Athens & Temple of Poseidon Full-Day Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon
- Stroll through the ancient Agora
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Temple of Poseidon
- Witness a breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea
- Learn about Greek history and mythology from expert guides
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Athens' ancient sites
- Visit to the Temple of Poseidon at sunset
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Step back in time at the Acropolis, the ancient citadel of Athens. Marvel at the grandeur of the Parthenon, an immense temple dedicated to Athena, the city's patron goddess. Nearby, discover the graceful Erechtheion, known for its striking Porch of the Caryatids, sculpted maidens supporting the roof. Explore remnants of the agora, the heart of ancient Athens' civic life, where bustling markets and philosophical debates once thrived. From the Acropolis's elevated vantage point, soak in sweeping views of modern Athens, a juxtaposition of ancient wonders and contemporary life. Experience the enduring legacy of Greek civilization as you wander through this historic site, where each weathered stone tells a story of triumph and resilience
Pass by: Stop for a scenic photo opportunity at the Temple of Zeus, an ancient wonder in Athens. Admire the tall columns of this historic temple, showcasing the city's rich past and impressive architecture. Take photos of its grand structure against the backdrop of Athens' modern skyline, illuminated by the sun's warm glow. Let this iconic site whisk you away to ancient times, where myths and history come alive in the heart of Greece
Pause for a picturesque moment at the Panathenaic Stadium, a historic gem in Athens. Marvel at the grandeur of this ancient arena, where athletes once competed in the Olympic Games. Capture the beauty of its marble structure and lush surroundings as you listen to engaging commentary from your knowledgeable tour guide. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic stadium, which echoes with the cheers of ancient crowds and the spirit of athletic competition
Take a break to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Greek Parliament in Athens. Experience the solemnity and tradition as you observe the ceremonial procession. Snap photos of the guards in their distinctive uniforms and capture the moment as they perform their duties with precision. Listen to your tour guide as they provide insightful commentary, enriching your understanding of this important cultural event. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of patriotism and honor as you witness this timeless ritual in the heart of the Greek capital
Explore the lively Monastiraki flea market in Athens, where you'll find a mix of colors and smells. Walk around the busy streets filled with stalls selling all sorts of things, from old stuff to handmade crafts. Listen to the vendors and maybe haggle for a good price. Enjoy a casual stroll through this bustling market, taking in the sights and sounds of Greece. Let the fun of Monastiraki market fill your day as you discover its special treasures
Discover the charming Plaka old town in Athens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Wander through its narrow streets lined with quaint shops and traditional tavernas. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere as you soak up the sights and sounds of this historic neighborhood. Enjoy the picturesque architecture and vibrant colors that give Plaka its unique character. Take your time exploring hidden alleys and cozy squares, where every corner reveals a piece of Greek culture and history. Let the enchanting ambiance of Plaka transport you to another time as you wander through its timeless streets
During the break between the two segments, take some time to relax. Explore the streets of Athens and enjoy lunch at a location recommended by our tour guides
Stop for a pretty picture at Vouliagmeni Lake, a calm spot near Athens. See the beautiful scenery of this peaceful place, with its clear water and green trees. Take some photos of the lovely view. Relax by the lake for a bit, enjoying the fresh air and quiet surroundings
During this time, you can relax and take in the breathtaking views during the scenic drive along the renowned Athenian Riviera, passing numerous picturesque "blue flag" beaches. Our tour guides will provide commentary as we head towards the beach stop, enhancing your journey with insightful information
Take a break and enjoy a visit to the beach during your tour. Available from May to October, you can soak up the sun and feel the sand between your toes at this picturesque seaside spot. Whether you choose to swim in the refreshing waters or simply relax on the shore, the beach stop offers a perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the beauty of the Mediterranean coast. Treat yourself to a seaside meal or sip on a refreshing drink at the beach bar, making the most of your time in this idyllic setting
See the stunning sunset at the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounio. As the day ends, visit this ancient site and watch the sun go down over the sea. Stand among the old columns of the temple, dedicated to the god of the sea, and enjoy the peaceful view. Let the beauty of Cape Sounio and the sunset create lasting memories
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour's departure time and location upon booking.
- Be aware that the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces; consider your comfort level.
