In the Footsteps of St.Paul – Full Day Tour

Exploring Athens and Corinth through the eyes of St. Paul—without the hassle of planning every detail. This full-day tour offers a comprehensive journey that combines iconic ancient sites with the spiritual trail of one of Christianity’s most influential figures. With private transportation, knowledgeable drivers, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, it’s an excellent way to soak in history while enjoying comfort and convenience.

What we love most? The opportunity to see Athens’ highlights — the Acropolis and Agora — alongside the scenic Corinth Canal and the ancient ruins of Corinth, all in one day. Plus, the fact that it’s a private experience means you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd.

That said, a potential consideration is that some entrance fees aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget extra for those. Also, this tour is best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness given the walking involved at key sites. Overall, if you’re after a well-rounded, insider look at these historic spots with comfortable logistics, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Covers Athens’ top landmarks and Corinth’s ancient ruins in a single day.
• Private and comfortable: Tailored for small groups or individual travelers with luxurious transportation options.
• Historical insights: The drivers are knowledgeable about the sites and can share interesting details and context.
• Scenic stops: Photos at the Corinth Canal and Kechries port make for memorable moments.
• Flexible experience: Optional guides and entrance fees are not included, offering flexibility to customize your experience.
• Ideal for history lovers: Perfect if you want a rich, authentic journey following St. Paul’s footsteps.

Full Review of the “In the Footsteps of St. Paul” Tour

An Overview of What You Can Expect

This full-day private tour is designed to take you on a journey through Athens and Corinth, tying in both the ancient sites and the route taken by St. Paul during his missionary travels. Starting early at 8:00 am, you’ll enjoy the convenience of hotel pickups and a seamless day of exploration in an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with onboard Wi-Fi — making your drive not just comfortable but productive if you want to stay connected or share photos on the go.

The cost of $325.80 per person might seem high at first glance, but considering the private transport, expert drivers, and the sheer amount of history packed into 12 hours, the value becomes clearer. Plus, booking in advance — often 54 days ahead — helps secure your spot in this popular experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: The Acropolis

Your day kicks off with a walk up the Acropolis Hill, where you’ll witness the remnants of the Parthenon, arguably Greece’s most famous monument. The ascent is manageable, but some walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are advisable. The Parthenon is a symbol of ancient Greece’s architectural and cultural achievements, and standing beneath it offers a palpable sense of history.

An especially noteworthy aspect — as one reviewer pointed out — is the chance to see Mars Hill, where St. Paul delivered his speech. This spot, overlooking Athens, makes the experience feel more tangible, connecting you directly with the Apostle’s footsteps. While entrance fees are not included, you’ll get a sense of the grandeur, and your driver can advise on the best options if you’d like to visit inside.

Stop 2: The Academy of Athens

Next, a quick stop at the University of Athens and the National Library lets you appreciate Greece’s neoclassical architecture. These photo opportunities are brief — just 15 minutes — but they’re perfect for capturing the essence of Athens’ elegant urban landscape. This stop is free and adds a cultural layer to the trip.

Stop 3: Ancient Agora of Athens

Walking through the Ancient Agora provides insight into the civic and commercial heart of classical Athens. It’s a lively spot where history and modern life converge — with some of the city’s best eateries nearby for future visits. You can walk along the Themistoclean walls and imagine the bustling marketplace that once thrived there. The entrance fee is on you, but the environment makes it worth considering.

Stop 4: Corinth Canal

Crossing the Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel you won’t want to miss. This narrow waterway is just 20 minutes, but it’s a perfect photo-op and a defining feature of the region. It was a game-changer for trade, connecting the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea, and gives a sense of how Greece’s geography shaped its history.

Stop 5: Kechries

Your next stop is Kechries port, where St. Paul arrived during his second missionary journey. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, offering an atmospheric view of the port that travelers find especially meaningful. It’s a quiet spot, more about reflection than sightseeing, but many mention how special it is to stand where history unfolded.

Stop 6: Ancient Corinth

The final major site is Ancient Corinth, home to the Temple of Apollo, the Apostles Paul Podium, and Roman ruins. Here, you’ll have roughly three hours, giving you time to explore independently or take a guided walk if you wish (guide available at extra cost). The archaeological museum offers artifacts spanning from the classical to Roman periods, enriching your understanding of how this city transitioned through ages.

