Diakofto and the Vouraikos Gorge

We were there two years ago and stayed in the Alkistis.

http://www.alkistis-hotel.gr/index.php/en/

It’s only a three star but we thought it was very comfortable, the people were friendly and the breakfast was good. It’s a short stroll to both the railway station and the sea and there are a couple of tavernas on the seafront. Of the two we preferred the second - the Ouranoessa - but both were fine.

http://www.alkistis-hotel.gr/index.php/en/

We really enjoyed the railroad trip. The train is interesting and the views are spectacular. Kalavryta is just a small provincial town: pleasant enough to wander around for half an hour but nothing really to detain you. The population was massacred in a reprisal by the Nazis in World War Two and to me it always has a slightly gloomy feel. That might just be projection though.

There’s a nice video of the trip here if you haven’t seen it

https://www.odontotos.com/index-en.htm

And some more detail here

http://www.greece-is.com/racking-up-experiences/

Whether it’s worth a day of your seven is obviously a personal decision. It’s certainly spectacular and a different experience from the historical sites.

Alan

Thank you so much Alan for this info. I think it sounds great and I will check out the video. We also appreciate the suggestions for hotel and restaurant. We will put it on our itinerary for first 2 weeks in Oct.

You’re very welcome.

A couple more things that might be useful.
a) you can book train tickets here

https://tickets.trainose.gr/dromologia/?lang=en

They aren’t currently showing anything for October but I imagine they will nearer the time

b) I’d recommend getting forward facing seats further back in the carriage. We made the mistake of getting as near the front as possible and our view was slightly blocked by the driver’s compartment.

Have a great trip
Alan