Six-Hour Nemea Vineyards Tour

Ride from Nafplio into the Nemea wine region on a six-hour vineyards tour. Visit wineries inland from the coast and taste local wines along the way.

Overview

This six-hour tour from Nafplion pairs ancient history with wine. It starts with a hotel or meeting-point pickup in town, then a drive out to Nemea, one of the largest vineyard areas in Greece and the home of the Agiorgitiko grape. The mythology angle is real too: this is where Hercules was said to have begun his labors by killing the lion.

The first stop is the ancient stadium of Nemea, a 4th-century-B.C. site next to the temple of Zeus, where the group spends time sightseeing. After that come two award-winning wineries, each with a guided tour and a tasting of local varieties. Along the way the English-speaking tour leader explains the vintage process and the stages of wine production, from vineyard to glass, before the return drive to Nafplion.

It suits travellers who want a structured day out without hiring a car: transport, winery entry, tastings, archaeological site tickets, taxes and liability cover are all bundled in. Reviewers frequently single out the guide's knowledge, and one couple was surprised to find they had the tour to themselves. Groups of around ten have also taken it, so the feel varies with bookings.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in NafplionThe tour leader collects participants from the hotel or the agreed meeting point in Nafplion.
2. Drive to NemeaTravel by van towards the Nemea region, a drive of 40 minutes.
3. Ancient stadium of NemeaSightseeing at the ancient stadium, built in the 4th century B.C. next to the temple of Zeus. This stop lasts 75 minutes, and guided tours of the archaeological sites can be arranged on request.
4. Transfer to first wineryA short 10-minute van ride to the first winery in the Nemea area.
5. First winery tour and tastingA guided tour and wine tasting lasting 1 hour, covering the wine-making stages and local varieties.
6. Transfer to second wineryA 30-minute van ride into the Argolis area.
7. Second winery tour and tastingAnother guided tour and tasting, again 1 hour, at a second award-winning winery.
8. Return to NafplionThe return drive takes 40 minutes, ending back at the original pickup location.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the day run smoothly, based on the listing and on what past participants have described.

• Getting picked up. Round-trip private transport from Nafplion is included, with pickup from the hotel or the tour meeting point. The return trip ends back at the original pickup location.
• Pace and walking. The day splits into sightseeing at an archaeological site and two winery visits, with van rides between. One reviewer mentioned spending longer than planned at the museum in Nemea.
• Who else goes. Group size varies. One couple found themselves on a private run, while another reviewer travelled in a group of ten. Expect a mix rather than a fixed small-group format.
• The tastings. Wine tasting at both wineries is included in the price, along with winery entry. One reviewer reported sampling nine wines across the two stops, with snacks served as well.
• Weather and comfort. A reviewer who took the tour in hot weather described the transport as very comfortable in the heat. The stadium stop involves time outdoors, so conditions on the day are worth considering.
• Language and guiding. The tour runs in English with an English-speaking tour leader throughout. Reviewers repeatedly described the guide as knowledgeable and personable.

Common issues. The listing flags that guided tours of the archaeological sites are available only upon request, so anyone wanting a site guide rather than independent sightseeing should ask ahead. One reviewer who booked on short notice was unable to schedule additional tastings beyond the standard stops. Group size is not fixed and can range from a couple to a party of ten, which changes the feel of the day. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Common Questions