Argolis: Day Trips and Tours from Athens

Book a day trip to Argolis from Athens and travel back in time to ancient Greece and beyond! Argolis is a small region in Southern Greece brimming with archaeological and historical hotspots set against a scenic backdrop.

Explore picturesque coastal cities, ancient archaeological sites, citadels dating back to the Bronze Age and seaside marvels of nature.

How to get to Argolis from Athens?

Argolis is located in Peloponnese, a large peninsular region of Southern Greece, and is around 130 kilometers west of Athens. The region is one of the most famous destinations for day trips from Athens.

From Athens to Argolis by car

By car, the journey to Argolis follows Olimpia Odos, A8 and E94. The drive covers 130 kilometers and can take from 1.5 hours and two hours, depending on traffic.

From Athens to Argolis by bus/public transport

You can take a KTEL Argolida bus from Athens to Argos, a city in Argolis, and the trip lasts almost two hours. A one-way ticket costs between €11.80 and €21. From Argos, you can take a taxi or a local KTEL bus to travel around Argolis to destination cities such as Nafplio and Mycenae.

Guided tour to Argolis from Athens

Chauffeured tours are a popular way to visit Argolis and allow tourists to enjoy the scenic drive without the stress of having to plan how to travel from site to site. Guided day tours to Argolis generally include pickup and drop-off options to and from Athens.

How much does the entrance ticket to Argolis cost?

While there is no entrance fee to enter the region of Argolis, many of the archaeological sites require tickets. Each ticket can be purchased separately with prices between €3 and €12, depending on the site.

Free entry is granted to:

• Children under 6 years old
• Children and young adults up to age 25 from EU member states
• Students with valid identification
• Persons with disabilities

50% off discounts are available for:

• Children and young adults up to age 25 from non-EU countries
• Seniors over 65 from EU member states

Combined ticket to Argolis grants entry to the most famous archaeological sites.

These include the Archaeological Sites of Mycenae, Tiryns and Asini, the Fortress of Palamidi, the Archaeological Museum of Mycenae, the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio and the Byzantine Museum of Argolis.

Combined ticket prices:

• Adults: €20
• Children up to age 5: Free

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Argolis from Athens?

A typical day trip to Argolis begins early in the morning in Athens. You will meet your tour guide at a designated pickup location and begin their picturesque journey through coastal southwest Greece.

The first stop on the itinerary is the Corinth Canal, an artificial canal that connects the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea. Most tours stop here for pictures, coffee, and a bite to eat. Next, you’ll continue your journey through the area’s historical hotspots.

The first walking tour on the itinerary takes place at Mycenae, an ancient city dating back to the Bronze Age. Here, you’ll explore ancient history and immerse yourself in Greek mythology stories.

After a short drive, the next stop is Nafplio, a small but lively coastal city. After a walking tour through its cobblestone streets, many tours stop here for a lunch break—plus gorgeous sea views.

Some tours end in Nafplio, while others continue to nearby archaeological and historical sites, such as the Venetian fortress Acronauplia and Epidaurus, an ancient city with a stunning theatre mythological importance. You’ll be driven back to Athens at the end of the tour.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Argolis?

Guided day tours to Argolis from Athens

Argolis day tour highlights must-see tourist sites such as Corinth Canal, Mycenae and Nafplio, as you learn about Greek history and mythology.

These tours range from eight to 12 hours and include food and relaxation breaks — sometimes even swimming! You'll be escorted back to Athens at the end of the Argolis tour.

Private full-day tour to Argolis from Athens

These full-day private excursions are led by expert tour guides who will make your day trip to Argolis personal and memorable. They lead you through famous destinations, including the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Private tours generally offer pickup and drop-off options to and from Athens and a stop for lunch.  

Multi-day tours to Argolis plus Olympia, Sparta, Delphi and Meteora from Athens

Enjoy all that Argolis has to offer with a multi-day tour from Athens! These tours can be 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-day excursions, and offer a mix of driving, walking and sightseeing around the region of Argolis. These tours are much more immersive than single-day trips; they visit more sites and have additional activities.

