Day Trip to Nemea Winery & Nafplio

A Complete Guide to the Day Trip to Nemea Winery & Nafplio

If you’re dreaming of a day that combines Greece’s renowned wines with its stunning coastlines and historic towns, this full-day tour from Athens might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a carefully curated experience that takes you beyond Athens’ city limits, offering a taste of the Peloponnese’s vinous and scenic treasures. What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of wine tasting, breathtaking views, and charming towns, all wrapped into a manageable 6 to 7-hour package.

One of the standout features we love is the visit to the renowned Domaine Skouras Winery in Argos. The opportunity to sample local wines right at the source, paired with the knowledge shared by guides and the beautiful landscape, really elevates the experience. Plus, the brief stop at the Corinth Canal offers a quick but memorable glimpse of Greece’s engineering marvel and stunning vistas.

A possible drawback? The entire day involves quite a bit of driving—roughly 2 hours from Athens to the Peloponnese and back—so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with some time on the road. If you prefer a relaxed, leisure-focused pace or are prone to motion sickness, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a scenic escape from Athens. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a well-organized day with expert guides and the chance to sample some of Greece’s best native grape varieties, all in one trip.

Key Points

• Authentic wine experiences at local, renowned wineries with expert tastings.
• Stunning scenic drives through the Peloponnese landscape and coastal views.
• Historical and cultural highlights like the Corinth Canal and Nafplio’s charming streets.
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Flexible winery options if the preferred winery isn’t available.
• Knowledgeable guides who share insights into Greece’s wine and history.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

This full-day excursion kicks off with a pickup in Athens, where you’ll hop into a private, air-conditioned vehicle along with your small group or solo party, depending on your booking. The first stop—the Corinth Canal—is a brief 15-minute visit. Here, you’ll get a chance to snap photos of one of Greece’s most famous engineering feats, carved through the narrow Isthmus connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Reviewers found this stop worth the quick visit, citing the panoramic views and the “incredible landscape” as highlights.

Next, the journey continues to the Peloponnese region, renowned for its native Greek grape varieties. This part of the trip is especially appealing for wine enthusiasts: the region produces Moschofilero-Mantinia, Agiorgitiko-Nemea, Mavrodafni, and Muscat, among others. These wines aren’t just local favorites—they’re making waves internationally, with some varieties like Moschofilero and Agiorgitiko reaching markets worldwide.

During this stop, lasting around 2 hours, guides often share insights into the significance of these varietals and the history of Greek winemaking. Visitors report the experience as both educational and sensory, with many noting the chance to taste a diverse array of regional wines paired with cheese and rusks. Multiple reviews mention how the wines stood out, with one reviewer calling the second winery visit “excellent in terms of wines.”

Visiting Domaine Skouras Winery

The main highlight of the day is the visit to Domaine Skouras Winery in Argos, about a 25-minute drive from the previous stop. Here, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring the vineyards, learning about the winemaking process, and sampling wines directly at the source. The winery is acclaimed for its breathtaking views and high-quality wines, and visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and the quality of the tastings. Some reviewers mention that if Domaine Skouras is unavailable, options like Semeli, Gaia, or Bairaktaris wineries are also available, offering a good variety of Greek wines.

Nafplio: A Coastal Charm

After a full day of wine tasting, the tour makes a brief but delightful stop in Nafplio, Greece’s first capital. This picturesque seaside town is famous for its narrow alleys, Venetian architecture, and stunning sea views. Reviewers highlight Nafplio’s charming ambiance and vibrant streets, making it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Many note that 45 minutes is enough to soak in the town’s beauty and maybe grab a quick coffee or gelato.

Return to Athens

The day concludes with a comfortable 2-hour drive back to Athens, with the driver offering insights along the way. The whole experience wraps up with hotel or Piraeus port drop-offs, making it highly convenient for travelers based in Athens.

What Makes This Tour Worthwhile?

The blend of scenic drives, cultural stops, and wine tasting makes this tour a well-rounded day out. The fact that it is a private experience means more personalized attention, and the guides’ insights are often highlighted as a major plus. Several reviewers mention their driver, Dimitris, and Aris, as being personable, knowledgeable, and funny—making the long drives feel much shorter.

The cost of $397.25 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering the inclusions—hotel pickup, private transportation, all winery fees, four wine tastings with accompaniments, and the scenic stops—it offers good value. You’re essentially paying for a full day of curated experiences with expert guides, which would be hard to replicate independently without significant planning and cost.

The Authenticity and Quality

The tour’s focus on native grape varieties like Agiorgitiko and Mavrodafni adds a real authentic touch. These aren’t just Greece’s most famous wines—they’re some of the country’s best-kept secrets, rarely seen outside Greece. Many reviewers mention how the wines tasted unique and how their knowledge about Greek wine was expanded significantly.

The Scenic and Cultural Highlights

The Corinth Canal, with its impressive views, is a quick but memorable stop, giving you a taste of Greece’s engineering feats. Nafplio, with its charming streets and coastal views, provides a relaxing break and an authentic Greek atmosphere, often described as “magical” and “beautiful” in reviews.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance, as the tour is popular and generally booked around 106 days ahead.
• The tour lasts around 6-7 hours, so plan accordingly—comfortable shoes are helpful for Nafplio’s uneven streets.
• If you have mobility issues, this might not be suitable, as some stops involve walking on potentially uneven terrain.
• You’ll want to be prepared for some driving, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bringing medication might be wise.
• The tour includes only a light tasting experience—if you want a full meal, plan to explore Nafplio’s restaurants afterward.
• Bring a camera for the scenic stops and your own wine glass if you like to take notes or keep souvenirs.

The Bottom Line

This day trip offers a wonderful mix of Greek wine, scenic landscapes, and historic towns. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, hassle-free way to explore the Peloponnese’s vinicultural gems while enjoying Greece’s coast and culture. The knowledgeable guides, high-quality tastings, and scenic stops make it a valuable experience, especially for wine aficionados who appreciate learning about native grape varieties.

While the long drives might be a consideration, many reviewers emphasize how the overall experience makes the journey worthwhile. If you’re seeking a combination of wine, culture, and coastal beauty in a well-organized package, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most likely, yes—it’s a full-day experience with some walking in Nafplio and winery visits, so it’s best suited for those with moderate mobility and an interest in wine and scenery.

What’s included in the cost?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, all fees and taxes, wine tastings at wineries, and four wine samples with cheese and rusks.

Can I visit different wineries if Domaine Skouras isn’t available?
Yes, if Domaine Skouras is booked, alternative wineries like Semeli, Gaia, or Bairaktaris are offered.

How long are the winery visits?
Each winery stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving enough time to explore and taste without feeling rushed.

Is lunch included?
No, meals are not included, but you’ll have time in Nafplio to grab a bite or enjoy a snack.

Do I need to prepare anything special?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended. Also, consider bringing a small bag for wine purchases.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience, meaning only your group participates, which offers a more personalized touch.

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

How physically demanding is the tour?
It requires moderate physical activity—some walking and standing during the stops, but nothing excessively strenuous.

What kind of wines will I taste?
You’ll sample native Greek grape varieties like Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko, Mavrodafni, and Muscat, which reflect Greece’s vinicultural diversity.

This Nemea and Nafplio day trip combines the best of Greek wine, scenic drives, and charming towns, making it an experience worth considering for your Greece itinerary.