Cape Sounion

Description

Take your own postcard-perfect snaps of Cape Sounion’s temple of Poseidon on a scenic afternoon trip from Athens. The site is the most popular half day lazy afternoon destination not only for its great archaeological interest but for the scenic drive along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf. From the temple perched on a rocky hilltop the view across the Aegean Sea is magnificent, extending all the way to Kea Island and the Peloponnese on a clear day.

Driving along the coastal road past the wonderful beaches of GLYFADA, VOULIAGMENI, VARKIZA and countless coves, one has a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf.

A crowning feature of the tour Cape Sounion dominated by the spectacular Temple of POSEIDON overlooking the Aegean sea. Sounion has been a sacred site since very ancient times.

The “sanctuary of Sounion” is first mentioned in the Odyssey, as the place where Menelaus stopped during his return from Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides.

Archaeological evidence has shown that there were two organized places of worship on the cape by the 7th century BC: a sanctuary of Poseidon at the southern edge and a sanctuary of Athena about 500 mt to the northeast.

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Itinerary

Your tour’s schedule in detail:

Half Day Afternoon

A half day afternoon trip from Athens full of images. Begin your Sounion tour with a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens most beautiful suburbs (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza).

As you approach Cape Sounion, it rises like a sheer cliff out of the sea. At Cape Sounion where you will visit the 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world (on a clear day you can see at least seven islands).

The precipice is a sheer 197 foot drop to the sea. Land masses to the west stand out in sharp profile: the island of Aegina backed by the mountains of the Peloponnese.

The beauty of the surviving Doric columns has inspired many poets, including Lord Byron who carved his name on one of the columns.

Departure / Return location

ATHENS

Departure time

3:00pm [October 1st till March 31st departure at 2:30pm]

Return time

7:00pm

Wear

Casual dressing.
Most sites in Greece involve extended walking and/or slippery surfaces.
Therefore we strongly suggest wearing comfortable sturdy shoes.
Sunscreen, hat and water are also good “travel companions”.

Difficulty

Due to extend walking and slippery surfaces please inform us if you have walking disabilities or using a wheelchair before booking this tour.

Departure days :

April to October : Daily

November to March : Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat

Included

Pick-up & Drop-off from selected Athens hotels
Dlx air-conditioned motor coaches
English Speaking Qualified Guide
Entrance Fees to the sites visited
24hrs Assistance phone number
All Taxes

Not Included

Travel Insurance
Tips

Map

Map directions are indicative and can alternate, depending on weather and/or various circumstances.

Highlights

Temple of Poseidon

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Athens Acropolis walking tour

This city tour will not only show you the most important landmarks and sights of the historical center of Athens but will also include a complete tour of the Acropolis where your guide will give you an in-depth guided tour of this world heritage site and its major breathtaking monuments all in one fascinating tour.

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