Ancient Corinth marble ruins and carved column drums on private Athens tour to Mycenae and Isthmus Canal
Temple of Hera columns at Corinth, Greece, stop on private Athens day tour to Blue Lagoon, Mycenae and canal
Byzantine-style icon painting in Corinth museum visit on private Athens tour to Hera Sanctuary, Mycenae and canal
Temple of Hera ruins at Perachora near the Blue Lagoon, scenic stop on private day tour from Athens
Ancient Corinth archaeological site with stone arches and columns, private tour stop from Athens to Peloponnese
Mycenaean boar’s tusk helmet museum exhibit, highlight of private Mycenae tour from Athens day trip
Ancient Corinth Temple of Apollo columns on a private day tour from Athens to Corinth and Isthmus Canal
Lion Gate entrance at Mycenae citadel, key stop on private Athens tour to Mycenae, Corinth and Heraion
Gold funerary mask from Mycenae museum exhibit, featured on private Athens tour to Mycenae and Corinth
Blue Lagoon Greece cove and ancient Sanctuary of Hera ruins on a private day tour from Athens
Listing ID : 41323

Activity

Duration9 Hours
Group SizePrivate Tour
Starts AtAthens, Greece
LanguagesGreek, English
Private Day Tour from Athens

Private Tour of Blue Lake, Sanctuary of Hera, Mycenae, Corinth & Isthmus Canal from Athens

Ancient citadels, Bronze Age kingdoms, sacred sanctuaries, and a swim under the Hellenic sun — all in one remarkable day.


This private tour from Athens to Mycenae, Corinth, and the Sanctuary of Hera brings together some of the most historically layered and visually striking destinations in the northeastern Peloponnese, combining archaeology, medieval fortifications, and a refreshing coastal finale at the Blue Lake of Perachora.

The journey opens at the Isthmus Canal, a 19th-century engineering achievement that sliced through solid rock to connect the Aegean and Ionian seas. From there, the day moves through Mycenae, one of the most powerful citadels of the Bronze Age, before descending into ancient and medieval Corinth, where Greek, Roman, and Ottoman layers overlap in a single archaeological landscape.

The afternoon brings a quieter, more intimate discovery: the Sanctuary of Hera at Perachora, where ancient temple ruins meet a sheltered cove known locally as the Blue Lake. The water is clear enough for swimming and, for the more adventurous, cliff-jumping from the surrounding rocks. The Malagavi Lighthouse, built in 1897 and still operational, marks the headland above.

Tour Highlights

Swim at the Blue Lake inside the ancient Sanctuary of Hera, a sheltered cove with clear deep water surrounded by ruins.

Walk through the Lion Gate and explore the Treasury of Atreus at Mycenae, the mythical kingdom of Agamemnon.

Climb Acrocorinth, a monolithic fortified rock with gates, towers, and sweeping views over the Corinthian Gulf.

Visit the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth, one of the earliest Doric temples on the Greek mainland, dating to around 560 BCE.

Stand at the edge of the Isthmus Canal and witness the narrow channel that transformed Mediterranean trade routes in the 19th century.

Discover the Malagavi Lighthouse, a historic stone lighthouse built in 1897 that continues to guide vessels along the Corinthian coastline.

Enjoy a village-style lunch on a terrace overlooking the ancient site of Corinth and browse handmade souvenirs in the local shops.

Itinerary Overview

1
Isthmus Canal & Ancient Diolkos

The day begins at the Corinth Canal, completed in 1893 and carved through nearly 4 kilometres of solid rock to a depth of over 8 metres. Nearby, the Ancient Diolkos — a paved stone trackway used in antiquity to haul boats overland across the isthmus — offers a glimpse of how Greek engineers solved the same problem over two thousand years earlier.

