Uncovering the rich history of ancient Greece, this private half-day tour from Athens explores the iconic city of Corinth and the impressive Corinth Canal. Visitors can discover the ruins of ancient Corinth, including the well-preserved Temple of Apollo and Bema, and marvel at the engineering feat of the canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth and Saronic Gulf. With round-trip transportation, professional driver commentary, and the option to add a licensed tour guide, this customizable experience provides an accessible way to explore the fascinating past of this ancient Greek city. But what secrets might these historic sites hold, waiting to be unveiled?
Key Points
• This private half-day tour from Athens explores the ancient Greek city of Corinth and the iconic Corinth Canal.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, professional drivers, and an air-conditioned vehicle, but excludes entry fees and tour guides.
• Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient Corinth, including the Temple of Apollo and Bema, as well as the fortified Acrocorinth acropolis.
• The tour also provides the opportunity to marvel at the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf.
• Customization options are available, such as the addition of a licensed tour guide and the ability to combine the tour with other activities or destinations.
Tour Overview
This private tour from Athens explores the ancient city of Corinth and the iconic Corinth Canal in half a day.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or port, with a professional driver who can provide commentary along the way.
You’ll get to see the impressive Corinth Canal, which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, as well as the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, home to the Temple of Apollo and other ruins.
The tour is private, allowing you to customize the experience to your interests.
With onboard WiFi, you won’t have to worry about roaming charges.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes professional drivers with knowledge of the local history, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water. However, entry/admission fees, licensed tour guides, gratuities, and airport pickup/drop-off are not included.
| Included | Excluded |
|---|---|
| Professional Drivers | Entry/Admission Fees |
| Hotel/Port Pickup & Drop-off | Licensed Tour Guides |
| Private Transportation | Gratuities |
The tour doesn’t provide wheelchair accessibility, but it’s close to public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available. The drivers are knowledgeable but not licensed tour guides, and third-party activities and extreme sports are not allowed.
Sites Visited
On this half-day private tour from Athens, visitors will discover the historic sites of Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal.
At Ancient Corinth, they’ll explore the remains of the ancient Greek city, including the well-preserved Temple of Apollo and the Bema, where St. Paul is believed to have preached.
Next, they’ll visit the impressive Corinth Canal, which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. This engineering marvel, completed in the 19th century, provides a stunning visual contrast between the narrow waterway and the surrounding cliffs.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable driver will provide insightful commentary, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the rich history and culture of this remarkable region.
Tour Details
Travelers can follow in the footsteps of St. Paul during this half-day private tour from Athens. They’ll see the key sites within a convenient half-day timeframe, benefiting from the onboard WiFi to stay connected without roaming charges. The tour offers a wide choice of departure times to suit various schedules.
This private tour allows visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Corinth and the famous Corinth Canal in just half a day. With a professional driver providing commentary, they’ll have the flexibility to spend as much or as little time at each site as they’d like.
Whether travelers prefer an early start or a later departure, this tour provides a well-rounded experience in a compact timeframe.
Additional Information
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
It’s near public transportation, and infants must sit on laps, with infant seats available.
The drivers are knowledgeable but aren’t licensed tour guides, and third-party activities and extreme sports aren’t allowed.
Key highlights of this tour include:
- Follow in the footsteps of St. Paul and see the sites in half a day.
- Onboard WiFi saves on roaming charges, ensuring you stay connected.
- Wide choice of departure times to suit your schedule.
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable experience.
Highlights of Ancient Corinth
One of the highlights of the Ancient Corinth portion of the tour is the chance to explore the ruins of the ancient city, which was a prominent hub of commerce and culture in classical Greece.
Visitors can wander through the remains of the ancient agora, or marketplace, and see the remnants of temples, theaters, and other public buildings that once bustled with activity.
The ancient Corinthian architecture and engineering are on full display, offering a glimpse into the advanced civilization that thrived in this region centuries ago.
The tour also includes a visit to the Acrocorinth, the towering acropolis that served as a important fortified city overlooking ancient Corinth, adding to the immersive historical experience.
Exploring the Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel spanning nearly 4 miles, is a highlight of the tour. Connecting the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf, this narrow waterway slices through the Isthmus of Corinth, offering a visually striking display of human ingenuity against the backdrop of the rugged Greek landscape.
Guests can marvel at the sheer depth and steep cliffs of the canal, which reach up to 300 feet in height.
Construction began in 1881 and was completed in 1893 after decades of planning.
The canal is only 72 feet wide, making it a challenge for larger ships to navigate.
Crossing the canal takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
The canal has been an important commercial route, reducing travel time between the Adriatic and Aegean Seas.
Customizing Your Experience
Visitors can further customize their experience by opting for a licensed tour guide, who can provide in-depth commentary and insights about the historical significance of the sites. This allows guests to delve deeper into the rich history of Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal.
Plus, travelers can choose their preferred departure time, ensuring the tour fits seamlessly into their schedule. The private transportation and air-conditioned vehicle also provide a personalized and comfortable journey.
For those seeking an even more tailored experience, the tour can be combined with other activities or destinations in the region. With these customization options, the Ancient Corinth and Canal tour can be adapted to suit each visitor’s unique interests and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Is Required to Explore Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal?
The tour allows visitors to explore Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal in about half a day. The total duration of the tour is approximately 4-5 hours, including the 1.5-hour drive from Athens.
Can the Tour Be Combined With Other Nearby Attractions?
The tour can be combined with other nearby attractions, such as Epidaurus or Mycenae, to create a more comprehensive day trip. However, this would require additional time and potentially a longer private tour.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit the Sites?
The best time to visit the sites is typically in the morning or early afternoon. This allows you to avoid the midday heat and crowds, and have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the ancient ruins and canal.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?
Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts or package deals for this private tour. The price remains fixed regardless of group size or other factors. However, booking in advance may help secure the best available rate.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration for Additional Sightseeing?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended for additional sightseeing. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who may offer customized options to accommodate their needs and interests within the set time frame.
Recap
This Athens private half-day tour allows visitors to explore the rich history of ancient Corinth and marvel at the impressive Corinth Canal.
With round-trip transportation, flexible departure times, and the option to add a licensed guide, the tour offers a customizable experience to explore the ruins, temples, and engineering wonder of this ancient Greek city.
