What monuments will I see at the Acropolis?

You'll visit the Parthenon (main temple to Athena), Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea (the monumental gateway). Your guide will explain the history and architecture of each.

Is lunch included, and what type of food is served?

Yes, a traditional Greek tavern lunch by the sea is included. The menu features authentic Greek cooked dishes and fresh seafood; let your tour operator know of any dietary requirements when booking.

How much walking is involved?

Expect 3–4 hours of walking across uneven ancient stone and marble, including uphill climbs at the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. The tour is moderately active; comfortable walking shoes are essential.

When is the best time to visit the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio?

Late afternoon light is most spectacular at Sounio, and the tour is timed to reach it in the later hours when crowds thin. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures.

Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes with good grip (marble is slippery), and a refillable water bottle. A light jacket or cardigan is useful for cooler evenings.

Can I customise the itinerary or skip any sites?

As a private tour, the itinerary is flexible. Discuss your interests and pace with your guide or tour operator in advance—they can adjust stops and duration at each location to suit you.

Athens Highlights & Sounio Temple of Poseidon Full Day Private Tour 1

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Athens Highlights & Sounio Temple of Poseidon Full Day Private Tour

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Athens Highlights & Sounio Temple of Poseidon Full Day Private Tour

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Athens, Greece

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About this activity

Explore Athens' greatest monuments—from the Parthenon and Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus—then escape south along the Athenian Riviera to the clifftop Temple of Poseidon at Sounio. This 9-hour private tour bundles classical archaeology, panoramic city views, coastal scenery, and a traditional Greek lunch into one immersive day.

Your day will begin with Acropolis Hill, the highlight of the tour. On the historical hill, you will have the experience of seeing the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of the Athena Nike, the monumental gateway (Propylaea), the Erechtheum and of course the Parthenon the main temple for the virgin goddess Athena.

Leaving the Acropolis we will steer towards the Temple Of Zeus passing by Hadrian’s Arch and following we will visit Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.

Trailing on and driving aside from the national garden we will see the changing of the guard (Evzones) in front of the old palace, which is today Parliament House, high above the central square of Athens.

Then travelling into the historical centre of the city we will drive up to the highest hill in Athens, the hill of Lycabettus. On Lycabettus Hill, you’ll have the best panoramic view of the city, the hill of Acropolis and the Aegean Sea. Moving on and feeling hungry by now, a traditional Greek tavern with authentic Greek cooked dishes or fresh fish – seafood by the sea.

After a satisfying lunch, we will have a pleasant drive along the coastline known as the Athenian Riviera and the southern suburbs. Passing through the uptown suburbs of Athens (Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza) and making a first stop at the famous Vouliagmeni Lake, mineral – therapeutic – natural lake.

Continuing our drive we will come across more isolated but charismatic areas with a breathtaking view of the Saronic Gulf which will take us to the archaeological site of Cape Sounio, the southeastern edge of the Attica Peninsula.

Upon entering the site you will see the dominating Temple Of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, surrounded by the remains of fortifications, the gateway (porticos) and houses. Close by are also see the remains of the temple Athena Souniada. Besides its unique location and its archaeological interest, Cape Sounio is also famous for its breathtaking sunset and view of the Greek Islands. It is rightly considered one of the most romantic places in Greece.

And finally a relaxing drive back to Athens.

Please note: This tour includes hotel pick up and drop off service. You can select your hotel from the list or select the "I'll type the address (next step)" message and write the name and address of your hotel in the relevant field during the booking process.

Highlights

✓Walk the Acropolis: Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea
✓Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch in the classical city centre
✓Panoramic views of Athens and the Aegean from Lycabettus Hill
✓Panathenaic Stadium, venue of the 1896 Olympic Games
✓Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural mineral-thermal pool
✓Temple of Poseidon at Sounio perched on the southern cliffside

Insider tips

★Start early to beat Acropolis crowds; the hill is busiest mid-morning to early afternoon.
★Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip—Acropolis marble is smooth and steep.
★The Athenian Riviera suburbs (Glyfada, Voula, Varkiza) are best appreciated at a slower pace; ask your guide for photo stops.
★Lunch at a waterfront taverna gives better light and atmosphere than mid-city restaurants.

Good to know

•Private tour: customisable pacing and stops to suit your interests and fitness level.
•9 hours total; plan for 3–4 hours on feet at Acropolis and Sounio.
•Bring sunscreen, hat, and water—coastal and hilltop sites offer minimal shade.
•Lunch is included; dietary requirements should be mentioned at booking.
•No special fitness level required, though steep uphill sections and ancient stone steps exist.

Who it's for

First-time visitors to Athens seeking a comprehensive classical-era overviewHistory and archaeology enthusiastsCruise passengers with a full day in portCouples and small groups preferring private, flexible itineraries

Best time to visit

Visit in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) for mild temperatures and lower humidity. Early morning start (7–8 a.m.) maximises daylight at Sounio and avoids midday heat and peak Acropolis crowds.