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

Active
(705 reviews)
8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

SOUNION HALF DAY

Sounion Only: This Option Visits Sounion Only<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Travel in Style: Superior Sedan or Luxury Mercedes Minivan, or Sprinter. Depending on Group Size. A/C / Free WiFi / Chilled Bottled Water<br/>Pickup included

ATHENS HALF DAY

Athens Only: This option visits only the Athens Highlights. Sounion is not visited<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Travel in Style: Superior Sedan or Luxury Mercedes Minivan, or Sprinter. Depending on Group Size. A/C / Free WiFi / Chilled Bottled Water<br/>Pickup included

ATHENS-SOUNIO LUNCH & GUIDE

EXPERT GUIDE: Includes an additional Expert Licensed Guide for the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum<br/>SEASIDE LUNCH: A 3-Course lunch by the sea is inlcuded<br/>Duration: 8 hours<br/>Pickup included

ATHENS-SOUNION DISCOUNT

TRAVEL IN STYLE: Superior Sedan or Luxury Mercedes Minivan, or Sprinter. Depending on Group Size. A/C / Free WiFi / Chilled Bottled Water<br/>Pickup included

ATHENS-SOUNIO & SEASIDE LUNCH

TRADITIONAL LUNCH INCLUDED: 3-Course Lunch. Restaurant (not street food) With Fish-Meat-Vegetarian Options by the sea.<br/>TRAVEL IN LUXURY: Groups of 1 to 3: Mercedes EClass Luxury Sedan; 4-7 Mercedes Minivan; 8-14 Mercedes Sprinter. A/C / Free Wifi / Bottled Water<br/>Pickup included

ATHENS-SOUNION FULL DAY

TRAVEL IN LUXURY: Groups of 1 to 3: Mercedes EClass Luxury Sedan; 4-7 Mercedes Minivan; 8-14 Mercedes Sprinter. A/C / Free Wifi / Bottled Water<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Skip the line tickets for the Acropolis & Museum can be purchased on request (extra charge)
Professional Experienced Tour Driver with thorough Historical Knowledge (can not enter sites)
Athens Hotel, Airbnb Residence or Cruise ship pickup & return
First class transport: Mercedes EClass Sedan; Luxury Class Mercedes. Free WiFi Chilled Bottled Water
Expert Licensed Guide at the Acropolis for Groups of 8+

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

PICKUP IN ATHENS. Your friendly Private Tour Driver will be at your Hotel, Cruise Ship or Athens Residence ready to meet you at the agreed time and outline the tour ahead as you make yourself comfortable in one of our new Mercedes Models with complimentary chilled bottled water and Wifi.

2
Stop 2

Our day starts with the Acropolis, focus of life in Ancient Athens & surrounded by its amazing cyclopean' wall, ' wall, wall built by the Myceneans thousands of years ago. The Acropolis is home to the Parthenon, but also many other amazing monuments. You will first enter through the giant ‘Propylaia’ behind which once stood a gold encrusted statue of the Goddess Athena. You will also see the Temple of Athena Nike (or 'Viktory') from 420 BC before other important sites such as the mythical Erechtheion, unique in its construction with its iconic statues of the Caryatids, and the World’s oldest Theatre of Dionysus from the 6th Century BC, which would have seen the very first performances of ancient plays by Sophocles and Euripides among others. The impressive & fully renovated Roman theater, Herodius Atticus, completed in AD 161, also in the site, was dedicated to the wife of a rich benefactor and still hosts a vibrant public summer program.

3
Stop 3

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.

4
Stop 4

Explore the New Acropolis Museum situated adjacent to the Acropolis which houses the many masterpieces from the site. If you prefer you can continue without entering also.

5
Stop 5

This Colossal temple at the center of Athens was 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.

6
Stop 6

Classic Triumphal Arch built by the Ancient Athenians for the Roman Emperor Hadrian & seen together with the Temple of Zeus in the same location

7
Stop 7

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

8
Stop 8

Main square of Athens housing the Hellenic Parliament building & focus of much of Athenian life & Politics. At the square you will also see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and impressive Changing Of The Guard’s ceremony, with the iconic 'Evzone’s' in their traditional uniform.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

Monastiraki Square at the heart of the Old-Town is a vibrant center of life in the city

10
Stop 10

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.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

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.

