Athens & Cape Sounion Private Tour

Our Private Tour combines all the Athens Classical and Ancient Highlights with a balance of morning sightseeing, followed by the perfect lunch restaurant choice with a view, and finally, an afternoon relaxed pace coastal excursion culminating at the Clifftop Temple of Poseidon. Together with the vibrant sites & sounds of the Local Culture, an ideal day tour awaits.

Starting at the time convenient for you, our tour is fully flexible and Warmpenguin’s experienced Team of Guides and Local Travel Specialists are on hand throughout. Moreover, our considerate drivers are highly knowledgeable and above all, prioritize your comfort & safety at all times. Tours are family-friendly & ideal for small groups & all ages, from the most experienced travelers eager to set foot on the paths of the Philosophers to the youngest amateur Archaeologist. Check Availability – Details – DIRECT BOOKING below. and see our Tripadvisor reviews HERE

FLEXIBLE PICKUP

At a time convenient from your hotel, central Athens address or cruise ship (airport on request).

ACROPOLIS

Avoiding the sun & crowds, our first stop is the UNESCO world heritage site of the Acropolis. Enter through the giant Propylaea entrance gate and up to the ancient temples of Athena Nike, the Parthenon and Erechtyon, built between 450 and 330 BC at the peak of classical Greece & dedicated to the Greek Gods Athena and Poseidon. Enjoy the panoramic views over the city and descent past the impressive Roman Theatre of Herodes Atticus which is still in use during the Athens summer festival.

NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

A short distance from the Acropolis our next stop explores the state-of-the-art New Acropolis Museum which was built as home to the many masterpieces of art, sculpture & architecture from the site. This beautiful museum showcases the history of the Acropolis in various ways with a focus on the pinnacle of Greek art & engineering, the Parthenon giving you a deeper understanding of ancient Greek culture.

TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was simply one of the most ambitiously large projects of the ancient world. Started in the 6th century BC but and finished for over 600 years until the time of Hadrian. It housed the gigantic statue of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and seeing its remaining columns & ruins you will see its colossal size is something you will not forget.

ARCH OF HADRIAN

Next to the Temple of Zeus stands the later but important landmark of the Arch of Hadrian. Dedicated to the Roman emperor by the people of Athens is a reminder of the Roman influence in Athens but also on the spread of Greek Culture & technical knowledge throughout the Roman Empire and into the wider development of world history.

PANATHENAIC STADIUM

An ancient stadium first constructed in, the Panathenaic Stadium, or ‘Kallimarmaro’ is the only stadium in the world to be made from Marble & was the location for the starting & ending ceremonies of the first modern Olympics, and continues as the endpoint to the Athens Classic Marathon each year.

SYNTAGMA SQUARE & PARLIAMENT

Constitution (Syntagma) square named after the first constitution of the modern Greek state is the heart of the political and commercial center of Athens. On one side is located the former Royal Palace which is now the Parliament and also is the location for the tomb of the unknown soldier. The changing of the famous ‘Evzone’ guards in their traditional uniform takes place on the hour and your driver will if possible time your visit so you can witness the spectacle.

ATHENS TRILOGY

Stop to see the ‘Athens Trilogy’ which comprises three important and elegantly decorated Neoclassic Mansions; the University of Athens, National Library, and the Academy of Athens, forming the heart of academic life in Athens.

MAXIMUS MANSION

A short stop at the Neoclassical Maximos Mansion also called the Greek “White House”. The official residence of the Prime Minister of Greece since 1982

LUNCH STOP

During your tour, you have the opportunity of a lunch stop when appropriate but if choosing the lunch option, will have the hassle-free choice of a three-course traditional meal either in Athens with a view to the Acropolis, or at Cape Sounion beside the sea.

ATHENS RIVIERA

After lunch, our tour takes a more relaxed pace with a drive out of the city as we travel towards the Aegean coastline and pass through many of Athens’s most sought-after coastal suburbs and onwards to the rugged cliffs of Cape Sounion.

LAKE VOULIAGMENI (OPTIONAL)

If time allows and at your request, you may stop at the natural Lake Vouliagmeni surrounded by cliffs and swim in its has warm waters which have been used as a health remedy for centuries by the local Athenians.

TEMPLE OF POSEIDON

After passing along some of the most amazing sea views for around an hour our final stop visits the clifftop Temple of Poseidon constructed in and dedicated to the god of the sea. Located at a height of 70 meters on the cliff edge with views to the local islands, the temple is set at the furthest southerly point of the Attica peninsula and was the last thing Ancient sailors saw on leaving port & the first site on return. You will learn of the many myths and legends along the way before your return. It is especially beautiful at sunset & a perfect final location for your tour.

RETURN LOCATION

We will safely return you to your starting address or cruise ship but on request we can return you to the Airport or other location. The Airport & other locations outside of central Athens may have an extra charge.

For more on the History of Athens & its main sites see our Athens Guide.