Saint Paul Steps Full Day Private Tour

A Day in Athens and Corinth with a Focus on Apostle Paul’s Footsteps

Imagine walking through the same historic sites where Apostle Paul preached Christianity over two millennia ago. For those intrigued by biblical history and ancient civilizations, the Saint Paul Steps Full Day Private Tour offers an engaging way to connect past and present. Starting in Athens, the tour takes you to the legendary Acropolis, where the Apostle Paul famously delivered his speech on Mars Hill. Then, on to Ancient Corinth, where Paul not only preached but also stood trial and established one of the earliest Christian communities. With a price of around $348.20 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours, this tour combines comfort, history, and a personalized experience.

What we love about this tour are two things: first, the opportunity to visit iconic sites with a private driver, making transportation seamless and relaxed; second, the option to upgrade to a licensed guide, which can deepen your understanding of the biblical and historical significance. The tour’s flexibility allows you to focus on the sites most meaningful to you, and the privacy means no rushing or waiting in lines—ideal if you prefer a more intimate, tailored experience.

A potential consideration is that admission tickets to major sites like the Acropolis and Ancient Corinth are not included in the base price (as of 2025), so you’ll want to budget extra for these. Also, if you’re keen on a guided commentary inside the sites, the guide upgrade adds to the cost but can significantly enrich your visit. This tour suits travelers who value expert knowledge, comfortable transport, and deep historical context, especially those interested in Apostle Paul’s journeys and the roots of Western civilization.

Key Points

• Private, comfortable transportation ensures a hassle-free day exploring Athens and Corinth.
• Sites linked to Apostle Paul, including Mars Hill and Ancient Corinth, offer a meaningful biblical connection.
• Flexible options to include a licensed guide for richer storytelling.
• Stunning panoramic views from Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis provide perfect photo moments.
• Budget for entrance fees as they are not included in the initial price.
• The tour is suitable for those who enjoy history, archaeology, and religious heritage.

An In-depth Look at the Saint Paul Steps Full Day Private Tour

Starting with Athens’ Iconic Acropolis

Our day begins at the Acropolis, arguably Athens’ most famous landmark. Standing on this plateau, you’ll see the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea—the grand gateway designed with striking Pentelic marble. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Erechtheum complete this panorama of classical architecture. We loved the way the tour balances explanation with free time—enough to absorb the majesty without feeling rushed.

The Propylaea, with its avant-garde design, marks the entrance to this sacred hill and sets the tone for the day’s journey through history. Climbing up Mars Hill from here is a highlight—it’s where Apostle Paul gave his famous speech about the Unknown God. From this vantage point, you’ll get a sweeping view of Athens and the Acropolis‘s timeless silhouette—an image that stays with you.

The Significance of the Parthenon and Other Temples

While the Parthenon remains the crowning jewel, the tour also takes you to the Temple of Poseidon and the Temple of Athena Nike. These structures aren’t just ruins—they are symbols of Athens’ political and religious might. The Theatre of Dionysus, considered the world’s first theatre, offers insight into Athens’ vibrant cultural life, which underpinned its political dominance.

Visitors often comment on the stunning views from this area. One reviewer mentioned, “Terry, our guide, was passionate and knew every detail,” highlighting the value of knowledgeable guides in bringing these sites to life.

From Athens to the Roots of Christianity: Mars Hill and Beyond

After soaking in the classical grandeur, the tour moves to Mars Hill—or Areopagus—the site of Apostle Paul’s sermon where he addressed the Athenians about the Unknown God. Here, the views of the city and the Acropolis provide a striking backdrop to one of Christianity’s pivotal moments in Greece.

From this elevated spot, we can appreciate why Paul chose this location for his speech—it’s centrally located yet commanding. It’s easy to picture this scene, especially after learning about its biblical significance.

The City’s Political Heart: The Hellenic Parliament and Syntagma Square

Next, the tour takes a turn into modern Athens with stops at Syntagma Square, known for the iconic Changing of the Guard in front of the Parliament. Standing here, you get a sense of Greece’s ongoing democratic tradition amid historic architecture. The National Library and the University buildings, designed in neoclassical style, frame this lively square.

