Wine Roads Private Day Tour: Corinth – Ancient Nemea & Wine Tasting

Explore Greece’s Historic and Viticultural Treasures in a Private Day Tour

The Wine Roads Private Day Tour from Athens offers a compelling combination of history, architecture, and wine tasting. Priced at $299.62 per person, this 9-hour experience is designed for those eager to explore iconic sites like Ancient Corinth and Ancient Nemea, while indulging in Greece’s renowned red wines. The tour is fully private, with hotel or port pickup, making it a convenient way to see the Corinthian region at your own pace.

This tour stands out for its balanced itinerary: it balances archaeological exploration with wine tasting in the Nemea wine zone. The guides are known for their deep knowledge of history, and the private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility. While the itinerary offers plenty of sights, the self-guided nature at some stops means it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with independent exploration, especially for site entries which are not included in the price.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $299.62 per person for a full 9-hour private experience.
• Highlights include: Ancient Corinth, Temple of Apollo, Acrocorinth, Nemea winery visit, and Nafplio.
• Included features: Private transportation, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and wine tasting.
• Optional upgrade: Add a licensed guide for more in-depth site insights.
• Special features: Visit the Corinth Canal, Ancient Nemea’s archaeological sites, and enjoy scenic views of the Nemean Valley.

Corinth and Acrocorinth: A Journey into Greece’s Ancient Past

The tour begins with a visit to Ancient Corinth, an important site that overlooks the Acrocorinth hill. Here, visitors see the Roman Agora, the temple of Apollo, and a small museum. Ancient Corinth was a significant religious and commercial hub, and its connection to St. Paul adds a layer of Christian history. The site’s proximity to modern Corinth makes it easily accessible and rich in photo opportunities.

Next, the temple of Apollo, built around 560 B.C.E., stands as one of the earliest Doric temples in Greece. Built from local limestone, the temple reflects Corinth’s prosperity during that era. Just a 5-minute visit, it offers a glimpse into ancient Greek architecture and religious life.

The castle of Acrocorinth crowns the hilltop, the oldest and largest fortress in southern Greece. With 20 minutes allocated, visitors can enjoy sweeping views and impressive medieval ramparts, making it a highlight for photography lovers and history buffs alike.

Driving Through the Heart of Greece’s Wine Country

After exploring Corinth, the tour proceeds through the grape yards of Nemea, Greece’s leading wine-producing region. The drive itself offers scenic vistas of lush vineyards and rolling hills. The highlight here is the visit to Ktima Bairaktaris, a top-rated winery where visitors receive a guided tour of the grape yards and barrels. The winery staff explain the bottling process, making the experience both educational and tasting-focused.

The 1-hour visit includes sampling some of the best varietals, with views overlooking the Nemean Valley. The wine tasting is a key feature of this tour, and reviews praise the variety and quality of wines offered. This stop emphasizes Greece’s reputation for red wines, with plenty of opportunity to learn about Nemea’s winemaking secrets.

Discovering the Nemea Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Nemea offers context about the Nemean Pan-Hellenic Games, an ancient athletic competition akin to the Olympics. The 1-hour visit is not included in the site admission fee but provides insight into the historical significance of the region’s athletic traditions. The museum displays artifacts related to ancient sports and local history, making it an enriching stop for those interested in Greece’s cultural heritage.

Scenic Stroll and Lunch in Nafplio

The last sightseeing stop takes place in Nafplio, often regarded as Greece’s most picturesque city. The 1-hour visit allows for a walk through the old town, characterized by Venetian, neoclassical, and oriental architectural elements. The city’s fortresses, including Palamidi and Bourtzi, dominate the skyline and promise stunning panoramic views.

After the walk, the tour includes a lunch at a seaside tavern, where fresh local cuisine can be enjoyed. Visitors then ascend Acronafplia Castle for a view over Nafplio and the Aegean Sea, rounding out the day’s scenic experiences.

The Corinth Canal: A Remarkable Engineering Marvel

The tour starts and ends with a drive along Greece’s eastern coast, passing by seaside villages and the historic island of Salamis. The 15-minute stop at the Corinth Canal allows for a pedestrian walk across the narrow waterway, which, since 1892, links the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea.

This engineering feat provides a close-up view of Greece’s maritime history and offers excellent photo opportunities. The free admission makes it a quick but memorable highlight of the day.

Logistics and Comfort: Private Transportation and Flexibility

The entire journey is conducted with private transportation, ensuring a relaxed experience without the crowds common in group tours. The driver is noted for their deep historical knowledge, although they do not accompany visitors inside sites; a licensed guide can be hired additionally if desired.

Pickup and drop-off are available at your hotel, Airbnb, or port, simplifying logistics. The tour departs from Athens at 8:00 am, making it a manageable day trip for most travelers.

Value and Practical Considerations

Priced at $299.62, this private tour provides a comprehensive day of sightseeing, cultural education, and wine tasting. Entrance fees for Ancient Corinth and Nemea sites are not included and cost an additional €25 per person. The tour is most suitable for travelers comfortable with independent site exploration, as some stops do not include guided tours.

The most recent reviews give this tour a perfect 5-star rating, highlighting knowledgeable guides, beautiful views, and delicious wines. Some mention that the tour involves a fair amount of self-guided time, which may not appeal to those seeking fully guided experiences.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private experience is ideal for history enthusiasts and wine lovers looking for an organized yet personalized day out. It suits those who enjoy flexible pacing and want to avoid large tour groups. Given the scenic drives and plenty of opportunities for photos, this tour appeals to travelers seeking a relaxed, informative, and tasty day exploring Greece’s classical sites and vineyards.

Final Thoughts on the Wine Roads Private Day Tour

For $299.62 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Greece’s ancient and viticultural heritage. It combines historical sites like Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth with scenic drives through the Nemea wine region and a visit to a top winery. The private transportation and flexible itinerary make it a comfortable choice, especially for those who appreciate independent site visits.

While some may find the self-guided nature of site visits a limitation, the wine tasting experience and stunning scenery more than compensate. This tour suits travelers seeking an intimate, educational, and delicious day outside Athens, combining history, architecture, and Greece’s best wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting time for the tour?
The tour begins at 8:00 am with hotel or port pickup.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including all stops.

Is a guided tour available inside the archaeological sites?
Guided tours inside Ancient Corinth and Nemea are not included but can be added for an additional cost.

What sites are included in the tour?
Stops include Ancient Corinth, Temple of Apollo, Acrocorinth, a Nemea winery, Nemea archaeological museum, Nafplio, and the Corinth Canal.

How much are the entrance fees?
Entrance fees for Ancient Corinth and Nemea sites are not included and cost €25 per person.

What does the wine tasting involve?
Guests visit Ktima Bairaktaris, where they sample some of the best wines and learn about winemaking practices, all with scenic views of the Nemean Valley.

Can I hire a guide for a more in-depth experience?
Yes, a licensed guide can be hired additionally for a more detailed tour of the sites.

Is transportation comfortable and private?
Absolutely, private transportation ensures a relaxed and personal experience.

Are meals included in the tour?
Lunch is not included but is available at a seaside tavern in Nafplio.

What are the reviews like for this tour?
It has a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 14 reviews, with positive comments about the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and quality wines.