Set out on a captivating 7-hour journey that immerses you in Greece’s breathtaking landscapes and rich wine culture. This private tour takes you from Athens to the serene Marathon Lake, where you’ll explore the charming village of Rathes. Then, venture to the family-owned Domaine Costas Lazaridis winery for a guided tour and wine tasting, followed by a traditional Greek lunch at the Polydendri Tavern. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Greece’s natural beauty and culinary delights. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders that await.
Key Points
- This 7-hour private tour offers a scenic drive to Marathon Lake, a guided tour at Domaine Costas Lazaridis winery, and a traditional Greek lunch.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, winery entrance fees, traditional lunch, liability insurance, and local taxes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Guests can enjoy off-road routes, panoramic vistas, an immersive wine discovery experience, and a private group setting to enhance the overall experience.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions, and no luggage or large bags are permitted.
- Recommended items include comfortable shoes, a camera, and layers of clothing, as the tour includes thoughtful stops every 30-40 minutes for comfort.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This private Athens Marathon Lake & Lazaridis Domaine Winery Tour lasts 7 hours and is priced from €165.00 to €148.50 per person, allowing for a 10% savings.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour includes free hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance fees for the winery tour, lunch, liability insurance, local taxes, coffee or wine, and refreshments.
Luggage, large bags, and outside food and drinks aren’t allowed.
Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring a camera.
The tour makes thoughtful stops every 30-40 minutes to ensure comfort and enjoyment.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour kicks off with a scenic drive to Marathon Lake, where travelers can stop for photo opportunities and sightseeing along the way.
After exploring the local charm of Rathes, the tour heads to the Domaine Costas Lazaridis winery. Here, guests embark on a guided tour, learning about the winemaking process and sampling the estate’s signature Greek wine varieties while taking in the stunning views.
Lunch at the traditional Greek tavern, Polydendri, offers a chance to savor authentic regional cuisine.
The day concludes with a reflective journey back to Athens, leaving participants with lasting memories of the day’s immersive experiences.
Experience Details
An English-speaking live tour guide accompanies participants throughout the private group setting, providing in-depth insights and commentary.
Off-road routes and panoramic vistas immerse travelers in the stunning local landscapes surrounding Marathon Lake and the Domaine Costas Lazaridis winery.
The winery tour offers an immersive wine discovery, where guests learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and sample the estate’s renowned Greek wine varieties while admiring the scenic views.
Lunch at the traditional Greek tavern, Polydendri, allows participants to savor authentic regional cuisine.
The experience includes:
- Live, English-speaking tour guide
- Private group setting
- Off-road routes and panoramic vistas
- Immersive wine discovery at Domaine Costas Lazaridis
- Traditional Greek lunch at Polydendri tavern
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes free hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees for the winery tour, a traditional Greek lunch, liability insurance, local taxes, coffee or wine, and refreshments. These inclusions ensure a hassle-free and immersive experience.
However, the tour excludes additional wine consumption, snacks, and gratuities, which allows guests to customize their experience to their preferences and budget.
It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, and certain health conditions due to the nature of the activities.
Guests are encouraged to inform the tour provider about any dietary restrictions or preferences in advance to ensure a personalized and enjoyable journey.
Preparation and Requirements
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, guests should bring along comfortable shoes, a camera to capture the scenic vistas, and a jacket or layers for potential changes in weather.
Luggage or large bags, as well as food and drinks, aren’t allowed inside the vehicle to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the tour.
The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences, but guests are kindly requested to inform the organizers in advance.
During the tour, there will be thoughtful stops every 30-40 minutes to ensure comfort and allow guests to enjoy the experience fully.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or certain health conditions.
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Jacket or layers
- No luggage or large bags
- No food or drinks in the vehicle
Scenic Drive to Marathon Lake
The scenic drive to Marathon Lake commences, offering a tranquil journey through verdant landscapes and historic sites.
Guests will have ample opportunities to stop for captivating photo ops along the way, seeing the serene ambiance of the region.
As the tour winds through the countryside, you’ll pass by quaint villages, rolling hills, and remnants of ancient Greek civilization.
The drive provides a glimpse into the authentic Greek way of life, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Marathon area.
Throughout the journey, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating anecdotes and insights, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of this picturesque destination.
Domaine Costas Lazaridis Winery
Next, the tour arrives at the renowned Domaine Costas Lazaridis, a family-owned winery nestled amidst the scenic landscape. Guests embark on a guided tour, learning about the winemaking process and the unique terroir that gives the Greek varietals their distinct character.
The tasting session allows visitors to savor the complex flavors and aromas of the estate’s finest wines, accompanied by breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills.
The winery experience offers:
- In-depth exploration of the winemaking traditions
- Sampling of a diverse range of indigenous grape varieties
- Insights into the region’s distinctive climatic conditions
- Opportunities to purchase bottles for a memorable souvenir
- Stunning panoramic vistas from the tasting room terrace
Lunch at Polydendri Tavern
After the winery visit, the tour continues to Polydendri, a local tavern where guests savor traditional Greek cuisine in a rustic, convivial atmosphere. Diners are treated to a selection of classic Greek dishes, showcasing the region’s fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu highlights the diversity of Mediterranean flavors, from hearty stews to light salads. Between bites, guests can take in the charming ambiance of the tavern, with its stone walls, wooden beams, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Lunch at Polydendri provides a true taste of Greek hospitality, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture and customs.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Moussaka | Layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce |
| Spanakopita | Savory Greek spinach and feta pie |
| Horiatiki Salad | Traditional Greek village salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta |
| Gemista | Stuffed vegetables with rice, herbs, and spices |
| Baklava | Flaky phyllo dough layered with nuts and honey |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Wine or Alcohol on the Tour?
No, bringing your own wine or alcohol is generally not allowed on tours. The tour provider typically provides the wine tasting and any additional alcoholic beverages as part of the experience. Bringing outside alcohol is usually prohibited.
Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for Participants?
The tour is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions like mobility impairments or heart problems. Participants should be in good physical condition to enjoy the experience.
Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location Instead of a Hotel?
Yes, you can request a specific pickup location instead of a hotel. The tour provider offers complimentary pickup from your hotel or a nearby convenient point of your choosing to start the tour.
How Long Is the Drive From Athens to the Marathon Lake?
The drive from Athens to Marathon Lake takes approximately 40 minutes. This scenic route includes photo stops along the way, allowing travelers to enjoy the picturesque landscapes en route to the lake.
Can I Purchase Additional Wine or Souvenirs at the Winery?
Yes, visitors can purchase additional wine and souvenirs at the Domaine Costas Lazaridis winery. The tour includes a guided winery tour and wine tasting, but extra wine consumption and souvenirs are not covered in the tour price.
Recap
This tour offers an immersive experience in Greek culture and fine wines.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Marathon Lake, explore the charming village of Rathes, and indulge in a guided tour and wine tasting at the Domaine Costas Lazaridis winery.
Savor traditional Greek cuisine at Polydendri Tavern, surrounded by rustic charm.
With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this tour promises an unforgettable day in Greece’s stunning landscapes.
