Patras is a lively university city with a lively port, but what makes it truly shine are the nearby tours that let you explore beyond the city limits. Whether you’re interested in tasting local wines, walking through ancient ruins, or soaking in mountain scenery, Patras offers options that suit many interests. We’ve handpicked the best tours, including an immersive day in the Aroania Mountains and a comprehensive visit to Olympia, ensuring that every traveler finds something memorable. One standout is the Authentic Greece tour in Aroania mountains, which combines natural beauty with local cuisine and culture in a compact eight-hour trip.
If you have a full day to spare and want to see where the Olympic Games began, the Ancient Olympia Full-Day Excursion is an excellent choice. For those arriving or departing via port, the Private Transfer from Patras to Athens offers a comfortable, hassle-free ride. And for a more relaxed, city-focused experience, the Patras City Tour with optional visits and wine tasting covers the city’s highlights with a taste of local wine.
1. Authentic Greece tour in Aroania mountains
This eight-hour day trip offers a true taste of rural Greece, with a focus on culture, food, and stunning scenery. You’ll travel from Patras to the Peloponnese’s Aroania Mountains, where panoramic views from Kalavrita summit await. The tour includes a visit to a local winery, where you’ll sample delicious wine and cheese, adding a flavorful touch to the experience. A highlight is the visit to a small mountain village, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and enjoy a homemade local meal.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of nature and culture. The tour is limited to 28 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, intimate atmosphere. The company offers tours in both English and Russian, making it accessible for different visitors. Hotel pick-up takes the hassle out of transportation, so you can focus on the scenery and local stories. The key highlights—wine tasting, mountain views, and a traditional meal—provide a genuine taste of Greek life outside the tourist crowds.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a relaxed day immersed in Greek countryside, with authentic food and scenic vistas, this tour offers excellent value and a real connection to local life.
2. Ancient Olympia Full-Day Excursion from Patras
This full-day private tour takes you straight to the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Starting with a hotel pickup, you’re driven in a luxury minivan with a personal driver-guide who makes the journey comfortable and informative. Once at Ancient Olympia, you’ll explore the main temples—including the Temple of Zeus and Hera—the Gymnasium, and the Stadium, where Olympic athletes once competed.
The tour also includes the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which houses statues, artifacts, and relics from the site—perfect for understanding what made ancient Olympia special. After a morning of exploration, the tour continues with a visit to the Merkouri Winery, where you can walk around a historic estate and sample wines produced from local grapes. This combination of history and wine tasting makes the tour particularly appealing.
While the price ($344.38 for up to 7 people) is higher, the personalized experience and flexibility justify the cost. Guests love the convenience of hotel pickup and the ability to explore at their own pace, with reviews praising the “clean, comfortable van” and the driver’s flexibility.
Bottom Line: This private tour is ideal for history lovers and wine enthusiasts seeking a tailored experience with plenty of time for sightseeing and tasting.
3. Private Transfer From Port of Patras To Athens
Traveling from Patras to Athens can be a long, tiring drive—about 220 kilometers in roughly four hours. This private transfer service ensures a smooth, comfortable journey in a high-quality vehicle, either a Mercedes-Benz or Skoda Octavia. The onboard Wi-Fi and mobile chargers keep you connected and entertained, which is especially useful after a long cruise or before an important meeting in Athens.
Booking this transfer online allows you to choose your pickup time, and the driver will drop you off precisely at your hotel, office, or home address. Reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of drivers like Spiros and Andreas, who are praised for punctuality and local knowledge, making the trip not just convenient but also a bit more interesting.
While the price ($173.64 per person) might seem steep compared to a taxi, the added comfort, reliability, and door-to-door service often make it worth the cost—especially if you’re traveling with luggage or a group.
Bottom Line: For a stress-free, comfortable ride from port to city, this private transfer is a smart choice—especially if you value convenience and a personal touch.
4. Ancient Olympia : Full Day Tour from Patras
This eight-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at Olympia, once again highlighting its significance as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Starting from a choice of Patras or Araxos, your private driver takes you through scenic Peloponnese countryside to reach the archaeological site. On arrival, you get guided and self-guided time to explore the Olympia archaeological site, including temples, the gymnasium, and the stadium.
What makes this tour appealing is its flexibility—your driver can adapt the itinerary to suit your interests, with many additional stops like a honey farm or winery, which add to the experience. After touring the ancient ruins and museum, you’ll visit local farms and enjoy regional specialties. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, allowing your driver-guide to focus on your preferences.
Guests appreciate the value for money—with a relatively low price of $440 for up to three people, it includes multiple stops and a full day of exploration. The driver’s local knowledge helps maximize your time, and the option of a virtual tour of Olympia adds an educational touch.
Bottom Line: This full-day private tour is perfect for travelers wanting a flexible, in-depth visit to Olympia with added local experiences like honey and wine, all at a competitive price.
$440 per group up to 3
5. Patras: City Tour with Optional Visits and Wine Tasting
This half-day city tour showcases Patras’ most notable sights—Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, the Mycenaean cemetery of Voudeni, the Patras Archaeological Museum, and the Patras Castle. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a curated, relaxed overview of the city’s landmarks in four hours.
What sets this tour apart is the optional visit to the Achaia Clauss winery, where you can learn about Greece’s wine-making traditions and taste some of the best wines from the region. The tour is private, with a professional driver who ensures a comfortable experience, making it well-suited for those with limited time or who prefer a personalized approach.
Guests consistently praise the great taste of wines and the informative commentary. The tour provides a good balance between cultural sites and leisure, making it perfect for first-time visitors or those looking for a city-focused experience with a taste of local flavor.
Bottom Line: If you want a compact, informative city tour combined with a wine tasting experience, this option offers good value and flexibility.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting your ideal Patras tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a full immersion in Greece’s scenic countryside, the Authentic Greece tour in Aroania mountains is perfect. If history is your main focus, the Ancient Olympia private tour delivers an in-depth experience with personalized touches.
Travelers with limited time or arriving by cruise may prefer the private transfer to Athens, ensuring a hassle-free journey. For those who want to explore Patras itself, the city tour combines cultural sites and wine tasting at a relaxed pace.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure preferred dates and avoid disappointment. Keep in mind that some tours, like the full-day Olympia excursions, may involve flexible itineraries or optional stops, so discuss your interests with the guide beforehand.
In The Sum Up
Patras offers diverse options—whether you’re after mountain scenery, ancient ruins, city sights, or a smooth transfer to Athens. For a scenic, authentic experience, the Authentic Greece tour in Aroania mountains shines. History lovers will appreciate the depth of the Olympia excursions, especially with private guides. And travelers seeking comfort and convenience will find the private transfer from port to Athens a dependable choice.
Whether you’re planning a short stop or an extended stay, these tours provide a real taste of what makes Patras and its surroundings special. Consider your priorities, book early, and enjoy your Greek adventure!