Athens Super Saver: City Sightseeing Tour and Half-Day Cape Sounion Trip plus Delphi Day Trip

This Athens Super Saver combines three of Greece’s most iconic sites into a two-day package for just $271.76 per person. With professional guides, air-conditioned transport, and entry tickets included to the Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon, and Delphi archaeological site and museum, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of Greece’s ancient marvels. The flexible scheduling allows travelers to choose the order of the days, making it adaptable to your preferences. While overnight accommodation is not included, the tour’s well-organized structure and engaging guides make it suitable for those eager to maximize their sightseeing.

Ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers, this tour provides a balanced pace with enough time to appreciate each site. However, it involves long bus rides, especially to Delphi, which may be a consideration for travelers with limited stamina or those seeking a more relaxed schedule. This value-packed tour delivers a memorable glimpse into Greece’s past and stunning scenic views.

Key Points

• Three top sites in two days: Athens city highlights, Cape Sounion, and Delphi, all at a discounted price.
• Includes entrance tickets to the Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon, and Delphi archaeological site and museum.
• Flexible scheduling: you choose whether Day 1 or Day 2 features the Athens city tour or the Delphi trip.
• Comfortable transport: travel by air-conditioned coach with hotel pickup available from selected hotels.
• Tour guides are noted for their knowledge, with some reviews praising their storytelling skills.
• Long bus rides are part of the experience, particularly for the trip to Delphi, which takes about 3 hours each way.

Starting Point and Logistics for the Tour

The tour begins at the Amalia Hotel Athens at Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 10 at 8:30 am. Pickup is available from selected hotels for convenience, and the tour ends back at the starting point. The trip is run by CHAT Tours and involves small groups of up to 49 travelers.

Participants should have moderate physical fitness, as some sites involve walking around and standing for periods. The meeting time is fixed, and while port, airport, or private apartment pickups are not available, the central meeting location is easily accessible via public transportation.

Exploring Athens City Highlights

The first part of the tour involves a sightseeing drive through Athens’ key modern and historical areas. The guide leads visitors past Omonia Square, Syntagma Square (home to the Greek Parliament), and the Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

A major highlight is the guided walk of the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors see the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. The Acropolis Museum is also on the itinerary, offering a more detailed look at the artifacts from the site. Review comments note that the museum is well worth visiting, although some mention it feels rushed during busy days.

The tour concludes with free time to explore or grab lunch (own expense) before heading to Cape Sounion.

The Day Trip to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

In the afternoon, the journey takes travelers southward along the Saronic Gulf to Cape Sounion. The drive offers scenic views of Greece’s coastline. At Cape Sounion, visitors see the semi-ruined white marble Temple of Poseidon, built in 44 BC. The temple’s clifftop location rewards visitors with expansive sea views and mythological stories.

The tour guide recounts legends and history surrounding the temple, adding depth to the visit. Some reviews mention that the drive is long and that Cape Sounion offers less to see compared to Delphi, with the temple being the main attraction, so the visit is about scenic beauty and mythology rather than extensive ruins.

Time at Cape Sounion is approximately an hour, which is enough to appreciate the spectacular views and take photos.

Full-Day Trip to Delphi: Ancient Ruins and Museum

The second day features a full-day trip to Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The journey involves about 3 hours of travel each way, with brief stops en route. Once at Delphi, the guide leads a walking tour of key sites including the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle sat, and the Athenian Treasury.

The stadium, where the Pythian Games took place, is also part of the visit. Inside the Delphi Archaeological Museum, travelers see treasures excavated from the site, making it a highlight for those interested in artifacts. The tour includes a Greek lunch at a local restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional dishes amid the historic landscape.

Reviews point out Delphi’s ruins are primarily in ruins, but the site’s grandeur and views remain impressive. Some mention that long bus rides and limited time at the site can be challenging but worth the experience.

The Experience of Guides and Group Size

The guides are generally praised for their knowledge and storytelling. Some reviews mention guides like Katvah bringing history to life with clear explanations. The use of microphones could improve communication in larger groups, as some travelers noted difficulty hearing.

The group size caps at 49 travelers, creating a balance between social interaction and comfort. The tour’s pace is considered moderate, allowing enough time at each site without feeling rushed.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness. Some sites involve walking on uneven terrain and standing for some time, such as in the Acropolis and Delphi. The long bus rides to Delphi require patience, especially for those sensitive to lengthy travel.

Note that overnight accommodation is not included, so travelers need to arrange their own lodging in Athens. The pickup is only available from selected hotels, and the tour does not provide port, airport, or private apartment pickups.

Pacing, Crowds, and Tips for Enjoyment

The tour offers a full schedule, with some reviews mentioning crowded sites during peak times, especially the Acropolis due to cruise ships arriving. To avoid crowds, it might help to visit the museum and Acropolis early in the morning if flexible, although the schedule is fixed.

Travelers should plan for long travel hours and hot weather during summer months. Some suggest bringing sun protection or umbrellas to stay comfortable during outdoor walks, especially at Cape Sounion and Delphi.

Cost-Effectiveness and Comparison

At $271.76, including entrance tickets, guides, and transport, this tour offers good value for a comprehensive experience. Some reviews point out that paying separately for guides and transport might be more flexible, but the convenience of an organized package makes this option appealing.

The tour is especially suited for those wanting to see multiple sites without the hassle of planning individual visits, though long travel times mean it’s best for active travelers comfortable with bus journeys.

Final Thoughts on the Athens Super Saver Tour

This two-day tour provides an efficient way to explore Athens, Cape Sounion, and Delphi with professional guides and all entrance tickets included. The value for money is clear, and the site visits are well-chosen for fans of ancient Greece.

The main limitations are the long bus rides and the potential crowds at major sites, particularly during peak season. The lack of overnight accommodation means travelers need to plan their stay in Athens separately. Still, for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience of Greece’s most iconic ruins and landscapes, this tour hits the mark beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 5 to 12 years qualify for discounted tickets if they hold a passport or ID. They should be prepared for long travel hours and walking at each site.

Can I choose the order of the days?
Yes, the tour allows the choice of whether the city sightseeing and Cape Sounion or Delphi occurs on Day 1 or Day 2.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guided tours, entrance tickets for the Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon, and Delphi, and air-conditioned transportation. Food and accommodations are not included.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Are the guides experienced?
Guides are described as knowledgeable and professional, with some reviews praising their storytelling skills, although some suggest that microphones could improve communication.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water. Since some sites are outdoors, sun protection and hats or umbrellas are recommended, especially in hot weather.

How long are the bus rides?
The trip to Delphi involves about 3 hours each way, making it a long day, so patience is key. The return to Athens generally concludes in the evening.

Can I customize my schedule?
While the tour schedule is fixed, the order of the sites can be chosen when booking, allowing some flexibility.

What about accessibility?
The tour requires moderate physical activity. Sites involve walking on uneven terrain, so those with mobility issues should consider this before booking.

Is food included?
No, lunch during the Delphi day trip is included, but other meals are at your own expense.

Would I recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for history lovers wanting an organized, affordable package to explore Greece’s most famous archaeological sites with professional guides and comfortable transport.