To many people, The Peloponnese peninsula on the Greek Mainland is the ‘real’ Greece, where things have not changed much at all over the centuries despite the fact that many people have discovered it. This is an area where you could easily spend a month or more but if you are short on time then our private Corinth and Peloponnese Tours from Athens is a great solution. This covers a huge amount of ground to some of Europes most extraordinary sites in just 2 days. You truly won’t believe what you see!
Further reading: Explore the Peloponnese
When to visit the Peloponnese
Whilst the Peloponnese is home to some of the best beaches in Greece there are so many things to see and do that it is actually a year-round destination.
Whilst Summer is the ideal time to spend at the beaches and waterfalls, Spring and Autumn are excellent for hiking and exploring Ancient Ruins, Caves and Archeological sites.
Even winter is enticing as many of the towns and villages receive some snow, particularly in the mountains, and the stone architecture and wineries lend themselves to cosy moments by an open fire. The casseroles and traditional winter food is hearty and delicious.
Regardless of what time of year you choose you will find the crowds very manageable and in many places, non-existent.
2 day Corinth and Pelopponese tour
This fantastic tour will see you picked up in Athens and driven by a professional, licensed driver, in a luxury vehicle, to the Northern Peloponesse and back.
The places you will see are:
DAY ONE
CORINTH CANAL
The Isthmus of Corinth is a narrow piece of land connecting mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. The manmade canal connects the Corinthian and the Saronic Gulfs. The canal was finished in 1893, but its history dates to as early as 602 BC. It has a length of over 6km, and its sides are 78m tall at the highest point.
ANCIENT CORINTH
The ancient city-state of Corinth was located on the narrow isthmus connecting the peninsula to the Mainland. It is a site of extraordinary history, being inhabited for the first time in the Neolithic Period.
In ancient times, the city grew wealthy due to this strategic location and its control of the transportation of ships from the Corinthian to the Saronic Gulfs, and vice versa. It became one of the most important trade powers in ancient Greece, rivalling Athens and Thebes, and had an extensive network of colonies. In 400 BC it had a population of 90,000 people.
Guided by a professional guide, you will see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo that testify to Corinth’s great prosperity. These have been uncovered since 1896 by the American School of Classical Studies in Athens and the Greek Ministry of Culture. It is also one of the places that Saint Paul visited.
THE SUNKEN CITY OF ANCIENT EPIDAURUS
See where the Ancient City of Epidaurus lays under just a few meters of water off the Argolis Coast and take photos of the Saronic Islands just across the strait. Snorkelling is possible if interested.
THE ANCIENT THEATRE OF EPIDAURUS
We travel to Epidaurus and see the world-renowned Epidaurus theatre. Built in the 4th century BC, it is famous for its acoustics, which are so perfect that words spoken on stage can be heard perfectly wherever you are in the audience. See the scale of the whole Sanctuary that the theatre sits in and visit the small, but very good, museum.
PALAMIDI CASTLE
Stepping forward in history, we see the Palamidi Castle in Nafplio, built by the Venetians and famous for supposedly having 999 steps. According to legend, there were once 1000 steps leading to the castle, but one of them was crushed by Theodoros Kolokotronis, a leader of the Greek war of independence, during celebrations for a victory against the Ottomans.
Overnight accommodation
You will need to book a hotel for the night in wonderful Naplio.
See our recommendations at the bottom of this page.
DAY TWO
TIRYNS
See the amazing “Cyclopean walls” named because the Greeks thought that only a Cyclops could move such huge rocks into place. They are 8m thick and 13m high.
ARGOS – ANCIENT THEATRE AND LARISSA CASTLE
Visit the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and see the Ancient Theatre, built in the 3rd century for 20,000 spectators. Also, visit Larissa Castle – built during prehistoric times and a significant location during several wars.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MYCENAE
The Homeric city of Mycenae was one of the first great centres of the Greek culture and dates back to the second millennium BC. According to Homer, Mycenae was ruled by King Agamemnon, who led the Greeks against the Trojans to take back Helen, the wife of his brother Menelaus.
The ruins of the ancient city are famous for the amazing “Cyclopean walls” -so named because the later Greeks thought that only a Cyclops could move such huge rocks into place. You will see the Lion Gate, which formed the entrance to the royal court and palace.
NEMEA WINE REGION – TOUR AND LUNCH AT KARAMITSOS WINERY or BAIRAKTARIS or PALIVOU ESTATE
We also visit Nemea, an ancient wine-making region of Greece. Nemea is home to a grape variety named “Agiorgitiko” that is at least 3,000 years old.
