Highlights of this tour
- Sanctuary of Poseidon
- Cape Sounion
- Scenic drive along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf
Your wheelchair accessible Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon tour starts at your accommodation, the cruise port or the airport, where you meet your guide and driver. Together you make the scenic drive to Cape Sounion. Along the way, you will enjoy some beautiful views and your guide will share more detail about the sights you are going to see.
Cape Sounion is a 70-meter high cliff on Attica that rises from the Aegean Sea, 68 km away from Athens. The Cape and the surrounding area are protected by the Sounion National Park, which is 3,500 hectares in size. According to the legend, Cape Sounion is the spot where Aegeus, King of Athens, believes that his only son, Prince Theseus, leaped to death off the cliff. Thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
Cape Sounion was an obvious choice for a sanctuary of Poseidon. Here sailors offered their last sacrifice to appease the mighty God of the Sea, before they left the safety of the Saronic Gulf and enter the open Aegean Sea. A visit to Cape Sounion is one of the most popular excursions from Athens. Not only for its great archaeological interest, but also for the scenic drive along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf. Get treated to picturesque bays, winding roads and a beautiful view over Cape Sounion. From far you can see the temple of Poseidon in all its glory, gazing on the hill. This tour touches your senses and leaves you in awe.
The Persians destroyed the archaic temple in 480 B.C., however it got replaced in 440 B.C. by Pericles. The contrast between the 12 white remaining Doric columns and the deep blue of the ocean is still as dazzling as in the days of Lord Byron, who carved his name on the marble.
After seeing all there is to see on this marvelous coastline, your driver and your guide bring you back to the starting point again.
“I just finished a tour in Athens with Mirjam’s company, DAT. They were great. The guide was very knowledgeable…” Read more
“Every tour we had was great. Our needs were met and the experiences special…” Read more
“We just returned from a trip to Athens, Greece and Malaga and Valencia, Spain. Thanks to D.A.T. our trip experience was fantastic…” Read more