A reviewer fondly remembers walking through the ruins, appreciating the mix of classical architecture and Roman relics. They noted that walking from the ancient temples to the Roman conservatory offered a tangible timeline of civilization.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The logistics are well thought out — bottled water, private luxury transport, and onboard Wi-Fi are all part of the package, making for a smooth day. The professional drivers are praised for their deep knowledge of the sites, even though they aren’t licensed to guide you inside the sites themselves. If you desire an official guide, that’s available at additional cost.

Entrance fees are not included, so you’ll want to budget for those. The tour also offers optional extras like airport pickup, and meals are not provided — so plan to bring snacks or have lunch at your own expense, especially since the day is packed.

Transportation and Group Size

Travelers are grouped in small, premium vehicles: luxurious sedans for 1-3 people and mini vans for groups of 4-7. This setup ensures comfort and personalized attention, with drivers who are friendly and knowledgeable without the pressure of a big tour bus.

Timing and Pace

Starting early at 8 am, you’ll have ample time to absorb each site without feeling rushed. The itinerary balances sightseeing with downtime, and the driver’s flexibility allows for minor adjustments if needed. A key advantage, as highlighted by a reviewer, is that the private nature of the tour prevents feeling hurried, making the experience more relaxed and engaging.

Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

A standout point from the sole review available is the driver, Peter, who combined expertise with personable service, making the day both informative and enjoyable. The feedback emphasizes the importance of having a guide who can relate historical facts with engaging storytelling.

A possible downside is that entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly, but this allows travelers to choose which sites to prioritize. The tour is well-suited for those with moderate physical fitness due to walking at sites like the Acropolis and the archaeological ruins.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for those who want an authentic, well-rounded day exploring key sites related to St. Paul’s travels, combined with Athens’ most iconic landmarks. It’s perfect for history buffs, religious travelers, or anyone eager to see Greece’s classical past without the hassle of organizing multiple transports or guides. The private setup and knowledgeable driver make it suitable for couples, small families, or small groups seeking an intimate experience.

If you’re after a flexible schedule and prefer a more personal connection with your guide, this tour provides a nice balance of structure and freedom. However, if you want a guided commentary inside the sites or are on a strict budget, you might prefer to add a licensed guide or look for options with included entrance fees.

The Sum Up

This “In the Footsteps of St. Paul” tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that combines history, scenic stops, and comfort. With a knowledgeable driver and private transportation, you can enjoy Athens and Corinth at your pace while soaking in the stories behind the ruins. It’s truly a convenient way to see important sites without the stress of logistics or crowds.

For travelers who appreciate authentic stories, scenic viewpoints, and expert insights in a small-group setting, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s also an excellent choice for those wanting to connect more deeply with St. Paul’s journey, especially at key locations like Mars Hill and the ancient port at Kechries.

While you’ll need to cover entrance fees separately, the overall experience offers solid value for a full-day, personalized adventure through some of Greece’s most meaningful sites. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful way to explore Athens and Corinth, this tour provides a memorable and insightful day out.

FAQ

Are the entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees for sites like the Parthenon, Ancient Agora, and Corinth Museum are paid separately. You might want to budget for these in advance.

Can I request a licensed guide during the tour?
Guides are available at an additional cost — approximately $250 — if you prefer a guide who can accompany you inside the sites.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, travelers are transported in air-conditioned luxury sedans for 1-3 people or mini vans for larger groups, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the day.

What is the pickup time?
The tour starts at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, so expect to be ready by then for a full day of sightseeing.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate physical activity is involved, mainly walking uphill at the Acropolis and exploring ruins. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for those with mobility concerns.

How much time is spent at each site?
The itinerary allows around 2 hours at the Acropolis, 15 minutes at the Academy, 1 hour at the Agora, 20 minutes crossing the Corinth Canal, 30 minutes at Kechries, and 3 hours at Ancient Corinth, giving a balanced pace.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, as long as children are comfortable walking and standing for periods. The private nature makes it adaptable, but check your group’s physical comfort.

What if I want to customize the experience?
The tour is flexible to an extent, with optional guide upgrades and the possibility to adjust timing. Just communicate your preferences with the driver beforehand.

In summary, this tour delivers a well-rounded, engaging experience for those eager to trace St. Paul’s steps while enjoying the highlights of Athens and Corinth. It’s ideal if you value comfort, authenticity, and a personalized touch on your Greek adventure.