Monastery of Mega Spilaion – Kalavryta
Duration
7–8 hours
Languages
English, Greek
Group Size
Up to 16 people
Departure
From your accommodation in Athens
Embark on a profound and awe-inspiring full-day private journey from Athens into the dramatic Chelmos mountain range of the Peloponnese to visit the Holy Monastery of Mega Spilaion (Great Cave) near Kalavryta. Perched vertically against a sheer 120-meter cliff above the Vouraikos River gorge, this extraordinary 8-story monastic complex is widely recognized as the oldest monastery in Greece, founded in 362 AD by the holy brothers Simeon and Theodore of Thessalonica.
According to sacred tradition, the holy ascetics discovered the miraculous relief icon of the Panagia Megalospiliotissa inside the cavern, guided by the shepherdess Saint Euphrosyne. This revered icon—crafted from mastic wax and attributed to Saint Luke the Evangelist—remains enshrined inside the candlelit cave church. Step inside to venerate this miraculous heirloom, admire exquisite 17th-century frescoes and bronze doors, and explore the monastery's historic museum housing rare Byzantine manuscripts, imperial chrysobulls, and sacred relics.
• Monastic Cliff Sanctuary & Historic Kalavryta: Combine a sacred pilgrimage to Greece's oldest monastery with a visit to the historic alpine town of Kalavryta, nestled among pine-covered slopes and mountain springs.
Mountain Pilgrimage, Heroic History & Alpine Gastronomy
Following your spiritual visit to Mega Spilaion, continue to the alpine town of Kalavryta. Stroll down the scenic stone-paved square, visit the Holocaust Memorial and the historic station of the Odontotos Rack Railway, and enjoy authentic mountain gastronomy—such as local Formaela cheese, spit-roasted meats, handmade noodles (hilopites), and regional honey—at traditional rustic tavernas.
We provide respectful, comfortable, and executive private round-trip transportation directly to the Monastery of Mega Spilaion. Explore our comprehensive guide to Christian monasteries in Greece, plan your route with our Peloponnese itinerary guide, discover our vehicle standards in our premium fleet guide, and consult our advice on large group travel.
Highlights
- Visit the Holy Monastery of Mega Spilaion, Greece's oldest monastery founded in 362 AD
- Admire the dramatic 8-story monastic complex built directly into a 120m cliff face
- Venerate the miraculous relief wax icon of the Virgin Mary sculpted by Saint Luke
- Explore the monastic museum containing rare Byzantine manuscripts and sacred relics
- Stroll through the historic alpine town of Kalavryta and its picturesque paved center
- Savor authentic mountain gastronomy and local Peloponnesian delicacies at rustic tavernas
- Executive door-to-door round-trip transportation with private chauffeur from Athens
✓ Included
- ✓Private door-to-door pickup and drop-off from your Athens accommodation
- ✓Full-day transportation in an executive air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓Professional, English-speaking driver
- ✓Pilgrimage stops at Mega Spilaion Monastery and Kalavryta alpine town
- ✓Complimentary bottled water onboard
- ✓High-speed Wi-Fi onboard
✗ Not Included
- ✗Museum entrance fees or optional donations inside the monastery
- ✗Meals, refreshments, and snacks at local tavernas
- ✗Personal expenses and souvenirs
- ✗Personal expenses and gratuities
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Private tour · price per group. Choose your date to see vehicle options.
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