Day Trip to Nemea Winery & Nafplio

Traveling through Greece often means exploring ancient ruins or lounging on sun-drenched beaches, but for those with a passion for wine and picturesque towns, this Day Trip to Nemea Winery & Nafplio offers a wonderfully balanced experience. It’s a carefully curated tour that combines scenic drives, historical sights, and tasting some of Greece’s finest wines.

What we really like about this trip is how smoothly it runs—thanks to the diligent planning and helpful guides—and how it manages to pack so much into just a half-day of touring. You’ll get to stand at the Corinth Canal, admire the beauty of Nafplio, and savor regional wines at a renowned local winery.

That said, it’s worth noting that this is a full day of driving and activity—so it might feel a bit long if you prefer more relaxed, leisurely days or have mobility issues. Still, if you’re eager to see a bit of everything, particularly if you’re a fan of wine, history, and coastal views, this tour could be just right.

This experience suits travelers who want a deeper taste of Greece beyond Athens, combining cultural sights with wine tasting. It’s also a good pick for those who enjoy structured days with a mix of scenic drives, small group intimacy, and guided commentary.

Key Points

• Ideal for wine lovers who want authentic regional varieties like Agiorgitiko and Moschofilero.
• Highlights include the Corinth Canal for panoramic photos and a taste of Greece’s engineering marvel.
• Includes visits to two wineries, with tastings and the opportunity to learn about native grape varieties.
• A scenic drive through the Peloponnese, with stops in charming Nafplio and views of the coast.
• A full-day experience that balances sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing.
• Private transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens, making logistics easier and more comfortable.

The Itinerary: What to Expect During Your Day

Starting with a Scenic Drive and the Corinth Canal

The adventure begins with a pickup from your Athens hotel, with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and a professional driver. The first stop, the Corinth Canal, only takes about 15 minutes, but it’s a highlight worth savoring. This marvel of engineering, often called the “Isthmus,” links the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and the view of this narrow waterway is simply striking.

You’ll get a chance to snap some photos of the dramatic landscape, with the waterway cutting through the land—an impressive sight that captures the imagination of travelers interested in Greece’s geography and engineering feats. The free admission makes this a nice, quick introduction to your day.

Exploring the Peloponnese and Native Greek Grape Varieties

From there, your driver takes you inland into the Peloponnese, a region famed for its native Greek grape varieties. We loved how this part of the tour dives into the local wine scene—something less commercialized and more authentic. You’ll learn about grapes like Agiorgitiko, which produces the popular red wines of Nemea, and Moschofilero, known for its aromatic whites.

The two-hour stop here isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the significance of these varieties within Greece’s wine culture. According to reviews, visitors appreciated the quality of the wines and the stories behind them. One reviewer even said, “The wines we tasted at Skouras Winery were incredible, with breathtaking views to match.”

Visiting Domaine Skouras Winery

Next, you’ll head to Domaine Skouras, about a 25-minute drive from the initial stop. The winery is situated in Argos and offers a chance to taste regional vintages directly from the source. The tour here lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you time to enjoy four sips of wine along with cheese and rusks—simple, but effective for appreciating the flavors.

Many reviews highlight that the winery visit is a true highlight. Visitors praise the knowledgeable staff and the breathtaking scenery from the winery. If the listed winery isn’t available on your chosen day, you’ll visit another reputable local winery like Semeli, Gaia, or Bairaktaris, which maintains the same high-quality experience.

Strolling Through Nafplio

The last stop before heading back to Athens is the charming, historic town of Nafplio. This seaport city, once Greece’s first capital, exudes old-world charm with winding alleys, quaint cafes, and scenic waterfronts. The 45-minute visit is enough to soak in the atmosphere, snap photos, and maybe grab a quick snack or coffee.

Reviewers love Nafplio’s beauty—one called it “one of the most picturesque cities in Greece,” and appreciated that the stop is brief but enough to leave a lasting impression. It’s a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy some local ambiance after a day of driving and tasting.

Return to Athens

After Nafplio, your driver whisks you back to Athens, with an estimated two-hour drive. The comfort of private transport and the scenic route means you can reflect on the day or drift off for a quick rest before arriving at your hotel.

