Tours/Athens/Viator
Viator · Private tour

Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus, Nafplio private tour from Athens

5.0(16)Athens1 hour
VIATOR5.0(3)TRIPADVISOR5.0(13)

Description

Venture south of Athens to discover highlights of the Peloponnese. Cross the Corinth Canal to leave mainland Greece and explore the Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus, and Nafplion. Starting in Ancient Corinth, antiquity’s most powerful commercial crossroads, then on to Epidaurus, with its theater and healing center that were milestones in the evolution of Western civilization, and ending up at Nafplio, the country’s most picturesque town, we take a route that is one of the most important historically speaking, in a country steeped in history. - Full-day tour of Peloponnese highlights from Athens - Travel the Isthmus of Corinth with its picturesque yet imposing natural beauty - Check out the perfect acoustics at Epidaurus's 4th-century amphitheater - Explore the harbor village of Nafplion

Tour Options

Luxury sedan
  • 1-3 passengers Pickup included
Luxury minivan
  • 1-7 passengers Pickup included
Luxury minibus
  • 1-14 passengers Pickup included

Itinerary

15 min

The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. The canal was dug through the isthmus at sea level and has no locks. It is 6.4 kilometres (4 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base, making it impassable for many modern ships. From high up, you can enjoy the best view of Corinth's isthmus and admire the steep limestone walls while you observe the vessels below you navigate their way through the canal.

Admission not included60 min

Corinth was a city-state on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece, roughly halfway between Athens and Sparta. The modern city of Corinth is located approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) northeast of the ancient ruins. For Christians, Corinth is well known from the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament, First and Second Corinthians. Corinth is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as part of Paul the Apostle's missionary travels. In addition, the second book of Pausanias' Description of Greece is devoted to Corinth. Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BC, built a new city in its place in 44 BC, and later made it the provincial capital of Greece.

Admission not included30 min

The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth was constructed between 1931-1932, with intentions to display the numerous recent archaeological excavations. The museum is located within the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, Greece, and lies under the jurisdiction of the 37th Ephoreia of the Greek Archaeological Service. Key aspects of the Archaeological site of Ancient Corinth include: Hadgimoustafa spring Lechaion Road Basilica Fountain of Peirene Stoa Agora Odien Other temples Theatre

15 min

The Temple of Apollo at Corinth was constructed in 550 BC.

30 min

Acrocorinth, "Upper Corinth", the acropolis of ancient Corinth, is a monolithic rock overseeing the ancient city of Corinth, Greece. With its secure water supply, Acrocorinth's fortress was repeatedly used as a last line of defense in southern Greece because it commanded the Isthmus of Corinth, repelling foes from entry by land into the Peloponnese peninsula.

Admission not included30 min

Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus is a museum in Epidaurus, in Argolis on the Peloponnese peninsula, Greece. The museum, noted for its reconstructions of temples and its columns and inscriptions, was established in 1902 and opened in 1909 to display artifacts unearthed in the ancient site of Epidaurus in the surrounding area.

Admission not included30 min

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a theatre in the Greek city of Epidaurus, located on the southeast end of the sanctuary dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine, Asclepius. It is built on the west side of Cynortion Mountain, near modern Lygourio, and belongs to the Epidaurus Municipality. It is considered to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics. The monument retains the characteristic tripartite structure of a Hellenistic theatre that has a theatron, orchestra, and skene. During Roman times, the theatre (unlike many Greek theatres) did not suffer any modifications.

10 min

The Temple of Asclepius was a sanctuary in Epidaurus dedicated to Asclepius. It was the main holy site of Asclepius. The sanctuary at Epidaurus was the rival of such major cult sites as the Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia and Apollo at Delphi. The temple was built in the early 4th century BC. If still in use by the 4th century AD, the temple would have been closed during the persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire, when the Christian Emperors issued edicts prohibiting non-Christian worship.

90 min

Free time for lunch, coffee, or shopping at the ‘Naples of the East’ rich in Venetian architecture, cobbled squares, and towering castles with commanding views of the Argolic Gulf. Afterwards, unwind by the harbor or get lost in the colorful back streets of the most elegant town in mainland Greece. Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese in Greece that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was an important seaport held under a succession of royal houses in the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nauplia, held initially by the de la Roche following the Fourth Crusade before coming under the Republic of Venice and, lastly, the Ottoman Empire. The town was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Nafplio is now the capital of the regional unit of Argolis.

10 min

Enjoy the view of the water castle of Bourtzi, a Venetian castle located in the middle of the harbor of Nafplio, and take fascinating photos from the harbor side.

Pass by

The Acronauplia is the oldest part of the city of Nafplion in Greece. Until the thirteenth century, it was a town on its own. The arrival of the Venetians and the Franks transformed it into part of the town's fortifications. Later, part of it was used as a prison until the Greek government decided that the view provided from its location would benefit the local tourism and built a hotel complex which still stands there today.

30 min

Palamidi is a fortress to the east of the Acronauplia in the town of Nafplio in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece. Nestled on the crest of a 216-metre high hill, the fortress was built by the Venetians during their second occupation of the area (1686–1715). The fortress commands an impressive view over the Argolic Gulf, the city of Náfplio and the surrounding country. There are 913 steps in the winding stair from the town to the fortress. However, to reach the top of the fortress there are over one thousand, while locals in the town of Nafplion will say there are 999 steps to the top of the castle.

