Private Tour of Apostle Paul Footsteps in Ancient Corinth

If you’re visiting Greece and want to walk in the footsteps of one of Christianity’s most influential figures, this private tour of Apostle Paul’s journey through ancient Corinth promises a balanced blend of history, archaeology, and authentic local insights. Offered by Colours of Greece, this experience scores a perfect 5-star rating based on nearly 200 reviews, and it’s recommended by 99% of travelers—so it’s clearly a popular choice.

What we love about this tour is how customizable and personal it feels. You won’t be part of a large, rushed group — instead, you’ll have a dedicated guide and driver who can tailor the experience to your interests, making every stop meaningful. Plus, the variety of sites from the ancient ruins to the modern-day church creates a layered story of both Christianity and Greece’s ancient world.

One thing to consider—if you’re particularly keen on exploring every detail inside each archaeological site, be aware that entrance fees are not included. For those who prefer a hassle-free experience with knowledgeable guides, solid transportation, and a flexible schedule, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for history buffs, spiritual explorers, and anyone curious about the connection between ancient Greece and early Christianity.

Key Points

• Highly Rated & Personalized: With a perfect 5.0 rating, the private nature of this tour offers a tailored experience.
• Rich Itinerary: Seven stops cover everything from ancient ruins and ports to modern churches, with insightful stories at each.
• Expert Guides & Drivers: Guides like Giannis, Ruslan, and Andreas are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Value for Money: At $162.46 per person, the combination of transportation, WiFi, bottled water, and personalized service makes it an excellent deal.
• Flexible & Convenient: Pickup from your hotel and drop-off makes logistics straightforward, and the tour lasts around 5-6 hours.
• Deep Historical & Cultural Context: Reviewers mention how guides include vivid stories and details that bring the sites to life.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Isthmus of Corinth & The Diolkos

Your journey begins with a visit to the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow land bridge connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese. This area isn’t just a geographical feature; it’s a symbol of historical significance because it separated two major parts of Greece and now hosts the Corinth Canal. We loved how guides highlight the canal’s engineering marvel—the 6.3 km long waterway that, since 1893, effectively turns the Peloponnese into an island.

Next, the Diolkos, an ancient paved trackway, fascinates because it was once the shortcut for ships to cross overland, saving them from navigating around the Peloponnese. This short stop (around 10 minutes) is a brilliant snapshot of ancient logistics and ingenuity. Reviewers like Diane, who called guides “very well informed,” appreciate how these explanations make these archaeological sites come alive.

The Ancient Port of Kenchreai

The journey takes us to Kechreai, the eastern port of Corinth that thrived during Roman rule. Its ruins include tunnels, storerooms, a temple for Isis, and an early Christian basilica from the 4th century A.D. Paul himself disembarked here during his first trip to Corinth, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in biblical history. Visitors like Jessica joyfully mention walking in the same places Paul once did, and many praise the way guides connect these sites to biblical stories.

The Heart of Ancient Corinth

The main event is exploring Ancient Corinth itself—an extensive archaeological site with ruins that speak volumes about its past wealth and grandeur. The Temple of Apollo, a striking remnant, gives you a sense of the city’s ancient religious life. But the real highlight is the Bema, a raised platform where Paul is believed to have preached the Gospel. This spot, along with the bustling Agora, offers a tangible link to the biblical narrative.

While entry fees aren’t included, the site’s open-air feel, combined with your guide’s storytelling, offers plenty of context. Several reviewers, like Gary, mention that just standing on these ancient stones gives a sense of walking through history.

The Local Museum & The Acrocorinth

The Archaeological Museum of Corinth houses countless artifacts unearthed from the site—clay tablets, statues, and relics that deepen your understanding of the city’s daily life. Although the museum isn’t included in the tour price, many find it worth the extra expense, especially for the prehistoric collections and finds from the Sanctuary of Asklepios.

