Apostle Paul Steps private tour (Athens, Kechries, Corinth & Canal) 10 hours

Exploring the Apostle Paul Steps Private Tour: A Deep Dive into Greece’s Biblical Past

If you’re interested in religious history or simply want to see some of Greece’s most iconic sites in a single day, this private tour of Athens, Corinth, and beyond might be just what you’re after. It promises a personalized experience, with the flexibility of a dedicated driver and the chance to follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul, all while enjoying the scenic beauty and historic charm of the Greek landscape.

What we love about this tour is how it combines significant biblical sites with stunning vistas, making it both educational and visually rewarding. Plus, the private nature of the trip means you can tailor your experience, ask questions, and move at your own pace. On the flip side, a key consideration is that it’s a long day—about 10 hours—so it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. This trip really shines for history buffs, religious travelers, and curious explorers wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day out.

Key Points

• Private & Flexible: You’ll have a dedicated driver, offering a more personalized and relaxed experience.
• Historical & Scenic: Combines biblical sites with picturesque landscapes and iconic monuments.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transfers from your hotel, with optional archaeological guides, remove much of the planning stress.
• Cost vs. Value: At around $267 per person, it’s a thoughtful investment for a thorough day with transportation and expert insights.
• Unbiased Experience: No inside guiding at sites, but informative audio and driver commentary keep you engaged.
• Ideal for History Enthusiasts: Especially suited to those interested in Saint Paul’s travels or Greek archaeology.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Corinth Canal: A Marvel of Engineering and a Photo Op

Your day begins with a visit to the Corinth Canal, a striking human-made marvel that connects the Aegean and Ionian seas. Built over 12 years with 2,500 workers, this canal is a must-see, especially because you’ll get to walk across a pedestrian bridge and see the canal from 80 meters high—imagine the views! It’s a quick stop, about 15 minutes, but enough to snap some photos and appreciate the engineering feat.

Reviewers love the photos from this stop, noting the impressive scale and beauty. For many, it’s a highlight that sets the tone for the day.

Keinchreai: An Ancient Port with Biblical Ties

Next, you’ll head to Kechries, an ancient port that played a crucial role in Corinth’s trade routes. It’s here that Saint Paul is believed to have stopped during his second missionary journey, as mentioned in Acts 18:18, where he cut his hair to fulfill a vow. This site gives a tangible sense of what coastal life was like in biblical times, and the fact that Paul visited here adds a meaningful layer for those interested in religious history.

This stop is brief—just 15 minutes—but enough to walk around and soak in the atmosphere, with no entrance fee.

Ancient Corinth: Walking Through a Historic Powerhouse

The heart of the tour is the Ancient Corinth ruins, where you’ll wander among the remnants of one of Greece’s largest cities. Walking here is like stepping back in time—columns, streets, and ruins tell stories of commerce, culture, and spirituality. For Christians, Corinth is famously linked to Saint Paul’s letters, making this site especially poignant.

A combined ticket covering the site and museum costs around $8 in summer and $4 in winter, but since this is an optional expense, many travelers find it worthwhile for the insights it provides. Expect to spend around 75 minutes here.

The Archaeological Museum of Corinth: A Treasure Trove

Adjacent to the ruins, the Archaeological Museum offers a closer look at artifacts unearthed at the site. It’s a quick, 30-minute stop, but it enriches your understanding of ancient Corinth’s daily life, art, and trade.

Acrocorinth: A Fortress with Panoramic Views

Your next stop is Acrocorinth, the sprawling castle atop a hill that once served as a defensive stronghold. Visitors love the spectacular views of the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs, alongside the impressive architecture showing signs of multiple invasions. The site closes at 4 p.m., so timing is key.

While the entrance isn’t included, the experience of walking through ancient fortifications and taking in the landscape is well worth the brief visit.

The Diolkos: An Ancient Shortcut for Ships

Then, you’ll explore The Diolkos, an ancient roadway that allowed ships to be transported across land, avoiding the dangerous waters around the Peloponnese. It’s a fascinating glimpse into ancient logistics—think of it as Greece’s early version of a maritime highway. This stop is short and free but offers a real sense of how trade and travel were managed in antiquity.

Return to Athens and the Acropolis

After a 1.5-hour drive back to Athens, you’ll visit the Acropolis, the city’s crowning jewel. The iconic Parthenon, Erechtheion, and other monuments await, offering breathtaking views of Athens and a powerful sense of history.

The Acropolis hill ticket is an additional cost, ranging from €15 to €30 depending on the season, but many consider it a worthwhile investment for this once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity and cultural experience.

What We Think About the Experience

From the reviews, it’s clear that the driver’s knowledge and friendliness make a big difference, with many travelers praising their guides for being personable, informative, and accommodating. For example, one reviewer raved about their guide Jimmy, who was waiting at the port and provided a comfortable, educational ride throughout the day.

The sites themselves—Corinth, Kechries, the Acropolis—are well-chosen for their historical and biblical significance. The fact that the tour includes scenic stops like the Corinth Canal and Acrocorinth, paired with the chance to walk in ancient streets, means you get a well-rounded sense of Greece’s history. Many reviewers mention the stunning views and their appreciation for the chance to combine religious sites with ancient architecture.

One point worth noting is that the tour doesn’t include guided tours inside the sites; instead, it relies on an audio guide and driver commentary. For some, this is perfectly fine, especially if they’re not looking for an in-depth archaeological guide. However, if you want to explore every site with a guide, you might want to consider hiring one later.

How the Price Adds Up

At around $266 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option out there, but considering it covers transportation, a private driver, and multiple significant sites, it offers solid value. Entrance fees are additional if you want access to certain areas, like the Acropolis and the museum, but these are optional and can be planned for separately.

The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, plus the ability to customize your experience slightly, makes it a practical choice for those who prefer to avoid public transport or complex logistics, especially when navigating with limited time.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Apostle Paul Steps private tour suits travelers who are genuinely interested in religious history, archaeology, and Greece’s cultural heritage. It offers a rundown of biblical sites intertwined with stunning ancient ruins, all in a manageable day trip. The fact that it’s private and flexible means you can focus on the sites that interest you the most without feeling rushed.

It’s perfect for history lovers, religious pilgrims, or anyone curious about Greece’s role in biblical stories. If you’re traveling with others who share your interests, the private aspect enhances the experience, making it more personal and comfortable.

However, keep in mind that it is a full day—so be prepared for a lot of walking and touring—and that the experience relies heavily on driver commentary rather than guided site tours. If you’re eager for expert archaeological guides at each location, you might want to supplement this with an additional guide.

In all, this tour offers a solid, enriching experience with comfortable logistics and meaningful sites—an excellent choice for those wanting a deep, personalized look at Greece’s biblical and ancient past.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While there’s no specific mention of children, the tour involves a full day of walking and sightseeing, which might be tiring for very young kids. However, older children interested in history may find it engaging.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private transportation, a professional driver, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Athens, and informative audio commentary. Entrance fees to sites like the Acropolis and Ancient Corinth are extra.

Can I hire a guide to explore the sites more thoroughly?
Yes, you can upgrade the tour to include an archaeologist guide for more detailed site explorations. The basic package only includes driver commentary.

How long is the drive from Athens to Corinth and back?
It’s approximately 1 hour 30 minutes each way, making for a total of about 3 hours on the road, depending on traffic.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for sites like the Acropolis are not included and need to be paid separately—costs vary seasonally.

Is this tour customizable?
Yes, the private nature allows some flexibility. You can focus more on certain sites or extend the day slightly if arranged in advance, with additional charges.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and perhaps a camera. An umbrella might be useful for sunny or rainy days.

Is the tour suitable for couples or small groups?
Absolutely. It’s designed for private groups, making it ideal for couples, friends, or small families who want a tailored experience.

This Apostle Paul Steps private tour offers an engaging and practical way to step back into Greece’s biblical and ancient past. With its combination of scenic spots, historical significance, and personal service, it’s a day well spent for travelers craving a meaningful glimpse into Greece’s spiritual history.