Private Tour From Athens to Mt. Helmos National Park Exploration

The Corinth Canal in Greece is a marvel of engineering, slicing through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth to connect the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Completed in 1893, this narrow waterway, flanked by sheer cliffs, offers a breathtaking passage for ships, creating a vital shortcut for maritime trade between the Adriatic and Aegean. Its strategic importance and stunning vistas make it both a feat of human ingenuity and a captivating tourist attraction.

We start from Athens towards Diakopto village to board the unique Rack Railway. The 1 hour trail will take us through magnificent nature full of steep gorges, rushing rivers, mystical lakes, dense forests and beautiful historical villages.

After arriving to Kalavrita we will wander through the historical alleys of the village, learning its modern history by stopping at Holocaust memorial with the huge Cross. In 1943, the German occupying troops murdered 1500 male locals above the age of 14 and turned the town into ashes in retaliation to a defeat they suffered in battle with Greek Resistance guerillas. To commemorate this tragic event, this Monument was raised at the location of the execution, in honour of those gunned down. Free time to taste and buy local traditional products like honey, feta cheese, rose sugar and tsipouro (distilled spirit from grapes).

Afterwards we will head towards Peristera village in Peloponnese, the starting point of our trekking route alongside the mystical Styx River, passing from the ski resort of the mountain. According to Greek Mythology the river forms the boundary between Earth and Underworld and in its immortal water the Trojan War hero Achilles was dipped by his mother during his childhood, acquiring invulnerability, with exception of his heel, by which his mother held him.

After 2 hours the paradise of Tsivlos lake will appear in front of us. Tsivlos is a natural lake formed a century ago when landslide devastated the village of Tsivlos. A beautiful natural heaven surrounded by dense forest full of local endemic flora and fauna. Free time to walk around and for the more adventurous to swim in the crystal clear waters. Don’t miss a traditional meal in the local tavern of Kyra Katerina.