Up next is Acrocorinth, the imposing fortress that dominates the landscape. Its ruins span multiple eras—from classical Greek to Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman fortifications. The panoramic views from the top are stunning, and the extensive ruins demonstrate the strategic importance of this site. Reviewers frequently mention how walking here feels like stepping into multiple layers of history, with Ruslan and other guides describing the fortification system’s complexity.

Modern Day: Apostolos Pavlos Church

The tour wraps up at the Apostolos Pavlos Church, a contemporary church dedicated to Saint Paul. The mosaic by Pastorutti and Tsotsonis offers a modern artistic homage that beautifully connects the past and present. Travelers like Jessica and Larry enjoy the chance to see how Paul’s influence endures, blending prayer, history, and art.

What Travelers Say

From glowing reviews, it’s clear that the knowledgeable guides—like Giannis, Ruslan, and Andreas—are a standout. Diane praises Giannis for his courteous manner and storytelling skills, while Larry highlights Michael’s engaging approach, describing him as an “excellent host.” Many reviews mention how guides not only share historical facts but also provide vivid stories that help visualize the past.

The value of the tour also gets high marks. For around $160, travelers get private transportation, personalized attention, and access to a rich lineup of sites. The inclusion of WiFi and bottled water makes the day comfortable, especially during hot Greek weather.

The flexibility is another plus. Most reviews mention prompt pickup and drop-off, with guides accommodating different interests—whether it’s more time at ruins or a quick photo stop. Some reviewers also appreciated the suggestions for local restaurants and shops, adding a personal touch to the experience.

What Could Be Better?

A few reviewers point out that entrance fees aren’t included, which is typical for many archaeological tours, but worth noting if you’re on a budget. Also, some mention that explanations could be more detailed inside the sites, so history buffs might want to consider hiring a guide for the sites themselves if they desire in-depth information.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is particularly valuable for those who want a personalized, relaxed exploration of Corinth, without the hassle of navigating alone. It’s ideal for history lovers, religious pilgrims, and culture enthusiasts who prefer a guided narrative that ties together multiple sites. The combination of archaeological ruins, biblical landmarks, and modern art makes it rich and layered.

The price point is reasonable given the private transport, expert guides, and the depth of the itinerary. Plus, with the option of hotel pickup and drop-off, it offers a seamless day out, which is often overlooked when planning independent trips.

Final Thoughts

This private tour of Apostle Paul’s footsteps in ancient Corinth offers a superb balance of history, culture, and convenience. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and storytelling, transforming ancient stones and relics into vibrant stories of the past. The sites visited—ranging from the Corinth Canal to the fortified Acrocorinth—offer a comprehensive look at a city that was pivotal both in Greece and early Christian history.

For travelers looking for a personalized experience that’s both educational and visually stunning, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, meaningful storytelling, and a touch of modern Greek culture along the way.

If you’re eager to walk where Paul walked, learn about Greece’s layered history, and enjoy a flexible, well-organized day, this tour is an outstanding choice.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the entire day comfortable and stress-free.

Are entrance fees to archaeological sites included? No, you’ll need to pay entrance fees separately for sites like the ancient ruins and museum.

Can I customize the itinerary? As a private tour, it’s likely you can discuss your preferences with your guide, although specific customization options aren’t detailed in the information provided.

How long does the tour last? The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, including travel time, site visits, and breaks.

Is this tour suitable for children? Child seats are available upon request, indicating it’s family-friendly, but consider the walking involved and the interest level of younger children.

What should I wear or bring? Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and bottled water—especially on sunny days in Greece.

Is there a guide accompanying me inside the sites? No, a licensed guide is not included to accompany you inside the archaeological sites, but your driver/guide provides comprehensive explanations throughout the day.

In summary, this private tour offers a rare chance to walk in the historical footsteps of Apostle Paul, while enjoying the flexibility and comfort of a personalized experience. Whether you are a devout Christian, history enthusiast, or just curious about Greece’s layered past, it’s a thoughtfully curated journey worth considering.