at Olympia
• Welcome bag with gifts upon our meeting

• Gratuities
• Hotel City Tax 4-star
• Local Guides

Embark on a captivating 9-day private tour of ancient Greece, visiting Delphi, Olympia, Meteora, and the Peloponnese. Discover sacred ruins, awe-inspiring monasteries on cliffs, enchanting caves, and delightful coastal towns.

Experience history at Delphi’s Oracle, the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia, and the medieval stronghold of Monemvasia. Benefit from private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and tailored experiences, including picturesque drives, culinary delights, and stunning sunsets over Meteora.

Reserve your memorable Greek adventure today—reach out to us to customize your private tour and lock in your dates!

• 2 people will stay in a double-sharing room, 3 people will stay in a triple-sharing room, and 1 person will have a private single room
• After your booking, you will receive a detailed itinerary
• Please note that one week prior to your trip, you will receive an updated itinerary with hotel names, pick-up times, and other details.
• Respecting the environment, you will receive the program on your mobile device or in chat room of Viator. If you need a printed version, please let us know.
• We recommend downloading the WhatsApp application for immediate communication.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.