Acheron River Springs & Necromanteion tour: Swim and hike

You swim in the river where Odysseus crossed into the underworld.

A full-day Jeep tour of the Acheron River Springs, Necromanteion and Souli combines archaeology, swimming and hiking in one route. Start at the Necromanteion temple site devoted to Hades, then walk into Glyki village and wade into the Acheron's clear water for a swim. After coffee by the Souli watermills, hike up to Kiafa castle for views back over the river, and finish with lunch at a traditional Souli restaurant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Acheron River and Souli area

• Visit Nekromanteion temple
• Walk to Acheron springs and swim
• Do river activities like rafting and kayaking
• Enjoy coffee near Souli Watermills
• Hike to Kiafa's castle
• Dine at traditional Souli restaurant

The experience

The tour opens at the Necromanteion, the ancient Greek temple of necromancy where Odysseus is said to have passed on his way to the underworld in Homer's Odyssey. From there you travel to Glyki village and walk down to the Acheron River Springs, where the water is clear enough to swim in and natural pools sit beneath small waterfalls. The river itself is the main event: you can choose to swim, or if you want more activity, the guide can arrange rafting, canoe-kayaking or horseback riding in the water.

The afternoon shifts to the Souli mountains. You stop for coffee near the historic watermills, then hike up to Kiafa castle, a steep climb that rewards you with views down the length of the Acheron valley. The hike uses poles provided by the tour, and the guide leads the way. Lunch comes at the end of the day in a traditional Souli village restaurant, where the food is made from local products and reflects the region's own cooking.

The full day runs eight hours from pickup. Your guide speaks English or Greek and carries liability insurance for the group. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim. The tour provides a waterproof bag for your belongings so they stay dry while you're in the water.

What’s included

• Pickup from your location.
• professional guide in English or Greek.
• entry to the Necromanteion archaeological site.
• access to Acheron River Springs for swimming.
• hiking poles for the Kiafa castle climb.
• coffee stop near the Souli watermills.
• lunch at a traditional Souli restaurant with local products.
• waterproof bag for your belongings.
• liability insurance for the group.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Epirus Adventures

Is this one for you?This tour suits a first visit to the region or a full day when you want archaeology, water and mountains in one route. The eight-hour length and mix of swimming, hiking and sitting mean it works for most fitness levels, though the Kiafa hike is steep. If you prefer less climbing, ask the guide about the river activities instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Necromanteion and why does the tour start there?

The Necromanteion is an ancient Greek temple devoted to Hades and Persephone, famous as the legendary door to the underworld. Homer writes in the Odyssey that Odysseus passed through this place on his journey to the underworld, making it the archaeological anchor of the day.

Can I swim in the Acheron River, or is it just a walk?

Swimming is the main draw at Acheron Springs. The water is clear and the site has natural pools and waterfalls. If you want more than a swim, the guide can also arrange rafting, canoe-kayaking or horseback riding in the river itself.

How difficult is the hike to Kiafa castle?

The hike to Kiafa castle is steep enough to earn the views, but the tour provides hiking poles and the guide leads the route. The climb takes you up into the Souli mountains to the castle, where you look back down over the Acheron valley.

What does lunch include and where do we eat?

Lunch is served in a traditional restaurant in one of the Souli villages and uses local products and regional recipes. It is included in the tour price.

What should I bring or wear for a day that includes swimming and hiking?

Bring a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to swim. The tour provides a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry while you are in the water. Wear shoes suitable for hiking and bring sun protection.