Argolis private full day Tour

Explore the Ancient Heart of Greece with a Private Full-Day Tour of Argolis

The Argolis private full-day tour offers an intimate journey through Greece’s most iconic archaeological sites and charming towns. Priced at $642.68 per group (up to 3 people), this 9 to 10-hour experience is ideal for those seeking a flexible, personalized way to explore without the crowds. The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, WiFi onboard, bottled water, and skip-the-line ticket assistance, making it both comfortable and convenient.

Travel is led by a professional driver who provides engaging commentary on the history and significance of each stop, although drivers do not accompany visitors into the sights. The fully private nature of this tour ensures an exclusive experience, perfect for history buffs or anyone eager to discover Greece’s ancient sites at their own pace.

While the tour does not include admission fees — which total about 55 Euros per adult — it offers the convenience of pickup service and customizable itineraries. This tour is especially recommended for those who value personalized attention, comfortable transportation, and a well-rounded day exploring the Peloponnese’s historic highlights.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience tailored to your interests
• Includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi
• Engaging commentary from a professional driver about Greek history and sites
• Stops at Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplio, Tolon, and Epidaurus
• Admission fees are not included, totaling around 55 Euros per adult
• Perfect for those wanting to escape Athens’ crowds and enjoy a personalized day

Visiting the Corinth Canal: A Narrow Marvel of Engineering

The Corinth Canal is the first stop on this journey and draws attention with its impressive engineering feat. This 6.4-kilometer canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, effectively separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Because it is only 21.4 meters wide at its base and dug at sea level, it’s impassable for most modern ships, but its scenic appeal is undeniable.

Constructed starting in 1881, the canal took nearly a century to complete due to geological and financial challenges. Today, it functions mainly as a tourist attraction rather than a commercial route. Visitors enjoy viewing this historic waterway from a viewpoint and hearing commentary about its history and significance from the driver.

This stop lasts about 20 minutes, offering a quick but striking photo opportunity and some background on Greece’s ambitious engineering projects. Since there’s no admission fee, it’s a convenient first step in tracing Greece’s connection to ancient and modern engineering.

Exploring Ancient Corinth: Myths and Commerce

The second stop is Ancient Corinth, a city with a history dating back to the 10th century BC. Known for its wealth and strategic importance due to the narrow land passage linking the Peloponnese with Greece’s mainland and Attica, Corinth was a thriving commercial hub. Its black-figured vases once made their way to colonies across Magna Greece, marking its influence in ancient trade.

Visitors can explore the remains of the great temple on its Acropolis, which once towered over the city. According to myth, the first kings of Corinth were descendants of Sisyphus, adding a legendary touch to the historical site. The 45-minute stop provides a glimpse into Greece’s ancient urban life, with a focus on its powerful temples and commercial history.

Admission costs are not included, so travelers will need to purchase tickets if they wish to explore further. The driver provides insights into Corinth’s mythological background and its role in Greece’s ancient economy, enriching the visit beyond just the ruins.

The Magnificent Archaeological Site of Mycenae

The third major stop is Mycenae, a site that exemplifies Greece’s Bronze Age civilization. Built upon a hill rising 900 feet above sea level, Mycenae was a major center of Greek civilization from around 1600 BC to 1100 BC. It functioned as a military stronghold controlling much of southern Greece, Crete, and parts of Anatolia.

At its peak, the citadel and lower town housed around 30,000 residents. The site features iconic ruins like the Lion Gate, the Treasury of Atreus, and extensive fortifications. The one-hour stop allows visitors to appreciate the scale and architectural ingenuity of this ancient city, which played a key role during Greece’s Mycenaean period.

Admission fees are not included, but the driver’s commentary helps contextualize the archaeological significance of this major ancient site, making for an engaging visit that ties mythology, history, and archaeology together.