Practical Considerations: What You Need to Know

Transport & Comfort: The tour uses an air-conditioned private vehicle, which keeps the drive pleasant even during warmer months. The driver, who is also a guide of sorts, is praised for their friendliness and knowledge—one reviewer called Dimitris and Aris “excellent” with great recommendations.

Timing & Pacing: The total duration is around 6 to 7 hours, with most time spent on the road. The itinerary is packed but well-paced, with enough time at each site to enjoy and absorb the experience.

Cost & Value: At roughly $397 per person, the price reflects the private transportation, winery visits, tastings, and hotel pickup/drop-off. Considering the quality, the expert guides, and the experience of tasting regional wines in beautiful settings, many find it to be good value—especially for a full-day private tour.

Physical Activity & Accessibility: Moderate physical fitness is recommended; the tour isn’t suited for those with mobility issues. The stops involve some walking, but nothing overly strenuous.

Booking & Availability: This tour is popular, booked on average 106 days in advance. Keep that in mind if you’re planning ahead. Also, since it’s private, you get a more personalized experience, but that can also mean higher costs than group tours.

The Authentic Charm and Hidden Gems

What really sets this tour apart is the authentic experience—learning about Greece’s native grape varieties, tasting regional wines, and exploring scenic towns—all in one day. The reviews repeatedly mention how knowledgeable and friendly the drivers are, along with stunning views and delicious wines. Many travelers appreciated that the wineries offered boutique experiences, not just commercialized tastings.

Nafplio, with its old-world charm and seaside vibe, is a lovely bonus that adds a touch of Greece’s history and culture to your wine adventure. The combination of scenic drives, cultural sights, and wine tasting makes this a well-rounded day that appeals to those seeking a taste of Greece’s diverse regional character.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you’re someone who loves discovering regional wines and is curious about Greece’s native varieties, this trip hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a structured day with a good mix of scenic, cultural, and culinary highlights. Those who value knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation will also find this appealing.

However, if you prefer slow-paced, leisure-focused days or have mobility concerns, you might find the full schedule a bit demanding. Also, for those on a tight budget, the price might seem high, but it’s worth considering the private nature of the experience and quality of the visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Since the tour involves some walking and is designed as a full-day experience for adults, it might not be ideal for young children or those with mobility issues. It’s best suited for adult travelers or older kids used to long days of activity.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens, wine tasting fees at the winery, four sips of wine with cheese and rusks, bottled water, and the services of a professional English-speaking driver.

Can I visit a different winery if the listed one is unavailable?
Yes, if the Domaine Skouras Winery isn’t available on your preferred day, you’ll visit another reputable winery in the area, such as Semeli, Gaia, or Bairaktaris Wineries, maintaining the quality and experience.

How long are the winery visits?
The winery stops total about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving enough time to taste regional wines and learn about local varieties.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, since the experience requires good weather, poor weather might lead to rescheduling or a full refund.

What is the duration of the entire experience?
Expect around 6 to 7 hours from start to finish, including all stops, drive time, and the return to Athens.

Are meals included?
No, the tour does not include a meal, but you’ll have the opportunity to purchase food at Nafplio or at the wineries if desired.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate physical activity is involved. You should be comfortable walking and standing for short periods, especially at Nafplio and the wineries.

Do I need to book in advance?
Given its popularity and average booking window of 106 days, it’s wise to reserve early to secure your preferred date.

Final Thoughts

This Day Trip to Nemea Winery & Nafplio delivers an engaging mix of culture, scenic beauty, and regional wine tasting. It’s a solid choice for those who want to explore beyond Athens without feeling rushed, and who appreciate a personal touch with expert guides. The combination of stunning vistas, authentic Greek wines, and a charming coastal town makes for a memorable day.

If you’re passionate about wine, eager to see a different side of Greece, and enjoy guided experiences that balance education with leisure, this tour offers a rewarding, well-organized journey. Just remember, it’s a fairly full day, so come prepared to learn about Greece’s landscape and flavors, with plenty of opportunities for photos and tasting.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a taste of Greece’s regional treasures, this trip manages to blend the best elements of a cultural drive, a wine tasting adventure, and a scenic sightseeing tour—all in one lovely day.

Happy travels, and cheers to discovering Greece’s genuine flavors!