The shortlist · ATHENS DAY TRIPS

15 Day Trips from Athens Worth the Early Start

97 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Most of these leave before eight and come back after dark. The 15 below cover Delphi, Meteora, the Argolid and the coast road south, each priced and honest about time spent on the coach.

Athens: Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip - The Athenian Riviera from the bus window
Athens Day Trips, Athens Half-Day Tours, Athens Sunset Tours, Athens Tours, Cape Sounion Tours, Tour Reviews

Athens: Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip

1.Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8,241 reviews · 5h 30m · from $23Our pick

Take a 5.5-hour bus trip from central Athens to Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon stands above the Aegean. An English-speaking archaeologist guide shares history and mythology on the ride, then you have about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore independently. The €20 site ticket is extra, and sunset depends on the weather.

“Had an amazing experience & met a lot of great people. Would definitely recommend this to anyone. Sunset was blocked by clouds but it was still beautiful nonetheless.”

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From Athens: Delphi Full Day V.R. Audio Guided Tour - Seeing the Delphi Archaeological Museum
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From Athens: Delphi Full Day V.R. Audio Guided Tour

2.Delphi Full Day V.R. Audio Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,028 reviews · 10 hours · from $30

Ride from Athens to Delphi with an English-speaking host, then explore the ruins and museum at your own pace using a VR device and multilingual audio. The day also includes time in a traditional mountain village and a photo stop in Arachova. Guides vary by departure; past tour leaders have included George, Angela, Sotiris, and Griselda.

“Absolutely fabulous and worth every penny ! I have done many day trips on my short visit to Athens but this one I enjoyed the best 🌈❤️🌻”

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Athens: Meteora Monasteries Day Trip with Caves and Lunch - Kalabaka is where the Meteora tour begins
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Athens: Meteora Monasteries Day Trip with Caves and Lunch

3.Meteora Monasteries Day Trip with Caves and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,964 reviews · from $66

Ride from Athens to Meteora, then tour the towering rock formations by minibus with a local guide. Visit three monasteries, see all eight from the route, and stop at the Hermit Caves and viewpoints. Guide names vary, with Maria and Clement among those who have led tours. Lunch is optional, and monastery entry fees are extra.

“It was perfect! The local guide Maria was amazing, she provide us the best info about every place.”

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Athens Full-Day Private Tour - The Acropolis gets the morning’s attention
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Athens Full Day Private Tour

4.Athens Full Day Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,903 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $244Top rated

Cover Athens’ headline sights in about eight hours by private vehicle, with hotel or cruise-port pickup on the private option. Visit the Acropolis and Ancient Agora with included tickets, pause for gyros lunch, and choose a museum or time in Plaka. Drivers share historical context but cannot guide inside sites; a licensed guide costs extra.

“Our private full-day tour of Athens was truly an incredible experience. We were completely immersed in the rich history of Greece and the origins of Western civilization. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and insightful—he connected each site perfectly, helping us understand both the physical setting and the historical context of what we were seeing. The weather was absolutely perfect, which made the day even more enjoyable. The Acropolis is simply majestic, while the Ancient Agora transports you back to the everyday life of ancient Athenians and the birthplace of democratic thought inspired by Socrates and his successors. The Acropolis Museum is an absolute must-see. I can’t decide ...”

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From Athens: Small-Group Delphi, Museum & Arachova Day Trip - Delphi’s museum and the ancient sanctuary
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From Athens: Small-Group Delphi, Museum & Arachova Day Trip

5.Small-Group Delphi, Museum & Arachova Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,476 reviews · 10 hours · from $34

Travel from Athens to Delphi with an English-speaking trip attendant, often an archaeologist, then explore the ancient site and museum at your own pace with an audio guide app. The day also includes a stop in Arachova for lunch and a walk through town. Transport is included, but entrance fees and meals are not.

“Even when raining found it stunningly beautiful at Delphi. A must for history buffs.”

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From Athens: Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Trip - A lunch break and free time in Nafplio
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From Athens: Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Trip

6.Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,438 reviews · from $33

Travel from Halandri Metro to Mycenae, Nafplio and Epidaurus on a 10-hour trip with an archaeologist trip attendant. You get time at the Lion Gate, the celebrated theater and Nafplio’s harbor, plus a photo stop at the Corinth Canal. Site entry, lunch and guided tours inside the ruins cost extra.

“It was lovely to stop at Corinth and have the opportunity to walk on the bridge and stand above the canal and take pictures. We even saw a large going through which was very exciting! The ancient ruins of Mycanae were beautiful, set in gorgeous green countryside surrounded by mountains. Then at Nafplio we had the opportunity to walk around the town and waterside, beautiful Venetian influences in the buildings. We were able to sit and have lunch there. On to Ancient Epidavros which for us was the highlight. The amphitheatre is just stunning. Our tour guide Stavroulla (Voulla) was just the best. Very knowledgeable with fun and imaginative mythological…”

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Delphi English Day Trip from Athens with Official Guide - The Temple of Apollo anchors the archaeological visit
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Delphi English Day Trip from Athens with Official Guide

7.Delphi English Day Trip from Athens with Official Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,199 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $78

Ride from Athens to Delphi with a licensed English-speaking guide, then explore the Temple of Apollo and the archaeological museum, including the Charioteer of Delphi. The day also brings mountain views and a photo stop in Arachova. Hotel pickup is available at selected hotels; lunch and entrance tickets depend on the option you book.