Discovering Nafplio: Greece’s First Capital

After exploring Mycenae, the tour moves to Nafplio, a picturesque seaport town that served as Greece’s first capital from 1821 to 1834 during the early days of independence. Located near the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio has a history of control by Venetians, Ottomans, and local rulers, which is reflected in its architecture and culture.

The 40-minute visit offers a chance to stroll through a town filled with charm, history, and scenic views. Nafplio’s steep hillside streets are lined with neoclassical buildings and medieval fortresses, making it a highlight for those interested in Greece’s recent historical developments and coastal beauty.

While no admission fees are required for this stop, the driver’s commentary enhances understanding of Nafplio’s role in Greece’s fight for independence and its later history as a regional capital.

Lunch Break at Tolon: Savoring Local Flavors

Tolon, a sea town located 7 kilometers east of Nafplio, provides a relaxed setting for a lunch stop. This 45-minute break features a visit to a family-owned restaurant with views of the Saronic Gulf.

This lunch allows travelers to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in a casual and authentic environment, making the most of the scenic setting. Since the tour does not include meals, this stop offers an opportunity to try local dishes and recharge for the afternoon’s sightseeing.

The relaxed pace at Tolon complements the busy archaeological stops, giving guests a chance to enjoy the local atmosphere and scenery without feeling rushed.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus: A Sound and Sight Masterpiece

The final stop on this full-day adventure is the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its exceptional acoustics and well-preserved architecture. Built in the 3rd century BC, the theatre features an original circular orchestra and seating that can accommodate thousands of spectators.

The site includes the Sanctuary of Aesculapius, a renowned healing center in ancient times. Visitors can walk through this spiritual and cultural site, marveling at its design and historical importance. The 45-minute visit offers the chance to appreciate the theater’s aesthetic beauty and acoustic perfection, which allows even a whisper to be heard from the stage.

Admission is not included, but the driver’s commentary provides context about its cultural significance and ongoing use in modern performances. This site combines Greece’s theatrical heritage with its spiritual traditions, making it a memorable conclusion to the day.

Logistics, Comfort, and Personalization

The Argolis private tour offers end-to-end transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with WiFi, ensuring comfort throughout the day. Pickup service simplifies logistics, and the private nature of the tour guarantees exclusivity and flexibility.

While the driver provides engaging explanations about each site, they do not accompany visitors into the archaeological sites. For those interested in a licensed guide to join inside the sites, arrangements are possible at an additional cost. The tour is designed for most travelers, with the option to adapt the itinerary based on personal interests.

This tour balances structured sightseeing with the freedom to customize, making it suitable for those who prefer a personalized experience over large group tours.

Who Will Appreciate This Argolis Tour Most

This full-day private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to see Greece’s most important archaeological sites without the hassle of navigating alone. It suits travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and insightful commentary without the constraints of a large group.

Since admission fees are extra, budget-conscious visitors should plan for additional costs, but the convenience and personalized service tend to justify the overall experience. It’s especially ideal for those seeking a well-paced, informative, and relaxed way to explore the Peloponnese’s highlights away from Athens’ busy crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include guided visits inside the archaeological sites?
No, the driver provides commentary from outside, but if a licensed guide is desired to accompany you inside, arrangements can be made at an extra cost.

Are meals included in the tour price?
No, meals are not included. There is a lunch stop at Tolon where guests can dine at a family-owned restaurant overlooking the Saronic Gulf.

How much are the admission fees?
Admission fees total approximately 55 Euros per adult, covering sites like Mycenae, Ancient Corinth, and Epidaurus.

Is the tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Most stops involve walking around archaeological sites and towns, so some mobility is required. The tour is generally accessible, but travelers with specific needs should inquire in advance.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible, allowing the driver to tailor the day based on your personal interests, within the limits of the private arrangement.

This Argolis private full-day tour combines comfort, history, and personalized service, making it an excellent choice for those wanting an in-depth, hassle-free exploration of Greece’s Peloponnese.