Exploring the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, set against the stunning backdrop of the Aegean Sea, is a must-do experience for visitors to Athens. This private tour offers an opportunity to journey along the picturesque Athenian Riviera, stopping at the serene Lake Vouliagmeni before reaching the iconic temple site. With free time to wander the grounds and witness the renowned sunset, travelers can enjoy the rich history and breathtaking scenery that make this excursion truly unforgettable. The tour’s inclusions and accessibility make it a convenient and hassle-free way to explore this remarkable Greek landmark.
Key Points
- This private tour offers transportation from Athens to the iconic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio, showcasing the stunning Athenian Riviera along the way.
- The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and Wi-Fi for a comfortable journey, with an optional licensed guide available upon request.
- Guests can enjoy a stop at the serene Lake Vouliagmeni to stretch their legs and take in the natural beauty before reaching the Temple of Poseidon.
- The Temple of Poseidon, dating back to the 5th century BC, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient Greek landmark and witness the breathtaking sunsets.
- Pickup and drop-off at the traveler’s hotel, port, or airport in Athens ensures a hassle-free experience, with all entrance tickets included in the tour.
Overview of the Private Tour
This private tour to Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon offers a scenic drive along the Athenian Riviera, providing hassle-free transportation from your hotel, port, or airport in Athens. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Guests will have the opportunity to stretch their legs at Lake Vouliagmeni and explore the Temple of Poseidon site at their own pace. While the drivers provide commentary, they don’t accompany travelers inside the sites.
The tour excludes a licensed guide, but this can be arranged upon request, depending on availability. Visitors should note that the Temple of Poseidon closes 30 minutes before sunset, with closing times varying by month.
Highlights of the Scenic Drive
As the private tour departs from Athens, guests are treated to a scenic drive along the Athenian Riviera, taking in the stunning coastal landscapes and seaside towns that line the route to Cape Sounio. The drive offers breathtaking views of the azure Aegean Sea, with the opportunity to spot the majestic Saronic Islands in the distance. Along the way, the tour makes a stop at Lake Vouliagmeni, where guests can stretch their legs and soak in the serene natural beauty of the area. This scenic journey sets the stage for the tour’s main attraction, the awe-inspiring Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio.
| Highlights of the Scenic Drive | ||
|---|---|---|
| Athenian Riviera | Stunning coastal landscapes | Seaside towns |
| Saronic Islands | Breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea | Lake Vouliagmeni |
| Serene natural beauty | Opportunity to stretch legs | Prelude to the Temple of Poseidon |
Visiting Lake Vouliagmeni
On the way to Cape Sounio, the private tour makes a stop at Lake Vouliagmeni, where guests can stretch their legs and bask in the serene natural beauty of the area.
The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Athens. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views, breathe in the fresh air, and perhaps even take a dip in the inviting waters, if weather permits.
This brief stop provides a chance to rejuvenate before continuing the journey to the iconic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio, the primary destination of the private tour.
Exploring the Temple of Poseidon
After stopping at the serene Lake Vouliagmeni, the private tour continues its journey to the iconic Temple of Poseidon, the striking landmark atop Cape Sounio.
Guests will have ample free time to explore the ancient temple, which dates back to the 5th century BC and was dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon. Visitors can wander through the site, admiring the impressive marble columns and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
The temple is known for its stunning sunsets, which the tour aims to catch before closing time, making for a truly memorable experience. With the entrance tickets included, guests can enjoy the rich history and mythology surrounding this ancient Greek wonder.
Timing and Sunset Information
The tour operator advises that the Temple of Poseidon closes 30 minutes before sunset, as sunset times vary throughout the year. This is an important detail for visitors to keep in mind when planning their visit.
Arriving too late in the day may mean missing the opportunity to fully explore the temple site.
The tour includes free time at Cape Sounio, allowing visitors to take in the stunning scenery and visit the Temple of Poseidon.
With the temple’s closing time tied to the sunset, it’s crucial for travelers to be mindful of the schedule and plan accordingly to make the most of their time at this iconic ancient Greek landmark.
Private Transportation and Inclusions
This private tour from Athens to Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon includes hassle-free pickup and drop-off at the traveler’s hotel, port, or airport. The air-conditioned vehicle provides bottled water and WiFi on board, ensuring a comfortable journey along the scenic Athenian Riviera. The tour also includes entrance tickets to the Temple of Poseidon, though a licensed tour guide is available upon request depending on availability. Gratuities are not included.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Hassle-free pickup and drop-off | Licensed tour guide (upon request) |
| Air-conditioned vehicle | Gratuities |
| Bottled water | |
| WiFi on board | |
| Entrance tickets to Temple of Poseidon |
Pickup, Drop-off, and Accessibility
Convenience and accessibility define the tour’s pickup and drop-off arrangements, as the service offers hassle-free transportation from the traveler’s hotel, port, or airport in Athens.
Whether you’re staying in the city or arriving by plane or cruise ship, the private vehicle will be there to whisk you away on your scenic journey. This thoughtful inclusion ensures a seamless start and end to your day, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights and landscapes without the worry of navigating the city or finding your own way.
With the comfort of air-conditioning and complimentary bottled water, you’ll be able to relax and fully learn about the experience.
Additional Information and Recommendations
Visitors should be aware that the Temple of Poseidon closes 30 minutes before sunset, with sunset times varying by month. This means it’s important to arrive early to fully explore the site.
The scenic drive along the Athenian Riviera provides stunning views of the coastline, but the itinerary doesn’t include a licensed tour guide. Instead, the drivers will provide commentary during the transportation portions.
While gratuities aren’t included, they’re appreciated for good service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Private Tour Duration?
The private tour duration is not explicitly stated, but it likely takes several hours to complete the scenic drive, stop at Lake Vouliagmeni, and allow free time at the Temple of Poseidon site before returning to the starting location.
Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?
Yes, the private tour can typically be customized to suit the traveler’s preferences. The tour provider may accommodate special requests, such as adding stops or adjusting the itinerary, within the tour’s overall scope and schedule.
Is Food or Lunch Included in the Tour Price?
No, food or lunch is not included in the tour price. The tour only covers transportation, entrance fees, and bottled water. Visitors will need to purchase any meals or snacks separately during the tour.
What Should I Bring for the Tour?
For this private tour, visitors should bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal items they may need, as food and lunch are not included in the tour price. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
Can I Extend the Tour to Include Other Sites?
Yes, the tour can be extended to include other sites, but this would require arranging additional transportation and admission fees. Customers should discuss any desired modifications with the tour provider prior to booking to ensure availability and pricing.
Recap
The private tour from Athens to Cape Sounio offers a scenic journey along the Athenian Riviera, with a stop at the serene Lake Vouliagmeni before exploring the iconic Temple of Poseidon.
Travelers can marvel at the impressive marble columns and panoramic Aegean views, with the option to time their visit to catch the temple’s renowned sunset.
Private transportation and entrance tickets are included, making this an ideal way to experience the natural beauty and ancient history of the region.
