Embark on a unique natural adventure in Greece with a day tour to Kalavryta and the Cave of Lakes. Travel on the scenic Cog Railway through Vouraikos Canyon and discover the exclusive wonders of the Cave of the Lakes.
Embark on a unique natural adventure in Greece with a day tour to Kalavryta and the Cave of Lakes. Travel on the scenic Cog Railway through Vouraikos Canyon and discover the exclusive wonders of the Cave of the Lakes.
- Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It traverses the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, which arguably turns the peninsula into an island. The canal, dug at sea level, lacks locks and measures 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) in length…
- Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It traverses the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, which arguably turns the peninsula into an island. The canal, dug at sea level, lacks locks and measures 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) in length and 21.4 meters (70 ft) wide at its base, making it unsuitable for most modern ships. Today, it holds little economic significance and serves primarily as a tourist attraction. The canal was first proposed in ancient times, with an unsuccessful attempt to construct it in the 1st century AD. Construction began in 1881 but faced geological and financial challenges that led to the bankruptcy of the original builders. Completed in 1893, the canal’s narrowness, navigational issues, and frequent closures for landslide repairs from its steep walls prevented it from attracting the anticipated level of traffic.
- Mega Spileo Monastery - The Holy Monastery of Mega Spileo is located 10 km from Kalavryta, along the main road near Zachlorou. Built into a sheer rock face at 924 m, it offers breathtaking balcony views. Resembling a fortress, the eight-story complex surrounds a cave housing the monks’ cells. Tradition holds that it was founded in 362 AD by brothers Symeon and Theodore after a shepherd girl discovered a wax-and-mastic icon of the Virgin Mary in the cave, believed to be painted by Apostle Luke. Burned by the Iconomachs in 840, it was rebuilt in 1285 by Emperor Andronikos Palaiologos, but fires in 1600 and 1934 destroyed its library and relics. Reconstructed again, it was set ablaze by Nazi troops in 1943 following the Kalavryta massacre, resulting in the deaths of twelve monks and staff. Today, it stands resilient: a 17th-century church with remarkable frescoes, mosaics, and a bronze relief door, along with a museum of carved crosses, manuscripts, and Gospels. The monastery celebrates August 15, in honor of the Virgin Mary.
- Kalavrita - Kalavryta is a mountainous town on the northern side of the Peloponnese. This town holds historical significance as one of the most tragic massacres occurred there during World War II, when Nazi troops killed the entire male population. According to tradition, it was also in Kalavryta, at the Monastery of Agia Lavra, where the Greek Revolution against the Ottomans was declared on March 25th, 1821. Holidays in Kalavryta are ideal for the winter season due to the nearby ski center on the slopes of Mount Helmos. Visitors to Kalavryta can explore the town, savor its local products, and enjoy a meal or coffee.
- Kastria Cave of the Lakes - In the village of Kastria in Achaia lies the renowned “Cave of the Lakes.” It is a rare natural wonder. Beyond its labyrinth of corridors, mysterious galleries, and unusual stalactite formations, the “Cave of the Lakes” boasts something uniquely exclusive not found in other famous caves. Inside, a series of cascading lakes form three distinct levels, establishing its uniqueness worldwide.
The cave is an ancient subterranean river with an explored length of 1980 meters. In winter, when the snow melts, the cave transforms into a subterranean river with natural waterfalls. During the summer months, part of the cave dries up, revealing a lacework of stone basins and dams up to 4 m in height. The rest of the cave retains water year-round in 13 picturesque lakes.

- Private transportation
- Professional Drivers (Not licensed to accompany you into the sites)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Professional Drivers (Not licensed to accompany you into the sites)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Airport pickup/drop-off on request (additional fee varies by vehicle type)
- Gratuities
- Admission fees
- Lunch
- Airport pickup/drop-off on request (additional fee varies by vehicle type)
- Gratuities
- Admission fees
A day tour to the Corinth Canal, Mega Spilaio Monastery, Kalavryta, and the Cave of the Lakes provides a remarkable journey through the varied beauty of the Peloponnese. Visitors can marvel at the impressive engineering of the Corinth Canal, explore the dramatic cliffside location and spiritual significance of Mega Spilaio Monastery, enjoy the…
A day tour to the Corinth Canal, Mega Spilaio Monastery, Kalavryta, and the Cave of the Lakes provides a remarkable journey through the varied beauty of the Peloponnese. Visitors can marvel at the impressive engineering of the Corinth Canal, explore the dramatic cliffside location and spiritual significance of Mega Spilaio Monastery, enjoy the traditional mountain charm and historical richness of Kalavryta, and uncover the stunning underground lakes and rock formations within the Cave of the Lakes. This tour combines nature, history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, showcasing an authentic and less touristy side of Greece.
Why choose Hellenic Private Tours? They offer flexible services tailored to individual needs, professional English-speaking drivers, and modern Mercedes sedans, minivans, and minibuses fully licensed for tourist use. With excellent client feedback, dedicated customer support, and experienced licensed tour guides available upon request, they ensure a comfortable and memorable travel experience.
- Your tour is totally private. No unknown passengers will participate in your group.
- Infant car seats are available upon request
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.