Destined especially for cruise passengers visiting Athens (Piraeus) for a day, and are interested in combining culture, leisure, and Athens riviera. This shore excursion of Athens is to visit the most famous sites of antiquity and the picturesque riviera of Athens with Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon.
You’ll see (itinerary):
The Acropolis – the Parthenon – Erechthion – Temple of Athens Niki – Plaka – Roman Agora – Monastiraki – Temple of Vulcan – Temple of Zeus – Hadrian’s Arch – the Parliament – the monument of the Unknown Soldier – Panathenian Stadium – ex-royal house – Kolonaki – Lycabettus Hill – Piraeus – Faliron, Alimos, Glyfada – Voula – Vouliagmeni – Varkiza – Lagonissi _ Anavisos – Fokea – Cape Sounion
You’ll visit:
The Acropolis – the Parthenon – Erechthion – Temple of Athens Niki – Plaka – Temple of Zeus – Hadrian’s Arch – the Parliament – the monument of the Unknown Soldier – Panathenian Stadium – Lycabettus Hill – Fokea – Cape Sounion
Highlights of the 8-h Athens tour & breathtaking Poseidon’s temple at Sounion
- 8-hour morning sightseeing private tour of Athens
- Combines Athens’& Cape Sounion modern and classical sites guided by our experts
- Explore the wonders of the Acropolis, the trademark of Athens
- Highlights of modern Athens, including neighborhoods, Plaka, Constitution Square, Panathenian Stadium, Kolonaki-the high end of Athens, Lycabettus-the highest hill of Athens, Temple of Poseidon
- English-speaking tour driver
- Pickup and drop off at your Ship pier
Description of the Full day Athens city tour, its riviera and Poseidon’s temple in Sounion
Our professional tour driver will be at your cruise ship pier waiting for you holding a nameplate with your name on it. Your private drive will lead to boarding your modern 4 seaters, 10 seaters,s or 17 seater vehicles, according to your group size, leaving the quayside, for a 20-minute drive to Athens through the scenic suburbs. Your private shore excursion in Athens begins.
Visit the mighty Acropolis to see the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Greece and the symbol of Athens. Visit on the top of the famous hill, the Propylea (Entrance), the Erectheum, the Temple of Wingless Victory, and, of course, the crowning glory of Athens, the incomparable Parthenon, the greatest monuments all times.
Some mythology…
According to the Myth at the Erectheum, Goddess Athena and God Poseidon are said to have held a contest to decide who would be Patron of the city. When Poseidon thrust his trident into the ground, water burst forth, Athena touched the ground with her spear, and an olive tree grew. She was named the goddess of the city. The building itself contains the graceful Porch of the Caryatids, which features replica columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple. All temples on the holly rock, the Acropolis, are dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, it is Greece’s largest (5th century BC) and most impressive temple.
More impresive memorials…
Our next visit is the famous Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest (3rd century BC) Corinthian-style temple in ancient Greece. Hadrian’s Arch symbolizes and separates the old and new towns by the Roman era.
Our private shore excursion moves on and our sightseeing includes the National Gardens, the National Library, and the Parliament Building, the ex-Royal Palace, Plaka, Roman Agora, Monastiraki – Temple of Vulcan.
Along the way, you will pass the ex-royal house and the ancient Olympic Stadium for a brief photo stop. Re-built 1894, to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
The stadium is made all of the Pentelic marble (like the Parthenon) standing on the site of the original stadium, dating from the 4th century B.C. The Panathenean stadium is used today for very special events, like for the every year finish of the marathon and the archery competition. Also, it was used in the 2004 Olympics games.
It is time for your private driver to drive you up on Lycabettus, the highest hill in Athens, where you can admire the below incredible city views of Athens.
Continue..
After lunch, you will begin the second most picturesque part of your private shore excursion from Athens, along the coastal road past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni.
Visit the Vouliagmeni lake, drive on to Varkiza and see the countless coves along the coastal road, (one of them has a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf), to reach the famous Cape Sounion.
On the cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea stands the imposing temple dedicated to the god of the sea Poseidon. The 16 Doric columns bear silent testimony to the tragedy of King Aegeus who threw himself to his death, after a terrible failure of his son Theseus (The legendary king of Athens). Pass the gate and climb a rocky path, roughly following the ancient approach into the sanctuary of the sea god.
A crowning feature of the tour Cape Sounion, dominated by the spectacular 5th century B.C Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean Sea, with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world.
After taking breathtaking pictures, we will send your private cruise shore excursion to your cruise ship pier.
