Full-Day Private Tour Corinth and Olive Oil Tasting from Athens

Explore Corinth and the Iconic Corinth Canal for a Full-Day from Athens

This full-day private tour from Athens costs $224.72 per person and lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. It offers a blend of history, scenery, and culinary delights, making it ideal for travelers seeking an immersive experience outside the city. The tour departs with private pickup in an air-conditioned executive vehicle, ensuring comfort and ease from start to finish. With an excellent rating of 5.0 based on 9 reviews, it proves popular well in advance, often booked 54 days ahead.

The tour takes you on a scenic journey along the coast of the Saronic Gulf into the Peloponnese, with highlights including the Corinth Canal, ancient Corinth, the Acrocorinth fortress, and a visit to a family-owned olive oil mill. An optional lunch adds a chance to enjoy regional cuisine before returning to Athens. This tour balances educational and sensory experiences, making it suitable for history buffs, food lovers, and those craving authentic Greek landscapes.

Key Points

• Private, air-conditioned transportation ensures a comfortable day trip from Athens.
• Visits to iconic sites like Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, and Acrocorinth Fortress.
• Exclusive visit to a family-owned olive oil mill with tastings and a virtual reality presentation.
• Informative guides share insights into Greek history, olive oil production, and local culture.
• The 7-hour itinerary allows ample time at each site, with a flexible schedule including an optional lunch stop.
• Most visitors book 54 days in advance due to high demand and limited group size.

Scenic Drive from Athens to Corinth in Style

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Athens in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. The route traces the coast of the Saronic Gulf, offering glimpses of Greece’s beautiful shoreline and lush hills. The Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering, is the first major stop, providing stunning views of the steep limestone walls and passing ships. The 6.4-kilometer canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, and from the viewpoint, travelers enjoy a sweeping view of the Isthmus of Corinth.

This stop is brief—just 10 minutes—but offers enough time for photos and appreciation of this impressive waterway. The free admission makes it an accessible highlight that doesn’t cut into your schedule.

Discover the Ancient City of Corinth

The tour continues to Ancient Corinth, where historical remains shed light on the city’s significance. Located roughly 5 kilometers northeast of modern Corinth, these ruins reveal the layout of a once-thriving city-state. Known from Saint Paul’s letters in the New Testament, Corinth was an important hub in the classical era.

Visitors explore the site for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. While admission isn’t included, the site features notable ruins, such as temples, forums, and perhaps sections of the ancient agora. This stop provides a tangible connection to Greece’s past, especially for those interested in early Christian history and classical architecture.

Acrocorinth: The Fortress Overlooking the Land

Perched atop the ancient city is Acrocorinth, the largest and oldest castle in southern Greece. The fortress has been in use from archaic times up until the early 19th century. Its strategic position allowed it to control the Isthmus of Corinth, serving as a last line of defense against invaders.

The 20-minute visit offers ample opportunity to walk among the ruins and snap photos of the surrounding Peloponnesian landscape. The site is free to explore, and the commanding views make it a favorite for photography and appreciating Greece’s military history.

Olive Oil Heritage at Loutra Elenis

A highlight of the tour is a visit to the family-owned olive oil mill at Loutra Elenis, established in 1932. The site showcases four generations of olive oil production, with a focus on extra virgin olive oil. Visitors walk through old olive groves, where the original tree planted by the great grandfather still survives on ancient Solygeia soils.

The mill visit includes an interactive olive oil seminar with tastings of different extra virgin olive oils, Kalamon olives, and olive paste. The tour also features a virtual reality presentation that unveils secrets of olive oil production, enriching the sensory experience. The spectacular views of the Saronic Gulf complement the tasting, making this a memorable part of the day.

The Corinth Canal: Engineering and Views

The Corinth Canal stands out as a marvel of engineering, carved through the Isthmus of Corinth at sea level, with no locks. Its 6.4 km length and 21.4-meter width at the base make it a notable feature in the landscape. Its construction transformed Greece’s geography, connecting the Ionian Sea with the Aegean Sea.

