Tour itinerary
5 hours roundtrip | 7 places | 1 stop for lunch
Start our tour from Athens
We begin our tour early in the morning from Athens. Our driver will collect you from your hotel, apartment, or the airport/port.
Corinth canal
The Corinth Canal, a remarkable feat of engineering, serves as a vital maritime passage connecting the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea to the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. By cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, it effectively separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, giving rise to the notion of the peninsula as an island.
This canal, spanning a length of 6.4 kilometers (4 miles), was excavated through the isthmus at sea level without the need for locks. Its width at the base measures a mere 21.4 meters (70 feet), posing a challenge for many modern vessels to navigate through its narrow confines.
From an elevated vantage point, visitors can marvel at the stunning limestone walls of the canal and witness vessels making their way through its passage below. The Corinth Canal offers an awe-inspiring view of the isthmus of Corinth, showcasing the ingenuity of human engineering against the backdrop of natural beauty.
Ancient Corinth
Corinth holds a significant place in both ancient history and Christian tradition. Situated on the Isthmus of Corinth, this city-state served as a vital link between the Peloponnese and the mainland of Greece, strategically positioned halfway between Athens and Sparta. The modern city of Corinth stands approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of the ancient ruins, preserving the legacy of its storied past.
For Christians, Corinth is renowned for its association with Saint Paul, who authored two letters to the Corinthians that are included in the New Testament. The Acts of the Apostles also document Paul the Apostle’s missionary journeys to Corinth, further highlighting its importance in early Christianity. Additionally, Pausanias’ Description of Greece devotes an entire book to Corinth, underscoring its significance in ancient Greek culture and history.
In antiquity, Corinth was among the largest and most influential cities in Greece, boasting a population of 90,000 inhabitants by 400 BC. However, its prosperity was marred by the Roman conquest, as the city was razed in 146 BC. Yet, rising from its ruins, a new Corinth was established by the Romans in 44 BC, eventually becoming the provincial capital of Greece. Today, Corinth stands as a testament to its enduring legacy, blending its rich archaeological heritage with its modern identity.
Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth
The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth, built between 1931 and 1932, serves as a showcase for the wealth of archaeological findings uncovered through recent excavations. Situated within the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, Greece, the museum falls under the jurisdiction of the 37th Ephoreia of the Greek Archaeological Service.
Some of the notable features within the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth include:
– Hadgimoustafa spring
– Lechaion Road
– Basilica
– Fountain of Peirene
– Stoa
– Agora
– Odeion
– Various temples
– Theatre
Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo at Corinth was constructed in 550 BC.
Acrocorinth
Acrocorinth, known as “Upper Corinth,” served as the acropolis of ancient Corinth, Greece. Perched atop a monolithic rock, it provided a strategic vantage point overlooking the surrounding landscape, including the city of Corinth itself. With its formidable fortifications and secure water supply, Acrocorinth played a crucial role in defending the region, serving as a last line of defense against invaders attempting to access the Peloponnese peninsula by land through the Isthmus of Corinth.
Way back to Athens
We start our way back to Athens late in the afternoon.
MI.T.E: 0207E70000966501
G.E.MI: 174537909000
