The active taste of Achaea and Aigialeia slopes

Explore the Northwestern region of the Peloponnese in the most spectacular way, through tastes and activities in nature.

The Active taste of Achaia is a program that offers the guest a variety of tastes, experiences, and activities. In a region of versatile landscape, there is so much to see and do all year round. With a deep history and prosperous land, none of the days of the itinerary are identical. 

We will be staying at a farm guesthouse and enjoying meals with local products. Our guides will introduce us to the world of beekeeping and take us on a historical journey around WW2. Wine and beer tasting in local wineries and a brewery, to “explode” our senses and a unique experience canoeing at a high altitude lake. Swim in the Corinthian Gulf and enjoy a traditional Greek meal by the sea.

Enjoy this fulfilling experience. 

Activities / Schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Kalavryta

Arrive on your own at Orias Guesthouse, check in and enjoy the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere of the guesthouse and enjoy a delicious homemade meal. 

Day 2: Beekeeping seminar and cultural tour of Kalavryta

An educational day awaits, as we will be introduced to the world of beekeeping and how we can contribute to helping the bees. The seminar will be hosted by locals, sharing with us their local products.

We will then explore and get to know one of Greece’s most popular ski resort towns. At the foothill of Mt Chelmos, the historic town of Kalavryta, with its stone-built houses, picturesque alleyways, and traditional market, is welcoming for all guests in search of nature combined with culture. We will start at the station of the famous Odontotos, the rack railway (built in 1896), which covers 22 km between Kalavryta and Diakofto towns. We then hike through the main pebbled street of Kalavryta and visit the Municipal Museum of Kalavrytan Holocaust. After the museum, we walk towards the World War 2 sacrifice memorial on a small hill just outside the town of Kalavryta. Our next stop will be to taste a variety of local products. The traditional local sweet called Rodozahari (rose sugar) has been produced for over 100 years and its recipe still remains a secret. We will have a sip of the Achaian liquor called Tentura and the popular dessert wine called Mavrodaphne. To accompany the wine we will taste some of the local cheeses. 

Strolling towards the main square of the town we will visit the beautiful church of the Assumption of Theotokos. One of the two clocks on the towers of the church has stopped since 1943 at 14:34 when the German troops killed the villagers during World War 2.

To end our cultural tour, we will enjoy a Greek coffee in the cafeteria of the Kalavryta rack rail station. The evening is free for you to enhance the beautiful landscape. 

Day 3: Three winery visits (3 ½ hours driving time)

Today we will be visiting three local wineries in the Achaia region. The Tetramythos winery, the Rouvalis winery, and the Great Cave winery were founded in 1861, making it the oldest winery in Greece. After our wine-tasting tour, we will return back to our guesthouse for a relaxing afternoon. Another delicious dinner awaits.  

Day 4: Canoeing in Lake Tsivlou (1 hour driving time)

Today we will enjoy the landscape of the beautiful alpine lake of Tsivlou. An exciting paddling day, among green scenery and tranquility at an altitude of 700 m on the mountain range of Chelmos. 

Lake Tsivlou was created in 1913 by a landslide between the villages of Sylivena & Τsivlos. The lake is very deep and is fed by underground sources and forest streams. Lake Tsivlou is considered to be one of the youngest natural lakes in Europe. It is surrounded by lush pine forest making it an ideal spot for light hiking, water activities, and picnics.

After all the necessary preparations and safety briefing, we hop on our canoes and start off by practicing in the water! Our guides will paddle with us circumnavigating the lake, and depending on the group (families, adults, etc) they will adapt the experience with racing, fun games, etc coming up with a great mountain experience. After canoeing in the lake, we have a free afternoon to explore the area and relax in our lake cottages. Dinner and overnight by the lake.

Day 5: Brewery visit and seafood by the beach

Today we will depart from lake Tsivlou and will be visiting a small local brewery in Achaia. The Kykao brewery is a handcrafted Nano brewery in a small village outside of Patras. After being guided around the brewery and enjoying some beer tasting, we will head towards the waterfront and relax on a beach for a swim in the Corinthian gulf. Lunch in a local seaside tavern. 

In the afternoon we return to our guesthouse for our farewell dinner.

Day 6: After breakfast end of services.