Some tours include exciting cultural experiences such as wine tastings and swimming opportunities in the Aegean Sea. Most multi-day tours include overnight accommodation and chauffeured transportation to and from Athens.

Multi-day tours may include stops at Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games, Sparta, one of the most influential and vital cities in ancient Greece, and Delphi, an archaeological site and religious sanctuary.

Some tours also visit the ruins of Mystras and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, a breathtaking rock formation.

How much does a tour to Argolis from Athens cost?

Guided day tours include pickup and drop-off options, and in-depth walking tours through the most popular destinations in Argolis. Tour prices cost €80 per person and €500 per group. These tours typically include expert guides around Argolis’s most popular destinations.

Private tours to Argolis cost between €400 and €1,000 per group. Enjoy the luxury of a private air-conditioned vehicle and a personalized tour with an expert guide. These tours often include bottled water, snacks and onboard Wi-Fi, while some offer exciting experiences such as pottery workshops and Greek food tastings.

Multi-day tours range from €590 to €3,400 per group, depending on the number of days and the services provided.

In addition to guided walking tours and sightseeing opportunities, multi-day tours to Argolis often include chauffeured transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, authentic Greek meals and overnight accommodation.

What will you see and do on a day trip to Argolis from Athens?

Corinth Canal

Enjoy stunning coastal views from the Corinth Canal, an artificial canal that crosses the isthmus of Corinth and joins the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea.

Powerful leaders from Periander of Corinth to Julius Caesar dreamed of building a canal to shorten ship journeys around the Peloponnese. Still, it wasn't until the late 1800s that they successfully constructed the canal.  

Mycenae

Mycenae is an ancient hilltop city in Argolis. Here, you’ll marvel at the sculptural main entrance known as “Lion Gate,” wander through stone streets, tour a citadel, explore the Tomb of Agamemnon and much more!

Mycenae was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 and is believed to date back to the Bronze Age. According to Greek Mythology, it was founded by Zeus’s son Perseus and later ruled by Agamemnon.

The walls around the city are called “Cyclopean Walls” because they are made of massive, heavy stones supposedly stacked by cyclopes.

Nafplio

Nafplio is said to be one of the most romantic cities in Greece, and for a good reason. It is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, medieval castles, and breathtaking coastal views. According to Greek Mythology, the city was founded by Poseidon’s son, Nafplios.

This vibrant city is the perfect spot for lunch or a cocktail, and you can bask in the coastline's views while immersed in Greek daily life!

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio to learn about the history of Argolis and see artifacts and relics of ancient life, such as pottery, armor, shields, jewelry, utensils and more.

Your day trip to Argolis may also include excursions to the ancient neighboring city of Tiryns, Mycenae, Acronauplia and Epidaurus. You may also visit Nemea, an ancient religious sanctuary and sporting event site, as well as Tolon, a small seaside city near Nafplio.

When is Argolis open over the year?

The archaeological sites and museums in Argolis are open year-round, excluding Jan. 1, March 25 and some religious holidays. Most of the archaeological sites and museums in Argolis are open daily.

What are the opening times?

Opening times vary at each of the archaeological sites and museums in Argolis. Check their websites before visiting.

The Archaeological Site of Mycenae opens daily at 8 AM. Closing time varies monthly but is generally between 6 PM and 8 PM. On Good Friday, the site is open from 12 PM to 5 PM. On Holy Saturday, open hours are from 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

The Archaeological Museum of Nafplio is open every day except Tuesday. Opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Good Friday has the same open hours as Mycenae. The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Holy Saturday.

When is the best time to visit Argolis?

Argolis is open year-round, but locals recommend visiting in spring or fall to avoid the summer heat. If you decide to book your Argolis day trip from Athens in the summer, bring sunscreen, lots of water and a swimsuit — you’ll be just fine.

Travel tips

• Day trips to Argolis usually include multiple walking tours, so bring good walking shoes.
• Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Mediterranean sun.
• Bring snacks and a book for the journey.
• Pack a lunch if your Argolis tour does not include a meal.