Off Road Driving & Wine Tasting near Athens: Lake Marathon & Oinotria Land Winery

This is our off road day with a reward at the end. An experienced driver picks you up in Athens and takes you north east to the wider Marathon area, where the 4×4 leaves the tarmac for dirt tracks through pine woods, olive groves and small streams down to the shores of Lake Marathon. Then the pace slows: you visit a wine museum and finish with a guided tasting in the cellars of a local winery, with Greek cheeses and traditional bread.

What is the off road part like?

You ride in a specially modified 4×4 with upgraded engine and suspension, off road tyres, a winch and LED lights, driven by one of our experienced drivers. Of the 90 km of the day, about 60 km are off road and 30 km on the motorway. The route crosses dense vegetation, olive groves and shallow river beds before reaching the quiet shores of Lake Marathon, the old reservoir of Athens with its marble dam. You do not drive, so you can enjoy the landscape and stop for photos.

What about the wine?

After the drive you visit the Wine Museum of Kostas Lazaridis and the Oinotria Land winery. A wine expert shows you how wine, local distilled spirits and balsamic vinegar are made, from the vineyard to the bottle. The day ends with a tasting in the winery’s cellars:

• Chateau Julia Assyrtiko: a white wine from the famous Greek variety.
• Oinotria Land Cabernet Agiorgitiko: an organic red blend of a Greek and an international grape.
• Aceto Botanico: a vinegar made at the estate.

The wines are served with a selection of local cheeses, traditional oak bread and barley rusks.

What is included?

• Pickup and return from your hotel or apartment in Athens
• Private driver with a fully equipped off road vehicle
• Snacks and water
• Entry to the wine museum and guided tour
• Wine tasting with selected wines, vinegar and a cheese platter

What is Lake Marathon?

Lake Marathon is an artificial lake formed in 1929 by a dam faced entirely with Pentelic marble, the same stone used for the Parthenon. For decades it was the main water supply of Athens. Today it is surrounded by pine forest and low hills, and the dirt tracks around it are some of the best off road terrain close to the city. The area is quiet, with few cars and plenty of birds, and the view of the water and the white dam is a highlight of the drive.

How many people per vehicle?

Each 4×4 carries one driver and up to 3 guests. The minimum booking is 2 people. For larger groups we add vehicles, so tell us how many you are when you book.

Who is it for?

It suits couples and friends who want countryside and a taste of Greek wine in one day, without driving themselves. It is a good gift and a relaxed option for a small company outing. The wine tasting is for adults only; tell us if anyone in your group does not drink and we adapt the tasting.

How far is it from Athens?

The Marathon area is about 40 km north east of central Athens. Because we pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, you do not need a car or a designated driver.

What should you bring?

• Comfortable clothes
• Closed shoes
• A hat and sun cream
• A camera

When does it run?

All year, with departures from about 10:00. In summer the morning start keeps the off road part cooler. If heavy rain makes the tracks unsafe, the driver changes the route or we move you to another day.

How is it different from our other 4×4 trips?

Our Lake Marathon and Parnitha trips focus only on driving and landscape, and the mountains to beach day ends with a swim. This is the only one that combines the 4×4 with culture and food, which makes it the best choice if you want an easier, more varied day.

Good to know

• Please be ready at your accommodation at the pickup time we send you.
• Tell us about food allergies or intolerances when you book. We can adjust the cheese platter.
• Wines from the tasting can usually be bought at the winery to take home.
• The balance is paid on the day.