Full day tour Ancient Corinth with wine or olive oil tasting

This full-day private tour offers a rich experience for history enthusiasts and food lovers alike, all for $306.46 per person. Departing from Athens, the journey takes around 8 hours, with the convenience of hotel or cruise port pickup. The tour features visits to Ancient Corinth, the Corinth Canal, and the castle of Acrocorinth, culminating in a tasting of local Greek wines or extra virgin olive oil at a vineyard or olive grove in Nemea. This tour is ideal for those who prefer a personalized, hassle-free experience with guided insights and the chance to sample Greek culinary delights.

With a perfect 5.0 rating from 5 reviews, this experience emphasizes comfort, authenticity, and expert guidance. The private vehicle ensures a relaxed pace, while admission tickets to key sites are included, making it a seamless day out. The only notable limitation is the absence of a licensed guide during site visits, but the guide’s warm reviews highlight their knowledge and hospitality.

Key Points

• Private tour for intimacy and flexibility around Ancient Corinth, Corinth Canal, and Acrocorinth
• Includes admission tickets to Ancient Corinth and Corinth Canal
• Taste local wines or olive oil at a vineyard or olive grove in Nemea
• Hassle-free transportation with hotel or cruise port pickup
• Duration of approximately 8 hours from start to finish
• Excellent for history buffs and foodies looking for a personalized experience

Corinth Canal: Marvel at the Narrow Waterway

The tour begins with a visit to the Corinth Canal, a 6-kilometer-long waterway with steep narrow walls only 26 meters apart. After a brief 15-minute stop, visitors marvel at the impressive engineering and scenic views from above. The canal’s construction was a modern achievement, completed in 1893, after the ancient Greeks first envisioned it. This site offers panoramic photo opportunities and a sense of Greek ingenuity.

Because admission is free, visitors can enjoy the spectacular views without additional cost. The site’s vantage points provide excellent opportunities for photos, and the short visit sets a scenic tone for the day.

Exploring Ancient Corinth: The Heart of Wealth and Trade

The next stop is Ancient Corinth, a city once thriving through trade and agriculture, thanks to its fertile land and strategic position between Athens and Sparta. The highlight is the well-preserved Temple of Apollo, which dominates the archaeological site. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins and get a clear picture of city life in antiquity.

The site visit lasts about an hour, with admission included. It’s a chance to walk among ancient structures, learn about Corinth’s history as a wealthy trading hub, and see how its location contributed to its prosperity.

Climbing Acrocorinth: A Fortress with Panoramic Views

Following the archaeological site, the tour includes a 45-minute visit to Acrocorinth, a massive hilltop fortress with a storied military history. The Venetian-built defensive walls still stand, offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, including the Corinthian Gulf.

The legendary fortress was once the owner of Poseidon and Helios, and its hard-to-conquer location made it a strategic military stronghold through ages. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the walls and take in the breathtaking vistas.

The Magnificence of Corinth’s Castle Overlooking the Gulf

The castle of Acrocorinth is a highlight not just for its history but also for its stunning scenery. As the highest point in the area, it offers panoramic views that stretch across Greece’s mainland and the Aegean Sea. The site’s large parts of Venetian walls are still visible, and the architecture provides insight into Greek and Venetian military engineering.

The short walk around the fortress is suitable for most visitors, and the free admission makes it an accessible way to take in Greece’s military architecture and natural beauty.

Tasting Greek Wines or Olive Oil in Nemea

The final highlight of this tour is the chance to sample local flavors in Ancient Nemea, renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. Visitors can taste a selection of Greek wines or extra virgin olive oil, directly at a local vineyard or olive grove.

This culinary experience allows a taste of authentic Greek produce, often accompanied by insights into local agricultural practices. The sampling takes place in a beautiful setting that showcases Greece’s agricultural richness, making it a perfect end to the day.

Logistics and Comfort: Private Transport and Group Flexibility

The tour features pickup from your Athens hotel or cruise port, ensuring a stress-free start. Traveling in a private vehicle offers a comfortable and flexible pace, free from the constraints of large group buses.

The group size is limited to your private party, allowing for personalized attention and customized scheduling. Bottled water, food, and drinks are provided, adding to the overall comfort of the experience.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Admission tickets to Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal are all included, eliminating surprise costs. However, the tour does not include a licensed professional guide, so detailed commentary during site visits is minimal. The guide’s reputation for knowledge and hospitality is highly praised, especially for their ability to explain Greek history and translate when needed.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and most participants able to join. The duration of approximately 8 hours balances sightseeing with enough time to enjoy the sites comfortably.

Tour Experience and Review Insights

The tour’s top-rated guide, Ted Velmachos, is noted for his enthusiasm, hospitality, and ability to make complex history accessible. His personalized approach includes adjusting schedules to accommodate additional sites, which adds significant value.

The five-star rating reflects the overall quality, especially emphasizing the guide’s expertise and the quality of the tasting experience. The well-organized logistics and comfortable transportation contribute to a smooth day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour appeals most to history enthusiasts eager to explore ancient Greek sites without feeling rushed. Food lovers will appreciate the wine or olive oil tasting, gaining a deeper appreciation for Greece’s culinary traditions.

Travelers seeking a personalized experience with flexible scheduling and expert guidance will find this tour particularly satisfying. It’s also best suited for those comfortable with walking over uneven terrain and staying physically active during site visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking around ancient sites and uphill at Acrocorinth, so some physical activity is required. It is generally suitable for most travelers who can handle light walking.

What is included in the price?
The price covers admission tickets to Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal, bottled water, and food and drinks. Transportation in a private vehicle is also included.

Can I customize the itinerary or add other sites?
The guide is known for being accommodating, and adjustments can be made within the schedule, especially with a private tour. Additional stops may be possible upon request.

This full-day private tour combines history, scenic views, and local flavors in a way that appeals to a wide range of interests. Its personalized approach and well-chosen stops make it a valuable option for those visiting Athens who want to experience Greece beyond the city.