About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I've spent a decade watching tour operators chase occupancy rates while sacrificing the actual soul of the travel experience. Most day trips out of Athens are just "bus-and-blur" marathons where you're treated like a lead in a CRM rather than a traveler. But here is the thing: Corinth is different. It’s one of the few spots where the layers of history—Greek, Roman, and early Christian—actually make sense if you have the right tools. I’m usually skeptical of tech gimmicks in the field, but the VR integration here actually solves the "pile of stones" problem that plagues so many ancient sites. It's a refreshing change from the usual corporate-style tours that just want to hit the RevPAR targets for their bus fleets without giving you a moment to breath.
About the Tour
If you are looking to escape the Athens bubble, this day trip offers a high-impact look at one of the ancient world's most vital hubs. Your journey starts with a smooth pickup from central Athens in a climate-controlled minibus—essential, because let’s face it, the Greek sun is relentless even in the shoulder season.
The Engineering Marvel: Corinth Canal
Before hitting the ruins, you’ll stop at the Corinth Canal. It’s a dizzying sight: a 6-kilometer narrow cut through solid rock with vertical walls towering 90 meters above the turquoise water. It’s a project that was literally millennia in the making, started by Nero and finally finished by the French in the 1800s. You’ll have 45 minutes here to grab a coffee, use the facilities, and realize that photos truly do not do the scale of this thing justice.
Exploring Ancient Corinth with VR
The main event is the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth. Once the wealthiest city in Greece, it was famously leveled by the Romans and then rebuilt with all the imperial grandeur you'd expect—theaters, forums, and temples. Only the Temple of Apollo survived the initial Roman destruction, standing as a stoic reminder of the city's Greek roots.
What makes this tour stand out is the VR and audio guide. Instead of squinting at a map trying to imagine where a temple used to be, you can see the reconstructions overlayed on the modern ruins. You’ll have three hours of free time to:
- Walk the same paths as St. Paul and the traveler Pausanias.
- Hear the mythic tales of Jason and the Argonauts.
- Explore the Roman Forum and imperial monuments at your own pace.
The Return Journey
After you've had your fill of history, there is a scheduled stop for lunch (not included, so you can choose what you actually want to eat) and a quick photo op at the ancient port of Kechries. This was the eastern gateway for Corinth, and it's a peaceful spot to reflect on the day before the transfer back to the city. It’s a well-paced itinerary that avoids the "herding cattle" feel of larger group tours
Highlights
- Marvel at the colossal engineering work that went into carving the Corinth Canal
- Be transported into the past through the included VR app and audio guide
- Stroll through ruins of Ancient Corinth and contemplate figures like St. Paul
- Capture pictures of the ancient port of Kechries to share on social media
- Enjoy the convenience of minibus transfers from central meeting points in Athens
Know before you go
- This activity takes place rain or shine.
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
4 pickup location options:
Hellenic Parliament, ATM Alpha Bank, Pl. Omonias 2, Melina Mercouri Monument
Bus/coach
(1 hour)
Corinth Canal
Break time, Photo stop, Visit (45 minutes)
Bus/coach
(30 minutes)
Ancient Corinth
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing (3 hours)
Bus/coach
(30 minutes)
Kechries
Photo stop, Visit (15 minutes)
Bus/coach
(1 hour)
4 drop-off locations:
Melina Mercouri Monument, Pl. Omonias 2, ATM Alpha Bank, Hellenic Parliament