Hit Enter to search or Esc key to close

Athens One Day: Parthenon, Αcropolis Museum & Cape Sounio Including Lunch

5 of 5 bubbles 391 reviews | Recommended by 97% of travelers

Athens in a Day: A Carbon-Neutral Tour of Ancient Marvels and Coastal Beauty

Discover the essence of Athens on this full-day, carbon-neutral tour—perfect for first-time visitors seeking a rich blend of history, culture, and scenic charm. From the world-renowned Acropolis to the glittering shores of Cape Sounion, this guided experience offers a complete introduction to the timeless soul of the Greek capital.

Share this tour with your friends

Tour Description

Discover the essence of Athens on this full-day, carbon-neutral tour—perfect for first-time visitors seeking a rich blend of history, culture, and scenic charm. From the world-renowned Acropolis to the glittering shores of Cape Sounion, this guided experience offers a complete introduction to the timeless soul of the Greek capital.

Begin your adventure with a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, the birthplace of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Then continue your journey past the neoclassical elegance of the Zappeion and the awe-inspiring Temple of Olympian Zeus. As you make your way through the heart of the city, admire the historic Athens Trilogy—the University, the Academy, and the National Library—before passing key landmarks such as the National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, the Greek Parliament with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Constitution Square. Along the way, your guide will point out hidden gems like Schliemann’s House, the Catholic Cathedral, the Old Parliament, the Russian Orthodox Church, and more—each revealing a piece of the city’s layered story.

The highlight of the morning is your visit to the legendary Acropolis, where myth and history intertwine. Then, skip the lines and delve deeper into Athens’ classical past at the Acropolis Museum. Your guided tour will bring to life its world-famous collections, including Archaic sculptures, the iconic Caryatids, and the spectacular Parthenon Gallery, where original friezes and metopes still inspire awe.

Following a culture-rich morning, unwind over a delightful lunch at a top-rated local restaurant nestled beneath the Acropolis, savoring authentic Greek flavors in a picture-perfect setting.

In the afternoon, trade the city’s energy for the serenity of the Athenian Riviera. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast, with sweeping views of the Saronic Gulf as your archaeologist guide shares insights into ancient maritime myths. Arriving at Cape Sounion, visit the majestic Temple of Poseidon—perched dramatically above the Aegean Sea. Take an hour to explore the sacred ruins and soak in the panoramic views that have captivated travelers for centuries.

As the sun begins to dip, return to Athens filled with unforgettable memories of ancient wonders, modern charm, and the radiant beauty of the Greek landscape.

Entrance fees

Admission tickets are included in the price paid online.

The Official starting time for our tour is Key Tours offices at 08:15 am. Please arrive at our offices 15 minutes prior to the departure time.

Meeting point

The meeting point is our office at 26 Athanasiou Diakou str. 11743, 15 minutes before departure time depending on the timeslot selected.

Please note that the pick up and drop off service is complimentary. If your hotel is not a pick up/drop off point, we shall provide you with the closest point to your accommodation. Drop off points may vary from pick up points.

  • 100% refund if you cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before the start time of the tour​
  • Unused features are non-refundable. No-shows forfeit the entire payment.

The best time to visit the Acropolis is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the site is less crowded compared to the peak summer months. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the outdoor site and enjoying the views.

For the best experience, consider visiting:

  • Early morning (8:00–9:00 AM): This is the least crowded time of day and offers cooler temperatures.
  • Late afternoon (2:00–3:00 PM, depending on closing hours): Fewer visitors are present, and the lighting is great for photography.

Avoid midday visits in the summer (July and August), as the site can get extremely hot and crowded. If visiting during this time, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat to stay comfortable. Winter visits (November to March) are quieter and cooler, though the weather can sometimes be unpredictable.

It is recommended that visitors bring small to medium-sized backpacks to the Museum.

Amateur photography and filming for personal use are permitted throughout the Acropolis Museum, except in the Archaic Acropolis Gallery on the first floor. The use of flash, tripods, and additional professional equipment is prohibited. Publishing these photographs in print or digital form requires the Museum’s written authorization.

The Acropolis of Athens includes several iconic ancient structures, the most notable being:

  • Parthenon: A temple dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron goddess.
  • Erechtheion: Known for its Caryatids, the columns sculpted as female figures.
  • Temple of Athena Nike: A small temple celebrating Athena as the goddess of victory.
  • Propylaea: The grand entrance gateway to the Acropolis.
  • Odeon of Herodes Atticus: A Roman-era amphitheater still used for performances.
  • Theatre of Dionysus: The world’s first theater, dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and theater.

The site also includes various sanctuaries, altars, and remains of ancient fortifications.

Reviews

Peter
PeterNovember 12th, 2024
Selina, our guide, did a very good job! Sharing her great knowledge in an interesting and funny way. We can recommend the tour to both the Akropolis and the museum. It gives so much more than exploring on your own.
Ron Weidner
Ron WeidnerMarch 17th, 2025
Walking Tour of the Acropolis + Parthenon with Maria, 14:30 Mon 17 March 2025. Maria was an excellent guide and we enjoyed the tour very much
Olga
OlgaNovember 8th, 2024
Our tour guide was amazing! She made Greek mythology and the ruins that we saw come alive. We were not rushed. The crowds were not too bad. We could clearly hear everything that she said. Highly recommend this guided tour.

Book with confidence

Book this tour!

Member of:

Visit Greece Logo HATTA Logo ATTA Logo SETE Logo

We accept:

credit cards