The Athens: Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour offers a compelling way to explore the stunning coastal region just outside of the capital. Visitors can expect a captivating 4-hour excursion filled with picturesque routes, an iconic ancient temple, and breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf. With professional guides providing insightful commentary and convenient hotel pickups, this tour promises an unforgettable experience steeped in history and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an escape from the city, this excursion to Cape Sounion could be the perfect addition to your Athens itinerary.
Key Points
- A 4-hour excursion from Athens to the ancient Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, approximately 69 km southeast of the city.
- Scenic coastal drive along the Saronic Gulf, passing through picturesque beach towns like Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza.
- Opportunity to explore the iconic white marble columns of the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Inclusions cover professional guide, entrance fees, transportation in a luxury, air-conditioned coach, and hotel pickup service.
- Flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refunds for cancellations made at least one day prior.
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Tour Overview
The Athens: Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour is a popular 4-hour excursion that takes visitors from the heart of Athens to the southernmost point of Attica, located 69 kilometers southeast of the city.
Priced from $58.16 per person, the tour includes a drive along the scenic coastal road, passing the beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza.
The highlight is a visit to the Temple of Poseidon, featuring iconic white marble pillars and offering breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf and offshore islands. Guests can explore the rocky promontory of Sounion at their own pace.
With convenient hotel pickups, professional guides, and flexible cancellation policies, this tour provides an engaging and hassle-free experience.
Experience Highlights
On the Athens: Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour, visitors can expect a scenic drive along the coastal road, passing by the beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Temple of Poseidon, featuring iconic white marble pillars overlooking the Saronic Gulf and offshore islands.
Travelers can walk along the rocky promontory of Sounion, the southernmost point of Attica, and soak in the panoramic views.
The tour provides an opportunity to explore the ancient ruins and learn about the site’s history from the professional guide, who offers commentary in multiple languages.
Inclusions
The Athens: Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour includes a professional guide who provides commentary in English, French, and Italian.
Entrance fees to the Temple of Poseidon are covered. Travelers are transported in a luxury, air-conditioned coach.
The tour includes hotel pickup in Athens. Gratuities are optional, allowing customers to tip according to their satisfaction with the service.
This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enriching experience as participants explore the iconic Temple of Poseidon and take in the scenic views of the Saronic Gulf and surrounding offshore islands along the rocky promontory of Sounion.
Cancellation Policy
What’s the cancellation policy for the Athens: Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour?
According to the information provided, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This means customers have the flexibility to cancel their booking without any penalties if they do so at least one day before the scheduled tour.
This policy ensures customers can get their money back if their plans change unexpectedly.
The availability of a hassle-free cancellation option is likely a selling point for many potential customers considering this tour.
Customer Feedback
Customers have largely praised the Athens: Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 66 reviews.
The tour’s guide received a 4.2/5 rating, and the transportation and service were rated 4.4/5 and 4.3/5, respectively. Reviewers found the organization of the tour to be satisfactory, scoring it 4.3/5.
However, some customers felt the time spent at the Temple of Poseidon was rushed. Plus, delays were noted due to hotel pickups.
Coastal Road Drive
Along the coastal road, travelers on the Athens: Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour pass by the picturesque beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. This scenic drive offers a glimpse of the Saronic Gulf and the offshore islands. The tour takes visitors along this winding coastal route, providing an opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the region.
| Beach | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Glyfada | Upscale resort town |
| Vouliagmeni | Thermal springs and luxury hotels |
| Varkiza | Secluded coves and rocky cliffs |
The coastal road drive sets the stage for the main attraction of the tour – the iconic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
Temple of Poseidon
The iconic Temple of Poseidon stands atop the rocky promontory of Cape Sounion, the southernmost point of Attica.
Visitors can explore the impressive white marble columns and learn about the temple’s ancient history. Dating back to the 5th century BC, the temple was dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea.
Travelers will marvel at the stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and nearby islands from this dramatic location.
Though some have felt the time spent at the temple was a bit rushed, the guided tour provides an opportunity to appreciate this significant archaeological site and its picturesque setting.
Scenic Views
From the rocky promontory of Cape Sounion, travelers can soak in breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Saronic Gulf and its nearby islands.
The sweeping views showcase the sparkling azure waters and the lush, verdant islands dotting the horizon. On a clear day, visitors can even spot the distant silhouettes of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
This scenic overlook offers a quintessential Greek landscape, with the iconic Temple of Poseidon serving as the dramatic focal point.
It’s a picturesque and tranquil setting, perfect for taking in the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea and snapping memorable photographs to capture the experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Does the Tour Depart From Athens?
The tour departs from Athens at various times throughout the afternoon, with the availability to check for specific starting times when booking. The tour duration is approximately 4 hours.
Is There Any Food or Refreshments Provided During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include any food or refreshments. Travelers are responsible for bringing their own snacks and drinks. There are opportunities to purchase food and beverages at the site, but they’re not provided as part of the tour package.
Can I Customize the Tour to Spend More Time at the Temple of Poseidon?
Customers cannot customize the tour duration at the Temple of Poseidon. The tour is a fixed itinerary, but travelers can provide feedback to the tour operator about wanting more time at specific sites for future improvements.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Attire for the Tour?
You don’t need any special equipment or attire for the tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection, and dress for the weather. The tour takes place outdoors, so dressing appropriately for the conditions is recommended.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Other Nearby Attractions?
There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour based on the information provided. The tour seems focused solely on visiting the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Visitors who want to see additional nearby attractions would need to book a separate tour or make their own arrangements.
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Recap
The Athens: Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour is an enchanting journey that transports visitors to the captivating coastal region. Highlights include a drive along picturesque routes, a visit to the iconic Temple of Poseidon, and breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf. With professional guides, convenient hotel pickups, and an unforgettable experience, this tour offers a unique opportunity to take in history and natural splendor.