AN INDULGENT GREEK WINE ESCAPE

Not far from Athens, one can find Nemea, the mythical land where the legendary wine Agiorgitiko was born.

For more than 3.000 years, wine production in Nemea has been part of the Greek mythology surrounding the half-god Heracles, which slews the Nemean lion.

Nowadays, Nemea is considered the crown jewel of the new wine industry, one of Greece’s most important, well-known, and well-balanced wine regions.

There’s no better way to learn about the myth of Heracles than through a curated walk in the wine area of Nemea with a glass of ‘Fliassios’ wine (the ancient name of Agiorgitiko) in hand. At the same time, Andriana explains the history of the region.

Furthermore, you will enrich your day with a historical journey back in time while touring Ancient Nemea. During Antiquity, the Nemean Games were held and celebrated in Pindar’s eleven Nemean odes.

The first stop is at one of the most well-known wineries in the region. Our host will guide the visitors through the vineyards, the winery, and the cellars – an actual thesaurus of premium labels waiting to reveal their precious aromas and tastes!

The winery offers scenic views of the glorious countryside of Nemea, having deep roots in time-honored traditions and eyes on the future.

In the second stop whisked away to a luxurious private tasting, you’ll find yourself ensconced within a historic train carriage, meticulously restored and boasting a breathtaking balcony overlooking the sprawling vineyards and the far-reaching vistas of Central Greece.

You will embark on a private journey through the world of Nemea’s premium wines, curated by our WSET Diploma (Cand.) expert. Taste unique wine flavors alongside traditional cheeses, cold-cut meats, fresh and dried fruits, and a selection of bread.

Savor the essence of Greek gastronomy with your choice of a delectable lunch at a traditional restaurant or a selection of exquisite finger food on the winery’s stunning terrace. As you indulge, let the serenity of the surrounding landscape and the breathtaking views transport you to a place of complete peace and rejuvenation.

At the end of the wine tour you will visit Nafplio.

Nafplio was the first capital of Greece after the War of Independence, and it still retains its elegant and historic charm. You’ll be enchanted by the medieval Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful neoclassical mansions, and fragrant bougainvillea trees.

Nafplio is not only a place of history and culture, but also a gastronomic paradise. You’ll have lunch with some of the best local dishes and wines at a traditional Greek restaurant.

After settling into your luxury boutique hotel, you’ll have some free time to relax.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the majestic Palamidi Fortress, which dominates the city from a hilltop. The Venetians built this fortress in the 18th century, and it offers stunning views of the city and the sea.

You’ll also discover some of the hidden gems of the city, such as the Komboloi Museum, which showcases the traditional Greek worry beads, the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation, or the impressive Bourtzi Castle, which stands on a small island in the harbor.

Strolling through the picturesque Old Town during the evening, there are many shops, cafes, and bars to suit your mood and have dinner alfresco.

What is more romantic than a walk along the waterfront, under the starry sky?

After breakfast, we will travel to Diakopto where awaits for you a unique sensory adventure that promises to awaken all your senses.

Odontotos Rack Railway starts from the station of Diakopto and follows the gorge of Vouraikos. After a distance of 22,350 meters in 60 minutes, it ends in the town of Kalavryta, 750 meters above sea level.

The Guardian proposes the train journey as one of the world’s 10 best public transport rides.

Feel the power of the gorge and the striking natural beauty scenery with a glass of wine on this breathtaking railway journey and learn about the history of the area.

A leisure walking tour in the dreamy setting of Kalavryta town will enchant you with its beauty and simplicity while you can enjoy a traditional Greek coffee with a piece of handmade cheese pie or a ‘gala-to-boureko’ a dessert like milk pudding.

Our next stop is through the monastery’s vineyard, located in the Vouraikos Gorge, where the vines have been cultivated for more than 450 years. In the vineyard of the Monastery, there is still the stone winery and the church where the divine service took place during the cultivation and the harvest. The revival of the vineyard in recent decades offers authentic Greek wine tasting from “forgotten” local varieties.

Carry your new wine knowledge with you under the shade of the ancient trees at the vineyards and have lunch indulging your senses with local specialties paired with the monastery’s wines.

At the end of the wine tour, you will travel to the city of Patras and check into a beautiful seaside four-star boutique hotel. Located on the northern coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula.

 Patra is one of the most important wine-producing regions and one of the most charming areas for wine tourism in Greece with beautiful highland vineyards, vines growing next to firs, historic villages, exquisite sights, and lovely scenery.

Your adventure begins at the Aghiou Nikolaou stairs, where 192 steps ascend to the heart of the Old City. As you wander the charming, cobbled streets, be captivated by the grand, colorful neoclassical mansions – silent witnesses to Patras’s illustrious past.

Make your way to the imposing Medieval Castle, constructed in the 6th century AD, and explore its remaining structures. Nearby, the Patras Roman Odeon offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient past while reward you with stunning panoramic views.

As evening paints the sky, indulge in a delightful al fresco meal at one of the many traditional Greek restaurants, savoring the vibrant atmosphere and delectable meze dishes.

After having your breakfast, you will visit ACHAIA CLAUSS – a milestone in Greece’s history and one of the topmost tourist attractions in the Achaean region which was founded in 1861 by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss.

Fascinated by the cultural quality of the Achaean capital and the aromatic dynamics of its vines, Gustav Clauss decided to establish the first oenological community in Greece. He built an entire residential complex with spire-shaped cathedral towers that allowed an entire village to live, work, and develop around the central core of the winery.

The experience of our luxury wine tour begins with an overview of the history and wines of this iconic winery. Your host will guide you through Wine Cellar No10, one of Achaia Clauss’s oldest buildings, with a total of 167 Mavrodaphne barrels and a capacity of 1,975 to 13,195 liters. Four of the barrels are carved by famous sculptors with representations from Greek mythology.

Your wine tour goes on in the cooperage museum which is the only one in Greece.

Following these private, behind-the-scenes tours at Cellar 10, make yourself comfortable in the villa of Gustav Clauss, – nowadays operating as a museum and VIP wine tasting room – and sample the premium wines of the winery.

Leaving behind Achaia Claus, enjoy a scenic drive to a seaside restaurant for the ultimate four-course lunch experience matched to fine wines specially selected to suit each dish.

After soaking in the rich tapestry of wine and culture, we’ll ensure a smooth and comfortable return journey to Athens, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your Peloponnese adventure.