Highlights

Private transportation
Bottled water
WiFi on board
Professional drivers with deep knowledge of history (not licensed to accompany you in any site)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel/ airport/ port pickup and drop-off

What's included

Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
WiFi on board
Professional drivers with deep knowledge of history (not licensed to accompany you in any site)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel/ airport/ port pickup and drop-off
Not included
Licensed tour guide (upon request and depending on availability)
Gratuities
Ancient Corinth & Archaeological Museum of Corinth (can be purchased on-site)
Epidaurus & Epidaurus Archaeological Museum (can be purchased on-site)

Pickup Locations & Times

This is a private tour. Only your group will participate. The pick-up time is adjustable upon your request. Your personal driver will pick you up and return you to the same place or to the point you prefer. In case of a hotel, he will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. In case of an apartment, he will be waiting for you at the entrance of the building. For airport pick up, he will be waiting for you at the arrival hall holding a sign with your name on it to spot him upon arrival. We will track your flight and our driver will be there on time. For port pick up, he will be waiting for you at the gate, just as you disembark, holding a sign with your name on it to spot him upon arrival.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
16 reviews
5
16
4
0
3
0
2
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1
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Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Our drivers are not official tour guides, but they are knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. Although they will not enter the archaeological sites with you, they can answer all of your questions about the places you visit with this tour.
  • Third party activities and especially extreme sports are not allowed during the tour. This can be a cause for immediate cancellation of the tour.

Reviews(16)

B
bryansD6593FR
May 20, 2025
Best day ever!!

The tour was absolutely amazing. Alex was so wonderful to us. His knowledge about the history of Greece is beyond words. He made us feel so comfortable and he was very polite. I will highly recommend your company to friends. Again Alex was the best. Thank you, Bryan and Cassie Stevens (Fort Worth, Texas, USA).

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re truly delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with us. Your kind words mean a lot to our team, and we’re glad we could contribute to making your time in Greece memorable. We hope to welcome you again in the future for another great experience!

A
alannQ2566TX
April 16, 2025
Corinth, Epidaurus, Nafplio Trip

The views and experience were amazing, Costa made the journey great by offering us the history and mythology of each location. Would definitely go again!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. Your feedback means a lot, and we truly appreciate your support. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

M
marc0dari0l
March 9, 2025
Bravi

It 'went very well, the NS driver Panos punctually welcomed us at the agreed point, our hotel, and ran around the places we had defined. Panos was not a licensed guide (and the agency had been very clear) reason why he could not enter with us in the various places we wanted to visit, but still gave us directions and useful information. Bravi

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our service. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we're delighted that we could contribute to making your trip memorable. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure. Safe travels until then!

2
293estelad
April 5, 2024
Excellent transfer

Excellent, careful and attentive guide. Punctuality in picking us up and attentive when we needed to wait for us Peter_mav

Operator response

We are so grateful for your review! Thanks for sharing your rating with us and the community. Greetings from Peter!

R
Resort24670521643
February 22, 2024
Touring Greece

Notis was an excellent tour guide. His wealth of knowledge of the rich history of Greece made our experience one to remember. Overall, a very pleasant experience.

Operator response

We are so grateful for your review! Thanks for sharing your rating with us and the community. Greetings from Notis!

D
DayTrip29886912217
June 8, 2023
Great trip with knowledgeable driver

My husband and I had a fantastic day with Notis! Not only was he a great driver but a wealth of knowledge! I learned so much from him and had a great day!

Operator response

We are so grateful for your 5-star review. Thanks for sharing your rating with us and the community. Greetings from Notis.

M
MichaelDanielHo
May 10, 2023
All fay tour of Corinth Canal and the surrounding country side

Our driver Thanos was great. He was friendly, professional and took real good care of us. We had a wonderful time visiting all the sights and sampling Greek food and learning about the history and culture.

Operator response

We are so grateful for your 5-star review. Thanks for sharing your rating with us and the community. Greetings from Thanos.

K
karenfK9549WH
April 5, 2023
Wonderful tour, highly recommend

Thanos and Vasilis were excellent hosts on our perfect tour of Corinth, Epidaurus and Nafplio. They were just the right amount of talkative on the ride and gave us great advice. They never rushed us along nor made us feel like we were on a forced schedule. Thanos even gave us some oranges from his garden. At the end of the day, we discovered that my husband needed a trip to urgent care and they not only called the doctor for us but drove us there and gave us a special exception to get dropped off there instead of the hotel. We were in great hands with them across the day and highly recommend this tour!!

Operator response

We are so grateful for your 5-star review. Thanks for sharing your rating with us and the community. Greetings from Thanos and Vasilis.

4
488annelir
January 7, 2022
Perfect day!

What a wonderful day with our driver Tom! Car is very clean and comfortable, Tom has lots of knowledge about history and sites, and has great sense of humour. We highly recommend this tour, one day is perfect to discover these sites. No hassle and no crowds. Like Tom said:”Take your time, you are the boss!” Thank you and skål!

Operator response

Greetings from Tom! Thank you very much for your kind words and your positive review! Hope to see you soon again!

J
Jelenatravelreview
November 13, 2021
Highly recommend this tour

We have enjoyed our trip very much. Tom was an excellent driver and did his best to make this experience an unforgettable one for our party of three. This tour allowed us to visit all of those historical places without hassle and at our own pace. Car was very comfortable and clean and complimentary water is a nice touch. I would highly recommend this private tour to everyone, especially to families with children

Operator response

Greetings from Tom! Thank you very much for your kind words and your positive review! Hope to see you soon again!