Due to the different microclimates in the region, there are a variety of different wines produced here, from fruity and light to mature and full-bodied. At the winery, we discover how wine is made and try three different types of wine. It will be accompanied by a selection of delicious local “mezes”, which is a selection of local foods similar to tapas.
THE DIOLKOS
We finish by seeing the Diolkos, an ancient track that connected the Saronic and Corinthian Gulfs, before having a meal and returning to Athens in the late afternoon.
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Early pick up from Hotel
You will be picked up from your Athens hotel or Pireaus Port or the Airport
Drive over the Corinth Canal
Stop for photos
Visit Ancient Corinth (1.5 hours)
Drive to Epidaurus
Visit the Sunken City of Ancient Epidaurus (1 hour)
Visit Epidaurus Theatre, Museum and Sanctuary (1 hour)
Lunch in Tolo (Ormos or Romvi)
Explore Palamidi Castle
Arrive in Nafplio – check into hotel and free time
DAY TWO
Early pick up from your Nafplio Hotel
Visit Tiryns (1 hour)
Visit Argos – Ancient Theatre and Larissa Castle (1 hour)
Mycenae (1 hour)
Nemea wine region. Tour and lunch at Karamitsos, Bairaktaris or Palivou Estate, (lunch is included if you have booked with lunch or dinner)
See The Diolkos
Return to Athens
EXTRAS that you can purchase while booking:
• Admission fees
• Lunch or dinner each day for each passenger
Cost : from €950 Euro for 2 people
Inclusions
- Wholly private tour (your party only)
- Transportation to and from your Hotel, Port or Airport in Athens
- Professional guide at Ancient Corinth
- Professional, English-speaking driver, who provides information and tips and does not enter the sites
- All fuel surcharges and toll roads
- bottled water
Exclusions
- Admission fees
- Accommodation
- Lunch or dinner each day
- Coffee, drinks, and snacks
- Tips
Things to know
Secure your bookings with a 10% deposit
You will be charged the balance (90%) 8 days before the tour date
Prices on bookings are for adults and children above 12
If you have children under 12 or infants please contact us before booking so we can discuss any extra requirements
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
All prices are for 1 private vehicle with 1 to 3 passengers in a sedan, 4-7 passengers in a minivan, usually Mercedes Benz and 8-14 passengers in a Mercedes Benz minibus
You need to be able to walk on unpaved or uneven terrain. If not the driver will do their best for you to see as much as possible
Departure time is usually between 5:00 am-9:00 am, based on your preference!
We reserve the right to cancel a booking for a full refund in the case of bad weather or site closures
Our drivers are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. Their priority is your satisfaction and safety. All our drivers speak English and are ready to help and to provide tips
Our cars are well-maintained, clean, and have free Wi-Fi. Baby chairs, wheelchairs and most phone chargers are available on request, at no additional charge
Cancellation
• We reserve the right to cancel a booking for a full refund in the case of bad weather or site closures
• You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure
• Cancellations between 3 and 6 days in advance of the tour incur a 50% cancellation fee
•Cancellations less than 3 days attract the full fee
Nafplio Hotels
For couples: Gambelo Rooms is a small boutique hotel just a few steps from the Old Town with views over the bay. The decor is modern and chic and yet the rooms are surprisingly affordable. Try and book a room at the front that has a balcony.
Another great option is Nafsimedon Hotel . For a splurge its hard to beat uber cool 3 Sixty Hotel, right on the square and with a very funky bar and restaurant.
For families and groups: Porto Bello Nafplio has spacious family rooms with panoramic views and bicycle hire. Plus they are located a short walk from both the Old Town and the beach!
Avra Nafpliou is on the outskirts of town with a gorgeous pool and beautiful shady gardens, so it’s also very popular with families, especially in Summer.
Solo: Marina’s Luxury Rooms are in the heart of the Old Town and a short stroll to everything. Very well priced and each room has a small kitchen.
If that’s unavailable then Pension Omorfi Poli is in a beautiful pink neo-classical building nearby and has quiet rooms that are great value.
Nafplio Villas and Airbnbs
For families and groups check out incredible Villa Konstantina just outside the Old Town with a shaded in-ground swimming pool, a leafy garden terrace and panoramic views that sleeps up to 12 people!
For something quite unique you can stay at Marianna which is literally hidden under the rock of Akronafplia, with rooms styled in a very traditional way. You really feel like you have stepped back in time here.
Gambello Rooms
Nafplio at Sunset
