Welcome to Peloponnese
The Peloponnese (Πελοπόννησος) is the stuff of legends. Literally. It is here that Hercules fought the Nemean lion and gods walked the earth, meddling in mortal affairs; it's from here that Paris of Troy eloped with Helen and the Argonauts set sail in search of the Golden Fleece. Celestial and mythological charms aside, this region bears tangible traces of the many civilisations that once called it home, witnessed... Read More
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Peloponnese activities
Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Trip from Athens
The road to Cape Sounion passes the idyllic beaches of the Saronic Gulf - Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza - as well as countless caves. The ancient Greeks certainly knew how to choose a temple location, as Cape Sounion is a remarkable site. The Cape's Temple of Poseidon is perched on a rocky hilltop overlooking the sea, a gleaming white beacon for ancient (as well as modern) travelers along this dangerous stretch of coast.The view across the Aegean is magnificent, extending all the way to Kea and the Peloponnese on a clear day. The Temple of Poseidon was built in 44 B.C., and many of its original Doric columns are still standing. One of the columns has a graffito left by none other than Lord Byron in the early 1800s.This is a great half-day tour option if you're looking to explore Greece beyond Athens, complete with stunning views and world-class Greek ruins.
Athens Full Day Tour with Lunch
The Athens full-day tour depart for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then drive past the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church, and finally ACROPOLIS.Continue the expert guided Athens sightseeing and Acropolis museum one day tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the ACROPOLIS museum. Avoid and skip the lines of the new museum. Main attractions such as votives, statues from archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you.After a morning tour full of images continue in a local restaurant under the slopes of Acropolis for lunch. After lunch depart for 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, Varkiza) to CAPE SOUNION. Cape Sounion is only 45 miles (70 kilometers) from Athens, making it the perfect lazy afternoon tour destination. The Cape's Temple of Poseidon is perched on a rocky hilltop overlooking the sea. The view across the Aegean is magnificent with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world, extending all the way to Kea and the Peloponnese on a clear day. The Temple of Poseidon was built in 44 B.C., and many of its original Doric columns are still standing. One of the columns has a graffiti left by none other than Lord Byron in the early 1800s. The precipice is a sheer 197 foot drop to the sea.
Viator Exclusive: Private Tour from Athens
Start your Viator Exclusive with a pickup from your centrally located Athens hotel and head south along the scenic Attica Riviera. Enjoy the views over the Saronic Gulf and pass pretty seaside villages, cliffs and beaches as you follow the winding coastal road.After about 90 minutes, arrive at Cape Sounion, the promontory at Attica’s southernmost tip that looks directly over the Aegean Sea. Here, head for the star attraction — the stunning Temple of Poseidon. Dating to 44 BC, this semi-ruined Greek temple was dedicated to the god of the sea. Admire the Doric columns as your guide reveals the history and legends that shroud the site, and check out the graffiti carved on one of the columns by the poet Lord Byron in the early 1800s.Take time to absorb the views, too. Gazing out from here feels like you’re on the bow of a ship, with the waves crashing below. The vistas stretch far across the Aegean and extend all the way to the Peloponnese on clear days.After your visit, take the scenic, 45-minute journey to Vouliagmeni, one of Attica’s most beautiful spots. Here, take your table at Ithaki, an acclaimed restaurant perched above Vouliagmeni Bay. Linger over a delicious 3-course meal made using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and admire the breathtaking views over the bay as you eat — it’s a magical setting. See the Itinerary below for a sample menu.Once your meal is over, return to Athens, where your tour ends with a hotel drop-off.
Half day tour in Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio
This half-day tour is designed to show you some beautiful aspects of Argolis in the region of Peloponnese. We will visit two of the UNESCO world heritage sites, the famous Mycenae and the Ancient theatre of Epidavros and we enjoy at the same time, the wonderful and picturesque natural scenery of the region.We pick you up from our meeting point and we begin our tour to the majestic historical monuments of Argolis. The first stop on the tour is the famous Mycenae, home of the Mycenaean civilization, where we will visit the famous Cyclopean walls surrounding the triangular acropolis, the Lion Gate which was the symbol of the power of the Mycenaean rulers and the famous vaulted tombs of Atreus and Clytemnestra. The next stop is the Ancient Epidaurus, one of the most known archaeological sites of Greece in all over the world, which is considered to be the birthplace of medicine. We wander in the Ancient Theater, which is the most beautiful and best reserved among all the ancient theatres and we are impressed by its perfect acoustics. Finally we return to Nafplio full of memories and knowledge.
Private Half Day Tour of Cape Sounio from Athens
Start your private tour with a pickup from your centrally located Athens hotel, and travel southward in your air-conditioned minivan toward the Attica Riviera.Relish the scenery as you follow the coastal road through this picturesque Riviera. The road hugs the shoreline so you get wonderful views over the Saronic Gulf and the rugged cliffs, beaches and villages along the way.After about 90 minutes, arrive in Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of Attica overlooking the Aegean Sea. Perched high on a promontory is the dazzling Temple of Poseidon, built by the ancient Greeks in 44 BC in honor of the god of the sea. Climb the hill to the temple, whose shining white pillars are framed by spectacular views of the Aegean and coast. Inspect the elegant Doric columns as your guide explains the temple’s long history, and its huge importance as a place of worship and vantage point for the Greeks keen to control the shipping lanes to Athens. As you explore, imagine the devotees who once prayed and made sacrifices here, and listen spellbound to the legends that surround the temple. Your guide will also point out the graffiti carved by the poet Lord Byron in the early 1800s. Then, stand back and wallow in the stupendous views that stretch across the Aegean — you can see the Peloponnese on clear days!Perhaps buy some snacks and drinks (own expense) from the nearby cafe. Then, board your private minivan for your drive back to Athens, where your private tour ends with a hotel drop-off.
Katakolon Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Ancient Olympia and Archeological Site
While you’re in port in Katakolon, discover the birthplace of the Olympic Games on a private shore excursion to Olympia. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle as you make your way east to the ancient site. It is here where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC in honor of Zeus; the games continued until approx. 394 AD when Emperor Theodosius I abolished them because he considered them reminiscent of paganism. Follow your local guide through the site, listening to interesting facts about the area.At the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Archeological Site of Olympia, marvel at the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This site was also the home of the original stadium and the Bouleuterion (the administration building). Today, you can see the Bouleuterion remains as an early Greek temple with a square horseshoe shape and tiered seating arrangements. Then enjoy an hour of free time in modern Olympia to shop or relax at one of the numerous cafes. Wander around the town hall, designed by the renowned Greek architect Aris Konstantinides, or visit the small Museum of the Olympic Games.Worry-free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to the Katakolon port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.