Miraculous Paul’s steps Athens and Corinth 8-h private tour

DESCRIPTION

As early as the time of Dionysus the Areopagite, there was a small Christian community in Athens that made its presence more felt from the 4th century onwards. … It seems that the followers of Christianity multiplied dynamically after the measures taken by Theodosius in 437 when he banned all ancient cults. The critical point in the religious history of Greece is Paul’s second missionary journey. His glorious and victorious journey is the journey that introduces the Word of God to Europe and is the founding of the first churches on European soil. Paul converts a pagan but faithful country into the first Christian country in Europe. Paul found Greece as the fruitful soil where the seeds of Christianity were planted and they are existing until nowadays. The presence of Paul is still alive in the biblical places of Greece.

Athens

Athens is one of the places where Paul was honored and blessed with his labor and his preaching. Apostle Paul’s visit to the historic and adorned city of Athens, cities of the great poets and philosophers like Socrates, Solon, Themistocles and so many more, and the birthplace of the Principle of Reasonableness, marks one of the most challenging parts of his career as a missionary. Paul arrived alone to teach the true Word of the Lord, while Silas and Timothy remained in Macedonia. Though modern visitors are impressed with the great buildings of the Acropolis and Olympian Zeus, the Agora, and the impressive Stoas, Saint Paul was stirred by the idolatry of the city.

ITINERARY (break-down)

Start:  Pick up from your hotel in Athens, address in Athens, or cruise ship pier at Piraeus port. Pass by several areas on the way to the Acropolis depending on where you’ll start!

• Duration: 20 Minutes average

Stop At: One of the best Greece tours starts with the hill of the Acropolis of Athens which will make your day. On the historical hill at the Acropolis, you will have the chance to see the monumental gateway (Propylaea); The Propylaea is the monumental entrance to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Built by the architect Mnesicles with Pentelic marble, their design was avant-garde. To the south-west of the Propylaea, on a rampart protecting the main entrance to the Acropolis is the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike, which is recently being restored and dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike, the Erechtheion Temple of Poseidon & Athina, and of course the famous Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena.

Also, you will have the chance to admire from the top of the Acropolis the Theater of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The theater of Dionysus Eleuthereus is a major theater in Athens, considered to be the world’s first theater, built at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis.  The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theater structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950.

• Duration: 60 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Not Included

Stop At Mars hill.

As early as the time of Dionysus the Areopagite, there was a small Christian community in Athens that made its presence more felt from the 4th century onwards.  It seems that the followers of Christianity multiplied dynamically after the measures taken by Theodosius in 437 when he banned all ancient cults. The critical point in the religious history of Greece is Paul’s second missionary journey.

His glorious and victorious journey is the journey that introduces the Word of God to Europe and is the founding of the first churches on European soil. Paul converts a pagan but faithful country into the first Christian country in Europe. Paul found Greece as the fruitful soil where the seeds of Christianity were planted and they are existing until nowadays. The presence of Paul is still alive in the biblical places of Greece.

Athens

Athens is one of the places where Paul was honored and blessed with his labor and his preaching. Apostle Paul’s visit to the historic and adorned city of Athens, cities of the great poets and philosophers like Socrates, Solon, Themistocles and so many more, and the birthplace of the Principle of Reasonableness, marks one of the most challenging parts of his career as a missionary. Paul arrived alone to teach the true Word of the Lord, while Silas and Timothy remained in Macedonia. Though modern visitors are impressed with the great buildings of the Acropolis and Olympian Zeus, the Agora, and the impressive Stoas, Saint Paul was stirred by the idolatry of the city.

• Duration: 10 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Not Included

Pass By: After the Acropolis, we will head towards the Melina’s Mercury statue, the famous Herodou Attikou street that leads you to the Acropolis museum and the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrians Arch or else the Athens Gate, The Zappeion Megaron is a part of the national heritage of Greek civilization and it is a donation from Zappas to the state!

• Duration: 15 Minutes

Stop At Panathenaic Stadium

We will stop for pictures at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. The Panathenaic (Kalimarmaro) Stadium is one of the main historic attractions of Athens and the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. A stadium was built on the site of a simple racecourse by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos (Lycurgus) c. 330 BC, primarily for the Panathenaic Games.

The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic games in 1896. It was used once again as an Olympic venue in 2004. Today is the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon and it is the last venue in Greece from where the Olympic flame handover ceremony to the host nation takes place. Take some pictures and we’ll continue to our next stop.

• Duration: 10 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Not Included

Pass By: The statue of Truman (the USA president), the Runner statue made all of it glass, the Megaron the music hall and conversion center of Athens, tour through Kolonaki the high end of Athens center.

