Essential Athens Highlights Plus Cape Sounion Skip-The-Line Tour

based on 623 reviews

Duration:8 hours to 9 hours (approx.)
Location: Athens, Greece

From $289.57

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Private flexible tour combining the Highlights of Athens with a coastal road trip to the Sounion peninsula & amazing clifftop Temple of Poseidon as you relax along the way in one of our new full extra Mercedes models with free WiFi & bottled water in the company of a highly experienced, knowledgeable & considerate Tour driver.

Visit the highlights including the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Olympic Stadium, Parliament & changing of the guards, and set off along the deep blue colours of the Aegean sea to explore the Temple of Poseidon.

A Skip-the-line Ticket service is included as well as an option to have lunch by the sea in Sounion as well as an expert Archaeological guide for all groups of 8 or more (groups of 1 to 7 by request).

With door to door return transfer to your hotel or cruise ship, this comprehensive and 'go at your own pace' tour aims to provide you with one of the most outstanding experiences of your visit.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✓ SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET SERVICE (ticket pre-purchased for Acropolis, Zeus Temple)
✓ LUNCH INCLUDED (if selecting this Option) Choose from a 3Course Traditional Menu. Vegetarian Options
✓ Professional Experienced Tour Driver with thorough Historical Knowledge (can not enter sites)
✓ EXPERT LICENSED GUIDE INCLUDED AT ACROPOLIS (for Groups of 8+)
✓ Athens Hotel, Airbnb Residence or Cruise ship pickup
✓ First class transport: Mercedes EClass Sedan; Luxury Class Mercedes. Free WiFi Chilled Bottled Water

✗ Athens Airport transfers or pickup locations outside Athens. Arranged on request [Additional cost]
✗ Admission Ticket Costs payable in cash to your driver (35 Euro per person + 20 Euro per group)
✗ EXPERT LICENSED GUIDE (for Groups of 1 - 7) Available on request
✗ ADMISSION FOR TEMPLE OF POSEIDON (5 Euro per person)

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Acropolis
Our day in Athens starts with the Acropolis, focus of life in Ancient Athens & surrounded by its amazing cyclopedian wall built by the Myceneans thousands of years ago. The Acropolis houses all of the Temples such as the Temple of Athena Nike, the huge gateway (Propylaea), the Erechtheum and of course the famous Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
2. Theater of Dionysus
Considered to be the world’s oldest theatre and constructed in the 6th Century BC, this theater would have seen the very fist performances of ancient plays by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and Aristophanes among others & was home to. an annual spring drama festival.
3. Temple of Athena Nike
Located on the top of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike (or 'Viktory') is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and constructed around 420 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis.
4. Herod Atticus Odeon
An impressive & fully renovated Roman theater. Completed in AD 161 and dedicated to the wife of a rich benefactor, the Theater hosts a vibrant public program each Summer.
5. Propylaea
The Propylaia is the classical Greek Doric building complex that served as the ceremonial entrance to the Acropolis and through which you will enter
6. Erechtheion
An ancient Greek Ionic temple on the north side of the Acropolis, the Erechtheion is unique in its construction and was dedicated to the goddess Athena.
7. Parthenon
Considered widely as a masterpiece of science, engineering and culture, the Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena and would have originally housed her impressive statue. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of classical Greek art, some of which can be seen in the nearby Museum.
8. Acropolis Museum
Explore the New Acropolis Museum situated adjacent to the Acropolis which houses the many masterpieces from the site.
9. Panathenaic Stadium
Also called 'Kallimarmaro' stadium is one of the highlights of Athens where the classic Marathon ends & the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble
10. The Academy of Athens
Stop at Panepistimiou str, for the Athenian Trilogy – the three elegant buildings: The University, The Academy and The Library.
11. National Library of Greece
The National Library of Greece
12. Hellenic Parliament
The Parliament and center of current political life in Athens
13. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
University of Athens
14. Temple of Olympian Zeus
Colossal temple at the center of Athens dedicated to the God Zeus, head of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC and the temple was home to a richly adorned statue, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.
15. Arch of Hadrian
Classic Triumphal Arch built by the Ancient Athenians for the Roman Emperor Hadrian & seen together with the Temple of Zeus in the same location
16. Presidential Mansion
A short stop at the The Neoclassical Maximos Mansion, also called the Greek “White House”. Official residence of the Prime Minister of Greece since 1982
17. National Garden
Formally built as a Royal Gardens for queen Amalia, the National Gardens are a beautiful oasis in the city running alongside some of Athens most prominent landmarks
18. Plateia Syntagmatos
Main square of Athens housing the Parliament building & focus of much of Athenian life & Politics.
19.
Monastiraki Square at the heart of the Old-Town is a vibrant center of life in the city
20. Plaka
Leading from Monastiraki Square, the Plaka neighborhood bustles with markets, bars, Cafes & Restaurants.
21. Athens
LUNCH OPTION: (No street food) If choosing our lunch option during booking you will enjoy a Traditional 3-Course Greek Lunch. During the summer months, our default location for lunch is by the sea in Sounion and at other times in Athens. Please note that alcoholic drinks are not included.
22. Lake Vouliagmeni
Included in Greece’s NATURA 2000 Sites of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Thermal and Mineral rich waters of the lake have been a SPA retreat for centuries.
23. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
At the tomb you will see the impressive changing of the guard’s ceremony, with the iconic 'Evzone' guards in their traditional uniform.
24. Glyfada Beach
An upmarket Suburb & Start of the Athens Riviera with Wonderful Sea Views from our Coastal Route
25. Lagonisi
Simply one of the most beautiful stretches of Coastal scenery in Europe. Elevated views out to sea, the rugged coastline and the deep blue and contrasting greens of the landscape together with the small settlements along the way make this an amazing spectacle.
26. Temple of Poseidon
Located 70 meters on a clifftop at the tip of the Athens Peninsula this amazing temple was dedicated to the God Poseidon. It was the last thing Ancient sailors saw on leaving port & the first site on return with many legends to tell. It is especially beautiful at sunset & a perfect final location for your tour

