Biblical Tour Letters to The Corinthians – St Pauls Footsteps

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience for up to 4 people at $379.18
• Includes pickup from your Athens hotel and flexible vehicle options
• Highlights notable biblical and ancient sites like Areopagus Hill, Corinth, and Cenchreae
• Led by knowledgeable drivers with options to upgrade to a licensed guide
• Ideal for those interested in Christian history and ancient Greek culture

An In-Depth Look at the Corinth and Athens Christian Heritage Tour

This full-day private tour in Greece offers a deep dive into St. Paul’s journey through Corinth and Athens, focusing on the locations featured prominently in his missionary work and biblical letters. Priced at $379.18 per group (up to four), the tour provides personalized flexibility, with the option to choose your preferred vehicle type and add a local guide for an even richer experience.

Starting with pickup from your Athens hotel, the tour takes you across ancient sites with biblical significance and impressive archaeological ruins. While the tour lasts approximately 8 hours, it is designed to be adaptable, giving you the chance to take your time exploring each location. The mobile ticket feature simplifies planning, making it easy to coordinate with your schedule.

The Significance of Areopagus Hill and the Sermon on Mars Hill

Your tour begins at Areopagus Hill, also known as Mars Hill, an iconic spot where St. Paul delivered a powerful sermon to the Athenians. Here, Paul spoke about the Unknown God, challenging the city’s traditional beliefs and introducing Christianity to the intellectual center of the ancient world. This stop offers a profound moment of spiritual reflection and connects you directly with early Christian history.

This site is an essential part of the tour, though admission tickets are at your own expense. The 20-minute visit allows you to appreciate the historic and spiritual importance of the location, standing on the very ground where Paul’s message once echoed before the city council.

Exploring the Corinth Canal: A 19th-Century Engineering Marvel

Next, the tour takes you to the Corinth Canal, an impressive feat of 19th-century engineering. Completed in modern times, this canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and symbolizes Corinth’s strategic importance during Paul’s era. The idea for the canal originated over 2,000 years ago, when Periander, the ancient Corinthian ruler, envisioned a shortcut for ships.

Standing at the Corinth Canal, travelers enjoy 30 minutes to marvel at this extraordinary waterway which shortened maritime routes by avoiding a lengthy detour around the Peloponnese. This site is free to visit and provides a tangible link to ancient maritime trade and regional history.

The Ancient Diolkos: Transport Innovation of Antiquity

A short drive from the canal leads to The Diolkos, an ancient engineering structure that facilitated ship transport across the Isthmus of Corinth. This historic roadway, dating back to antiquity, offered a crucial route connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

As you explore the Diolkos, you gain insight into ancient maritime activity and the commercial importance of Corinth. The site’s 20-minute visit is an opportunity to consider how St. Paul’s travels may have intersected with this bustling maritime hub, impossible to ignore in the context of his journeys.

Isthmia and the Role of the Isthmian Games in Paul’s Mission

The tour continues with a visit to the site of Isthmia, famous for the second most important athletic event in ancient Greece—the Isthmian Games. Held in honor of Poseidon, the site includes a stadium, sanctuary, and other ruins, offering a glimpse into ancient Greek religious and athletic traditions.

Paul’s connection to Isthmia is noteworthy; he is believed to have worked as a tentmaker while spreading Christianity during the games. The 1-hour stop emphasizes Paul’s early Christian outreach within a pagan setting, illustrating how faith intersected with public events and cultural gatherings.

The Archaeological Museum of Isthmia: Artifacts and Biblical Connections

At the Archaeological Museum of Isthmia, visitors find artifacts from the Poseidon sanctuary, many of which are linked to the time when Paul ministered nearby. The museum features glass panels from Kenchreai, the port of departure for Paul’s journey to Syria, symbolizing the crossroads of faith and trade.

Displays include statues, votive offerings, and burial finds, offering a vivid picture of the diverse world Paul inhabited. The 30-minute visit provides context about the spiritual environment that shaped his early ministry and missionary travels.

Ancient Corinth: The Epicenter of Paul’s Ministry and Letters

The highlight of the tour is an exploration of Ancient Corinth, a major city of early Christianity. Paul lived and preached here for over 18 months, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Visitors see the Bema (judgment seat), where Paul likely stood before the Roman proconsul Gallio, an event pivotal in establishing his freedom to preach.

This site offers a direct connection to biblical events and Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, which address the challenges of the early church. Admission tickets are not included, but the 1-hour visit emphasizes the enduring significance of Corinth in Christian history.

