The Most Central Hideout in Greece.
Ambelos sits at the hinge of the Greek map. Ancient Corinth one way, Olympia the other, Delphi across the water — half of classical Greece is within two hours of your terrace, and you're back for dinner in the grove. Here are the day trips we actually send guests on.
The Classics
Ancient Corinth and the Canal — about 1 hour
The canal first — the astonishing blue cut through the isthmus — then Ancient Corinth below its great rock, where St Paul preached and the Romans rebuilt a city. Climb (or drive) up Acrocorinth, the best castle in southern Greece, for a view from gulf to gulf. An easy, rich day.
Delphi — the navel of the world — about 2 hours
Two ways to go: over the Rio-Antirrio bridge, or the way we love — the little ferry from Aigio across the Gulf to Agios Nikolaos, then up through the olive sea of Amfissa. The sanctuary hangs on the flank of Parnassus; go early, then late lunch in stone-built Galaxidi on the water.
Nafplio, Mycenae, and Epidaurus — 1½ to 2 hours
The great Argolid triangle. Mycenae's Lion Gate and Agamemnon's citadel; the theatre at Epidaurus, still the most perfect acoustic space ever built; and Nafplio — the first capital of modern Greece — for gelato, castles, and the prettiest streets in the country. Pick two of the three; all three is a long, glorious day.
Ancient Olympia — about 2 hours
Where it all began. The stadium, the workshop of Pheidias, the temple of Zeus — and the pleasure of driving the green western Peloponnese to get there.
Nearer and quieter
Patras — about 50 minutes
The big city when you want one: the Basilica of St Andrew, the Roman odeon, the carnival museum, real shopping, and the Achaia Clauss winery in the hills above — Greece's oldest, home of Mavrodaphne.
Nafpaktos — about 1¼ hours
Over the great Rio-Antirrio bridge (an event in itself) to a tiny Venetian harbour under a castle — the old Lepanto, of the famous battle. Swim, lunch on the harbour, drive back along the coast.
Nemea wine country — about 1¼ hours
The Agiorgitiko heartland: rolling vineyards, small wineries that welcome visitors, and the ancient stadium and temple of Zeus at Nemea between tastings. Assign a designated driver.
Lake Stymphalia — about 1½ hours
Up into the mountains of Corinthia to the reedy lake where Hercules fought the man-eating birds — now a quiet wetland with a fine small museum, storks, and mountain villages (Trikala Korinthias) for lunch.