• Duration: 15 Minutes

Stop At Mount Lycabettus…

… also known as Lycabettus, Lykabettos, or Lykavittos, is a Cretaceous limestone hill in Athens, Greece at 277 meters (909 feet) above sea level, a bit less than twice as high as the Acropolis. . Pine trees cover its base, and at its two peaks are the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, a cafeteria, and a restaurant. The tallest of Athens’ seven hills rises abruptly out of the middle of the city and like the Acropolis, which it towers above, it is visible from almost everywhere. There is no way you can miss Mount Lycabettus.

It almost begs to be climbed and sooner or later, if you have a spare afternoon in Athens and you are even moderately fit, you are going to be tempted to have a go. The main reason people climb Lycabettus is to enjoy the astonishing 360° views from Athens’ highest and most central point.

• Duration: 15 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Free

Pass By: After Lycabettus will drive again through Kolonaki and the historical site of the city passing by the war museum, the Byzantine museum, the museum of ancient archaeological Cyclades civilization, the national garden (ex-royal garden), the Plateia Syntagmatos Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843.

• Duration: 20 Minutes

Stop At Hellenic Parliament

The Hellenic Parliament, in Greek known as Voulí ton Ellínon, is the parliament of Greece, located in the Old Royal Palace, overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens. The Parliament is the supreme democratic institution that represents the citizens through an elected body of Members of Parliament. See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Watch the changing of the guard (Euzones) in front of the ex-royal palace, today the Parliament House of Greece, above the central square of Athens.

• Duration: 10 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Free

Pass By: Numismatic Museum of Athens, Attica shopping mall, the Catholic cathedral of Athens, The Academy of Athens. The Building constitutes one of three parts in an “architectural trilogy”. It was founded with the Constitutional Decree of March 18th, 1926, as an Academy of Sciences, Humanities, and Fine Arts, The Kapodistrian University of Athens,  The National Library of Greece was built at the end of the nineteenth century, as the last of the Architectural of Athens, a group of three neoclassical buildings which also includes the Academy and the University.

The building was designed by Theophil Hansen, Council of State, Kolokotronis statue (Theodoros Kolokotronis; The ultimate Symbol of the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans!), The National Historical Museum (the old parliament house of Athens), the constitutions square, Ermou str. ( the Athens central shopping street), and Plaka the old part of Athens with its picturesque neighborhoods and pedestrian streets full of cafes, restaurants, and all kinds of shops! Driving down Metropoleos street admire the central church of Athens (The Metropolis), Monastiraki (the fleet market), and Theseion.

• Duration: 20 Minutes

Stop At Ancient Agora

Ancient Agora (marketplace) was founded in the 6th century BC. Visit its wonderful Temple of Hephaestus (the best-preserved temple in Greece), the Byzantine church of holy Apostles, Museum of the Ancient Agora (Stoa of Attalos)  while you will have an excellent chance for a short walk through the beautiful neighborhood of Thiseio. The Agora was the heart of the Ancient Greek city and the center of social, spiritual, and economic life.

The Agora is where government and justice were laid out as well as a religious center – the point to which all roads led. Here, Apostle Paul preached Christianity for the first time to Greeks in 51 A.D. The ancient It was the center for civic activities including philosophy, religion, arts, and athletics. St. Paul preached here and Socrates addressed his public here as democracy was born. Socrates was later indicted and executed in the state prison here in 399 BC.

• Duration: 30 Minutes
• Admission Ticket: Not Included

Pass By: We will now drive through Athens and its surroundings passing by the towns of Megara (King Bizas where the Byzantium city took its name from), Efisna (Elsfsinia mysteries), and several resort towns like Ag. Theodoroi, Kineta…, till we reach the famous Corinth Canal!

• Duration: 90 Minutes

Stop At Corinth Canal

Corinth Canal Argolis is one of the most interesting Greek provinces, travel with us through time for this amazing one-day visit to ancient Corinth. The tour opens with a seaside drive passing coastal villages and the island of Salamis (the set of the historical naval battle between the Athenians and Persians). Our first pause is the Corinth Canal. Finally opened in 1894, separating the Peloponnese Peninsula from the rest of Greece while connecting the Saronic Gulf (Aegean Sea) to the Corinthian Sea (Ionian Sea).

You’ll have time to stretch your legs, walk across a pedestrian bridge and admire the canal closer (if you’re game) on some days bungee jumping is an option. THE BEMA OF SAINT PAUL

• Duration: 15 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Free

Pass By: We’ll travel now through orange tree fields, and olive tree fields to reach ancient Corinth.

• Duration: 15 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Free

Stop For Lunch

A traditional Greek restaurant for a light lunch to try authentic homemade Greek food. (Not included)

• Duration: 30 Minutes

Visit the ancient town of Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. Ancient Corinth is 76 Km/48 miles west of Athens on a narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece. Ancient Corinth was an important city in ancient Greece, with a major role in the missionary work of the Apostle Paul. Ancient Corinth was first inhabited in the Neolithic period (5000-3000 BC), and flourished as a major Greek city from the 8th century BC until its destruction by the Romans in 146 BC. Nowadays, Corinth is the second-largest city in the Peloponnese, with high tourist interest for its multiple break-taking sights.