The Journey to Corinth: The Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth

Driving southwest, the scenery shifts from urban sprawl to picturesque coastal views. The Corinth Canal is a marvel—built in 1892, it slices through the isthmus, connecting the Saronic Gulf with the Corinthian Sea. Walking across the pedestrian bridge offers close-up views, and on some days, bungee jumping is an adventurous option if you’re feeling brave.

Ancient Corinth, at the foot of Acrocorinth, is where Paul preached Christianity and stood trial. The Roman Agora, temple of Apollo, and basilicas reveal the city’s ancient vibrancy. The Temple of Apollo, built around 560 B.C., is one of the earliest Doric temples and reflects Corinth’s prosperity during its time.

The Spectacular Acrocorinth Fortress

A visit to Acrocorinth offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The fortress, the largest in southern Greece, has served as a strategic military site through the ages. You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities and can imagine the ancient defenses that once protected this vital city.

The Old Port of Kechries

Finally, the tour visits Kechries, the historic port from which Apostle Paul set sail for Ephesus around 52 AD. The site features sea arms, sanctuaries, and warehouses—testaments to its importance as a commercial hub. Walking along the pier, you’ll get a sense of the bustling maritime activity that linked Greece to the wider Mediterranean world.

Returning to Athens

After a full day of exploration, the coach heads back to Athens, with plenty of time to reflect on the sites visited and their significance.

Practical Considerations and Value

The private driver makes a big difference—no worries about navigating busy streets or figuring out public transport. The flexibility to include a licensed guide for an extra fee (around $380) is a great way to enhance understanding, especially if you’re into detailed historical or biblical storytelling.

Since some site admission tickets are not included, plan to budget around extra for these, especially for the Acropolis and Ancient Corinth. The bottled water and personalized service add to the comfort, making this a relaxing yet deeply educational experience.

The 8-hour duration is well-paced. We appreciated not feeling hurried, and the private nature of the tour means you can linger longer at sites that resonate most with you.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who love history, archaeology, and religious heritage, especially those interested in the biblical journey of Apostle Paul. It’s perfect if you prefer a tailored experience with a knowledgeable guide, or simply want to avoid the hassles of public transport. The stunning views from Lycabettus and Acrocorinth** also make it appealing for sightseeing and photography enthusiasts. If versatility and comfort are priorities, this private tour ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
You get private transportation, a driver with deep knowledge of the sites, hotel/airbnb/port pickup and drop-off, and bottled water. Skip-the-line tickets for the Acropolis and Ancient Corinth are included for bookings made after January 17, 2025.

Can I hire a guide for this tour?
Yes, you can upgrade to include a licensed guide for an additional fee of around $380, which offers more detailed explanations inside the sites.

What sites will I visit?
Major stops include the Acropolis, Mars Hill, Panathenaic Stadium, Lycabettus Hill, Syntagma Square, Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Temple of Apollo, Acrocorinth, and Kechries port.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 8 hours, providing plenty of time to see all the sites comfortably.

What about entrance fees?
Entrance tickets to the Acropolis and Ancient Corinth are not included in the base price but can be purchased separately.

Is this tour suitable for children or less mobile travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s good to note that some sites involve walking and some uphill climbs, especially at Acrocorinth.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera. The tour provides bottled water, but extra snacks or personal items are up to you.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 33 days ahead, so early planning helps secure your preferred date.

Is COVID-19 safety considered?
Yes, the company complies with WHO health instructions, ensuring a safe experience.

Final Thoughts

The Saint Paul Steps Full Day Private Tour offers a thoughtfully curated blend of ancient history, biblical significance, and scenic views. Its private setting allows for personalized attention and a relaxed pace—perfect for travelers eager to connect deeply with Greece’s cultural and religious past. Whether you’re a history buff, a biblical scholar, or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes and stories of old, this tour delivers a compelling package. The knowledgeable guides, combined with comfortable transport and a flexible itinerary, make it a standout choice for a comprehensive Athens and Corinth experience.

While it requires a bit of planning around entrance fees and optional guide costs, the overall value lies in the intimate, tailored experience you’ll gain—an authentic story told through the incredible sites of Greece. If you want to walk in the footsteps of Paul while enjoying the best views and expert narration, this is a highly recommended way to spend your day.