2
Mycenae

Mycenae was the dominant power of the late Bronze Age, its wealth immortalised in Homer's epics. The visit covers the Lion Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, Grave Circles A and B, the Royal Palace, the Treasury of Atreus, and the Tomb of Clytemnestra. The on-site Archaeological Museum houses gold burial masks, jewellery, weapons, and painted frescoes recovered from the citadel and its surrounding tombs.

3
Acrocorinth & Ancient Corinth

Acrocorinth rises steeply above the plain, its three circuit walls and inner keep still largely intact. The descent leads into Ancient Corinth, where the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, the Bema from which Saint Paul addressed the Corinthians, and the Lechaion Road are all within walking distance. Lunch is served at a local taverna with a terrace view of the archaeological site.

4
Sanctuary of Hera, Blue Lake & Malagavi Lighthouse

The final stop is the Heraion of Perachora, a remote sanctuary dedicated to Hera on a rocky peninsula above the Corinthian Gulf. The ruins of the temple and Saint John's small church sit beside the Blue Lake cove, where guests can swim in calm, clear water. The Malagavi Lighthouse stands at the tip of the headland, offering panoramic views back across the gulf toward Corinth.

What Is Included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional licensed guide throughout
  • All transfers from and back to Athens
  • Visit to Mycenae archaeological site
  • Visit to Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth
  • Visit to Isthmus Canal and Ancient Diolkos
  • Visit to Sanctuary of Hera and Blue Lake
  • Swimming stop at the Blue Lake cove

Not Included

  • Archaeological site entrance fees
  • Lunch and beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities (discretionary)

Important Information

This is a private tour. All stops, timing, and pace can be adjusted to suit your group. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring swimwear if you plan to swim at the Blue Lake.
Duration
Approximately 9 hours, including all site visits, travel, and a lunch break.
Meeting Point
Pickup is arranged from your hotel or a central location in Athens. Confirmation details are provided after booking.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water. A light layer is recommended for early morning travel.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform for the applicable cancellation and refund policy for this tour.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy, but several archaeological sites involve uneven stone surfaces and inclines. Acrocorinth requires a moderate uphill walk. The Blue Lake cove is accessed via a short rocky path.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Cliff-jumping at the Blue Lake is optional and at participants' own discretion.

Reserve Your Private Tour

Secure your spot on this private full-day journey through ancient Greece, medieval fortresses, and one of the most scenic swimming spots in the Peloponnese.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Corinth Canal the same as the Isthmus Canal?
Yes, the Corinth Canal and the Isthmus Canal refer to the same waterway. It was completed in 1893 and cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth to connect the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf.
Can I actually swim at the Blue Lake near the Sanctuary of Hera?
Yes, the Blue Lake at Perachora is a natural cove beside the ancient Heraion where swimming is possible. The water is clear and deep, and the surrounding rocks are also used for cliff-jumping by those who choose to do so.
How much walking is involved in the tour?
Each site involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven terrain. Acrocorinth requires an uphill walk to reach the upper fortress. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are strongly recommended.
Are entrance fees to the archaeological sites included?
Entrance fees to the sites are not included in the tour price and are payable separately at each location.
What is the significance of the Bema in Ancient Corinth?
The Bema is a raised stone platform in the Agora of Ancient Corinth from which public addresses were made. According to historical accounts, the Apostle Paul appeared before the Roman proconsul Gallio here in approximately 52 AD.
Is the Malagavi Lighthouse open to visitors?
The Malagavi Lighthouse is one of the oldest stone lighthouses in Greece, built in 1897 and still in active operation. Visitors can view it from the exterior during the stop at the Perachora peninsula.
Private Tour AthensMycenae Day TripAncient CorinthAcrocorinthIsthmus CanalBlue Lake PerachoraSanctuary of HeraPeloponnese TourBronze Age GreeceGreek ArchaeologyAthens Day TripSwimming in Greece
Last updated: 2025-07-10 | Product ID: TX-ATH-MYC-COR-HERA-001

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

9 hours

Languages

Greek - Speaking Guide

English - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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