Best of Athens & Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon Full Day Tour
Description
Join our small group tour to discover the highlights of Athens and experience a stunning sunset at the Temple of Poseidon. Avoid the crowds with our skip-the-line tickets to the Acropolis and Parthenon, and enjoy exclusive access to iconic landmarks like the Panathenaic Stadium and Temple of Zeus. Explore the vibrant Monastiraki flea market and charming Plaka old town with personalized attention in our intimate group setting. After the lunch break indulge in a scenic drive along the Athenian Riviera, pausing at Vouliagmeni lake and a secluded beach for a relaxing seaside experience. At the beach stop (available May to October), you'll have the opportunity to unwind with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and/or enjoy a delicious meal and refreshing drinks at a beach bar, all while soaking in the breathtaking coastal scenery. Don't miss the chance to capture unforgettable views at the Temple of Poseidon as the sun sets on this unforgettable journey
Tour Options
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
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
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Reviews(77)
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.
Georgia was an excellent guide. She was very knowledgeable, funny and open to questions. Loved the tour!
The trip breaks into am and pm sessions. Guided tour to Acropolis and tourist spots in Athens in am are good, but the one to beach and Temple of Poseidon for sunset in pm are amazing. Tour guide Paul is so knowledgeable, helpful, nice and humorous. Great fun!
All three guides were very helpful especially at the Parthenon the only name I remember was Diana sorry I didn't write this sooner please don't hold it against the tour guides
Very enjoyable and stress free experience. Tour was on time, tour guide was courteous. Our Acropolis guide was very knowledgeable, sorry his name was hard to pronounce, he took special care of people who could not climb the stairs. Overall a great experience and highly recommend this tour.
Great tour! Very nice guides and a comfortable ride. The morning tour was a good way to acclimate yourself with the city so that you can explore later. The evening part was a great opportunity to see the coast and get away from the city for a bit.
This tour was so amazing! All three tour guides were very knowledgeable and very polite and friendly! If your doing a quick trip through Athens definitely book this tour before you leave.
This tour does the best of both worlds i.e. Local Athens as well as Temple of Poseidon that is far from Athens. It gives an experience of suburb side as well. Route is fascinating with sea on one side and beautiful resorts, activities on the way. Tour Guide Lydia for Acropolis was awesome. She was very passionate and detailed. Also very pleasant. I highly recommend her.
This tour is in 2 parts, separated by 2+ hours free time. I wish I could have taken just the Cape afternoon/sunset tour. The tour price is too high even with inclusion of Acropolis tickets. Note: Temple of Poseidon ticket, 20 euros, is not included. The Athens portion of the tour wasn't really worth it, even though our guide was good.
Dear Sam, Thank you for sharing your honest feedback. We appreciate you mentioning that our guide was good — we are proud of our team. We understand your feedback about the tour structure. Our Best of Athens & Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon Full Day Tour is designed as a combined experience covering both the Athens highlights and the Cape Sounion sunset, which is why it is priced as a full-day package. We are sorry that the Athens portion did not meet your expectations on this occasion. Regarding the Temple of Poseidon entry fee: the €20 ticket is an official Greek Ministry of Culture monument admission, which is set by the government and is not charged by us. This is disclosed in the tour description, but we understand it can feel like a surprise if it wasn't top of mind. Your feedback about offering the Cape portion as a standalone option is appreciated and noted. If you would like to share more details, please feel free to reach us at info@getawaysgreece.com. The Getaways Greece Team
I don't consider this a "full day tour", as there is a 2 hour gap, in a location near the pickup spot, with no restaurants nearby, only a take-away coffee /pastry shop. It would have been much better to have that time (or even a shorter break) at Plaka/Monasteraki to shop and eat. Both the morning and afternoon portions seemed a bit too rushed. We only had 15 minutes at the Olympic stadium, which was also our only restroom break for the morning. When we got to the Temple of Poseidon, there was only 20 minutes until closing time (at 20 euros apiece admission charge). The tour guides (including the guide for the Acropolis) were nice, and informative. The young man that did the afternoon part of the trip was particularly knowledgeable. We enjoyed everything we saw, and the stop at the beach was refreshing.
Dear Kathleen, thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and honest review. We are glad you enjoyed the guides and the various sites, and we appreciate your constructive feedback. Regarding the mid-day break — the Best of Athens & Sunset Full Day Tour is structured to cover multiple sites across both Athens and Cape Sounion, with a natural pause between the morning and afternoon segments. We genuinely take your feedback about the break location seriously and will share it with our operations team to see how we can improve that experience for future guests. Regarding the €20 admission to the Temple of Poseidon — this is the official government-mandated entrance fee set by the Greek Ministry of Culture, which is clearly stated in the tour description and is not charged by us. We understand it can feel unexpected, and we are sorry if it came as a surprise. We hope that despite these points, you took away wonderful memories of Athens and Cape Sounion, and we would love the chance to welcome you back for a Getaways Greece experience that fully meets your expectations. Please feel free to reach out to us at info@getawaysgreece.com. The Getaways Greece Team
