Sounio Half-Day Trip, Athens

Take a half-day tour to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, which is one of the most recognizable temples in Greece thanks to its cliffside location and role in Greek mythology. Travel in comfort with this small minivan tour, where you'll learn about the history and mythology of the Temple of Poseidon, whose strategic location made it one of the most important and sacred sites in the area. The Temple of Poseidon is known for its sunsets, so enjoy this tour that includes a visit to the beach before you settle in at the temple to watch the sun lower over the Aegean.

The 5th-century Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is one of the most famous sites in Greece. In Greek mythology, it was believed that King Aegus waited here for his son Theseus to return from his quest to kill the Minotaur in Crete. Although Theseus returned victorious, he forgot to change the sails of his ship from black to white to let his father know he had survived. When Aegus saw his son's black-sailed ship, he believed Theseus to be dead and threw himself off the cliff at Cape Sounion, thus giving the Aegean Sea its name.

On this tour, discover this myth and others tied to this spectacular temple that's part of the "Sacred Triangle:" an isosceles triangle that's formed between the Temple of Poseidon, the Temple of Aphaia on the island of Aegina, and the Parthenon in Athens. Travel down south along the Athenian Rivera to Cape Sounion in an air-conditioned private minivan with a knowledgable guide. Pass by the seaside suburbs of Vouliagmeni and Glyfada and depending on the time you leave, stop by one of the western coast's beaches along the way either on your departure or your return.

After heading down the coast, spend some time at the Temple of Poseidon. There your guide will tell you about the building of this site, as well as information about the maritime practices of the ancient Greeks and their worship of Poseidon, the god of the sea. Cape Sounion is known for its remarkable sunsets, so make sure to bring your best camera to capture the unforgettable image of the temple and its background of the setting sun and Aegean Sea.