When you join one of our trips, we want you to have peace of mind. In response to COVID-19, we’ve:
To much of the outside world, Greece is a nation steeped in mythology, ancient history, and beauty. But there’s much that escapes this easy narrative: the creaking ship graveyards, snaking underground tunnels, and abandoned industrial towns. During this immersive, nine-day adventure, we’ll delve into the hidden histories and oft-overlooked spaces scattered throughout the rugged region of Peloponnese, casting an ear to local lore, divergent perspectives, and stories you likely never heard in history class. While we’ll spend ample time exploring the region’s ancient roots—exploring a necropolis, wandering a forgotten Byzantine city, and venturing into a cave home to the Gate to the Underworld—we’ll pay equal attention to its deserted industrial centers, gritty mountain villages, and abandoned train stations, tucking into hearty gyros and savory tripe soup as we go.
Arrive in Athens, and take some time to settle into our boutique hotel. We’ll meet up for introductions in the hotel lobby in the afternoon, and set out to explore the magnificent capital through its winding backstreets and plucky neighborhoods—tuning into the underground rhythms that quietly pulse throughout the city. As we walk, we’ll glimpse stunning mid-century architectural gems as well as countless lesser-known wonders, such as the Athenian Agora, once an ancient bustling market, and Syntagma Square Metro Station, which doubles as a museum displaying artifacts from an ancient Greek necropolis. We’ll settle down for dinner at a hidden oinomageirio, a restaurant tucked away in the Central Meat Market. Here you can sample famous patsas, or tripe soup (among a variety of delicious dishes) and bask in the city's fragrant blend of sounds, smells, and flavors.
Boutique Hotel, Athens
Welcome Dinner
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.
Boutique Hotel, Patra
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Boutique Hotel, Patra
Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Homestay, Kyparissia
Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Homestay, Kyparissia
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Hotel, Gytheio
Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Boutique Hotel, Monemvasia
Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Boutique Hotel, Athens
Breakfast, Dinner
The cost of this trip is $3,540, based on double occupancy.
You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:
Shared Room (subject to the latest Covid-19 guidelines): You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Private Room: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $340. After booking your trip, please request a single room when you fill out your traveler information form and we’ll send a separate invoice for the cost.
Our trip begins with a welcome dinner in Athens on Day 1. We recommend you arrive in Athens by 2 p.m. that day so you can settle into your accommodations and meet our guide and group in time for dinner. Our trip concludes in the morning on Day 9. If leaving Athens directly after our tour, we recommend departing any time in the afternoon on that day. If you'd like to extend your trip, we’re happy to provide suggestions for things to do and see in the city on your own.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking four to six miles over the course of each day on flat and uneven ground as well as stairs. Please be advised that we’ll be exploring dark tunnels and basements as well as a natural cavern. We’ll also be exploring a number of abandoned spaces: factories, a train station, a resort, an ancient burial site, and a Byzantine city.
For most of the trip, we’ll be staying in three- and four-star boutique hotels. For two nights of the trip, we’ll be in a comfortable and characterful farmhouse homestay in Kyparissia. Note that the homestay may not have the same amenities as a hotel, but we promise its unique charm will more than make up for it. If you have any questions about the homestay arrangement, we’re happy to provide further information.
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though in most cases ingredients can't be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.
This trip will highlight some of Greece's lesser-known historic sites and offbeat locations, boosting their chances for restoration and preservation. By spending time in smaller towns, cities, and communities, you'll contribute to local economies and businesses that don't typically benefit from the tourism industry.