Corinth Canal & Ancient Corinth Tour
The Corinth Canal & Ancient Corinth: A Timeless Journey Through History
Daily Private Tour | Approx. 5 Hours
Experience the ultimate Greece sightseeing tour, exploring iconic landmarks and hidden gems in total comfort.
Whether you arrive at your hotel, the airport, the port, or a cruise terminal, your personal guide will greet you and take you on an unforgettable journey through both ancient and modern Athens.
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Tour Overview
The Corinth Canal
Located just 80 kilometers from Athens, the Corinth Canal is a breathtaking engineering marvel that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Although envisioned by Alexander the Great and later by Julius Caesar, the canal was finally completed in 1893, revolutionizing maritime travel by eliminating the need for a 200-nautical-mile detour through often perilous waters.
Carved through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, the canal effectively separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, transforming the region into an island. Measuring 6.4 kilometers (4.0 miles) in length and only 21.4 meters (70 feet) wide at its base, it remains impassable for most modern ships but serves as a spectacular route for tourist cruises.
Ancient Corinth: A City of Power, Wealth and Influence
In antiquity, Corinth was one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in Greece, boasting a population of 90,000 in 400 BC and controlling key trade routes between the East and West. Following its destruction by the Romans in 146 BC, the city was revived in 44 BC by Julius Caesar, who established a Roman colony and made it the provincial capital of Greece.
Dedicated to the worship of Aphrodite (Venus), Corinth was famed for its legendary Vestal Virgins, attracting visitors from across the ancient world. At its peak, estimates suggest the population ranged from 100,000 to 700,000.
During the early Christian era, Corinth’s wealth and reputation for decadence drew St. Paul, inspiring him to preach in the city and write the Epistles to the Corinthians.
A Unique Experience: Cruising Through the Corinth Canal
A visit to the Corinth Canal offers an unforgettable opportunity to sail through this historic waterway. Excursion boats operate daily, allowing visitors to experience the canal’s towering limestone walls up close on a 1-hour and 15-minute journey an awe-inspiring blend of history, nature and engineering.
Whether you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations or simply looking for a scenic adventure, a trip to Corinth is a must for any traveler exploring Greece.
Return
At the end of your tour, your driver will comfortably transport you back to your hotel, the port, or the airport.
Experience Greece like never before, reserve your tour today!
Highlights
- Corinth Canal
- Ancient Corinth
- Temple of Apollo
- Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth
- Acrocorinth
- Corinth canal cruise upon request
- Lunch at a local traditional restaurant
What is Included
- Private transportation in a fully air-conditioned luxury Mercedes vehicle
- Meet & Assist (your driver will be holding a sign with your name)
- Hotel pickup and return
- Experienced professional drivers (Not licensed to guide you inside the sites)
Fluent English-speaking driver - Complimentary bottled water and juices for the children
- Free WiFi onboard
- All taxes & fees
What is not Included
- Complimentary child seat available upon request
- Entry tickets for Corinth canal cruise
- Entry tickets for the archaeological sites
- Licensed local tour guide upon request, subject to availability
- Airport transfer (Additional cost)
- Personal expenses (meals and beverages)
- Gratuities (optional)
Important Information
Things to Carry for a Comfortable Tour :
- Camera or Smartphone– Photography is allowed throughout the tour, except in certain museums where restrictions apply).
- Dress comfortably – Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes and a hat are recommended.
- Sun protection – Don’t forget your sunglasses & sunscreen, especially in summer. The site is exposed to the sun, so protection is recommended, especially during the summer months.
- Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is important
Tour Guide Details
This is a fully private tour, no other guests will join your group.
Your English-speaking driver will share valuable insights about each location throughout the journey.
However, according to Greek law, drivers are not licensed to guide inside archaeological sites.
For a more in-depth experience, a certified licensed guide can be arranged upon request (additional cost).
Ancient Corinth – Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Winter Season (November 1 – March 31)
Daily: 08:30 – 15:30
Closed: Tuesdays
Summer Season (April 1 – October 31)
– April 1 – April 30: 08:00 – 19:00
– May 2 – August 31: 08:00 – 20:00
– September 1 – 15: 08:00 – 19:30
– September 16 – 30: 08:00 – 19:00
– October 1 – 15: 08:00 – 18:30
– October 16 – 31: 08:00 – 18:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Note: Last admission is 20 minutes before closing time.
Closed Dates
– January 1
– March 25 – Greek Independence Day
– Orthodox Easter Sunday
– May 1 – Labour Day
– December 25 & 26 – Christmas Holidays
Ticket Prices
Full Admission: €8
Reduced Admission: €4
Tickets include access to both the archaeological site and the museum.
Eligibility for Reduced Admission
Reduced admission applies to:
– EU citizens over 65 years old (with ID)
– Non-EU university students (with valid student ID)
– Parents accompanying school educational visits
Free admission applies to:
– Teachers accompanying school groups
– Parents of families with three or more children
– Persons with disabilities
– Single-parent families
– EU university students (with valid student ID)
– Young people up to 18 years old
Free Admission Days
– March 6 – Melina Mercouri Day
– April 18 – International Monuments Day
– May 18 – International Museum Day
– Last weekend of September – European Heritage Days
– October 28 – National Anniversary
– Every first Sunday from November 1 to March 31
Winter Season (November 1 – March 31)
Daily: 08:30 – 15:30
Closed: Tuesdays
Summer Season (April 1 – October 31)
– April 1 – April 30: 08:00 – 19:00
– May 2 – August 31: 08:00 – 20:00
– September 1 – 15: 08:00 – 19:30
– September 16 – 30: 08:00 – 19:00
– October 1 – 15: 08:00 – 18:30
– October 16 – 31: 08:00 – 18:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Note: Last admission is 20 minutes before closing time.
Closed Dates
– January 1
– March 25 – Greek Independence Day
– Orthodox Easter Sunday
– May 1 – Labour Day
– December 25 & 26 – Christmas Holidays
Full Admission: €8
Reduced Admission: €4
Tickets include access to both the archaeological site and the museum.
Eligibility for Reduced Admission
Reduced admission applies to:
– EU citizens over 65 years old (with ID)
– Non-EU university students (with valid student ID)
– Parents accompanying school educational visits
Free admission applies to:
– Teachers accompanying school groups
– Parents of families with three or more children
– Persons with disabilities
– Single-parent families
– EU university students (with valid student ID)
– Young people up to 18 years old
Free Admission Days
– March 6 – Melina Mercouri Day
– April 18 – International Monuments Day
– May 18 – International Museum Day
– Last weekend of September – European Heritage Days
– October 28 – National Anniversary
– Every first Sunday from November 1 to March 31
