Athens Super Saver: Acropolis Tour& Sounion and Mycenae& Nafplion

Exploring Greece with the Athens Super Saver: A Practical and Enjoyable Two-Day Tour

This tour promises a chance to see some of Greece’s most iconic sites — from the bustling streets of Athens to the scenic cliffs of Cape Sounion, and into ancient Mycenae and the charming town of Nafplio. It combines two popular day trips into one package, offering a well-balanced experience for travelers eager to maximize their time and money. While it’s not a comprehensive deep dive into every site, it hits many of the highlights most visitors want to see.

What I appreciate most about this experience is how it provides a knowledgeable guide—not just a driver—who can give insightful commentary, especially on the historical sites like the Acropolis and Mycenae. Plus, the convenience of pickup and air-conditioned transport makes logistics easier, especially when you’re trying to fit in so much in just two days.

That said, one small caveat is that the group size can be large and this sometimes makes it tough to follow the guide’s commentary at popular sites like the Acropolis or during the city tour. Some reviews suggest that providing headphones would improve the experience, and that’s worth considering if you’re sensitive to noise or crowded conditions. Also, since it’s a guided tour, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy learning on the go rather than those wanting complete independence.

This tour is a good value — especially if you’re short on time but want to tick off major sights. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those with a moderate physical fitness level, as some walking and stair climbing are involved. If you’re after a relaxed, guided overview of Athens and its surrounding ancient sites, this package offers a solid, practical option.

Key points / Takeaways

Excellent Guides: Guides like Martina and others are praised for their knowledge, making complex histories engaging and easy to understand. Their enthusiasm adds value, especially at sites like Cape Sounion and Mycenae.

Value for Money: For around $266 per person, you get guided visits to key UNESCO World Heritage sites and scenic drives, with all entrance fees included, making it a cost-effective way to see Greece’s highlights.

Comfortable Transportation: The air-conditioned coach, with free WiFi, helps keep the long drives comfortable and connected. Pickup at selected hotels adds convenience but check if your hotel qualifies.

Flexible Itinerary: You can choose the order of days, and the tour offers enough free time for photos and wandering, especially in Nafplio, which many find a charming highlight.

Limited Time at Some Sites: At Sounion, you’ll have about an hour, which is enough for photos but might leave some wanting a deeper experience. Similarly, the city tour can feel crowded, impacting your ability to hear or follow the guide.

Authentic Experiences: Visitors have praised the knowledgeable guides and the ease of booking, with some noting the tour’s well-planned structure and friendly staff as highlights.

A closer look at what this tour offers

Day One: Athens and Cape Sounion in a Nutshell

Your day begins at 8:30 am at the Amalia Hotel in Athens, a central spot easy to reach from many hotels. From there, your guide will lead you through the highlights of Athens, with a key focus on the Acropolis and the Parthenon. As someone who loves history but appreciates practical detail, I found that having tickets included is a real plus — it means less hassle and no surprise costs.

The Acropolis itself is a must-see for any visitor, and I was struck by how well-preserved the ruins are considering their age. You’ll spend about 75 minutes exploring the site, with your guide offering insights into the temples and sculptures. One review pointed out the challenge of hearing in crowded areas, but many also loved the guided commentary, calling the guide “informative” and “knowledgeable”.

Next, the Panathenaic Stadium offers a quick 10-minute stop. It’s somewhat optional, but if you’re a sports fan or curious about the first modern Olympics, it’s worth the brief visit. Entrance is not included, so keep that in mind.

The afternoon is dedicated to Cape Sounion, with a scenic drive along the coast. The highlight here is the Temple of Poseidon, perched dramatically on sea cliffs with stunning views of the Aegean. The one-hour stop allows enough time for photos and soaking in the sea breeze. Several reviews mention how scenic and peaceful this site is, making for a memorable end to the day.

Day Two: Mycenae and Nafplio Charm

Starting after breakfast, your day focuses on Mycenae, the legendary home of Agamemnon. The ruins of the palace and the famous Tomb of Agamemnon are compelling sights. The guide’s knowledge here enhances your appreciation of this ancient power center. The site visit lasts about 90 minutes and is a highlight for many.

Next, a quick stop at the Corinth Canal lets you marvel at this engineering feat. It’s only a 20-minute visit, but the views are impressive and a good photo opportunity.

Your final stop is Nafplio, a picturesque seaside town with a charming promenade. The walking tour and free 2.5 hours give you a chance to explore, relax, or enjoy a coffee. The reviews emphasize how this part of the tour adds a nice, relaxed ending to a busy day, with many appreciating the “easy to book” and “well-planned” experience.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This package is ideal for first-time visitors to Greece who want an overview of Athens and nearby ancient sites without the hassle of arranging individual tickets or transportation. It’s perfect if you prefer guided groups rather than independent exploration, especially since guides can bring history to life.

Travelers with moderate fitness levels will find the walking manageable, but be prepared for some stairs and uneven terrain at sites like the Acropolis and Mycenae. The included transport makes long distances more comfortable, but keep in mind the group size can feel large at certain sites.

This tour is also good for those who value value for money, as it bundles multiple major attractions with entrance fees for a reasonable price. If your main interest is an authentic, guided experience rather than a totally independent adventure, this package delivers.

However, if you’re seeking a more leisurely or personalized experience, or want to explore off the beaten path, you might want to consider customizing your own schedule or choosing smaller tours.

Final thoughts

The Athens Super Saver tour offers a practical way to see Greece’s highlights within a tight timeframe. The guides’ knowledge and the included entrance fees make it a solid choice for those wanting a guided overview without breaking the bank. The scenic drives, especially to Cape Sounion and Nafplio, add a touch of Greece’s coastal beauty, while the visits to Mycenae and the Acropolis give you a taste of ancient civilization.

It’s not perfect — the size of the groups can limit the experience, and some sites are visited briefly — but for the price, most travelers find it to be a very worthwhile introduction to Greece. The reviews reflect a generally high satisfaction, especially praising the guides’ expertise and the convenience of booking.

For travelers eager to tick off Greece’s must-see sights with helpful guides and good value, this tour is a solid choice. Just keep your expectations aligned with the itinerary’s scope, and you’ll likely come away with a renewed appreciation for Greece’s history, scenery, and warm hospitality.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered at selected hotels, making it easier to start your day without worrying about transportation.

What’s included in the price?
All admission tickets to the Acropolis, Sounion, and Mycenae are included, along with professional guides, air-conditioned transport, and free WiFi on the coach.

Are there any additional costs?
You’ll need to pay for your own lunch, and at some sites like the Acropolis Museum, you might need to store backpacks or belongings, which could incur a fee or require planning.

Can I choose which day to do each part?
Yes, you can choose the order of the tours, with the flexibility to start with either Athens and Cape Sounion or Mycenae and Nafplio.

How long is each day’s tour?
The first day is approximately from 8:30 am, with the city tour and Sounion trip, while Day 2 is largely dedicated to Mycenae, Corinth, and Nafplio, finishing around late afternoon.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 5-12 can participate at a discounted rate if they have proper ID or passports, but be prepared for some walking and site visits.

What about the group size?
The maximum is 49 travelers, so expect a sizable group, which can impact the intimacy of the experience but keeps costs lower.

Is this a good way to see Athens if I only have a short stay?
Absolutely. It packs the essential sights into a manageable two days, perfect if you’re limited on time but want a guided overview.

Will I have enough free time for photos?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time, especially in Nafplio, so you can capture your favorite moments or grab a snack.