After breakfast this morning, we’ll depart for Eleusina, a town and major industrial center a few miles west of Athens. Along the water, we’ll pause to take in the graveyard of massive ships before us—some almost fully submerged, others completely flipped on their sides, half a rusting vessel rising out of the water. We’ll head to the Corinth Canal, a 19th-century feat of engineering, where we’ll hear stories of the tyrants, emperors, and visionaries that brought it into being and spot ancient relics of the historic isthmus. In April of 1941, in the midst of World War II, the canal became the objective of Operation Hannibal—one of the first airborne operations attempted. Using contemporary accounts, rare photographs, and maps, we’ll trace the explosive and desperate action that took place on the canal, exploring a secret tunnel and bunker system along the way. At night, we’ll head to the city of Patra for a spectacular dinner and relaxing sunset view.

We’ll kick off the morning with a ride through a breathtaking gorge along a 19th-century mountain railway. We’ll step out at Kalavryta to visit the memorial for the Massacre of Kalavryta, the heinous World War II war crime in which the entire male population of the town was killed under Nazi occupation. We’ll double back, wandering the tiny villages tucked away in the gorge, and doing a bit of gorging ourselves as we stop for lunch. After a leisurely stroll, we’ll return to Patra to explore its 35 acres of abandoned warehouses, machinery rooms, water towers, swimming pools, and dark basements—witnessing the afterlife of a century of industry in Patra, hearing the stories of devastation that came with its demise. But despite its enduring hardships, Patra remains a spirited, lively town—especially after the sun goes down. Take the evening to explore the pedestrian-friendly streets full of folks munching on gyros-to-go, packed restaurants where friends chat while digging into variety platters, or the bustling nightlife the city has to offer.

This morning, it’s off to Kyparissia! After checking in at our alternative farmhouse homestay, we’ll acquaint ourselves with a myriad of local myths, histories, and legends at the ever-alluring Fairytale Castle. Erected in the 1960s by a U.S.-born doctor of Greek descent, the gaudy yet charming castle houses a strange, mythical world where fairy tales and Greek mythology intertwine. Later in the day, we’ll head to the town’s abandoned train station. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be yours, and Kyparissia has lots to choose from. Opt to peruse produce at a bustling farmer’s market, revel in the town’s lively main square, sit by the calm seafront (or dive in!), or wander through the stunning Old Town at sunset.

This morning begins with a stop at the Well of Meligalas, the site of an infamous and still divisive civil war atrocity. Then, we’ll pass through the Arcadian Gate of Ancient Messene to explore the old Spartan territory alongside an archaeologist. We’ll hear about the rise and fall of Sparta’s culture, and the darker sides to it, while in the very heartland of its bygone hegemony. Then, we’ll push on toward the town of Methoni, visiting its well-hidden—and virtually unknown—early Christian catacombs. In the evening, we’ll head back to Kyparissia’s Old Town for a dinner featuring one of the region’s finest delicacies: gournopoula, or whole roast suckling pig.

We’ll spend the morning among the amazing ruins of Mystras, the seat of the last emperor of Byzantium. Accompanied by an archaeologist, we’ll wander the ghostly sweep of abandoned land, and cast an ear to the forgotten story of the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the legend of the Third Rome. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a breathtaking modernist cemetery, then depart for Gytheio, a small seaside town. Enjoy a relaxing evening here, dining with your fellow travelers or on your own.

After breakfast, we’ll enter the depths of the Diros Caves. As we journey farther into the darkness on foot and by barge, we’ll learn about the mythological Gate to the Underworld. (Don’t worry, we won’t cross it this time.) Once we emerge, we’ll explore an abandoned beach resort, and weather permitting, go for a dip. Later we'll visit the wrecked ship of Dimitrios, where we'll learn of a cigarette smuggler mysteriously stranded outside Gytheio, and explore the area’s ancient ties to Mediterranean piracy. As the sun begins to set, we’ll make our way to the breathtaking town of Monemvasia, home to a medieval island fortress of unparalleled beauty. We’ll spend tonight inside the fortress walls in a medieval abode—but first, we’ll wander the warren of cobbled streets, take in the town’s rugged vistas, and hear tales of corsairs, mercenaries, long sieges, and Malmsey wine as we walk.

This morning, we’ll begin our journey back to Athens. Along the way, we’ll stop at the black lignite fields of the smoke-spewing power stations at Megalopoli. At this industrial site of great scale and beauty, we’ll navigate the intertwined concepts of electric and State power, as well as the social and environmental consequences of their involvement. Next, we’ll stop over at Agia Fotini, an eclectic church in Mantineia and the brainchild of Kostas Papatheodorou, something of a humble genius who abandoned his career to tackle this project. We’ll get to hear the stories behind the building, offering us a glimpse into the life and mind of the architect. Upon returning to Athens, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace before we regroup tonight for a farewell feast.

This morning, head to the airport and depart for home or your next destination. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore the area further on your own, we’d be more than happy to provide suggestions for additional things to do and see.