- Understand that the tour operates rain or shine; plan accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day's conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Please note that there will be a free time gap between the Athens tour and the Cape Sounio tour, varying based on the time of year (Cape Sounio winter departure around 03:00 PM, summer departure around 04:00 PM), break duration varies depending on the time of the year between 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Please note that the beach stop is available only between the months May to October
- This link will help you find the exact spot for meeting point: https://goo.gl/maps/dSZa9unD1QeZjQtX9
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the departure time. Our tour has strict time restrictions, and we must reach the Acropolis entrance at the booked admission time to avoid losing our time slot. The vans will depart promptly at the scheduled time
- The duration of the tour is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the period, time of day and traffic conditions
- The order of the program might slightly change due to availability of the Acropolis time slots, traffic or unexpected circumstances like demonstrations, closed streets etc
- Please always follow our crew's directions (tour guides/drivers/tour hosts-leaders). Avoid wandering away from the group or entering restricted areas that could pose a risk to your safety. Do not cross streets without instructions and avoid walking near other vehicles. Our crew cannot ensure your safety if you do not adhere to their guidelines
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, in case of excessive heat, please wear sunscreen, comfortable clothes, preferably white long sleeved, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Participants should not have health issues that may worsen by walking or be affected by heat and crowded environments
- Participants should be capable of walking comfortably and at a slow pace
- Prior to joining, avoid consuming heavy meals and ensure you are adequately hydrated
Traveler reviews
Great tour!
The tour is broken into two with a nice break during the heat of the day for rest if you want it. The tour guides and drivers were very friendly and knowledgeable, the transport was very comfortable and it is a great way to see a lot in a short time.
A Little Bit of Everything, in One Day
This was ABSOLUTELY worth it. For starters, this was two tours, in one day. The morning was in Athens, at the Acropolis, the parliament and city center. The afternoon/evening was other tour, outside of Athens. Having one FULL day in Athens (we left at 8:30am, had a break from 1:30pm-4:15pm, then 4:15pm-10pm for the second half), I am so happy we booked this tour. It truly packed everything in one very full day and we left having felt that we got a taste of everything the city (and beyond) had to offer. Just on a basic level, having a car that brings you straight to your destination is incredibly convenient (especially in the heat - and they had water bottles on board). The drivers were always parked right in front of the site entrances for easy-on/off access. On top of this, having the tickets already purchased for the Acropolis was very nice. Our guides were so kind and knowledgeable - George was our guide in the Acropolis and his knowledge was EXPANSIVE and very impressive. You could ask him just about anything and he knew the answer. Vivian was our guide for the Cape Suonio portion and she did a great job giving us a brief background of the Temple of Poseidon while also ensuring that it was less overwhelming than the knowledge-heavy Acropolis portion of the tour. The beach they brought us to before the Temple of Poseidon was standout - calm warm waters with a nice little beach bar. All in all, if you’re looking to hit all the best highlights of Athens in a short amount of time, I would highly suggest this tour. You’ll have a lovely time!
Athens Full Day with kids
We enjoyed this tour overall. Our tour guide, Julia, was fantastic—knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and friendly. The coach bus was very comfortable, making the full-day experience enjoyable. The highlights for us were the Acropolis, walking through the Agora Flea Market, and watching the sunset at Cape Sounion. One thing we wish had been communicated in advance was that the tour is split into two separate parts. The approximately 3.5-hour break in the middle felt longer than necessary. While it gave us free time, we would have preferred a more continuous itinerary or additional guided stops during that time. The tour provides only one bottle of water per person, so we recommend bringing extra water, especially during the warmer months. Some of the stops, such as the Panathenaic Stadium and the Academy–University buildings, were great for photos, but we wish we had been given a little more time to explore them since there was so much unstructured time in the middle of the day. We also would have appreciated having Julia stay with us during the Cape Sounion portion of the tour to provide more historical context and insight about the Temple of Poseidon before sunset. The swimming stop was a big hit with the kids, but overall, we'd describe this as more of a "highlights" tour than a comprehensive city tour. Despite a few areas for improvement, it was a worthwhile experience and a good way to see many of Athens' most iconic sights in one day.
Amazing day!
This was a perfect way to see so much of Athens. I loved that we could see the acropolis before it got too hot and then so many other things before the much needed lunch break. The afternoon and evening was lovely as well. We loved the beach stop and the sunset from the Temple of Poseidon was magical!
Really is the best
Knowledgeable and friendly guides. You really see the big items on this tour but in a smaller group. Vans were comfortable and cool. Don't skip, make sure you do the sunset part. It was amazing and relaxing.