From a high vantage point, visitors observe the steep limestone walls and ships passing through the canal, which is often too narrow for modern large vessels. This free stop is brief but offers one of the most picturesque and memorable views on the tour, perfect for photos or just soaking in the engineering feat.

Exploring Ancient Corinth’s Ruins and Its Christian Significance

Ancient Corinth’s ruins provide a glimpse into its past as a powerful city-state. The site highlights include temples, the ancient marketplace, and remnants of the Bema of Apostle Paul, reflecting its biblical importance. The connection to Saint Paul’s letters adds a spiritual dimension, especially for visitors interested in early Christianity.

The site’s one hour and twenty minutes allow time for wandering through these historical remnants. While the admission fee isn’t included, the site’s significance makes it a worthwhile stop for those curious about Greece’s ancient civilization and religious history.

Acrocorinth’s Strategic Significance and Scenic Views

The Acrocorinth fortress offers panoramic views and a chance to explore military architecture spanning centuries. Its commanding position on a hilltop provided defense against historic foes and protected the region. Walking among the ruins reveals defensive walls, gates, and watchtowers.

This 20-minute visit is ideal for photography and understanding Greece’s strategic landscape. Admission is free, and the site’s expansive views of the surrounding hills and coastline are an unmissable part of the experience.

Olive Oil Tasting and Virtual Reality at Loutra Elenis

The olive oil mill tour culminates in an olive oil tasting session, where visitors learn about production techniques and taste premium extra virgin olive oils. The interactive seminar is both educational and flavorful, revealing the nuances of quality olive oil and regional varieties.

The virtual reality presentation offers an engaging look into how olive oil is made, making this stop both fun and informative. The setting, with views of the Saronic Gulf, enhances the sensory pleasure, and the walk through olive groves connects visitors directly with the source of this iconic Greek product.

Flexible Schedule with Optional Lunch Stop

While the core tour covers all major highlights, there is an optional stop for lunch, allowing visitors to enjoy regional cuisine at their leisure. This flexibility means the tour can be tailored to different tastes or schedules, making it suitable for both quick explorations and more relaxed visits.

The private nature of the tour ensures an intimate experience, with the driver and guide happy to accommodate preferences or extend time at certain sites if needed.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private tour appeals to those interested in history, culture, and gastronomy. The combination of ancient ruins, scenic landscapes, and olive oil tastings suits travelers who appreciate a well-rounded experience. The comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides make it easy to relax and enjoy Greece’s diverse offerings without the stress of self-driving or navigating.

It’s also a good choice for travelers seeking a personalized itinerary with flexible timing, especially since the tour is exclusively for your group. However, it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Corinth and Olive Oil Tour

This full-day private trip from Athens offers a balanced mix of historical sites, scenic views, and culinary experiences. The Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth provide deep insights into Greece’s past, while the olive oil mill showcases an authentic family tradition with tastings and multimedia presentations.

While the schedule is well-paced, a note for some travelers: the time spent at Corinth ruins might feel a bit short, so those especially keen on archaeological details might want to extend their visit or plan additional time in Athens. The tour’s high ratings and positive reviews highlight its quality, especially for those wanting a private, tailored experience that combines education, scenery, and local flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the tour is generally accessible for most ages, with minimal physical demands. However, some walking and outdoor exploration are involved, so consider mobility needs.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, bottled water, an olive grove tour and olive oil tasting, and private pickup and drop-off. Guides are not included unless requested with an additional fee.

Can I request a guide for the site visits?
A licensed guide can be arranged upon request and depending on availability, for an extra cost.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is optional and can be added at the time of booking or on-site. The tour allows flexibility for your preferred dining experience.

How long in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 54 days in advance, indicating high demand and limited availability.

What if the weather is poor?
The experience is weather-dependent; if canceled due to bad weather, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.