Overview
Explore in a day private Christian tour to Corinthia… A close, economic, rich archaeological interest and a seaside destination with some well-kept secrets! It’s worth discovering!
√ Ancient Corinth, rich in history and the chosen city of apostle Paul!
√ Loutraki, the famous seaside destination! Saint Patapios monastery. The miraculous patron of Loutraki, Corinthia!
√ Heraion lake. The… other Vouliagmeni lake, turquoise, warm & white sand! Enjoy a visit to the unknown lake of Vouliagmeni, which is … not in Vouliagmeni Attica but in Perachora Loutraki.
Highlights of Corinth, Osios Potapios monastery and Vouliagmeni lake
- The famous Corinth canal
- Visit the house of Akila and Priscila
- The monastery of Agios Patapios
- The undiscovered Heraion lake
- The agora in ancient Corinth
Description
Corinth was in control of the ancient world of the Isthmus, visit. Too many cities in the wider ancient Greek world were colonies, and this in itself demonstrates the wealth and influence is exerted. It was destroyed by the Romans for example in 146 BC, after the unfortunate battle for the Greeks at the Isthmus of Corinth. Visit the agora where ruins of Ancient Corinth still stand as witnesses of its greatness. Visitors can admire, among other things, the imposing columns of the 6th century BC Apollo Temple, the ancient market (Agora) with the “Step of the Apostle Paul” Conservatory, renovated by Herod Atticus, and other public buildings of great archaeological interest.
There is also one of the most important archaeological museums in Greece, the Corinth Archaeological Museum. Visitors can admire the archaic Sphinx of the 6th BC in its four rooms and its two galleries which were in excellent condition, findings from the Sanctuary of Asclepius, traces of the presence of an Israeli community in Roman times (a community visited and later addressed by a letter from the Apostle Paul).
After our visit to ancient Corinth, you’ll head on to Loutraki, the beautiful resort of Corinth. The route to Osios Potapios monastery starts after the waterfalls and the Thermal Baths in Loutraki heading to the Mediterranean village of Perachora (10km). The road goes up the Gerania Mountains with the scattered monasteries on the overgrown slopes. Each turn opens up more and more views of the Corinthian Gulf and the opposite mountains of Moria. Even the Corinthian Isthmus can be seen in the far east. To the west, Cape Melagavi can be seen illuminating its lighthouse at night. That’s where we go! The route stands out, for the color fair that even Van Gogh would envy!
Saint Patapios: The miraculous patron of Loutraki, Corinth
The Monastery of Saint in the Geranias Mountains, where its scene is preserved, is a living monument of Orthodoxy
In the Gerania Mountains, above the Loutraki, opposite the city of Corinth, is built the Holy Monastery of St. Patapios, where its miraculous scene is kept. They are one of these convents that receive hundreds of pilgrims from all over the country daily. It is a living monument of Orthodoxy, which is cared for by dozens of nuns. Although an important monastery, it was built only in 1952, following an ancient hermitage, dating back to the 13th century.
The miracles of the saint. Saint Patapios, according to the testimonies of the faithful, is one of the most miraculous saints in our Church. The nuns claim that his miracles are hundreds, many of which have lived on their own. One tells the elder Patapia and the Senate: “We are often required to go to Loutraki for supplies of the monastery and many other services. The monastery was difficult to reach at that time. The trail passed through cliffs and forests. We tried, of course, not to overnight, so as not to be disoriented, but sometimes this was impossible. We then saw that the Saint was protecting us. Turn on our light and lead us to our destination. ” Read more …
The magic lake of Heraion (Vouliagmeni lake)
This small blue lake is only a few meters from the sea and communicates with it by a narrow channel. Its depth does not exceed 40 meters, its length is 2 kilometers, and its width one kilometer. Its beach is sandy and with a narrow channel, its waters communicate with those of the Corinthian Gulf. From this opening, which does not exceed 6 meters, the sea descends into the lake forming whirlpools.
Its waters are much saltier than the high seas (renewed by the tide and tide every six hours) are shallow at first and later deepen sharply. They are considered particularly warm and allow swimming until late in the autumn. The most beautiful beach is on the west coast and is paved with fine white sand. At the lake, you will find some traditional fish and meat taverns where you can enjoy lunch.
Details
Important notes
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion - Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Car and Driver
- A professional English-speaking driver or escort with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have a licensed state tour guide to escort you inside the sites and museums, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Pick-up from and return to your hotel
- Pick-up from the Port of Piraeus
- Private tour, Road tolls and local taxes
- Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.
Excluded from the tour
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
- Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (olive oil tasting tours)
- 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. Read more for the difference between a STATE LICENSED TOUR GUIDE and a TOUR DRIVER GUIDE in Greece!
Additional info
- Dress: religious and marmoreal sites: shoulders and knee must be covered
- Terms & Conditions and Frequent Questions
- Confirmation will be received at the 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 the tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.
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.
Restrictions:
- Please note that on this tour, your tour driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb. If you want this service you may book a licensed by-state tour guide for an extra cost.
- In case a group is followed by a licensed tour guide or an English speaking tour-escort the professional driver is not obliged to speak English!
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
