My wife and I had just flown into Athens when we happened to hail a taxi and were greeted by a wonderful gentleman named Ilia. From the moment we met him, he was warm, kind, and full of local knowledge. Being from the area, he began sharing stories and insights about Athens and the surrounding region as we drove. During our conversation, Ilia mentioned that he also offered private tours. Since we couldn’t check into our hotel for several hours, we spontaneously decided to take a five-hour tour with him—and we’re so glad we did! Ilia took us to some beautiful places we never would have discovered on our own. Along the way, he recommended a wonderful family-owned seafood restaurant with an incredible view. The meal was fantastic—fresh seafood, a beautiful setting, and exactly the kind of authentic experience we were hoping to find in Greece. After lunch, Ilia drove us to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Standing there overlooking the Aegean Sea was truly unforgettable and a perfect way to end our unexpected adventure. We felt incredibly blessed to have crossed paths with Ilia. What began as simply hailing a taxi turned into one of the most memorable experiences of our time in Athens. Do yourself a favor the next time you visit Athens and book a private tour with Ilia. You won’t regret it!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Professional driver guide with knowledge of history allowed to provide only exterior insights
- Water
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Excludes
- Lunch
- To Swim in the Lake Vouliagmeni the Entrance fee is 17€ per person , Saturday, Sunday
- for the Temple of Poseidon from 1St April to 31st October
- Dinner
- (Optional) Licenced guide (Archeologist) to escort you inside the sight with extra fee
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Just a breath away from the buzzing heart of Athens lies the Athenian Riviera—a sun-kissed coastline stretching from Piraeus to Cape Sounion. Here, the city melts into the sea, and ancient history meets modern luxury. As you drive along the palm-lined avenues, golden beaches like Vouliagmeni and Varkiza invite you to dive into crystal-clear waters. Chic seaside cafés hum with life, while yachts gently sway in the marinas. At sunset, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion stands proudly over the cliffs, glowing in the fading light—a timeless guardian of the Aegean. Locals gather for seafood by the shore, laughter mingling with the sound of waves. It’s a place where time slows down, and the Mediterranean reveals its most elegant face. Whether you're sipping ouzo with a view or strolling the promenade, the Athenian Riviera promises a coastal escape with an Athenian soul.
Lake Vouliagmeni, located on the Athenian Riviera, is a natural thermal lake with a rich geological and mythological history. Formed thousands of years ago, the lake was created when a large limestone cave collapsed due to erosion and underground water activity. Its waters are a mix of seawater and underground thermal springs, maintaining a constant temperature between 22–29°C year-round, making it a natural spa. In antiquity, the area was considered sacred, possibly dedicated to the nymphs, and was used for healing purposes. The name "Vouliagmeni" means "sunken," referring to the collapsed cave. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and features an underwater labyrinth of tunnels, some of which remain unexplored. Today, Lake Vouliagmeni is a protected natural monument and a popular destination for wellness and relaxation, combining natural beauty, therapeutic waters, and a mysterious past close to Athens.
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion was built in the mid-5th century BCE during the Golden Age of Athens. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, it was dedicated to Poseidon, god of the sea, offering protection to sailors and a sign of Athenian power. The temple was constructed on the ruins of an earlier one destroyed during the Persian Wars. Made of white marble from nearby Agrileza, it originally had 34 Doric columns—16 still stand today. Its strategic location made it both a religious site and a naval lookout. According to legend, King Aegeus leapt to his death from the cliff, giving the Aegean Sea its name. Over centuries, the site was abandoned but remained a landmark for travelers and sailors. Rediscovered in the 18th century, it became a symbol of classical heritage. Today, the Temple of Poseidon is one of Greece’s most iconic archaeological sites, admired for its history and breathtaking sunset views.
On a breezy afternoon in Palaia Fokea, kostas, one of the owners of 4 Brothers Tavern, stands at the entrance, welcoming guests like old friends. The tables sit just above the water, where fishermen still bring in the day’s fresh catch—red mullets, calamari, and sea bream. The tavern is more than a restaurant; it’s a tribute to the family’s refugee roots from Asia Minor, where fishing was not just a trade but a way of life. Kostas prepares the fish himself, grilling and seasoning them with olive oil and lemon. Fresh bread, warm from the oven, arrives with a village salad and a glass of ouzo. Greek music plays softly in the background, blending with the sound of gentle waves. At the end of the meal, a piece of homemade ravani is offered as a gift—a sweet symbol of Greek hospitality. 4 Brothers isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to feel. A story of sea, family, and tradition—served on a plate, with the horizon of the Saronic Gulf as your view.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Ilias kanteras was an excellent driver. Very informative
Thank you Ilias, very pleasant ride.
Our time with Ilias was absolutely amazing. His knowledge of the surroundings and his kind and charming personality made this sight seeing the perfect way to end our time in Athens!
Ilias was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and friendly. My wife and I had a great time chatting with him and seeing the sights on our tour.
We had a wonderful trip from Athens to the Temple of Poseidon with our driver Ilias. He gave us lots of information about the areas we drove through, and even gave us tips for our upcoming visit to Crete! It was an easy way to enjoy the coastal drive and the temple.
Ilias is a great driver and tour guide. He streamlined our trip by suggesting we take our luggage so he could drive us directly to our cruise ship without a return stop at our hotels.
Our guide, Ilias was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He provided us with many local insight. He drove us through the Greek river to the Cape and we visited the Temple of Poseidon. And then took up to the Four Brothers restaurant for its catch of the day fresh fish. We were happy and satiated. Bravo!
Wonderful time with our driver Ilias. He stopped along the way for scenic pictures, drove very cautiously, and had a great connection for a fantastic lunch restaurant. We are planning another trip with him later in our vacation. He knew we were going to have fun, and he was right!
Amazing experience! Excellent driver. It was a lovely morning and tour. Very good service and we enjoyed a lot!!!!!!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 12.99999/10 Stars! There were four of us on this private tour, and it was absolutely perfect! Ilias was our driver, and he made the entire day amazing—so knowledgeable, friendly, and personable. Poseidon’s Temple ended up being our favorite stop; it was far less crowded than other tourist spots, and the views were simply spectacular. We’ll definitelybe back and will be booking with this company again! 💖
Llias was fantastic! He picked us up early and made sure we were comfortable throughout the trip to the Temple of Poseidon. He did a great job explaining the various sights along the way and gave recommendations for various traditional dishes.
Ilias drove us along the coast to the Temple of Poseidon, sharing modern and mythological history as we went. Then he took us to a restaurant by the sea, where we shared a Sea Bream. It was a great trip. Ilias is thoughtful and friendly. Highly recommend!
Illias provided us with a wonderful opportunity to visit The Temple of Poseidon, Lake Vougliameni, and lunch seaside.
Wonderful day with Ilias! He met us when our cruise returned to Piraeus, we drove along the Athenian Riviera to a beautiful natural lake, saw the Temple of Poseidon, which is a treasure, had a wonderful lunch sitting by the Aegean Sea and returned us to our hotel for check-in. A perfect day. Thank you, Ilias!
I loved the tour, Ilias was a great driver and tour guide. I would go to other tours with him if we had the time. The lunch spot was amazing too. This tour is great if you don’t want to go with a crowded tour group.
Ilias is amazing! He was timely, attentive, and had fantastic suggestions! I was traveling for a quick trip with my 13-year-old daughter, and Ilias’s advice, anecdotes, and history lessons were perfect. After booking the Temple of Poseidon tour, I also asked him about airport pickup/drop-off and booked that with him as well. Ilias is a national treasure! I’m returning later this year and will book another excursion with my new friend!
Perfect excursion from our cruise ship. We skipped the crowds and arrived early to the Temple of Poseidon. This site was accessible with few steps, and a beautiful location. Ilias, our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and communication was excellent. No problems connecting from our ship. We loved the ability to customize our tour. Highly recommend!
Nice drive in the countryside. Good food. Very relaxing way to get out of the city. The Temple itself is pretty but basic. Enjoyed the lake and a swim. Had a wonderful day. Driver was excellent
We had an amazing first day in Greece with this tour - we were picked up directly from the airport and spent the morning on this tour and arrived right on time for hotel check in.
