Private Kos tour: Asklepieion, Zia and Tree of Hippocrates

Walk the ruins where Hippocrates taught healing 2,500 years ago

A private half-day tour of Kos Island visiting three landmark sites: the Asklepieion, an ancient health sanctuary built in the 4th century BC where Hippocrates developed medical methods still used today; the mountain village of Zia with panoramic views and local artisans; and the Tree of Hippocrates near the harbor where the ancient doctor instructed his students. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private guide in English, air-conditioned transport, and wine tasting with local food pairings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kos Island highlights

• Visit Asklepion archaeological site
• Explore mountain village of Zia
• See the Tree of Hippocrates

The experience

The Asklepieion anchors this tour: a 4th-century BC sanctuary that served both as a temple to Asklepios, the god of health, and as a healing resort where Hippocrates himself practiced and refined the medical techniques that shaped Western medicine. Your guide walks you through the archaeological excavations and explains how ancient Greek healing methods remain relevant today, grounding the history in what you see on the ground.

From there, you climb to Zia, a small mountain village that has become a gathering place for local artists and craftspeople. The panoramic views of Kos Island spread out below, and the village itself moves at a different pace: time to wander, photograph, and browse the dried herbs and local goods that reflect traditional Greek cooking. Before heading back toward the port, you stop at the Planetree of Hippocrates, the ancient tree where legend says the father of medicine taught his students twenty-five centuries ago.

The tour wraps with a wine tasting: four different wines from a local collection, each paired with a small local food bite, served around a table. Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the morning, and the private guide means the pace and the stops adjust to what interests you.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private guide in English.
• transport by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• wine tasting with four local wines and food pairings.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Paid on site€ 15

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Achtypis Tours

Is this one for you?The half-day length fits easily into a morning or afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free for the beach, the harbor, or other parts of Kos: ideal if you want the island's history and culture without committing a full day to sightseeing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is the Asklepieion and why does it matter to the history of medicine?

The Asklepieion is a 4th-century BC archaeological site on Kos that functioned as both a temple to Asklepios, the god of health, and a healing resort. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, practiced and developed many of the healing methods there that are still used in modern medicine today, making it a foundational site in medical history.

How much time do you spend in the mountain village of Zia?

Zia is a free-time stop where you can explore at your own pace. The village has become a center for local artists and craftspeople, and it's a good place to see traditional Greek dried herbs and local products used in cooking, with views across the island.

What is included in the wine tasting at the end?

The wine tasting includes four different wines from a local collection, with each wine paired with a small local food bite. The tastings are served around a table, and this is part of the tour package.

Does the tour include entry to the Asklepieion archaeological site?

The tour visits the Asklepieion and includes a private guide who explains the site and its history. Entry to the archaeological site itself is arranged separately and is not included in the tour price.