Private Mycenae & Nemea Winery Tour from Athens: History & Wine

Summary

Mycenae Ruins, Nemea Vineyards & Ancient Corinth Day Trip

If you want to see ancient ruins without crowds, taste real Greek wine straight from the source, and enjoy a laid-back lunch with a view, this tour’s got you covered. You’ll get stories from locals, skip the hassle of planning, and come home with memories that stick.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off the morning with a smooth pickup right at our Athens hotel—no scrambling for taxis or figuring out public transport. Our driver, Yannis, greeted us with a grin and a bottle of cold water (trust me, you’ll want it if you’re visiting in July). The drive out of the city was easy, and before long we were pulling over at the Isthmus Canal. The wind there always seems to whip up from the water, and you can hear trucks rumbling over the bridge above. At the little information center, we got a quick intro to the Peloponnese—lots of maps and some old photos that made it all feel real.

Next stop: Mycenae. Walking through the Lion’s Gate, I could almost picture ancient guards standing watch. The stones are so massive, you really do wonder how anyone managed to stack them up there. Our guide pointed out tiny chisel marks on the Cyclopean Walls—details you’d miss if you weren’t looking. Inside the Royal Tombs, it felt cool and quiet, almost like the air itself was holding its breath. The museum nearby is packed with gold jewelry and burial masks; seeing Agamemnon’s mask up close is something I won’t forget soon.

After Mycenae, we rolled into Nemea. The landscape changes—vineyards everywhere, soft hills stretching out under the sun. We stopped at Palivou Estate, where Maria took us through their cellar. The smell of oak barrels and fermenting grapes hung in the air. We tasted Agiorgitiko reds—deep, peppery, nothing like what I’d tried back home. If you’re into wine, this place is a must.

We wandered over to the Temple of Zeus in Nemea, where three columns still stand tall against the sky. There’s a quiet here that feels different from Athens—just cicadas buzzing and a few locals chatting in the shade. The ancient stadium is nearby; you can walk through the same tunnel athletes used thousands of years ago. Our guide showed us names scratched into the stone—tiny pieces of history left behind by real people.

Lunch was on a terrace in Ancient Corinth, overlooking the ruins and the Temple of Apollo. The breeze carried smells of grilled lamb and oregano from the kitchen. It wasn’t fancy—just honest village food, but honestly, that’s what made it perfect after a day on our feet. We lingered over coffee before heading back to Athens, tired but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mycenae, Nemea & Corinth Tour

• Pickup in Athens
• Visit Isthmus Canal and Info Centre
• Explore Mycenaean Archaeological Museum
• Tour Mycenae: Lions Gate, Grave Circles, Walls, Palace
• See Treasury of Atreus (Tomb of Agamemnon)
• Discover Nemea: Temple of Zeus and Ancient Baths
• Visit Ancient Stadium at Nemea
• Wine tasting at Palivou Winery
• Lunch overlooking Ancient Corinth and Temple of Apollo
• Return to Athens accommodation

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, it’s family-friendly! There’s space for strollers, infant seats are available if you ask ahead, and most sites are open-air so kids can move around.

Do we visit more than one winery?

The main stop is Palivou Estate, but sometimes there’s time for another nearby winery if you’re interested—just let your guide know on the day.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll walk around archaeological sites and vineyards, but it’s not too strenuous. Wear comfy shoes and bring a hat if it’s sunny.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes, a traditional lunch in Ancient Corinth is included—think local dishes and fresh ingredients, all with a great view.

Can I join if I use a wheelchair?

Absolutely! The tour is wheelchair accessible, including transport and most sites. Just mention any needs when booking.

What’s included

Your own private driver-guide with deep local knowledge; skip-the-line ticket service (on request); comfy first-class vehicle with WiFi; bottled water for the road; hotel or port pick-up and drop-off; fully private experience from start to finish; lunch in Ancient Corinth; accessible for wheelchairs and families—just let us know what you need.