OVERVIEW:

Departing from Athens, we travel westward along the scenic coastal road, passing Dafni and Elefsis, until we reach the impressive Corinth Canal. Here we make a short stop to admire the spectacular narrow canal connecting the Saronic and Corinthian Gulfs, an engineering achievement of the late 19th century.

We then continue to Ancient Corinth, one of the most powerful and prosperous city-states of antiquity. Thanks to its strategic position on the Isthmus connecting mainland Greece with the Peloponnese, Corinth controlled important maritime trade routes between the Aegean and Ionian Seas and became a major political and commercial center of the ancient world.

At the archaeological site, visitors explore the Temple of Apollo (6th century BC), one of the earliest surviving Doric temples in Greece, renowned for its impressive monolithic limestone columns. The Roman Forum reflects the city’s transformation after its refoundation by Julius Caesar in 44 BC, with basilicas, public buildings, and the Bema—traditionally associated with the Apostle Paul, who lived and preached in Corinth for 18 months. The Peirene Fountain and other hydraulic structures highlight the advanced urban planning and water management systems of the ancient city.

The tour continues to Acrocorinth, the imposing fortified acropolis rising above Ancient Corinth. With continuous occupation from antiquity through Byzantine and medieval times, Acrocorinth offers valuable insight into the city’s long-standing strategic importance, as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding region.

On our return to Athens, we pass the seaside town of Kechreai, once one of Corinth’s ancient ports.

This full-day excursion allows visitors to comfortably explore both Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth, offering a rich and layered experience of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and medieval history in one of the most influential centers of the ancient Mediterranean world.