Xylokastro, Kalvrita, Patra, Naypaktos, Messolonghi And Leyfkada
3 Days
DAY 1
Starting from the central Athens hotel, we depart via the coastal National Road towards the Corinth Canal for a short stop. Then, we stop for coffee in the seaside town of Xylokastro before arriving in Diakofto, where we board the Rack Railway (Odontotos). This scenic train journey through the Vouraikos Gorge, often considered the most beautiful in the Balkans, travels through streams, narrow gorges, tunnels, waterfalls, cliffs, and pine forests, ending in Kalavryta. Our driver will meet you there to continue to the “Cave of the Lakes,” a unique natural wonder with 13 lakes of varying colors. You’ll also see the “hanging bridge,” waterfalls, and impressive stalactite formations. In winter, the cave transforms into a subterranean river with natural waterfalls. Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch in Kalavryta and spend the night there.
DAY 2
After breakfast, we will visit the 3rd largest city of Greece, Patras, then cross the Rio-Antirio Bridge, an impressive cable-stayed bridge connecting the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland. Our first stop is Nafpaktos, located on the Gulf of Corinth. Its Venetian fortress overlooking the city is a reminder of its historical significance as Lepanto, where the Christian and Turkish fleets clashed in battle — a clash in which the famous Cervantes lost his arm. You will have free time to stroll around its picturesque harbor and explore the beautiful old town. Enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the site. We continue our journey to Messolonghi, a great city of great historical importance. It was first mentioned in written sources in the 16th century. From 1804 to 1820, the historic city was under the rule of Ali Pasha of Ioannina. The most important page of its history was written with the heroic Exodus (April 10, 1826) of the Messolonghi people after a months-long siege by the Turks, an event that sealed modern Greek history. The city remained under Turkish rule until 1829, after which its reconstruction began. In 1937, Messolonghi was designated as a “Holy City”. Leaving the city, our final destination is Lefkada, where we will eat and spend the night.
DAY 3
In the morning we will discover this beautiful island of the Ionian Sea. Lefkada is surrounded by a total of 24 islets – one of them is the Scorpios of Aristotle Onassis. It is connected to the opposite coast of Central Greece via a floating suspension bridge (length: 50 m). The bridge offers easy access to Lefkada to visitors from all over Greece. In Lefkada you will find remarkable sights, churches and monasteries, picturesque villages, rich vegetation, idyllic coves with transparent, turquoise waters, crowded and secluded beaches of stunning beauty, significant cultural heritage and hospitable locals. Lefkada is the capital and port of the island. The urban planning is very special and resembles a “fish backbone”. There are picturesque alleys, small squares, traditional houses, ornate bell towers and paved pedestrian streets that give this city its character. The city is surrounded by a canal and a lagoon, while further north is Gyra, a fine sandy beach that forms a circle, scattered with windmills and sparse vegetation. We will have enough time there. Our trip ends by returning back to Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included?
● Professional drivers with deep knowledge of history (Not licensed to accompany you in any site)
● Skip the line option upon request – entrance tickets not included
● Private transportation
● Hotel/ airport/ port pickup and drop-off
● Air-conditioned vehicle
● WiFi on board
● Bottled water
● Lunch (With Greek Traditional Food option)
Exclusions
● Entrance fees – €35 per person for all attractions (pre-purchase upon request)
● Licensed tour guide – €250 (upon request and depending on availability)
● Gratuities
Please note
● Our drivers are not official tour guides, but they are knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. Although they will not enter the archaeological sites with you, they can answer most of your questions about the places you visit with this tour.
● Our company complies with all the health instructions of the World Health Organization about COVID-19
● Third party activities and especially extreme sports are not allowed during the tour. This could be a cause for immediate cancellation of the tour.
● This is a private tour. Only your group will participate. The pick-up time is adjustable upon your request. Your personal driver will pick you up and return you to the same place or to the point you prefer.
∘ In the case of a hotel pick-up, he will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby.
∘ In the case of an apartment pick-up, he will be waiting for you at the entrance of the building.
∘ For airport pick up, he will be waiting for you at the arrival hall holding a sign with your name on it so you can spot him upon arrival. We will track your flight and our driver will be there on time.
∘ For port pick up, he will be waiting for you at the gate, just as you disembark, holding a sign with your name on it so you can spot him upon arrival.
What do I need to bring?
● Comfortable clothing
● Athletic/ walking shoes are recommended
● Hats, sunglasses, and suntan lotion are highly recommended
Cancellation Policy
● You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
● If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
● Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
