Corinth & Isthmia: St Paul’s Footsteps Private Tour, Bema & Canal

Summary

Walk where St Paul preached in Corinth, see the Bema, Agora and canal

You’ll walk ancient stones in Corinth where St Paul preached, stand at the Bema podium, cross the legendary canal, and pause for prayer or reflection at early Christian sites. With a local guide sharing stories and time for seaside lunch, you’ll feel both history’s weight and small moments of quiet connection along this private day trip from Athens.

What’s the experience like?

Pushing open the van door, I caught the first salty breath of morning air near the Corinth Canal — that thin blue line slicing through rock, which our guide Nikos said was a 2000-year-old dream finally carved out by stubborn 19th-century engineers. He grinned as he pointed at the old diolkos stones (I’d never heard of those before), explaining how ships used to be dragged across land here. The canal itself was quieter than I expected, just a few gulls and that distant hum of trucks crossing overhead. It felt like standing on a border between worlds — mainland behind us, Peloponnese ahead.

Nikos kept things moving but never rushed us. At Ancient Corinth he let us wander beneath the columns of the Temple of Apollo — those monolithic stones older than most countries. There was this moment at the Agora when I touched the rough marble of the Bema where St Paul stood trial; it was chipped and cool under my palm. Hard not to imagine him there, speaking out loud with Roman officials watching. A couple from Thessaloniki were lighting candles at the nearby church (they nodded hello — Greeks always do that little head-tilt thing). The sun was already sharp but there was a breeze carrying wild thyme or maybe sage from somewhere up on Acrocorinth.

I didn’t expect to feel much at Cenchreae port but standing where Paul supposedly cut his hair for that vow — it’s oddly specific and personal. Nikos told us about Phoebe too (I had to Google her later), one of those names you miss in Sunday school. Lunch came just when we needed it: grilled sardines and tomatoes at a taverna right by the water, with old men playing cards nearby and someone’s radio drifting in and out. We talked about Paul’s letters over coffee; honestly, I still think about that view across the Saronic Gulf.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St. Paul's Corinth journey

• Pick up from hotel or cruise ship
• Visit Aeropagus Hill, Athens
• Drive to Corinth Canal
• See Corinth Canal and learn history
• Visit Isthmian Games site
• Tour ancient Corinth archaeological site
• Explore Temple of Apollo
• Visit Agora and Bema site
• See church of St Paul in Corinth
• Visit ancient port of Cenchreae
• Lunch at traditional seaside tavern
• Explore Temple of Poseidon and Sanctuary
• Visit Theater and Roman bath remains
• Return to hotel or cruise ship

Top questions

How long is the St Paul's Footsteps tour from Athens?

The tour lasts around 6 hours including travel time from Athens.

Is hotel pickup included for this private day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from your Athens hotel, Airbnb or cruise port.

What sites are visited on this Biblical tour?

You’ll visit Ancient Corinth (Agora & Bema), Temple of Apollo, Isthmia (Temple of Poseidon), Cenchreae port, and Apostolos Pavlos Church.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, there’s time for lunch at a traditional Greek seaside taverna.

Are guides knowledgeable about biblical history?

The English-speaking drivers have extensive knowledge of Apostle Paul’s life and work in Greece.

Can children join this private day trip to Corinth?

Yes—infant seats are available if booked in advance; suitable for all ages.

Is there free time for prayer or reflection at sites?

Yes—the itinerary is flexible so you can spend more time where you feel moved.

How many people can join per group?

The tour runs with small groups: 2–6 passengers maximum per vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your Athens hotel or port in a modern vehicle with WiFi and bottled water; expert English-speaking driver-guide; stops at Ancient Corinth (Agora & Bema), Temple of Apollo, Isthmia sites, Cenchreae port; time for prayer or reflection; luggage storage if needed; plus a traditional seaside Greek lunch before heading back to Athens.