Ancient Corinth and Sunset at Temple of Poseidon Cape Sounio

Discover ancient Corinth, the Corinth Canal, the Acrocorinth fortress, and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion on a well-rounded day trip from Athens. Priced at $158 per person, this 10-hour tour from PAPILLON EXPERIENCE offers a mix of history, engineering marvels, and breathtaking sunset views. The tour includes visits to significant sites with an English-speaking guide, limited to 8 participants for a more intimate experience. The journey combines cultural discovery with natural beauty, making it ideal for travelers eager to see Greece beyond Athens.

One of the key advantages of this tour is the small group size, allowing for more personalized attention and relaxed exploration. The tour also features skip-the-line tickets for certain sites, helping maximize your time at each destination. A potential consideration is the physical demand involved, as there is a good amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The sunset at Cape Sounion, with its dramatic views over the Aegean Sea, is a highlight that makes the full-day experience truly memorable.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Athens covering major historic sites and stunning views
• Includes visits to Byzantine Monastery of Daphni, Corinth Canal, Acrocorinth fortress, Ancient Corinth, and Temple of Poseidon
• Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience
• Skip-the-line tickets available for certain sites, saving time
• Sunset at Cape Sounion offers one of Greece’s most beautiful vistas
• Price of $158 includes transportation, bottled water, and soda, but lunch is not included

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Starting in Athens with a Visit to Byzantine Monastery of Daphni

The tour begins with a travel from Athens to the Byzantine Monastery of Daphni, an 11th-century site protected by a large square fortification. Inside, the Katholicon church dominates with its perimeter colonnade and monastic cells, providing insight into Byzantine architecture. Pausanias’ mention of an enclosed temple dedicated to Apollo, Demeter, and Persephone nearby adds historical depth to this stop. This site offers a glimpse into early Greek monastic life and religious history.

Exploring the Engineering Feat of Corinth Canal

Next, the journey takes you to the Corinth Canal, an impressive waterway carved through solid rock. The canal stretches over 6 km long and 23 m wide, with vertical sides rising 90 m above the water. Built over many centuries, from the time of Ancient Corinth through Roman emperor Nero’s reign, the canal remains a significant engineering achievement. The stop provides photo opportunities, where travelers can marvel at the canal’s scale and envision how it transformed Mediterranean trade routes.

Discovering the Fortress of Acrocorinth

The highlight of the morning is the visit to Acrocorinth, an ancient fortress perched on a 575-meter-high rock. This site has been occupied for over 2,000 years, with its walls dating back to the 7th-6th century BC. The fortress contains the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, Christian churches, mosques, fountains, and an underground Byzantine cistern. The site’s strategic position offers panoramic aerial views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for photography and soaking in the history of Greece’s fortified past.

Walking Through the Historic Site of Ancient Corinth

Descending from Acrocorinth, visitors arrive at Ancient Corinth, a city first inhabited during the Neolithic period. Known for its fertile soil and trade routes, Corinth expanded significantly in the 8th century BC, founding colonies like Corfu and Syracuse. The city was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC, then rebuilt in 44 BC by Julius Caesar. The ruins at the site include remnants of public buildings, temples, and Christian churches. The site offers a self-guided tour, giving insight into Greece’s ancient commercial and cultural prominence.

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Enjoying Lunch in the Ancient City

A lunch break takes place within the ancient city of Corinth, where visitors can purchase food at local spots. This downtime allows for a relaxed appreciation of the archaeological surroundings and an opportunity to reflect on the morning’s discoveries before heading south towards Cape Sounion.

Witnessing the Sunset at Temple of Poseidon

The final stop is at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, perched atop a cliff 60 meters above sea level. The temple’s iconic columns dominate the landscape, offering spectacular views over the Aegean Sea. As the sun begins to set, the landscape transforms into a scene of vivid colors, making this sunset one of Greece’s most celebrated. The aerial view of the temple at dusk is unforgettable, providing perfect photo moments and a peaceful end to the day.

Practical Logistics and Group Size

The tour departs from Athens, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. The group is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a comfortable, personalized experience. The tour includes bottled water and soda, with lunch not included, but there are stops in Ancient Corinth to buy food. The pick-up is arranged at a central location in Athens, and the tour concludes back in the city in the evening.

Pricing, Tickets, and What’s Included

For $158 per person, the package covers transportation, water, and soda. Tickets to the Ancient Corinth and Temple of Poseidon sites are not included in the price but can be purchased separately, with full tickets costing around $8-$10 depending on the season. The tour features skip-the-line access where available, helping to optimize your time at each site.

Suitability and Physical Requirements

This tour involves a significant amount of walking across uneven surfaces and historic ruins. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for varying weather conditions with appropriate clothing, hat, and sunscreen. It may not be suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Why Choose This Tour?

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of historical sites, engineering marvels, and spectacular sunset views, all within a 10-hour guided trip. The small group size enhances the experience by allowing more personal interaction with the guide and more flexibility at each stop. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets adds to the convenience, especially during busy seasons.

Final Thoughts on the Ancient Corinth and Sunset at Temple of Poseidon Tour

This tour offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty in one well-organized day trip from Athens. The visit to Acrocorinth and Ancient Corinth provides a deep dive into Greece’s ancient past, while the Corinth Canal showcases human ingenuity. The sunset at Cape Sounion leaves a lasting impression, making this journey ideal for those eager to see iconic sites with minimal hassle.

The $158 price point is reasonable given the comprehensive itinerary and small group size. It’s best suited for travelers interested in history, scenic views, and a relaxed pace. While the tour involves some walking and site entry fees are extra, the overall experience offers a balanced day of exploration and awe-inspiring moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 10 hours.
• What sites are visited during the tour? The tour includes Byzantine Monastery of Daphni, Corinth Canal, Acrocorinth fortress, Ancient Corinth, and the Temple of Poseidon.
• Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included; there will be a stop in Ancient Corinth where food can be purchased.
• Are tickets to the sites included? No, tickets for Ancient Corinth and the Temple of Poseidon are not included but can be bought separately.
• How many people are in the group? The group is limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.
• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, hat, and sunscreen are recommended due to the walking and outdoor exposure.
• Is the tour suitable for children or elderly? The tour involves significant walking and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Does the tour operate year-round? The tour is available year-round, but ticket prices for sites may vary seasonally.
• Will I see a sunset? Yes, the sunset at Cape Sounion is a major highlight, offering memorable views.
• How do I book the tour? Booking is available through the provider, PAPILLON EXPERIENCE, with options to reserve now and pay later.