12

An upmarket Suburb & Start of the Athens Riviera with Wonderful Sea Views from our Coastal Route

13

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.

14
Stop 14

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

15
Stop 15

DROP OFF. Finally, your driver will see you back safely & directly to your Athens Residence or Cruise Ship before wishing you a fond farewell and hope to see you back soon again!

What's not included

Athens Airport transfers or pickup locations outside Athens. Arranged on request [Additional cost]
Expert Guide for Groups of 1 - 7; Extended Guiding time. Available on request [Additional cost]
Admission Fees. Skip the line tickets for the Acropolis & Museum purchased on request (extra charge)
Food (unless selecting the Lunch Option)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
465 reviews
5★
421
4★
25
3★
9
2★
7
1★
3
Tripadvisor 4.9
240 reviews
5★
230
4★
5
3★
1
2★
2
1★
2

Important information

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. Acropolis Museum is not visited with groups of 8 or more unless by 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. For persons returning to Cruise ships, we recommend start times of 07:30 or 08:30 to avoid time pressure.

Important notes

IMPORTANT - CONTACT DETAILS

• Emergency Contact FOR THE DAY OF YOUR TOUR ONLY +30 6970026750

• For all general inquiries & questions please use the Viator Messaging, or email: reservations@warmpenguin.gr

• HOTEL PICK UP: We will meet you at the hotel reception area.
• AIRBNB OR ATHENS ADDRESS: We will meet you outside the address at street level
• CRUISE SHIP PICK UP: For Cruise ship pick up please provide the ship name, all passenger names; one passport number.
• LUGGAGE & EXCESS LUGGAGE: Please advise us of any luggage so we may supply the appropriate vehicle. Please note we are not responsible for luggage safety and a supplement may be necessary if a larger vehicle is needed.
• FAMILY RATE OPTION: May be carried out with standard class Vehicle
• STANDARD RATE OPTION: Carried out with a Luxury Class vehicle
• STANDARD RATE INCLUDING LUNCH OPTION: Includes 3-course lunch. Alcoholic drinks & additional dishes at own expense
• GUIDING/LICENSED GUIDES: Your knowledgeable tour driver will inform you en-route but can not enter archaeological sites. Expert Licensed Guides are available on request at an additional charge.
• ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOT INCLUDED. We can purchase these for you on request (extra cost). Please confirm you wish us to do this otherwise we assume you have bought Acropolis and Museum Tickets for the appropriate time slots and are not responsible for any related delays or issues.
• FOOD. Lunch is included only when booking the 'STANDARD RATE INCLUDING LUNCH' option.
• GROUPS OF 8 OR MORE: A Licensed Expert Guide will cover the Acropolis. The Acropolis Museum is omitted from the Itinerary

About Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture, often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving modern scene.

Top Attractions

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.

Historical 2-3 hours €20 (combined ticket for multiple sites)

Ancient Agora of Athens

The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

Historical 1-2 hours €8 (included in the combined ticket)

Plaka

A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Acropolis Museum

A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Temple of Olympian Zeus

An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour €6 (included in the combined ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moussaka

A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.

Snack Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options

Tzatziki

A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Rock climbing Scuba diving Beach visits Spa treatments Café hopping Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Greek
  • Widely spoken: English, French, German
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Athens is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air
  • Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport • 30 km from city center
By train

Athens Central Railway Station

By bus

KTEL Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plaka Monastiraki Psiri Koukaki Kolonaki

Day trips

Cape Sounion
65 km from Athens • Half day to full day

A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Delphi
180 km from Athens • Full day

An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.

Meteora
350 km from Athens • Overnight

A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.

Festivals

Athens Festival • May to October Athens Epidaurus Festival • June to August Athens International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

  • Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
  • Use the metro for easy and efficient travel around the city
  • Explore local neighborhoods for an authentic Greek experience
  • Try local street food for a quick and delicious meal
  • Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 14
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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