Athens – Sounion (Full Day Tour)

Your driver will pick you up from the cruise terminal.

In a city full of incredible landmarks, it makes sense to start early in the morning with the most famous of them all, so as to avoid the crowds. So we’ll be off to the Acropolis, as soon as the tour starts. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance through the official Acropolis ticketing website.

We will enter the site through the Propylaea, which literally means “gateway”. While on the Acropolis, you’ll be able to visit such world-renowned sites as the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion with its famous supporting columns in the shape of draped maidens (the caryatids), and finally, one of the most famous temples in human history, the Parthenon itself.

From atop the Acropolis you will have a clear view of all important landmarks, such as the Agora, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus which still hosts cultural events and the Theater of Dionysus. And, of course, you will have a full view of the city of Athens, all the way down to the port of Piraeus.

Time to climb down the Acropolis and get in your comfortable car for a relaxing ride through the city. You’ll get to see such marvellous sites as Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Kallimarmaro stadium.

After a short stop where you’ll get the chance to observe the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Presidential Mansion, we’ll be moving on to more modern landmarks. These include the House or Parliament at Syntagma (Constitution) Square (with the monument known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of it), the Athenian Trilogy (National Library – University – Academy), and the neoclassical buildings along Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. Then we’ll drive up to Lycabettus Hill, giving you a wonderful view of the city and a great opportunity to snap some wonderful pictures.

As we make our way to Cape Sounio, you’ll have a clear view of the Saronic Gulf on your right. The city scape gradually gives way to green hills on your left. Immerse yourself in the deep blue color of the sea, in this relaxing ride.

Halfway between Piraeus and Sounio lies the town of Vouliagmeni and its idyllic lake. We’ll make a stop there to admire its natural beauty. Its waters attract several swimmers all year round due to its healing properties. They maintain a constant temperature of 22 to 29 degrees centigrade (72 to 84 Fahrenheit) all year long.

The most famous landmark of Cape Sounio is the majestic Temple of Poseidon. It is said that the ancients knew how to find areas with a very special and relaxing kind of energy to build their places of worship, and this location certainly proves this theory. The deep blue of the Aegean Sea, as it merges with the light blue sky in the distance, makes a perfect backdrop for this mystical place. And now you’ll have the opportunity to experience it yourself.

The wonderful view of the sea may inspire you to go to the beach. And nothing works up an appetite more than a relaxing swim! Don’t worry, there are plenty of cute taverns where you can taste local delicacies while gazing at the sea, with the calming sound of the waves in your ears.

Take the time to reflect on the day’s experiences, on your drive back to the cruise terminal.

 

The admission fees on this tour in total is 30,00€.
26,00€ will cost you the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus entrance and 4,00€ the Temple of Poseidon .

We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance through the official Acropolis ticketing website.

Free admission for:

Journalists
Persons under 18 (with current identification to prove age)
University students from Greece and the E.U

Free admission (for all) on the following dates:

6 March
5 June
18 April
18 May (International Museums Day)
The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)

Summer period: 1 April – 31 October
Winter period: 1 November – 31 March

Opening hours for the archeological sites of Athens including Acropolis:

Winter period:8:30am – 15:00
Summer period:8:00am – 19:30

Opening hours for Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio:

Winter period: 9:30am until sunset
Summer period: 8:00am until sunset. Last entry 20 min before closing.

All sites and museums are closed or have reduced opening hours, on the following holidays:

1 January: closed
6 January: closed
Shrove Monday: 08.30-15.00
25 March: closed
Good Friday: until 12:00 closed
Holy Saturday: 08.30-15.00
Easter Sunday : closed
Easter Monday: 08.30-15.00
1 May: closed
Holy Spirit Day: 08.30-15.00
15 August: 08.30-15.00

 Comfortable shoes and clothes ,hat and sunscreen.

  * We can customize this tour to your needs.
** If you want to skip or add something, please let us know in advance.

Testimonials

Will King

My wife and I took a 3 week cruise from rome to venice. One of the stops was a day in athens.

Upon getting off the ship in athens, there was an army of taxi drivers who were waiting to take the cruise goers on a tour.

We saw a nicely dressed man who had a nice mercedes, we approached him and upon greeting him he spoke perfect english.

We asked him if he could give us a tour and a have a nice lunch at a great restaurant.

Lambros gave us a wonderful tour of athens, sharing a vast knowledge of the history of athens, and commented on insightful landmarks. Lambros then took us to an amazing restaurant right on the water and made sure we were back to the ship in a timely manner.

Exemptional tour and great memories.

            

Ciceri Francesca

I met mr. Petropoulos one of those days when the agenda of a business trip is so full of appointments that you can’t push in a needle….

I was late to the last appointment before my flight back to Italy and my luggage was still in the hotel. The only option was really to ask Mr. Petropoulos to get my trolley while I was in the last meeting and then bring me straight to the airport. The risk was to remain in XX street and wait forever…well when I went out the bank Lambros was there with my bag in the car and I managed to catch my plane and be safe at home.

That was the beginning of a 16 years cooperation, always very professional , reliable and with a very good English which helps the communication. A real point of reference for me in Athens.

            

The Brown Family

Labros and Athena Private Tours, thanks so much for the three day tour from Athens to Nafplio, Olympia and Delphi, and back to Athens. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end. We were amazed to see and learn so many things in three days, so thank you so much.
As a tour guide you made the experience easy, fun and memorable, as well as accommodating for our children (they really loved you!). You are the most knowledgeable and passionate guide I have met and any question I had you were able and happy to answer.
We will be recommending your service to our friends and no doubt if we come back to Greece we will be using your services once again.
Many thanks

            

James and Alice

Thank you so much Lambros for our wonderful tour. We initially wanted to visit the islands only, but in the end we decided to book a tour in Athens, and we are so glad we did. We learnt so many things about the ancient history of Athens and your passion really made the experience great fun. The sunset in Sounion in particular was majestic and one of the most beautiful moments I’ve had with my wife. You also went out of your way to give us plenty of tips and information for the islands we were planning to go to, and we are extremely grateful for this.
We are definitely planning to come back to Greece and book one of your tours to see more of mainland Greece next time. Thanks again so much for the wonderful experience.
With Love, James and AliceAs a tour guide you made the experience easy, fun and memorable, as well as accommodating for our children (they really loved you!). You are the most knowledgeable and passionate guide I have met and any question I had you were able and happy to answer.
We will be recommending your service to our friends and no doubt if we come back to Greece we will be using your services once again.
Many thanks