Religious Athens

In the Footsteps of St. Paul

9 hours
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Paul doesn’t say anything about Athens in his letters except that he was there (I Thess. 3:1), but Luke, the author of “Acts”, tells an interesting story of Paul’s activities there (Acts 17:16-34). According to Luke, while waiting for his companions, Paul explored the city. He no doubt visited the Acropolis, a religious shrine, for “he saw that the city was full of idols.” He visited the synagogue and discussed his message with “the devout.” And he walked in the Agora every day conversing with anyone who happened to be around. There, he attracted the attention of some Epicurean and Stoic Philosophy teachers, the leading philosophies of the day, who invited him to speak to them.

PrivateToursAthens is pleased to honor the legacy of St. Paul as we bring his story to life on our “In the Footsteps of St.Paul” tour.

Itinerary

Itinerary

01
The tour starts by visiting the “Areos Pagos”,at the foot of the Acropolis, where Paul delivered his famous sermon about the “Unknown God”. On the sacred rock of the Acropolis the monuments date from the prehistoric period to the end of antiquity. Sights include the Propylaea, the Temple of Apteros Niki, the Erectheum and the architectural triumph of the Parthenon (optional visit at the top of the Acropolis).
The “Areos Pagos” (literally,Mars-Hill) had served as the tribunal location in Athens already for a millennia by the time of Paul. At the time of Paul, it had ceased to have the same jurisdictional power it had in classical Greece (5-4th century), however, it still had the status of a place of trial. At the “Areos Pagos”, Paul was invited to present the Christian doctrines to the Athenians. (Optional visit to the Acropolis).
02
Continuing our tour to our next stop, the “Agora”, we’ll have the opportunity of a sightseeing in the centre of Athens to see (no visit) points of interest such as Constitution Square (Syntagma Square), the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier, the Greek Parliament, Hadrian’s Gate and the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium before arriving to the Acropolis hill.

The “Agora” (which means market) in ancient Athens functioned as more than a place where goods were bought and sold.  It served as a testing ground for new ideas a place where people could come and meet. This is most likely where Paul began his debate with the philosophers that is recorded in the Bible (in the book of Acts).

 

03
With our visit to the “Agora” we conclude the Athens part of our tour and we continue to visit Corinth. About an hour away via the coastal highway we reach the Corinth Canal (approx. 6 km long connecting the Aegean with the Ionian Sea) where we have a brief stop for photos.
04
Then we drive to Ancient Corinth where we visit the museum and the archaeological site where the “Bema” is.
The “Bema” was where the judge of the town presided or the orator of the town would speak or make a public announcement. The “Bema” in Corinth is located in the heart of the city as public speaking was very important. The Bible, in the Book of Acts, records that Paul was brought to the Bema under accusations of contrary teaching. The Roman governor Gallio dismissed the case as a Jewish quarrel.

 

05
We conclude our tour in Corinth with lunch in a traditional Greek taverna and we start our return trip to Athens via Kechries, the port of Corinth from where St. Paul sailed to Ephessus.

Alternative Tour Options:
There are so many other things to see in this area. Keep in mind that your driver is at your disposal, so if you would like to adjust the proposed itinerary at all, just let him know!

Gallery

Pricelist

UP TO 4 PEOPLE
Yellow Taxi Mercedes E Class Sedan
  • 4
    or 3 + guide
  • 2
  • 2
Colors yellow
€ 480
UP TO 6 PEOPLE
Mini Van Mercedes van VITO
  • 6
    or 5 + guide
  • 6
  • 6
Colors black/white
€ 550
UP TO 9 PEOPLE
Van Mercedes Sprinter 315
  • 9
    or 8 + guide
  • 8
  • 8
Colors black, white, blue, silver
€ 600
UP TO 12 PEOPLE
Van Mercedes Sprinter 315 (m12)
  • 12
    or 11 + guide
  • 10
  • 10
Colors black, white, blue, silver
€ 650
UP TO 18 PEOPLE
MINI BUS Mercedes Sprinter 518CDI
  • 18
    or 17 + guide
  • 13
  • 13
Colors Various
€ 700
LICENCED TOUR GUIDE
Total additional fee for local licensed tour guide
IMPORTANT
For this tour we also provide a licenced tour guide with no extra charge.
€ 0
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More Info

More Info

What Makes this Tour Unique?

This tour gives us the opportunity to visit and explore the places where St. Paul preached to the ancient Greeks in Athens and Corinth, in a day.

Special Instructions

  • Comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes are recommended. Sun glasses and sun screen are suggested.
  • Walking :Difficult.To climb up to the Acropolis, guests must be able to walk over paved, inclined paths, some with steps, then climb a series of steps to reach the propylea. The walking surfaces on top of the Acropolis are uneven. Disabled access at the Acropolis is provided by a wheelchair stair climber lift elevator.Please do keep in mind that this is an elevator strictly available to disabled visitors only. That includes:
    • visitors using a wheelchair or some other kinetic equipment,
    • visitors with some kind of physiopathological situation that affects their kinetic ability either permanently or temporarily and
    • visitors that have a certified rate of disability whether this is affecting their kinetic ability or not

Restrictions

In winter months, tour itinerary may be altered due to opening times at the sites and limited daylight.

Tips

  • It’s always a great idea to bring a bottle of water and sunscreen with you because in the warmer months it becomes quite hot and sunny.
  • A hat to protect your head and shade your face is also recommended when spending a significant amount of time in the sun.
  • The area around the Acropolis Hill and Syntagma Square (changing of the guards) can become quite crowded, especially during the peak travel months, so be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you.
  • Do not accept ‘gifts’ from street vendors approaching tourists. They may offer you roses, but if choose you accept, you will be expected to pay or give a tip for them.

Did you Know?

  • Today the high court of Greece is still called the “Areos Pagos”.
  • The life of St. Paul is a wonderful example of early evangelism, beginning from his humbling meeting with Our Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, which lead to his conversion as a prosecutor of Christians to one of its most devout followers, and ending in his martyrdom in Rome.
  • St. Paul’s story outlined in the book of Acts and his letters prominently featured in the New Testament are a testimony to the influence he still has today as his wisdom guides young and old alike in following the teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ.