Corinth Canal & Cave of Lakes Tour from Athens

Summary

Private Peloponnese Adventure: Ancient Corinth, Odontotos Train & Kalavrita Lunch

You’ll cross the Corinth Canal, wander ancient ruins, taste real Greek food in a mountain village, explore a legendary cave, and ride a historic train—all in one day. If you want a mix of history, nature, and local flavor, this tour’s a solid pick.

What’s the experience like?

Early morning in Athens, we hopped into our van—our driver, Yannis, had already stashed cold water bottles in the cup holders. The city faded behind us as we rolled west, the sun just starting to warm the hills. About an hour later, we pulled up at the Corinth Canal. It’s one of those places you’ve seen in photos, but standing on the footbridge, you feel the wind whip up from that impossibly narrow blue strip below. Yannis pointed out the old railway bridge and told us about ships squeezing through—sometimes you can hear the echo of engines bouncing off the rock walls if you’re quiet.

Ancient Corinth was next, just a short drive. The ruins sprawl under Acrocorinth’s shadow, and you can still see the Bema where St. Paul spoke—there’s a small plaque, easy to miss if you’re not looking. The museum here is compact but packed with little treasures: pottery shards, coins, and a few statues with chipped noses. We wandered at our own pace, snapping photos of wildflowers poking through the stones. The air smelled faintly of thyme, and a couple of stray cats lounged in the shade.

Acrocorinth loomed above us—massive, with its stone walls curling around the hilltop. The climb’s a bit steep, but the view down to the Gulf is worth it. Yannis shared stories about sieges and secret springs; apparently, the fortress was nearly impossible to conquer because of its hidden water source. You can still spot bits of old Venetian walls if you look close.

By midday, we were winding up mountain roads toward Kalavrita. The town’s got a cozy feel—stone houses, little squares, and cafés with old men playing backgammon outside. Lunch was at a family-run taverna under a giant plane tree. We tried “mezedes”—grilled sausages, cheese pies, and a salad with tomatoes that tasted like summer. The house wine was poured from a jug, slightly chilled. Locals drifted in for their midday meal, chatting in bursts of Greek. We had time to stroll the main street after, picking up a honey jar from a tiny shop that smelled like cinnamon.

The Cave of Lakes was a real surprise. Cool air hit us as soon as we stepped inside. Our guide led us along a walkway—sometimes you could hear water dripping, echoing off the stone. The cave twists and turns, with 13 little lakes reflecting the lights. There’s a spot called “the Castle”—it really does look like battlements rising from the ground. The ceilings are high, almost cathedral-like, and you catch glimpses of odd shapes in the rock if you squint. It’s easy to imagine why there are so many legends about this place.

Last stop: the Odontotos rack railway. The train’s small, painted blue and white, and it rattles along tracks carved right into the Vouraikos Gorge. We leaned out the windows for photos—at one point, you pass so close to the cliff you could touch it. The ride’s not long, maybe an hour, but it’s packed with views: waterfalls, wildflowers, and goats scrambling on impossible ledges. Locals use this train every day, so you’ll hear Greek chatter mixed with tourist excitement. By late afternoon, we were back in Athens, tired but still buzzing from all the stories and scenery packed into one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Athens to Corinth Canal and Ancient Sites

• Drive from Athens to Corinth Canal
• Visit Corinth Canal for photos
• Explore Ancient Corinth archaeological site
• Visit Acrocorinth fortress

Day 2 — Mountain Village Lunch and Cave of Lakes

• Lunch and explore Kalavrita village
• Tour the Cave of Lakes

Day 3 — Odontotos Railway Ride and Return

• Ride Odontotos Rack Railway
• Return to Athens or drop-off

Top questions

How much walking is involved on this tour?

There’s a fair bit of walking at Ancient Corinth and inside the Cave of Lakes, plus some steps at Acrocorinth. Most people find it manageable, but comfy shoes help.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

Yes, lunch is included at a traditional taverna in Kalavrita. Expect Greek “mezedes”, a main dish, salad, and local wine—simple, hearty mountain fare.

Are tickets for the Cave of Lakes and railway included?

All entry tickets for the Cave of Lakes and the Odontotos railway are covered in your tour price—no need to worry about extra costs on the day.

Can I bring kids or older family members?

The tour is suitable for all ages. There are some steps and uneven ground, but infant seats are available in the vehicle if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport with a local driver, bottled water, entry tickets for both the Cave of Lakes and Odontotos railway, plus a full Greek lunch in Kalavrita (main dish, salad, appetizer, drinks). We’ll pick you up and drop you off wherever you’re staying in Athens—just let us know your spot.