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Athens and Cape Sounion
Piraeus Shore Excursions - Athens and Cape Sounion
 

Full day private shore excursion from Piraeus combines the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, with a scenic coastal drive to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. See the Parthenon and Erechtheum in the morning, then drive the Athens Riviera coastline to the clifftop ruins overlooking the Aegean Sea in the afternoon. 8 hours.

8 hours (private)
private excursion
licensed guide
english speaking expert
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port of Piraeus or your Hotel in Athens
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Included Entrances- Acropolis, Cape Sounion
  • The prices shown below are not valid on Sundays or local National Holidays. If your only day in this city is Sunday, please Contact Us for pricing and availability.
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number: GPIRA-06


Group Size (Prices in USD)*: 		2 People - $700 Per Person
3 People - $504 Per Person
4 People - $396 Per Person
5 People - $332 Per Person
6 People - $288 Per Person
7 People - $262 Per Person
8 People - $240 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Athens Acropolis & Cape Sounion Shore Excursion from Piraeus

This full day Piraeus shore trip allows you to see the Acropolis and other highlights in Athens plus you drive along the Saronic Gulf coast to Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon.

After meeting your private guide, you drive to the Acropolis, which means the high city, for a visit to the foremost symbol of the glory of ancient Greece. The Acropolis was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Climb the smooth marble steps on the Sacred Way as visitors have for centuries. History's doors open before you as you reach the Propylaea, a masterpiece of classical architecture, serving as the entrance to the complex of buildings. You'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheum, with its classical Porch of the Caryatids. Stand in awe of what is considered the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world, the Parthenon, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess. Your licensed guide is with you throughout the journey to explain the things other tourists miss.

Looking down from the Acropolis you'll see the two ancient theaters in its shadow, the Theatre of Dionysus, where the masterpieces of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes debuted to delighted audiences, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theater built in 161 AD that is still used today for concerts and classical plays during the summer Athens Festival.

Next you enjoy a driving tour of Athens where you see the top sights including the Panathenaic Stadium, birthplace of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 and host of the archery and marathon finish for the 2004 Athens Olympics. You'll see the Parliament Building with its traditionally dressed Evzones soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Constitution Square, Hadrian's Arch and much more. You have a short break to enjoy lunch (meal not included).

This afternoon you depart Athens and drive along the coastline passing popular resorts and beaches and enjoy splendid views of the sea and nearby mountains. Once you have arrived at the isolated Temple of Poseidon standing watch over the sea, your guide will unravel its fascinating history. On this ground the ancient Greeks worshiped their god of the sea, Poseidon. The temple was originally made up of 34 Doric style columns and today there are still 15 which are well preserved. You can walk along the ruins at the cliff's edge high above the sea and take in dramatic views of the surrounding heights and sparkling blue water.

After a very full day of sites, you are returned to your ship in Piraeus.

Please note
  • Prices shown are not valid on Sundays or local national holidays. If your only day in this city is Sunday, please contact us for pricing and availability.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port of Piraeus or your Hotel in Athens
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Included Entrances- Acropolis, Cape Sounion
  • The prices shown below are not valid on Sundays or local National Holidays. If your only day in this city is Sunday, please Contact Us for pricing and availability.

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    30 Minutes
    Drive to the Acropolis
  • 2
    2 Hours
    Visit the Acropolis
  • 3
    45 Minutes
    Driving Tour of Athens
  • 4
    45 Minutes
    Short stop for Lunch
  • 5
    1.5 Hours
    Saronic Gulf coast drive to Cape Sounion
  • 6
    1.5 Hours
    Visit the Temple of Poseidon
  • 7
    1 Hour
    Return to ship in Piraeus

Resources

Piraeus Port Authority. Cruise pickup point for this full day tour Official Website

This is Athens. Official visitor guide Official Website

Good to Know

Mobility
Folding wheelchairs are welcome, though Acropolis may not be fully accessible. Please let us know in advance so we can plan around any mobility needs.
Walking
This tour includes a walking portion over some hills and uneven ground. Comfortable, supportive shoes are strongly recommended.
Customizable
This tour can be adjusted to fit your group’s pace and interests. If you’d like to spend more time at a particular site or add a stop, contact us when you inquire.
Sunday & Holiday Pricing
Entrance fees at some sites are higher on Sundays and local holidays. If your port day falls on a Sunday or holiday, contact us for accurate pricing before booking.
Larger Groups
For groups that need a minibus or full coach, contact us for a custom quote. We accommodate groups of any size.

