Peloponnese Hidden Gems: Exploring Villages, Monastery, River and Museum in the Heart of Greece
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Vytina
Escape the city and discover the hidden gems of the Peloponnese region in Greece. Explore charming villages, visit a monastery hanging from cliffs, and marvel at the natural beauty of the Menalon Mountain range. Enjoy a comfortable and informative tour with a professional English-speaking driver.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Vytina - CAPSIA CAVES: Before reaching the village of Vitina our first stop is at one of the most hidden beauty spots in Greece, the Capsia Caves where you can explore this immense cave system which spans over 4 Miles (6km), where many artefacts from Neolithic fossils to clay lamps from the 4th Century have been recovered.

Famous for its white, yellow, red, green, and light blue colourations it has a great many stalactites and stalagmites which are most dramatic in the “Chamber of Wonders’.

  • Offshore Hydropower Museum - Your view of Greece and understanding of its local culture will be forever changed & enriched by your visit to this museum with an amazing window into the society of past generations. You will not only learn about the integral value of water mills which were spread all over pre-industrial Greece, but see many skills & crafts brought to life again in this working facility & Museum.

Such mills were a hub of life. Most simply in the production of flour & bread, they also provided everything from a point of trade where people met to exchange ideas & culture, to a place where local artisans produced leather & textiles, where clothes & other household items were carried for washing & grapes were processed into spirits such as ‘raki’. This particular Mill also played a key Historical role in gunpowder production in the 1821 war of independence.

Set in tranquil surrounding this is a real highlight for anyone interested in learning & connecting with the local culture of a bygone era.

  • Lousios Gorge - The Lousios River cuts a deep gorge where you can follow a path down to its shady waters to cool off your feet in its pure water amidst the surrounding forest and is a great time out to enjoy the natural beauty of this area during your trip.
  • Moni Agiou Ioanni Prodromou - The Lousios gorge is also known as the “Mount Athos of the Peloponnese” due to the many Monasteries that can be found hidden high up in the sides of its steep cliffs. On our tour we take time to visit one of the most beautifully located and largest, the Prodromou Monastery which can be reached after a 10 minute walk from the road along a stone path & where you can ascend to be welcomed by the local monks with a Traditional Greek Coffee & sweet they produce.

On entering you will have the impression that nothing has changed in the hundreds of years since this Monastery was founded as you gaze at its rock frescos from as far back as the 16th Century and learn more about the role of Greek life & History, or just enjoy the peaceful panoramic views over the Gourge below in this isolated place of nature & peace.

  • Stemnitsa - For our lunch stop we visit Stemnitsa, one of the most beautiful villages of the Peloponnese with its stone-built houses & mansions & find a sense of timelessness amongst the mountain views. With many local arts & craft shops this is also an ideal place to just wonder through & pick up some local ‘Mountain tea’ forest Honey, or a souvenir of your time.

Take the time you need here to stop, or make things hassle free by choosing the Lunch Option where we will have the best table waiting for you in one of the best local restaurants where you will enjoy a traditional 3-course meal of your choice before continuing.

What's Included
  • First-class transportation in Mercedes E-Class Sedan, Minivan, or Sprinter.
  • Professional English-speaking tour driver available all day.
  • Flexible pick-up times can be arranged upon request.
  • All vehicles equipped with WiFi, air conditioning, and chilled bottled water.
  • Pickup and return to Athens hotel, residence, or cruise ship included.
What's Not Included
  • Athens Airport transfers or pickup locations outside Athens: arranged on request with extra cost
  • Food and drinks unless specified
  • Any entrance fees
Additional Information

This comprehensive day trip is ideal for those seeking a break from the urban environment to experience Greece’s natural splendor and undiscovered treasures.

Starting from the heart of the Peloponnese, amidst olive groves and fruit orchards, the journey takes you towards the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Menalon Mountains and the Louisos Gorge. A halt at the extensive Capsia Caves offers an intriguing distraction, followed by a trip through traditional stone villages to visit a well-preserved Water Mill and Museum - a captivating window into Greece’s pre-industrial era. The tour includes a visit to the dramatic Lousios Gorge & river, a breathtaking monastery clinging to its cliffs, culminating in a serene lunch nestled in this secret part of Greece, surrounded by timeless nature.

Taking place in the presence of our proficient, informative, and amiable English-speaking tour driver, and conducted in one of our brand-new Mercedes or AudiA6 vehicles equipped with Wifi, air conditioning, and complimentary bottled water, you can expect to enjoy your adventure with style, comfort, and convenience. For added ease, we offer a Lunch Option.

  • FAMILY FRIENDLY. For family groups our tours arre specially tuned for the needs of young group members, with more Mythological commentary & a book presentation to keep
  • LUNCH INCLUDED TOUR OPTION: If booking with our lunch option please advise of any allergies or associated problems & preferences. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
Location
Vytina
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
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John_k
May 15, 2023
Our driver and tour guide... - Our driver and tour guide was Christos. He was an excellent driver and knowledgeable about the areas we visited. He made sure we saw all we wanted to see. It was a wonderful tour and a very memorable experience. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 14 guests
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June 2024
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