Ancient Corinth, Temple of Hera, Blue Lake full day private tour from Athens

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Corinth Canal

   The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. The canal was dug through the isthmus at sea level and has no locks. It is 6.4 kilometres (4 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base, making it impassable for many modern ships. From high up, you can enjoy the best view of Corinth's isthmus and admire the steep limestone walls while you observe the vessels below you navigate their way through the canal.

   30 minutes here

2. Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)

   Corinth was a city-state on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece, roughly halfway between Athens and Sparta. The modern city of Corinth is located approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) northeast of the ancient ruins. For Christians, Corinth is well known from the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament, First and Second Corinthians. Corinth is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as part of Paul the Apostle's missionary travels. In addition, the second book of Pausanias' Description of Greece is devoted to Corinth. Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BC, built a new city in its place in 44 BC, and later made it the provincial capital of Greece.

   90 minutes here · Admission not included

3. Archaeological Museum of Corinth

   The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth was constructed between 1931-1932, with intentions to display the numerous recent archaeological excavations. The museum is located within the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, Greece, and lies under the jurisdiction of the 37th Ephoreia of the Greek Archaeological Service. Key aspects of the Archaeological site of Ancient Corinth include: • Hadgimoustafa spring • Lechaion Road • Basilica • Fountain of Peirene • Stoa • Agora • Odien • Other temples • Theatre

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

4. Temple of Apollo

   The Temple of Apollo at Corinth was constructed in 550 BC.

   15 minutes here

5. Acrocorinth

   Acrocorinth, "Upper Corinth", the acropolis of ancient Corinth, is a monolithic rock overseeing the ancient city of Corinth, Greece. With its secure water supply, Acrocorinth's fortress was repeatedly used as a last line of defense in southern Greece because it commanded the Isthmus of Corinth, repelling foes from entry by land into the Peloponnese peninsula.

   60 minutes here

6. Limni Vouliagmeni

   Lake Vouliagmeni is a lagoon located 16 kilometers northwest of Loutraki, very close to the area of ​​the archaeological site of Heraion and the settlement of Perachora. It has a maximum length of 2 km and a maximum width of about 1 km. Its depth does not exceed 40 meters. It has a sandy beach in contrast to the beach of Loutraki. It communicates with the waters of the Corinthian Gulf through a very narrow canal whose width does not exceed 6 meters. In ancient times it was called Eschatiotis but also Gorgopis, a name it took from Gorgi, daughter of Megareas who drowned in the lake. Traces of human settlement of the Early Helladic period have been found in the area near the narrow channel of the lake, a sign that the area has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC.

   30 minutes here

7. Heraion (Sanctuary of Hera) in Perachora

   The Heraion of Perachora is a sanctuary of the goddess Hera situated in a small cove of the Corinthian gulf at the end of the Perachora peninsula. In addition to a temple of Hera of unusual construction and antiquity, the remains of a number of other structures have also been found, including an L-shaped stoa, a large cistern, dining rooms, and a second potential temple. Although there is debate between Argos, Megara and Corinth, the sanctuary was probably under the control of Corinth, as it faced the harbors of that powerful city across the Corinthian gulf. Cult activity at the site continued from perhaps the 9th century BCE to 146 BCE, when the Roman general Mummius sacked Corinth during the war with the Achaean League. In the Roman period, domestic structures were built on the site, indicating that the area was no longer a sanctuary. This site is significant for the study of the origins of Greek temple architecture and rural cults.

   60 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 14 travelers per booking

Operated by

My Athens Transfers

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Our drivers are not official tour guides, but they are knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. Although they will not enter the archaeological sites with you, they can answer all of your questions about the places you visit with this tour.
• Third party activities and especially extreme sports are not allowed during the tour. This can be a cause for immediate cancellation of the tour.

Photos

Traveler reviews

5 verified traveler reviews for Ancient Corinth, Temple of Hera, Blue Lake full day private tour from Athens. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.