Stop At Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos);

You will have free time for lunch (not included). Ancient Corinth, located at the foot of the Corinth Acropolis hill Acrocorinth with its Venetian Castle, the oldest and largest castle in southern Greece, includes the Roman Agora of Corinth, the temple of God Apollo, and the small museum of the ancient Corinth Agora. Apart from its archaeological and historical interest, the site is also one of the most popular religious destinations in Greece. In this world-famous place, Apostle Paul preached Christianity, was judged by the tribunal in the Agora, and established the best-organized Christian church of that period.

• Duration: 60 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Not Included

Pass By:  Akrokorinthos the oldest and largest castle in southern Greece and we will follow the same way back to Athens where our Christian tour ends.

• Duration: 80 Minutes

• Transfer offerd; Travelers pickup/drop off is offered.
• Pick up from; We will pick you up from any hotel or apartment in Athens center and Piraeus cruise port at the cruise ship pier!
• Info needed When booking make sure to include the address of your accommodation, or the name of the cruise line and the cruise ship!
• Pick up time; We propose to pick you up at 8 am in order to avoid traffic and crowed at the Acropolis.
• Drop off; We will drop you off at the same place we have picked you up or at any hotel in Athens center or cruise ship pier!

What is Included

• Professional driver with good knowledge of history and culture in Greece
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle appropriate for the size of your group
• Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple day tours only)
• Flexible pick up time on request (proposed 08:00AM)
• Free Pick-up from and return to your hotel
• Free Pick-up & drop off from Piraeus cruise port
• Athens Airport transfers or pickup locations outside Athens: arranged on request with surcharge
• First class transport: By Mercedes E-Class or similar; Mercedes minivan or Mercedes minibus according to the size of your party. All new models come with full leather and A/C.
• Road tolls and local taxes
• Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.
• Official licensed tour guide for guiding in archeological sites. Available on request with surcharge
• The private tour is 100% exclusive for your party

What is Excluded

• Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
• Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
• Athens Airport transfer: arranged on request with a surcharge
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and beverage
• Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost.

Tour Type

• Private tour - Shore Excursion
• Activity level: Moderate
• Departures: Daily

Restrictions

• Due to the high complexity and uncertainty of contemporary transportation, as well as unexpected situations, the planned itinerary can change at any moment and our choices may be affected by any social, economic or environmental phenomena!

Guaranteed Departures

• Best Greece Tours is proud to be the first in the industry to offer Guaranteed Departures . A guaranteed departure means; There is no minimum number of bookings required on a trip to run and that the tour will definitely operate on the day it is scheduled and will not be cancelled. All guaranteed departures will run except in the event of a natural disaster or other similarly disruptive event that is beyond our control. Our current collection of tours can take you to exciting places in Athens and around the world.

How will we use the information you wll give us about you!

• Passenger Detail; We need basic contact details so we can send appropriate booking information to you as well as make sure the supplier can contact you should they need to.
• Flight Details; We will need to know your exact travel details so they can track flight time as well as make sure they get you to and from your destination with no delay.
• Accommodation Details; We need to know your pick-up and drop-off address to ensure the right price and that we know exactly where to meet you or take you.
• Payment Details; We will pass your payment details to our secure payment provider, but we do not see or store any of these details on our website payment details.

Importantant information!

• Dress: religious and memorial sites: shoulders and knee must be covered.
• Terms & Conditions, F.A.Q , Privacy policy & Cookies
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
• This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.
• Itinerary (break-down)Due to the high complexity and uncertainty of contemporary transportation, as well as unexpected situations, the planned itinerary can change at any moment and our choices may be affected by any social, economic or environmental phenomena!

Persons with Disabilities

• Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora.
• In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• For guests who are full-time wheelchair users a ramp vehicle will be needed. Guests may remain in their wheelchair or scooter for the duration of the excursion. Wheelchair or scooter dimensions are required in order to confirm the correct vehicle!
• Wheelchair or small scooter folding type only. (Please note that disabled passengers must be able to board the vehicle independently or with the assistance of those in their party.)

Opening hours & Admission fees

• Opening Hours: Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
• Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
• Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
• Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.

Free admission days

• March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
• June 5: Environment international day
• April 18 : International monuments day
• May 18: International museums day
• September 27: International tourism day
• The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
• National Holidays
• Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
• The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August and September
• NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day

Holidays in Greece

• January 1: closed
• January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
• March 25: closed
• Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
• Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Easter Sunday: closed
• Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• May 1: closed
• Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
• December 25 & 26: closed

• Sedans; Within 24 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 24 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• Minivan; Within 36 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 36 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• Minibus 10-20 seats; Within 96 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 96 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• For all vehicles; No show mean, no refund