Athens Highlights & Temple of Poseidon Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon
- Discover the Temple of Zeus ruins
- Stroll through the ancient Agora marketplace
- Enjoy panoramic views from Cape Sounion
- Witness the stunning Temple of Poseidon at sunset
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private guided tour of Athens' ancient sites
- Visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Athens
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Sightseeing in Athens starts with the hill of Acropolis which will make your day. On the historical hill, you will have the opportunity to see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of the Athena Nike, the monumental gateway (Propylaea), the Erechtheum and of course the famous Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena.
Pass by: The Propylaea is the monumental entrances to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Built by the architect Mnesicles with Pentelic marble, their design was avant-garde. To the south-west of the Propylaea, on a rampart protecting the main entrance to the Acropolis, is the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike.
Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena. The eternal symbol of the Athenian Democracy and the Western Civilization.
Pass by: Temple of Poseidon and Athena, the strangest and most sacred place in ancient Athens.
Pass by: Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike or Wingless Victory.
Pass by: The Theatre of Dionysus Elefthereus is a major theatre in Athens, considered to be the world's first theatre, built at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis.
Pass by: The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theater structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950.
Pass by: After the Acropolis, we will head towards the Temple of Zeus, the biggest temple in antiquity, devoted to the King of the Gods, by way of Hadrian's Arch.
We will visit Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
Then moving into the historical center of the city we will drive up the highest hill of Athens, Lycabettus Hill, where you’ll have the best panoramic view of the city, from the hill of Acropolis to the Aegean Sea.
The Hellenic Parliament, in Greek known as Voulí ton Ellínon is the parliament of Greece, located in the Old Royal Palace, overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens. The Parliament is the supreme democratic institution that represents the citizens through an elected body of Members of Parliament.
We will see the changing of the guard (Euzones) in front of the old palace, which is today Parliament House, above the central square of Athens.
Pass by: Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843.
Pass by: The Academy Building constitutes one of three parts in an “architectural trilogy”. It was founded with the Constitutional Decree of March 18th, 1926, as an Academy of Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts.
Pass by: The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is the largest state institution of higher learning in Greece, and among the largest universities in Europe. The splendid Athens University was designed by the Danish architect Christian Hansen and completed in 1864.
Pass by: The National Library of Greece was built at the end of the 19th century, as the last of the Architectural Trilogy of Athens, a group of three neoclassical buildings which also includes the Academy and the University. The building was designed by Theophil Hansen.
Pass by: Glyfada is a suburb in South Athens where the summer nightlife and famous beaches lie.
Pass by: Drive by Voula beach.
Pass by: Vouliagmeni is famous for the sandy beaches the luxurious hotels and, of course, for its natural lake, protected by Natura 2000.
Pass by: Drive by Varkiza.
We will see the temple of Poseidon dominating above the Aegean sea and remains of the temple Athena Souniada. Apart from the unique location and the archaeological interest, Cape Sounio is also known for its breathtaking sunset and view of the Greek Islands. It is considered as one of the most romantic places in Greece. The place Lord Byron wrote about and treasured.
Pass by: We will drive back to Athens.
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; the itinerary can be customized to your preferences.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; please provide your accommodation details upon booking.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and attire suitable for the weather.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Be prepared for some walking on uneven terrain at archaeological sites.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- The drivers are not licensed to accompany you on the Acropolis or inside any other site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
- The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Traveler reviews
Fun, energetic, relatable, informative!
We went with 2 children and 2 adults. It was a wonderful experience. Panos was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. On the ride to each site, he explained about the culture and mythology. The kids were engaged and we all enjoyed the tour. A+++
Amazing tour, fantastic guide, and a great historic city!
We, a family of three including a teenager, spent a couple nights in Athens after visiting the islands. We only had one full day to see the city and the nearby sights so we booked this particular tour and boy! did we make the perfect decision. Dimitris, our private guide and driver, was an absolute professional. He was very warm and welcoming. He picked us on time, took us to all the must-see places covered in the itinerary and amazingly, he is a human encyclopedia on Greek history and mythology. He explained the minute historical details of all the places along the way and we really enjoyed the ride and his company. The admission fee to the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon was covered in the tour. It was pouring heavily on the day but Dimitris didn't let that dampen our spirits and he kept us engaged throughout the trip and provided valuable tidbits about Greek mythology. He offered us water, stopped for coffees, took photos, explained the history, he just catered to all our needs selflessly. I'd highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Athens and if you're lucky, Dimitris will be a fantastic guide.
Fun, Information, Walking, and Amazing.
Stefanos was amazing. We had a wonderful day. We loved the tour and Stefanos brought so much culture an information to every activity. We did a morning and afternoon tour to the Acropolis and Parthenon and Poseidon's Temple with the most amazing sunset in the evening. I highly recommend this tour. There was a wildfire when we were here and the communication was amazing as well as the service. Just wear your walking shoes!!
Great company to work with!
Stefanos was prompt, met us at the port in his nice clean car & took us to all the major highlights including the changing of the guard at the Presidential palace & drove all the way to the Posiedon temple. We ate at a wonderful seaside restaurant & ate a traditional Greek lunch. Wonderful! Stefanos was full of energy & knew all the history of the area. I would strongly recommend this trip! The only thing I might do differently next time is when you enter the Acropolis you can hire a guide to give you the details as you go. Stefanos was not able to go in with us. He gives you a little over an hour to do it on your own & tells you about everything beforehand but it was still overwhelming & I think it would have been nice to have someone walking it with us & pointing out details.
Amazing
What a great way to see the islands! It was so comfortable and the crew was great!! It was a fun experience and much needed relaxing on the boat in between. Definitely would recommend it! Thanks to all the crew and helping us make memories!!!