Biblical Corinth Day Trip from Athens Following St. Paul and His Letters to the Corinthians
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This full-day private bus tour from Athens lasts about eight to nine hours and follows the biblical route of Apostle Paul through key locations connected to his mission and letters to the Corinthians. The tour includes private transportation with air conditioning, onboard WiFi, bottled water, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off. Lunch is included if the Greek traditional food option is selected. The day starts with a walk around the Acropolis in Athens, including a visit to Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill), where Apostle Paul delivered a sermon about the “Unknown God.” Next, the tour proceeds to the Corinth Canal, a 6.4-kilometer-long waterway linking the Ionian and Aegean Seas, offering views of the steep limestone walls and passing ships. The ancient Diolkos, an overland ship transport path across the Isthmus of Corinth, is visited next, illustrating its role in ancient maritime trade. The tour continues to Isthmia, site of the Isthmian Games honoring Poseidon, where Paul worked as a tentmaker and preached to athletes and visitors. The Archaeological Museum of Isthmia is included, displaying artifacts from the sanctuary and the nearby port of Kenchreai, providing context for Paul’s time in the area. Visitors then explore Ancient Corinth, an important early Christian center where Paul lived for over eighteen months and wrote letters addressing early Church matters. Key sites include the Bema, where Paul stood before Proconsul Gallio. At the Archaeological Site of Isthmia, the Temple of Poseidon, ancient stadium, Sanctuary of Palaimon, and theater are visited, showing the pagan religious environment during Paul’s mission. The Temple of Apollo in Corinth, built around 560 BC, is examined as a symbol of the city’s polytheistic heritage. The eastern port of Kechries (ancient Cenchreae) is also visited, where Paul prepared to sail to Syria and where one of the earliest Christian communities existed. A church in Corinth dedicated to Apostle Paul commemorates his eighteen-month stay establishing one of Greece’s first Christian communities. The day ends with a visit to Acrocorinth, the fortress overlooking the city, associated with Paul’s mission and offering panoramic views. Licensed guides are not included but can be arranged upon request. Entrance fees and gratuities are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill)
Walk through the Acropolis grounds and stop at Areopagus Hill where Apostle Paul addressed the Athenians. Here, he spoke about the “Unknown God” to the city’s council, marking the introduction of Christianity in Athens. This stop lasts about 20 minutes and offers insight into Paul’s early preaching.
20 min
Corinth Canal
View the Corinth Canal from above for about 30 minutes. The canal is 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) long and links the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf without locks. It is 21.4 meters (70 feet) wide at its base, too narrow for many modern ships. The limestone walls and passing vessels can be observed from this vantage point.
30 min
The Diolkos
Explore the remains of the Diolkos, an ancient stone trackway used to transport ships overland across the Isthmus of Corinth. This stop lasts around 20 minutes and highlights its importance in ancient maritime trade before the canal existed.
20 min
Isthmia
Visit the ancient sanctuary of Isthmia for about 60 minutes. This site hosted the Isthmian Games in honor of Poseidon, attracting athletes and visitors across Greece. Apostle Paul worked here as a tentmaker and preached to those attending the games.
60 min
Archaeological Museum of Isthmia
Spend 30 minutes in the museum displaying artifacts from the Sanctuary of Poseidon and the Isthmian Games. Exhibits include glass panels from Kenchreai port, statues, votive offerings, and burial items that reflect the region’s culture during Paul’s time.
30 min
Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)
Tour Ancient Corinth for about 60 minutes. This key early Christian city was where Paul stayed over 18 months and founded a Christian community. The Bema, a stone platform where he stood before Proconsul Gallio, is a significant highlight of the site.
60 min
Archaeological Site of Isthmia
Visit the Temple of Poseidon and the nearby ancient stadium at Isthmia. The temple was a major pagan worship site, rebuilt multiple times, and the stadium hosted the Isthmian Games Paul witnessed. This stop lasts about 40 minutes.
40 min
Archaeological Site of Isthmia
At the ancient theater of Isthmia, view Roman mosaics depicting sea creatures and Dionysian scenes. This site was used for musical contests during the Isthmian Games and reflects the cultural setting during Paul’s ministry.
Archaeological Site of Isthmia
Explore Isthmia’s role as a political and military meeting place in ancient Greece. This stop explains the strategic importance of the area during Paul’s visit and how his message contrasted with the existing alliances.
Temple of Apollo
Visit the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth for 30 minutes. Built around 560 BC, it is one of Greece’s oldest Doric temples. Paul encountered this temple as a symbol of the city’s polytheistic worship.
30 min
Kechries
Spend 30 minutes at Kechries, the eastern port of Corinth. Paul stood here during his second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 18:18. Before leaving for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila, he cut his hair to fulfill a vow, likely a Nazirite vow. The site was home to an early Christian community, with Paul mentioning Phoebe, a trusted servant of the church, in his letter to the Romans.
30 min
Church Dedicated to Apostle Paul
Visit the church honoring Apostle Paul’s 18-month stay in Corinth around 51–52 AD, where he established one of Greece’s earliest Christian communities. This stop lasts about 20 minutes.
20 min
Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)
At the Bema, a stone platform in the Roman Forum, learn about Paul’s trial before Proconsul Gallio. This location is closely tied to Paul’s ministry and his defense against accusations.
Corinth
Enjoy a one-hour lunch break at a traditional seaside Greek taverna. The meal is included if the Greek traditional food option was selected.
60 min
Acrocorinth
Ascend to Acrocorinth, the fortress overlooking Ancient Corinth, for about 60 minutes. This site is linked to Paul’s journey and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
60 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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