BEST OF Off-The-Path PELOPONNESE. Villages Monastary River Museum

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.