Full day in Athens or 1/2 day Athens + Sounion?

[Infi]

Thanks for your information.

 

Did you use a tour guide while in Athens? They say the drivers can't go into the sites with us and they could get us a tour guide for the full day or half the day. Just wondering if we need or not.

 

No, we did not use a guide. The driver will give a good overview of the history and the sites. The only place you might want a guide is for the Acropolis, but I believe those can be hired on the site now. Or, take a good guidebook or mp3 walking tour with you - we did this last time and it works just as well.

[abc2media]

I agree with Infi and the others about not making the drive to Sounion. We did not visit the temple there because it was too late in the day but we did stay there one night. Once you get near the Temple area the drive is nice along the water but otherwise its a pretty boring 1 hour drive.

 

We used Athens by Taxi (also known as Greek Taxi in Trip Advisor) for a half day introductory tour. It was a drive-by of the major sites to get a feel for the city and a visit to the Acropolis museum and Temple of Zeus. One of the higlights was the drive up to Lycabettus Hill. The view from there is spectacular. We went back the next morning to actually visit the Acropolis, walked in the Plaka, and went to the National Archaelogical Museum for a quick visit. Pre-arranged pick up and return to Piraeus so we could get there faster.

 

I would recommend hiring Athens by Taxi for the day and dropping you off where you want to go and then doing a drive tour for the rest. If you get tired of the sightseeing just head back to the ship. Its great to know you have a reliable ride to take you wherever you want to go.