From Athens: Wine, Oil, & Cheese Tasting in Nemea & Argolis

From Athens: Wine, Oil, & Cheese Tasting in Nemea & Argolis – An Authentic Day in Greece

This 13-hour private tour from Athens offers a detailed journey into Greece’s culinary traditions and ancient sites. For a price of $463 per group (up to 4 people), travelers explore Nemea’s renowned wine, olive groves of Epidaurus, and local cheese production. The tour combines tastings of Greek cheese, virgin olive oil, and fine wines with visits to archaeological marvels like the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus and the Corinth Canal sunset. It’s designed for those interested in authentic Greek flavors alongside a dose of history, though it requires comfortable shoes and an interest in cultural experiences.

While the tour does not include guided entries to archaeological sites and some tasting experiences have extra costs, it’s a well-balanced day that emphasizes local production and scenic beauty. The luxury vehicle, Wi-Fi, and English-speaking driver enhance comfort, making this an appealing choice for those seeking a comprehensive taste of the Peloponnese in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• All-day private experience covering Argolis, Nemea, and Corinth Canal
• Includes visits to cheese factories, olive mills, and wineries with tastings
• Highlights the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Asclepion
• Sunset at Corinth Canal offers memorable photo opportunities
• Comfortable luxury transport, Wi-Fi, and optional child seat
• Extra costs apply for some site entries and tastings

Starting from Athens to Nemea and Argolis

The tour departs early from Athens, traveling about 2 hours along a scenic route by the sea. This journey sets the tone with views of Greece’s coastline before reaching the first stop, a traditional cheese factory in Ancient Epidaurus. The early start ensures a full day immersed in Greece’s culinary and archaeological treasures, with pickup and drop-off included in the private group experience. The tour is flexible, with options to customize pickup from Piraeus Port, making logistics straightforward for travelers arriving by cruise ship.

Cheese Tasting at the Traditional Factory in Epidaurus

The first stop is at a local cheese factory in Ancient Epidaurus, where visitors learn about Greek cheese production. The guides explain traditional methods, and sampling begins immediately with a variety of cheeses crafted in the Peloponnese. This tasting offers a genuine taste of regional dairy products, appreciated for their flavor and craftsmanship. Visitors also get to see the cheese-making process firsthand, providing insight into Greece’s rich dairy heritage.

Olive Oil Production and Tasting at an Olive Mill

After sampling cheese, the journey continues roughly half an hour to the olive mill, where visitors watch a video about olive oil production (noting that this occurs mainly in winter). The site features a traditional, organic olive grove, giving guests the chance to view the trees that produce Greece’s famous extra virgin olive oil. Tasting opportunities include olive oil paired with local bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and classic Greek pies like spinach and cheese pie. This stop highlights Greece’s reputation for high-quality olive oil and rural culinary traditions.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Asclepion

Next, the tour visits the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and aesthetic design. The site remains used for summer theatrical performances, adding vibrancy to the ancient stones. Adjacent is the Asclepion, Greece’s first health center, built in honor of Asclepios, the God of Medicine. Visitors have roughly an hour to explore these historic sites, soaking in the atmosphere that once hosted Greek audiences and healing rituals. Note that entry fees for the theatre are additional (ranging from €6 to €12 depending on the time of year).

Nemea’s Wine Region and Winery Tour

From Epidaurus, the group heads to Nemea, the top wine-producing area in Greece. Known for Nemea P.D.O. wine, the region boasts renowned wineries. The visit includes a tour of one of the most popular wineries, where guests get to sample several varieties of Nemea wine. The tasting is complemented with local traditional products, making this stop a true immersion in Greek winemaking. The visit offers insights into the region’s viticulture and the chance to purchase unique Greek wines directly from the source.

The Corinth Canal and Sunset Views

On the return leg to Athens, the tour makes a short stop at the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel completed in 1883. Visitors admire the spectacular view of the canal and are encouraged to take photos of this historic waterway. As the tour concludes, guests witness the sunset from the canal, capturing a picturesque moment that stays with them long after. This final scenic stop adds a peaceful, reflective end to a full day of exploration.

Tasting Experiences and Extra Costs

While the core tour includes visits and tastings, some experiences are paid separately. The cheese factory experience costs €10 per person, the olive mill tasting €15, and the winery tasting €15. Entrance to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is €6-12 depending on the season. These optional extras allow travelers to customize their experience, but it’s good to be aware of the additional expenses beforehand.

Practicalities and Comfort

All transportation is in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, suitable for a relaxing and informative day. The driver speaks English and Russian, providing friendly and practical assistance. The tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments, given the walking involved at archaeological sites and uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended to enjoy the sites and tastings comfortably.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and those curious about Greek culture beyond Athens’ city limits. It suits travelers who prefer a private, tailored itinerary with flexibility and enjoy culinary tastings combined with archaeological visits. The tour’s pace is steady but full, ensuring plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. The full-day format makes it suitable for one-day visitors wanting a rundown of the Peloponnese’s flavors and sights.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Taste of Greece’s Heritage

This full-day private tour from Athens offers a well-rounded experience, blending culinary delights with ancient history. It highlights regional specialties like cheese, olive oil, and wine, presented at local production sites with tastings that deepen understanding. The visits to Epidaurus and Corinth add a historic dimension, while the sunset at Corinth Canal provides a striking visual finale. The luxury transport, personalized experience, and knowledgeable driver make it a comfortable and authentic way to explore Greece’s Peloponnese.

However, travelers should note the extra costs for some tastings and entry fees, and that guides do not enter archaeological sites. It’s best suited for those eager to enjoy local flavors and ancient ruins in a flexible, private setting. For anyone seeking a cultural and culinary immersion in Greece, this tour delivers a solid, flavorful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the visits to the archaeological sites guided?
No, the driver is not a licensed guide and does not enter the sites with guests. While knowledgeable, he provides interesting commentary from outside the archaeological sites.

What is included in the price?
The transport in a luxury vehicle, Wi-Fi, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and driver assistance are included. Tastings and entrance fees are extra.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is 13 hours, with a flexible starting time depending on availability.

Can I customize the pickup location?
Yes, pickup from Athens hotels or Piraeus Port is available; for port pickup, the driver will hold a sign with your last name.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and appropriate clothing for walking and outdoor visits.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Child seats are available upon request, but the tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby