8-hour Christian tour in Athens & Corinth (St. Paul’s Journey)

Embark on a Reverential Tour Tracing St. Paul’s Journey in Athens and Corinth!

Discover an unparalleled 8-hour Christian pilgrimage through Athens and Corinth, meticulously retracing St. Paul’s historic path. This tour, expertly designed for those seeking a profound connection to Christian heritage, offers a unique blend of spiritual exploration and cultural immersion into Greece’s storied past. Engage with the locales that shaped the spread of Christianity by one of its most fervent advocates, St. Paul, while also uncovering the rich tapestry of Greek civilization.

Tour ID

Duration: 1 day / 8 Hours
Destinations: Athens, Corinth
Region: Attica, Peloponnese
Starting Point: Athens, Piraeus Cruise Port
Tour Language: English
Age Range: 1 to 99 years old
Available: All year round
Departures: Daily

Athens – Acropolis – Parthenon – Mars Hill – Plaka – Ancient Agora of Athens – Constitution Square – House of Parliament – Unknown Soldier – Corinth Canal – Ancient Corinth – Archaeological Museum of Corinth

Explore Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization
Marvel at the Acropolis of Athens, an iconic ancient citadel
Discover the famous Mars Hill, where St. Paul delivered his powerful sermon in Athens
Enjoy spectacular views at the Corinth Canal, a remarkable feat of engineering
Visit Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul preached during his missionary journey in Greece
Benefit from the expertise of a professional, English-speaking driver throughout your tour

Visit Acropolis and the Parthenon

Early in the morning your driver will pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship and we will begin your tour in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and the heart of ancient Greek culture.

Visit the iconic Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history. Here, you’ll find the Parthenon, a magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, as well as other remarkable structures like the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion.

Walking in the Footsteps of St. Paul

Next, make your way to Mars Hill (Areopagus), a historic site of great significance in the early days of Christianity. It was here that St. Paul delivered his famous sermon on the Christian faith to the people of Athens, as recorded in Acts 17:22. Standing atop this ancient rock, St. Paul addressed the Athenians, proclaiming the truth of the One True God and challenging their belief in multiple deities.

In his sermon, St. Paul skillfully engaged with the intellectuals and philosophers of Athens, using their own cultural references to introduce them to the concept of the Christian God. He spoke of the “Unknown God” to whom the Athenians had erected an altar, and revealed to them that this God was the Creator of the universe and the One who gives life and breath to all things.

Discovering the Heart of Athens

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens

Continue your exploration of Athens by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Constitution Square, home to the prestigious Parliament House. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history at the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Admire the “Neoclassical Trilogy” – consisting of the Academy, University, and National Library – and make a stop at the bustling Omonia Square. You’ll also see/visit from outside the impressive Temple of Olympian Zeus and the iconic Hadrian’s Arch.

Exploring the Ancient Agora and Plaka

Venture into the charming neighborhood of Plaka, where St. Paul once walked and engaged with his followers in the Ancient Agora. According to historical records, St. Paul spent much of his time in the agora, interacting with locals, sharing ideas, and spreading the message of his new faith. This bustling hub was a pivotal location during St. Paul’s time in Athens, leaving a lasting impact on both the city and his journey through Greece.

During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of Athens from Lycabettus Hill. Afterward, indulge in a delicious traditional Greek lunch before making your way to the significant city of Corinth.

Journey to the Corinth Canal

As you travel along the picturesque coastal road of Athens and Attica, you will arrive at the stunning Corinth Canal after about an hour of driving.

Take a moment to capture breathtaking photos of the mesmerizing scenery before continuing on to Ancient Corinth, a significant city-state in ancient Greece that played a crucial role in St. Paul’s travels.

Ancient Corinth: A City of Trade and Transformation

Ancient Corinth was a powerful Greek city known for its wealth, commerce, and culture. Strategically located between mainland Greece and the Peloponnesus, it thrived as a major trade hub. The city was famous for its grand temples, including the Temple of Apollo, and its notorious reputation for immorality.

The Apostle Paul visited Corinth around 50 AD, preaching the Gospel and establishing a Christian community. His letters to the Corinthians, now in the New Testament, addressed issues of faith, unity, and morality. Today, visitors can explore the ruins, including the Bema, where Paul likely stood before the Roman governor Gallio.

Ancient Agora and Museum of Corinth

St. Paul’s Ministry in Ancient Corinth

The Ancient Agora of Corinth was the bustling center of civic, commercial, and religious life. It featured grand stoas, temples, and fountains, serving as a marketplace and meeting space for philosophers, traders, and politicians. Dominating the site was the Temple of Apollo, a striking Doric structure dating back to the 6th century BC. The Bema, a large stone platform, is believed to be where the Apostle Paul was judged by the Roman proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:12-17).

The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth houses artifacts from the city’s Greek, Roman, and Christian periods, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Highlights include the stunning Corinthian capitals and a collection of objects related to everyday life, revealing Corinth’s rich and diverse history.

The House of Aquila and Priscilla (Today the Church of St. Paul) in Ancient Corinth

Next, we will visit the church of Saint Paul in Ancient Corinth. Paul joined forces with Aquila and Priscilla to form a thriving community, despite facing numerous challenges that led him to write at least four passionate letters. It was here in Corinth’s agora that Paul faced a trial under Gallio (Acts 18:12-17).

In ancient Corinth, Aquila and Priscilla, a devout Christian couple and close companions of the Apostle Paul, hosted early Christian gatherings in their home. Paul stayed with them during his mission in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3), working together as tentmakers and spreading the Gospel. Their home likely served as one of the first Christian meeting places in the city.

Today, this historic location is the Church of St. Paul, a tribute to the apostle’s presence and teachings in Corinth. This church stands as a symbol of the enduring Christian faith in the city, commemorating the early Christian community that flourished under Paul’s guidance and the hospitality of Aquila and Priscilla.

Resources:

Tour Type

Shore Excursion – Private tour
Activity level: Moderate

Included in the tour

Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
Road tolls and all local taxes

Excluded from the tour

Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
Optional Gratuities
Food and beverage
Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver

Cancellation Policy

Read our cancellation policy

Additional info

Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.

Persons with Disabilities

Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.