Day tour to Caves of Diros and Land of Mani
Land of Mani
Mani is the central peninsula of the three which extend southwards from the Peloponnese in southern Greece. A skull of Homo sapiens dating to more than 210,000 years ago was found in the Alepotrypa Cave of Diros. As of 2019 this was the oldest evidence of Homo sapiens in Europe. Neolithic remains have been found in many caves.Homer refers to a number of towns in the Mani region, and some artifacts from the Mycenaean period (1900 BC - 1100 BC) have been found. The area was occupied by the Dorians in about 1200 BC, and became a dependency of Sparta. "Hard-necked", "untamed", "unruly" are some of the adjectives attributed to the sparsely populated, resource-poor but full of character and wild beauty rocky Taygetus peninsula that "wedges" between Messinia and Laconia
Caves of Diros
The caves of Diros began to form hundreds of thousands of years ago. The stalactites and stalagmites that are now under water were formed when the sea surface was much lower than its current level. Stalactites have been found at a depth of 71 meters. The maximum depth of the Cave is outside the tourist route and reaches … 80 meters. Fossilized bones from panthers, hyenas, lions, deer and ferrets, and the largest deposit of hippo bones in Europe, have been found in the cave. Alepotrypa Cave is one of the largest Neolithic burial sites in Europe. Burials in the cave date from between 6,000 and 3200 BC, and archaeologists have found bones belonging to at least 170 different persons. The settlement was abandoned around 3200 BC, after a catastrophic earthquake caused extensive damage that blocked the cave's entrance. Finds from the cave were well-preserved due to the cave's sealed entrance and lack of human activity in the area. The site was excavated between 1978 and 2005
Museum
The Museum brings the visitor closer to the way of life, daily habits, rituals and artistic pursuits of the people of the Neolithic era. In the prehistoric cave of Alepotrypa, in an area of unique archaeological importance regarding the Neolithic era, the exhibition of the Museum of Neolithic Culture of Diros operates. Excavation findings suggest that a diverse and dynamic society flourished and developed in this particular area, which developed into an important naval and commercial center. In fact, more recent measurements date the first findings to 6000 BC.
Day Trip
Begin your wonderful private tour, tailored to your needs, with an English speaking trained chauffeur along the highway coastal road towards the West through the historic cities of Elefsina and Megara.
The first stop to take photos, after almost one hour driving, is the Corinth Canal, a canal approx. 6 km long connecting the Aegean with the Ionian Sea.
Driving afterwards through the hills of Corinth, among thousands of olive trees and vineyards, and the mountains of Arkadia you will arrive at prefecture of Lakonia where you will visit the Land of Mani.
This mountainous region is incomparably beautiful, with its secluded coves, tower houses, emerald waters and breathtaking sunsets creating a unique setting. Almost every corner of Mani is full of nature, culture and history.
You'll be back again at your hotel or apartment after 12 hours
What is included
What is not included
TOUR PRICES FROM ATHENS
eTransfer celebrates 10 years and
offers 10% discount to all tour prices
Use the discount code "10years" in the booking process
and take advantage of a 10% discount on each of the prices below
| Mercedes e.Class or Tesla (up to 3 p.) |
Mercedes s.Class or EQS (up to 3 p.) |
MiniVan Mercedes Vito (up to 8 p.) |
MiniVan Mercedes V.Class (up to 7 p.) |
MiniBus Mercedes Sprinter (up to 12 p.) |
|
| Day tour (12 hours) | € 740 | € 1.110 | € 840 | € 930 | € 1.130 |
Tips
Opening hours
Ticketing
Holidays
1st of January
Orthodox Good Friday (closed 08:00 to 12:00)
Orthodox Holy Saturday (open 08:00 to 15:00)
Orthodox Easter Sunday
1st of May
Orthodox Good Friday (closed 08:00 to 12:00)
Orthodox Holy Saturday (open 08:00 to 15:00)
Orthodox Easter Sunday
25th of December
26th of December