Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Athens - Sounio
100% customisable for you
Brush up on your ancient Greek history, because today you're bound for Athens. Make your way to the airport and settle in for the three-and-a-half hour flight – plenty of time to dip into a holiday read or get lost in a retelling of Greek myths.
On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your elegant hotel in the heart of the city. Once you’ve dropped off your bags, begin your introduction to Athens, perhaps with a gentle wander through nearby neighbourhoods or by soothing your rumbling bellies with some delicious Greek gastronomy at a local taverna.
Step back thousands of years today with a guided visit to the Acropolis, Athens’ most iconic landmark. Perched high above the city on a rocky outcrop, this fifth-century BC citadel is a masterclass in ancient Greek architecture and mythology. Built in honour of Athena, the patron Goddess of Athens, the complex is home to some of the most celebrated monuments of the classical world, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theatre of Dionysus and the monumental Propylaea. Your expert guide will bring these ruins to life, weaving together stories of gods, heroes and everyday life in ancient Athens. The tour concludes at the Acropolis Museum, where more than 4,000 artefacts discovered on the site offer further insight into the artistry of this remarkable civilisation.
Today is yours to explore Athens at your own pace. The city is bursting at the seams with ancient wonders, so history buffs will be spoiled for choice between lesser-known ruins and world-class museums. Alongside its storied past, Athens has a lively contemporary side, with plenty of trendy bars, independent boutiques and inviting cafés tucked into its neighbourhoods. Our Concierge can point you towards favourites loved by locals, whether that’s a relaxed coffee spot or a standout taverna where you can tuck into tasty Greek grub. Pull up a chair in a sun-dappled square and dig into Greek classics such as souvlaki (meat skewers) and keftedes (meatballs).
This morning, leave the hustle and bustle of Athens behind as you travel south to the coastal region of Sounio, a one-hour drive away. Set on the southern tip of the Attica Peninsula, Sounio is home to the legendary Temple of Poseidon, swathes of sandy beaches and the sensational Sounio National Park. Settle into your terracotta bungalow, then slip into swimsuits and dive into one of the hotel’s pools or straight into the Aegean Sea.
The next few days are dedicated to soaking up the lovely landscapes and historic sites of Sounio. One highlight is a guided exploration of Sounio National Park, where dirt tracks wind through rolling green hills between Agios Konstantinos and Agia Varvara. Along the way, pause to admire the clifftop views across the glittering Aegean Sea and stop to explore the ancient Lavrio Mines and the dramatic ‘Chaos’, a sinkhole with 165ft-tall walls.
A trip to Greece wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Temple of Poseidon, and luckily for you, it’s right on your doorstep. We recommend a stroll up to the cliffside monument at sunset, when you can see 16 of the original 38 columns silhouetted against the yolky sun. It won’t be hard to understand why they deemed the grand structure worthy of honouring the god of the sea.
After one final Greek breakfast, it’s time to begin your journey home. A private transfer will return you to Athens Airport for your three-and-a-half-hour flight back to London. The time will fly by as you discuss your newfound knowledge of the mythical gods that once ruled Greece...
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