Most Popular Tours from Piraeus - Athens Tours Tours & Excursions

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the Port of Piraeus from Athens and Cape Sounion?
Athens is approximately 10 kilometers from Piraeus - about 20 to 40 minutes by road. Cape Sounion is approximately 70 kilometers further along the Attica coast. This full-day tour covers both destinations efficiently.
Are entrance fees for the Acropolis and Cape Sounion included?
Yes - entrance fees for both the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion are included. Please note that Acropolis tickets are timed and become non-refundable once purchased.
Is this tour suitable for a full port day?
Yes - this is an 8-hour tour designed to make the most of a full day in Piraeus. You see the best of both Athens and Cape Sounion without feeling rushed, and return to the ship comfortably before departure.
Is there a guarantee that we'll make it back to the ship on time from our Piraeus tour?
Yes, and it's built into every Piraeus tour we run -- the Back-to-Ship Guarantee. If a delay caused by our tour operator keeps you from returning to the ship on time, we'll arrange and cover your transportation to catch up with the ship at its next port of call. To qualify, your tour needs to be scheduled to return at least 1.5 hours before the ship's departure, and you'll need to be back at the vehicle for every agreed meeting time during the day.
How does the deposit and balance payment work for Piraeus tours?
Booking a Piraeus tour requires a $50 deposit up front. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your tour date. If your plans change, that deposit isn't refundable, but it stays on your account as credit toward any tour for up to 3 years. Larger groups, custom itineraries, or tours involving flights or overnight stays may carry a bigger deposit and their own terms, which we'll spell out at booking.
What if I need to cancel my Piraeus excursion last minute?
As long as you cancel your Piraeus tour 15 days or more in advance, you get a refund minus $50. Inside 14 days of the tour date, cancellations become non-refundable. One exception: if your ship simply doesn't call at Piraeus because of weather, mechanical issues, or political unrest, you'll get a full refund less the $50 fee. All cancellation requests need to be submitted in writing by email.
What's the pickup process for a Piraeus tour?
Cruise Ship: When you get off the ship in Piraeus, look for the terminal's main public exit. If a terminal building is present, go through arrivals to the outdoor pickup area -- cruise staff will help direct you. If not, your driver will be waiting right on the dock. Can't find your contact? Stay near where you exited and call the local dispatch number on your confirmation. Hotel: Look for your driver or guide right outside the main entrance or in the lobby -- they'll be holding a sign with your group name. Airport: Once you've collected your luggage and cleared customs, head into the arrivals hall -- your driver or guide will be there holding a sign with your group name.
Are museum and site tickets included in the Piraeus tour price?
You'll find entrance fees bundled in for Piraeus tours where the tour page states it. Keep in mind some venues require timed, skip-the-line tickets that become non-refundable the moment they're purchased. We'll flag any non-refundable entrance fees for you at booking.
How flexible is a private Piraeus tour?
That's the advantage of going private in Piraeus -- the day can adjust to you. Mention any must-see sight to your driver or guide at pickup, and they'll do their best to work it in. Traffic and time constraints can occasionally limit how much we can change, but your guide will always try to keep things personal.

Also Available:

›Highlights of Athens - if you would like to visit Acropolis
›Best of Athens - if you would like to visit Acropolis, New Acropolis Museum
›Cape Sounion - if you would like to visit Cape Sounion
›Highlights of Corinth - if you would like to visit Ancient Corinth
›Athens Hotel to Piraeus Cruise Port Transfer - for a private transfer from your hotel to the cruise port

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Book With Confidence

Back-to-Ship Guarantee
Guest Reviews
Group & Custom Requests
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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Drive to the Acropolis - 30 Minutes
  • Visit the Acropolis - 2 Hours
  • Driving Tour of Athens - 45 Minutes
  • Short stop for Lunch - 45 Minutes
  • Saronic Gulf coast drive to Cape Sounion - 1.5 Hours
  • Visit the Temple of Poseidon - 1.5 Hours
  • Return to ship in Piraeus - 1 Hour

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 70 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Piraeus August 10, 2026
Reviewer: Bobby W from San Antonio TX  
Turkey was fantastic. Driver and Orntune (way he told us to say it. My travel agent friends very impressed with you coordination. Looks like more unrest for Athens tomorrow. So glad we limited to sightseeing. Athens was high-level tour. Guide was very good however, the day was damp and the mood dampened since the strike closed the main attraction.

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  3 of 3 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Piraeus August 8, 2026
Reviewer: Walter H from Union Hall VA  
We had a wonderful vacation. Every one of the tour guides were great. My family was really impressed with their knowledge, service, and friendliness. I was pleasantly surprised with how much better an experience we had compared to the Princess Cruise Ship Tours. For example, our tour guide for the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii knew that Pompeii was closed until 1130 AM and changed our itinerary to travel along the coast in the morning and go to Pompeii at the end of the day. The other tours just took people to the gate and waited for two hours. Thanks again. My wife and kids felt that each guide was a   friend   by the end of the tour. The guides in Florence and Ephesus were probably the highlight for us. The Mercedes vans that were used in most cities were always nice and all of our drivers were really great. Ive already recommended you to a friend.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Piraeus July 26, 2026
Reviewer: Louise R from Rocky River OH  
Our trip was fabulous. Our flights were on time, the weather was great and the sites so amazing! Our tours and guides were excellent. I dont have their names handy but all were extremely knowledgeable and we loved their passion for their countries. Should we venture back to Europe we will definitely contact you again. I will surely recommend your company to anyone traveling in Europe.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Piraeus June 24, 2026
Reviewer: Malcome S from North Providence RI  
Our two tours were really wonderful. We saw everything we possibly could and asked for an extra hour on the Florence Pisa tour and it was added for us. Really fantastic service...

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Piraeus June 15, 2026
Reviewer: Howard M from Hilton Head SC  
Thank you! Everything went great. Both guides were very good and they were on time and it worked out even with the ship changes to Athens first. We enjoyed everything and would recommend your company to others. We were fortunate to have a large party so that we could have our own bus and guide at both ports.

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