If you are looking for a day to slow down and enjoy the coast take a drive. We had a lovely drive and swim. Some sightseeing and a fantastic lunch. All from private air conditioned car. The best way to see Greece. Well worth the trip.
It's a very beautiful historical place. I am very recommended to everyone go visited. Take a taxi with Illias he is very educated drivers with such of humor. He can explain everything abouts place
Communication with Ilias was so smooth and easy. He met us on time and took us for a delightful tour to the Temple of Poseidon, passing beautiful scenery along the way. He also took us to a wonderful seaside place for lunch. He is a safe driver and very pleasant.
The tour was fantastic. We enjoyed ourselves! The guide was kind and knowledgeable. We took some amazing photos that will be part of our memories. Too bad we don’t have more time in Athens to take more tours with this guide.
A lovely way to visit the lake and temple of Poseidon. Experience Not rushed and a much needed dinner at 4 brothers. Flexible pickup and drop-off.
Lovely tour! Ilias was a lovely driver who was very knowledgeable about the city. Definitely cared for his passengers. Views were awesome :)
Amazing driver Ilias that was so fun and chill! We had a great time! Saw some amazing things and learned so much. Would definitely recommend as you can customize your stops, it’s your time.
Much more personal than any organized group tour you could take. This has been the highlight of our time in Athens. We got to see the temple of Poseidon before tourist buses got there, then to a very nice seaside restaurant on the way back.
Ilias originally picked the four of us up from our hotel and dropped off at airport. We made arrangements with him to have a tour when we returned to Athens ten days later. The day before our return he contacted us to let us know exactly where pick up location would be at the airport. The tour was great. We saw the Temple of Poseidon, stopped at Lake Vouliagmeni that is 10,000 feet deep! We had the option to swim but we opted not to. We then stopped at Four Brothers restaurant and had a fabulous lunch right on the water.It was a great day and Ilias is a knowledgeable guide and has a great, fun personality.
Great time! Ilias was our guide and he was very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Professional service, would book again for another tour.
Awesome company and very flexible. We had a great experience making 2 stops on the way to the Temple of Poseidon. We finished with an amazing seaside lunch and comfortable ride back. Would recommend!!!
We had a great tour today with Dimitris! He text the night before the tour and day of he was right on time. He knew everything there was to know about the area! We were really impressed. He sent me helpful information for after the tour like restaurants and things to do so we could see as much of Athens in our short time here. He drove us to Lake Vouliagmeni and told us all about it. That place was incredible, and I hope to go back. Then, off to the Temple of Poseidon, which was gorgeous. Again, Dimitris told us all about it, and that was much appreciated. On the way back to our hotel in Athens we asked to stop somewhere for lunch and Dimitris recommended a place that was delicious. The value of our tour was excellent, and we'd be so happy to take another. Thank you so much. 😊
Tour operator was prompt and everything was as described. We have no concerns about the experience or the process.
I had a wonderful morning on the Private Temple of Poseidon Tour. Everything went exactly as described—smooth pickup, beautiful drive along the coast, and just the right amount of time at the temple. A special thank you to Eirini, who was incredibly friendly, kind, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable with her warmth and knowledge. Highly recommend this tour for a relaxed and scenic escape from Athens!
A fabulous tour and super thoughtful guide. Ilias always offers up an amazing experience and is a fantastic human being. We’ve used him now on several tours and he knows just the right spots to tailor our journey to our needs. We loved all of his recommendations. Highly recommend him to anyone wanting to explore Greece!
Ilias was on time as usual and gave us great advice on what to do where to and to eat since he’s a local he knows— took us to a local fish restaurant after for lunch which had freshly caught fish- lovely right by the sea ☺️ Poseidon is a special beautiful place - everyone should see it and enjoy the hiking around the area - worth it!
We stretched out our return to the airport from our cruise to include a stop at the Temple of Poseidon. Perfect day and beautiful spot. Great driver!