The Archaeological Site of Isthmia and the Pagan Temples

On the Archaeological Site of Isthmia, travelers explore the Temple of Poseidon, reconstructed multiple times, symbolizing pagan worship. Nearby, the ancient stadium is where Paul may have witnessed the Isthmian Games, working as a tentmaker among visiting athletes.

A key highlight is the Sanctuary of Palaimon, the protector of sailors, reflecting the diverse religious landscape Paul encountered. The 40-minute stop emphasizes how Christianity emerged amid pagan traditions and public spectacles.

The Ancient Theater of Isthmia and Its Christian Significance

Another site on the itinerary is the Ancient Theater of Isthmia, built for musical and religious festivals during the Isthmian Games. Surrounded by Roman mosaics, the theater offers a visual reminder of the vibrant pagan culture Paul challenged with his message of faith in Christ.

This location illustrates the contrast between pagan entertainment and early Christian preaching, making it a compelling stop for those interested in religious history and cultural shifts.

Visiting the Temple of Apollo and Its Cultural Impact

At the Temple of Apollo, built around 560 BC, visitors see one of Greece’s most significant Doric temples. The monolithic limestone columns symbolize Corinth’s ancient splendor. When Paul arrived, this temple would have dominated the skyline as a hub of pagan worship.

Standing nearby, visitors can imagine Paul’s bold preaching against idolatry, challenging the spiritual authority of the temple and the diverse polytheistic society. The 30-minute visit underscores the cultural context in which early Christian faith took root.

Kechries and Paul’s Departure for Syria

The tour concludes at Kechries, the site of Cenchreae, Corinth’s eastern port. Here, Paul stopped during his second missionary journey, as noted in Acts 18:18. He cut his hair to fulfill a vow before leaving for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila.

The site connects you to Paul’s personal acts of devotion and the early Christian community in Cenchreae. The 30-minute visit offers a tranquil coastal setting with a powerful biblical significance.

The Church of Apostolou Pavlou and the Legacy of Paul

The Church of Apostolou Pavlou honors Paul’s time in Corinth, where he founded one of Greece’s earliest Christian communities. The church stands as a living tribute to his work, reflecting the spiritual foundations he laid in the city.

The 20-minute stop at this site, located in Ancient Corinth, features the Bema, the platform where Paul defended his faith before Gallio. This event marked a turning point in Paul’s mission, allowing him to continue his preaching undisturbed.

An Optional Lunch Break and Time for Reflection

The tour pauses with a relaxing one-hour lunch at a seaside Greek taverna, giving travelers a chance to enjoy authentic local cuisine and rest before continuing. This break also provides an opportunity to reflect on the morning’s sites and prepare for the remaining stops.

Climbing Akrokorinthos: The Fortress with a View

The final major stop is Akrokorinthos, the imposing fortress overlooking Ancient Corinth. Visitors climb its ancient walls for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Historically, St. Paul would have gazed upon this strategic vantage point, contemplating his mission and teachings. The 40-minute visit offers a spiritual and historical connection to his time in Greece, complemented by stunning scenic vistas.

Practical Aspects and Tour Logistics

The private tour includes WiFi, a luxurious vehicle, bottled water, and air conditioning for comfort. The professional drivers are well-informed, providing commentary in fluent English, though they do not serve as licensed guides unless requested.

The tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, with most sites requiring no physical effort beyond walking at your own pace. Entrances to sites like Ancient Corinth are not included, and lunch and guide upgrades are optional extras.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Christian heritage-focused tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, faith travelers, and those interested in biblical sites. The flexible, private format allows for a personalized experience, making it well-suited for families, small groups, or anyone seeking an intimate exploration of St. Paul’s Greece.

Final Thoughts on the Corinth and Athens Christian Heritage Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive, flexible look at biblical sites and ancient Greek landmarks, providing valuable insights into St. Paul’s journeys. The knowledgeable drivers, stunning sites, and personalized approach make it a strong choice for travelers eager to connect faith and history.

While some may find the pace a bit brisk—as indicated in reviews—the overall value and depth of experience are hard to beat. The customizable options and significant biblical locations make this tour an excellent addition to any Greece itinerary focused on Christian history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking at multiple sites, but the pace can be adjusted thanks to its private nature. The vehicle is air-conditioned and comfortable, though some sites may require moderate walking.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance tickets for sites like Ancient Corinth are not included in the price. Travelers should budget extra for these visits.

Can I upgrade to a licensed guide?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to explore with a licensed guide depending on availability, adding more depth to the experience.

How flexible is the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, the itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and pace, making it easy to spend more time at favorite locations or skip others.

What is the main focus of this tour?
The tour primarily emphasizes Christian biblical sites connected to St. Paul’s missionary journeys, alongside significant ancient Greek landmarks.