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Groups of 1 to 7. ADDING AN EXPERT LICENSED GUIDE: Your knowledgeable tour driver will inform you en-route but can not enter archaeological sites. On request we can add a Licensed Archaeological Expert Guide to accompany you through the Acropolis and other Athens sites. Contact us by meessage after booking if you would like this addition
• Groups of 8+. AN EXPERT LICENSED GUIDE: is included at the Acropolis only. Extended guiding to the other Athens sites on request.
• TAILOR YOUR TOUR: If you would like to add a further site, such as the National Archaeological Museum, Omit one of the existing sites, or need an airport transfer for example then please let us know directly.
• ROUTE. In order to provide the best experience for your day we reserve the right to alter the tour route or omit sites in the case of issues such as time constraints or local factors such as site closing times & road closures.
• TOUR UPDATES BETWEEN MARCH 11th to 19th: Tour inclusions and exclusions were updated. For bookings made before this date your previous conditions apply at the time of your original booking.
• SKIP THE LINE SERVICE. We purchase tickets in advance so you do not need to queue. Tickets are non refundable and for designated entrance times according to the policy of the Archaeological sites. Tickets are not included in the tour price, and the additonal cost per person of 35 Euro plus the administration fee of 20 Euro per group is payable to your driver in cash on the day of your tour. If you already have tickets, please inform us at least two days prior to your tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Ashley_S
Had a great time with our driver, Dimitri, and our guide, Eva!

My travel companion uses a wheelchair, and Dimitri and Eva were very knowledgeable about how to access the accessible parts of the sites. Full disclosure: the acropolis and temple of Poseidon were only partially accessible. The acropolis museum and other sites on the tour were fully accessible.

Lunch on the water was excellent! The fish tasted as if it was caught that morning.

If you're interested in ancient Greece, I'd recommend this tour and hiring the professionals guide. Eva's depth of knowledge was awe inspiring, and she was very gracious in answering all of our questions.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-30 19:36:25

Posted By : Yvonne_L
Demetrius was outstanding and exceptional! He was very professional, punctual and knowledgeable with a friendly and kind heart. Made us feel welcome and comfortable ✨️ Best tour in Athens for sure!! Only Gratitude ☀️??
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-30 02:06:21

Posted By : Venture230557
Great experience. Yannis was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. Definitely worth your time and money
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-28 12:54:18

Posted By : 417brettg
Fantastic Tour. All the things you should see in Athens in the am (and an empty acropolis), a great seaside lunch and then the Temple of Poseidon our guide/driver was great. Very knowledgeable and customized our tour
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-21 12:58:47

Posted By : Jana_G
Demetris was a great tour guide and flexible with our schedule. He is also very knowledgeable about the history. It was nice to see the main sites in Athens but then also to see some of the surrounding area outside of the city. Our lunch by the Agean Sea had a beautiful view, but the food was not that great. Overall, we really enjoyed this trip!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-23 12:11:08

Posted By : katietV177DM
We had Theodore as our guide and he was AMAZING. He picked us up from our hotel and he used every ride to give us very detailed explanations on what we were going to see at the next stop. It gave us the chance to better appreciate what we were about to see. He knew exactly where to take us and explained routes on where to walk to get the best experience with the best views and shortest waits and NO stress. He also took us to a great local lunch spot that we definitely wouldn’t have been able to find on our own with some of the best Greek food. We would 100% recommend this tour (and Theodore)! Truly worth every penny!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-21 11:48:05

Posted By : James_N
The guide, Vasilis Doudis, was the best, really provided a lot of insight and information. We had plenty of time at our stops, and a great lunch at a local restaurant. We have done many tours in our 4 week trip, Vasilis was definitely the best guide!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-08 03:27:42

Posted By : Kathryn_N
Our driver Petro (not sure if I'm spelling it correctly), was wonderful. He explained so well everything we were seeing and doing. Gave us many details and back stories. Made sure we saw everything and got us there safely. He answered our questions and was very knowledgeable about everything. He clearly knows and loves his city, the surrounding areas, and his job. What a very enjoyable day! Everything we saw was amazing and the lunch along the seaside was delicious as well.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-07 19:13:26

Posted By : Ana_B
We had a great time during our tour. Our tour guide Vasilis was extremely knowledgeable, professional, kind, and friendly.

we learned a lot about greek mythology, history, and politics. We visited all the main sites in Athens and surrounding areas.

We felt very comfortable, and taking care of during our tour. We also had a delicious lunch, next time we visit Athens we will most definitely book with this agency and request Vasilis.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-07 13:24:13

Posted By : lonedaddy
Great tour Dimitri was very knowledgable and funny. We did as shore excursion group of 8 which including a licensed guide in the acropolis. The included seaside lunch was nice but the upgraded fresh fish option they offered was very pricey as were the drinks. 380 euro extra for the group but the food was good.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-26 11:49:43