My tour with Elias was nothing short of extraordinary. Visiting the Lake Vouliagmeni and the Temple of Poseidon turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my trip. Breathtaking Destinations The day began at Lake Vouliagmeni, where the scenery was absolutely magical. The serene waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs created an almost otherworldly atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to relax and connect with nature. Next, we visited the iconic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. The panoramic views of the Aegean Sea from the temple were awe-inspiring. Standing amidst such ancient history with the sun setting over the sea was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Exceptional Dining Recommendation Elias also recommended an incredible restaurant for lunch, where we enjoyed the freshest seafood imaginable. The dishes were perfectly prepared, and the flavors were exquisite. Dining with a stunning view of the Aegean coastline added to the overall experience and made it unforgettable. Final Thoughts Elias was an exceptional guide—knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to every detail. His passion for sharing the beauty and history of these sites made the tour even more special. If you’re looking for a day filled with natural beauty, ancient history, and incredible food, I highly recommend a tour with Elias. It was an experience I’ll cherish forever!
What a wonderful adventure. The views were amazing! Our driver was very knowledgeable about the area and attractions. He went over and beyond to assure we were accommodated. We stopped for an amazing fresh fish lunch that was to die for. Highly recommend you use this tour. I give it an A+.
Excellent tour! Very informative, fantastic lunch recommendation. Pointed out things we were unaware of, and has a very positive outlook on life. Highly advise anyone to book the trip, great ambassador for Greece!
This tour was just perfect. We enjoyed the stops and the relaxing pace. The drive along the coast was magical. The lunch location was excellent in view and quality of food. Edwina and Greg from Washington DC.
Beautiful trip! Lake is amazing! Ilias is the best guide! Great driver! Make us feel safe, he is flexible, knowledgeable! I cant say enough!! So grateful to find this tour!
This was a wonderful day-trip from Athens—and the temple was stunning. On the way, the drive along the sea was beautiful. Our driver was excellent and made two stops along the way at other attractions. We enjoyed an excellent seafood lunch to complete the day.
This tour was great. Our driver Ilias tailored the time at the Temple and lake to our needs. He didn't rush us at all and he even picked us up from the cruise terminal and saved us getting a taxi to the Hotel. We had plenty of time to have a meal with views to the Temple of Poseidon. After the tour, he dropped us off at the Hotel.
The view was amazing. It was better than we expected or hoped for. Ilias is a great driver and tour guide. He knows a lot and can share it. We enjoyed the trip a lot and highly recommend him. We'd ask for him any time.
Driver picked us up at airport, brought us to hotel to change and clean up a bit. Then he picked us up again to drive along the coast with a stop for a big delicious lunch and some photo opps. Drove us to Sounio then waited for us while we walked around the Temple of Poseidon and took some more photos. Besides the cost of the tour we paid for our lunch, €10 each for admission to the Temple of Poseidon, and a tip for our driver. It was a great way to avoid jet lag from Chicago while learning a bit about Greece to begin our vacation. Ilias is very kind, friendly, respectful, helpful, patient and knowledgeable about Greece (and also a safe driver!) He was on time and communicated well ahead of time, and speaks English. Highly recommended.
Took a 4 hour tour to the Temple of Poseidon amongst other stops en-route expertly driven and guided by Mr ilias kanteres who was EXCELLENT! Really friendly, safe and knowledgeable- super enjoyable time would recommend 100%(and I have been a travel professional n UK for over 20 years so have seen good and bad!)
We had a very nice time in Athens, Ilias showed us some marvellous places! Highly recommend if you wish a well planned and organised trip!
Ilias is a wonderful guide for your trip. He took us to Lake Vouliagmeni. It is a beautiful place where we went for a swim. Very unique experience. Then on to the Temple of Poseidon to explore. Ilias was showing and explaining many nice points of interest along our travels of the scenic coastline. Last stop was a perfect lunch spot where we enjoyed the fresh catch of the day, red snapper. Amazing views on the water. We definitely recommend this tour.
5 Highly recommend this tour when in Athens. Ask for Kanteres Ilias for a driver. He is kind, personable, and accommodating! The best. Even if you only have a few days this is nice “change of pace” from the city. The drive is relaxing and beautiful. Stop for fresh caught fish for dinner along the coast at fish restaurant owned by four brothers. The best snapper we have ever eaten!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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