Athens has seemingly everything to offer: Amazing restaurant scene, shopping, theatre, and, oh yeah, the Parthenon. But Athens is also the perfect jumping-off point for some incredible day trips as well. Including one that appeals to adventurous types, history lovers, Christians, and archaeology enthusiasts alike. You can drive yourself or schedule a guided tour (which is what I recommend), but however you plan to get there, this is what you need to know.

Corinth Canal

On your way to Ancient Corinth, you should definitely make a stop at the Corinth Canal. It’s an engineering marvel in itself, but it’s also fascinating to learn how ships passed through here before the canal was created. This is also a good place to take a rest stop for a bathroom break, as well as some food, a coffee, or some souvenirs. It’s only about 10-15 minutes from Ancient Corinth, but don’t be tempted to pass it by. (Also, you may recognize this location from The Amazing Race Seasons 9 and 29!

The Canal

People had attempted to create a canal on the Isthmus of Corinth since 602 B.C., but no one succeeded until 1893 A.D.! It took 11 years to complete it, but the same canal is still in use today. For thousands of years before the canal was finished, ship crewmen had two choices: Spend days or weeks sailing around the Peloponnese Peninsula, or literally lift and drag their boat 6 km across the land in a few hours. Yikes! Neither sounds like a winner to me, but most ships wanted to save the time, and so they used logs to drag their boats across land!

Bungee Jumping

Would you do it?! I have Bungee jumped once, and it’s not something I need to do again. But, for the thrill seekers in the group, this might just be the thing for you! The company you’ll go with is Zulu Bungy. Hours are limited in winter and spring (it was closed when we visited in January), so check their calendar for availability for your trip dates. Hours are 10:00am-4:00pm, and prices range from €100-€500, depending on the experience you choose and how many times you want to jump. Good luck!

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Archaeological Museum

I highly recommend visiting the Archaeological Museum and Ancient Corinth with a guide. There is so much interesting information here, but it’ll start to feel a little “samey” without a knowledgeable person to point out the significance. We asked a lot of questions, and we were grateful to know that there was someone with us who truly knew the answers and then some. One of the most interesting artifacts in the museum is actually a set of twin statues that were stolen before ultimately making their way to the museum!

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Ancient Corinth

Again, I highly recommend visiting the Archaeological Museum and Ancient Corinth with a guide. There is so much interesting information here, but very little in the way of signage, especially among the ruins! Corinth was once a bustling metropolis, and it was also the last city the Apostle Paul visited in Greece before sailing for Ephesus, in present-day Turkey. While you’re here, you’ll see Corinthian capitals on their columns (of course), as well as the Temple of Apollos, Corinth’s Ancient Agora, and the court where Paul was tried when he was living in Corinth. My favorite, though? The site of Priscilla and Aquila’s home and tent-making shop where Paul lived and worked with them during his time there.

Read on: What to Know Before You Visit Greece

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