Athens Highlights Tour & Cape Sounio

Athens is a city steeped in history, and the Athens Highlights Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore its most iconic landmarks. From the awe-inspiring Acropolis to the captivating Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio, this tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into the enduring legacy of ancient Greek culture. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, this excursion promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s timeless wonders. But the true adventure lies in the details, as you’ll soon discover.

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7 Temple of Olympian Zeus

8 Temple of Poseidon

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The Athens Highlights Tour includes visits to iconic ancient Greek landmarks like the Acropolis, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and Syntagma Square.
The tour offers panoramic views of Athens from the top of the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus tour showcases the impressive remnants of this colossal ancient temple and its rich architectural legacy.
The Cape Sounio tour includes a visit to the 5th century BCE Temple of Poseidon, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and provides amenities like Wi-Fi, water, and soft drinks, with optional extras like entrance fees and a professional guide.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Highlights

The Athens Highlights Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Acropolis, the serene Temple of Athena Nike, and the intricate Erechtheion.

The tour also showcases the grandeur of Syntagma Square, where visitors can witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Other highlights include the impressive Arch of Hadrian and the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus.

The tour culminates at the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

With a mix of ancient history and modern landmarks, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience of Athens’ rich cultural heritage.

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Tour Details

The Athens Highlights Tour & Cape Sounio lasts 9 hours, with pick-up and drop-off at central hotels in Athens and Piraeus. Wi-Fi, water, and soft drinks are provided throughout the tour. Optional extras include entrance fees to archaeological sites and a professional guide. The private group tour is wheelchair accessible, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Highlights	Duration
Acropolis	2 hours
Temple of Olympian Zeus	45 minutes
Panathenaic Stadium	30 minutes
Hellenic Parliament	30 minutes
Athens city center	1.5 hours
Sounio (including lunch)	1.5 hours
Temple of Poseidon (optional)	1 hour

Optional Extras

Travelers can opt to include entrance fees to archaeological sites and hire a professional guide for the tour. The entrance fees cover admission to the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, and Temple of Poseidon at Sounio.

A professional guide can enhance the experience by providing in-depth commentary on the history and significance of these iconic landmarks. This added service ensures visitors gain a deeper understanding of Athens’ rich cultural heritage.

While the tour includes water and soft drinks, the optional extras offer a more comprehensive and personalized experience for those seeking a more immersive exploration of the city’s ancient wonders.

Logistics

For those interested in exploring Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, this tour offers a private group experience that’s wheelchair accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at central hotels in Athens and Piraeus, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.

Along the way, guests can enjoy Wi-Fi, water, and soft drinks, making the journey comfortable.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a larger group, this tour provides a flexible and accessible way to discover the highlights of Athens and the stunning Temple of Poseidon at Sounio.

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Itinerary

This tour begins with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, where guests will spend approximately 2 hours exploring its ancient ruins, including the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion.

Next, the group will head to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, spending around 45 minutes admiring its impressive remnants.

The tour then moves on to the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, for a 30-minute visit.

Afterward, the group will make their way to the Hellenic Parliament and the lively city center, spending a total of 2 hours in these areas.

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Acropolis Tour

The tour kicks off with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, where guests will spend approximately 2 hours exploring its ancient ruins, including the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion.

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the Acropolis is the heart of ancient Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors will marvel at the breathtaking views of the city from the top of the Acropolis and learn about its rich history and architecture.

The tour guide will provide insights into the significance of the Acropolis and its importance in the development of Western civilization. This is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Athens.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

After exploring the Acropolis, the tour continues to the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus, a grand reminder of Athens’ illustrious past.

Constructed over centuries, this impressive temple once housed a massive statue of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Visitors can marvel at the temple’s towering columns and learn about its tumultuous history, which includes destruction, neglect, and eventual restoration efforts.

The temple’s scale is awe-inspiring, with its 104 Corinthian columns reaching 17 meters in height. Today, only 15 columns remain standing, but they still convey the grandeur and ambition of the ancient Athenians.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus offers a glimpse into the city’s rich classical heritage and its enduring cultural legacy.

Temple of Poseidon

Situated on the promontory of Cape Sounio, the iconic Temple of Poseidon commands breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

Constructed in the 5th century BCE, this ancient Greek temple honors the god of the sea, Poseidon, whose cult was central to maritime communities along the Attic coast.

Visitors can explore the temple’s well-preserved columns and marvel at the dramatic landscape that inspired its construction.

The temple’s strategic location overlooking the sea was a testament to Poseidon’s importance in ancient Greek religion and culture.

Today, the Temple of Poseidon stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek architecture and the profound reverence the ancients held for the power of the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Is the Entrance Fee for the Acropolis?

The entrance fee for the Acropolis in Athens is €20 for adults and €10 for EU students and seniors. Children under 18 can visit for free. Entrance fees are not included in the tour package.

Can We Stop for Local Greek Cuisine During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention a stop for local Greek cuisine. However, the tour includes a lunch break at Sounio, which could be an opportunity to sample local specialties. The tour provider may be able to accommodate requests for Greek cuisine during the lunch stop.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized to cater to individual preferences. Travelers can work with the tour operator to adjust the duration, sites visited, and inclusions based on their interests and needs.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water and Snacks?

You don’t need to bring your own water and snacks on this tour. The tour provider offers complimentary water and soft drinks throughout the day. Just focus on enjoying the sights and sounds of Athens.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer specific discounts for seniors or students. However, the tour provider may be able to provide information on any available discounts upon request. It’s best to inquire directly with them prior to booking.

Recap

The Athens Highlights Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to marvel at the iconic ancient landmarks of the city.

From the awe-inspiring Acropolis to the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea at the Temple of Poseidon, this tour provides a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Greek architecture and culture.