Argo Cultural Arts and Tastings Private Tour

The Argo Cultural Arts and Tastings Private Tour offers an engaging day exploring some of Greece’s most iconic sites and local culinary delights. Priced at $1,191.82 per person, this 9-hour private experience departs from Athens and features a blend of history, scenic views, and authentic tastings. What makes this tour stand out is its inclusion of a guided visit to the Sanctuary of Asklepios, Olive Grove tours, and local wine tastings in the Argo region. The private transportation and licensed guide ensure a personalized and relaxed experience, ideal for those eager to explore beyond the city.

While the price is on the higher side, the comprehensive itinerary and quality inclusions—such as lunch, entrance fees, and tastings—may appeal to travelers seeking a deep, curated experience. This tour is well-suited for those interested in history, gastronomy, and scenic drives, and who appreciate private guided tours that cover multiple highlights in a single day.

Key Points

• All-inclusive private tour with transportation, guide, and entrance fees.
• Visits to prominent sites such as the Corinth Canal, Sanctuary of Asklepios, and Ancient Theatre of Epidavros.
• Olive oil tour and tasting at a family-run domain.
• Nafplio sightseeing, including a lunch in the picturesque town.
• Wine tasting in Argo, featuring wines from the Nemea Peloponnese region.
• Short boat ride to see Bourtzi Castle up close, with scenic views.

Scenic Drive Along the Saronic Gulf and Corinth Canal

The tour begins by leaving Athens early in the morning, with comfortable private transportation. The first stop is the Corinth Canal, an 80-meter-high and 6-kilometer-long marvel that connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea. Travelers get a short photo stop here to take in the impressive engineering feat. The drive along the Saronic Gulf offers stunning views, setting a scenic tone for the day ahead.

This stop is admission free, making it an easy and quick photo opportunity. The drive provides a perfect introduction to the landscape and maritime connection between regions. The Corinth Canal’s size and strategic importance make it a highlight for those interested in engineering and Greek history.

Exploring the Historic Epidavros Region and Sanctuary

Next, the tour moves inland toward Epidavros, home to one of Greece’s most renowned ancient sites. The visit includes a guided tour of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the ancient Greek center for healing and medicine. This site dates back to the 4th century BC and was dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios.

Adjacent to the sanctuary is the Ancient Theatre of Epidavros, famous for its remarkably preserved structure and exceptional acoustics. Visitors can explore the theatre’s seating and stage area, appreciating its historical significance and architectural beauty. The guide explains the site’s role in ancient healing rituals and entertainment, enriching the visit with context.

The stop at Epidavros lasts around 2 hours and includes free entrance, so guests have ample time to enjoy the ruins and take photographs. A highlight here is the Olive Oil Domain, where guests visit a family-run operation for a tour and tasting, offering insight into local olive oil production and quality standards.

Visiting Nafplio and Enjoying a Local Lunch

The journey continues to Nafplio, a picturesque coastal town that was Greece’s first capital. The town is built at the foot of a steep cliff, crowned by the Palamidi Fortress, which visitors can admire from below. Nafplio’s charming streets, seaside views, and historic architecture make it a favorite stop.

A shared three-course lunch is included in Nafplio, offering a taste of local cuisine in a relaxed setting. After the meal, guests have about 2 hours to walk through the town, visit shops, or relax by the waterfront. Nafplio’s blend of history and scenic beauty provides a memorable backdrop for a leisurely afternoon.

Bourtzi Castle and the Short Boat Ride

One of the tour’s unique features is the short boat ride from Nafplio to view Bourtzi Castle from up close. The castle, situated on a small island near the harbor, served historically as a fortress and now offers stunning views of Nafplio’s skyline. The boat ride enhances the experience, providing perspective on the town’s maritime history and scenery.

This viewing opportunity allows for great photos and a fresh perspective on Nafplio’s coastline. The boat ride is brief but adds an enjoyable, scenic element to the day’s itinerary.

Wine Tasting at Periklis Winosophy in Argo

The final stop takes place at Periklis Winosophy within the Argo region for a curated wine tasting session. Here, guests sample several wines from the Nemea Peloponnese region, famous for its high-quality grapes and winemaking traditions. The tasting includes a variety of wines and champagnes, offering insight into local vintages.

This experience provides a relaxed setting to learn about Greek wines and enjoy a range of flavors. The tasting lasts about an hour and is an ideal way to unwind before heading back to Athens.

Visiting the Vineyards and Wrapping Up in Argo

The tour concludes with a visit to local vineyards in the Argo region, where guests can walk among the vines and see the wine production process firsthand. This visit complements the earlier tasting and offers a deeper understanding of the region’s viticulture.

After the vineyard visit, the group drives back to Athens, ending the 9-hour journey with a drive of approximately 2 hours. The tour wraps up in the late afternoon, leaving guests with a broad overview of ancient sites, scenic landscapes, and local flavors.

Practicalities and Inclusions

This tour starts at 8:30 am from Athens and includes private transportation, a licensed guide, entrance fees, and all tastings and meals listed. The olive oil tour and tasting are part of the experience, along with wine tastings for guests over 18. A three-course lunch with beverages is also included in Nafplio.

Booking includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility. The tour is designed for most travelers, with the main physical activity being walking at archaeological sites and towns.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The combination of historical visits, scenic drives, and local tastings is what makes this tour appealing. The private guide ensures a personalized experience, and the inclusion of Olive Grove and Vineyard visits adds a culinary dimension often missing from standard sightseeing tours.

The short boat ride to Bourtzi Castle offers a memorable view not usually included in similar day trips. The tour’s pacing allows sufficient time at each stop without feeling rushed, making it ideal for travelers who prefer an in-depth, relaxed exploration.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This private experience suits visitors seeking a well-rounded day combining history, scenic landscapes, and local gastronomy. It’s perfect for those interested in Greek ancient sites, olive oil production, and wine tasting, and who appreciate personalized guided attention. The tour’s length and content are suitable for most fitness levels, provided guests are comfortable walking at archaeological and town sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am and concluding in the late afternoon.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, a licensed guide, entrance fees, olive oil tour and tasting, wine tastings, and a three-course lunch with beverages.

Are there any optional activities?
The main activities are included; there are no optional extras listed. The short boat ride and vineyard visit are part of the planned schedule.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at historical sites and towns, which may require some physical mobility. It is generally suitable for most travelers, but those with mobility concerns should inquire directly.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Specific dietary accommodations are not mentioned; guests should communicate special requests at booking.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially for outdoor sites and walking at archaeological locations.

How far is the drive back to Athens?
The return drive takes about 2 hours, concluding the day’s schedule.

Are there group discounts?
Yes, group discounts are available, making it more economical for groups traveling together.

Is pickup offered from Athens hotels?
Yes, pickup from Athens is included, simplifying the day’s logistics.

This Argo Cultural Arts and Tastings Private Tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenic beauty, and local gastronomy. Its personalized approach and well-curated itinerary make it a compelling choice for those looking to experience Greece’s cultural richness in comfort and style.