“It will be hot up on the mountain , dress appropriately. Driver and excursion leader both great. Eleni was very knowledgeable about Delphi, surrounding area and its history. What a great day.”

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Athens: Meteora Monasteries Day Tour with Lunch - Seeing Meteora from the road
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Athens: Meteora Monasteries Day Tour with Lunch

8.Meteora Monasteries Day Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,196 reviews · from $65

Travel from Athens to Meteora by air-conditioned coach, then explore by VIP minibus with an English-speaking local guide. You’ll see all eight monasteries from scenic stops, enter three, visit the Badovas hermit caves and stop for lunch in Kastraki. The lunch option offers 10 Greek dishes; monastery entry fees are extra.

“very nice our guide miss Katarina. Friendly and helpful. Very knowledgeable. Very happy with her excellent service.”

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From Athens: Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Half Day Tour - Anavyssos brings beach time in season
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From Athens: Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Half Day Tour

9.Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,722 reviews · from $44

Ride the south coast of Attica in an air-conditioned minivan, pause at Vouliagmeni Lake and, from May through October, swim near Anavyssos. At Cape Sounion, a live English-speaking tour leader introduces the Temple of Poseidon before you explore on your own. Choose a morning or sunset departure; the sunset schedule shifts with the season.

“Everything was perfect. Thank you to our excellent guide and driver for a wonderful day! Highly recommend.”

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From Athens: Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full-Day Tour - Mycenae: the Lion Gate and royal tombs
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From Athens: Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full-Day Tour

10.Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,580 reviews · from $33

Travel from Athens by air-conditioned bus to the Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Nafplio and Epidaurus. A live guide connects the ancient sites to Greek myths and history; guides have included Sophia, Demetrios, Katarina and Marita. Expect a full day on the road, limited time at some stops, and an extra charge for Epidaurus admission.

“Anna, our guide, was wonderful. Very helpful and well versed on the Mycenae civilization and Epidaurus site. We were delighted to have her as our guide. John, the bus driver, did a great job. His driving skills were excellent and we felt safe throughout our trip.”

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Athens: Peloponnese Highlights Day Trip and V.R. Audio Guide - Nafplio, a welcome pause between ruins
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Athens: Peloponnese Highlights Day Trip and V.R. Audio Guide

11.Peloponnese Highlights Day Trip and V.R. Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,425 reviews · from $33

Travel from central Athens to the Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Nafplio and Epidaurus by air-conditioned coach. An English-speaking tour leader helps with the day, while an audio guide in ten listed languages and a VR device add context at the archaeological sites. Expect a full schedule, time for lunch in Nafplio and a long ride back.

“Our guide George was the best thing. he had humour, engaged with all the people and had a delightful smile. He gave us good information.”

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Historical Delphi One Day Tour with Arachova Stop & Expert Guide - Delphi’s sanctuary and the Temple of Apollo
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Historical Delphi One Day Tour with Arachova Stop & Expert Guide

12.Historical Delphi One Day Tour with Arachova Stop & Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,247 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $34

Travel by air-conditioned coach from central Athens to Delphi, where an English-speaking guide brings the sanctuary and its museum to life. You’ll also have free time at the archaeological site and a 90-minute stop in Arachova. Guides vary; past tours have featured Marianna, Dimitrios, Maria, and Michael. Entry tickets and lunch depend on the option you book.

“Wonderful experience. Delphi was even nicer than expected. The surrounding mountains were beautiful. And the town of Arachova was enchanting. Marianna our tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Tour was well organized, bus new and very clean. Driver excellent. Learned so much about the Greek origin of our English vocabulary. Extremely interesting. Give it 5+ stars.”

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Premium Delphi Day Trip with an Expert Guide, Museum & Lunch - The museum’s bronze Charioteer and other treasures
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Premium Delphi Day Trip with an Expert Guide, Museum & Lunch

13.Premium Delphi Day Trip with an Expert Guide, Museum & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,100 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $38

Leave Athens at 8:20 am for Delphi by air-conditioned coach, with a licensed English-speaking guide, site and museum visits, and time in Arachova. See the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Stoa, the Charioteer and more. Guides vary by departure; past guides have included Dionysis, Iris and John. Check whether your booking includes tickets and lunch.

“Our guide was lovely and she was full of stories. This was a great trip. We didn't buy the tour with lunch but there were plenty of restaurants to choose from in Arachova. We followed the guide into the same restaurant and ordered a la carte. The food was excellent (recommend the pumpkin soup, Greek salad, rooster and wild boar!).”

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From Athens: Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Canal & VR Guide - Three hours among Ancient Corinth’s ruins
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From Athens: Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Canal & VR Guide

14.Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Canal & VR Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,073 reviews · 6 hours · from $41

Travel from central Athens by air-conditioned minibus to the Corinth Canal, then spend three hours exploring Ancient Corinth with a VR app and audio guide. An English-speaking host handles the trip, while the app offers commentary in ten languages. You’ll also stop at Kechries, the ancient port. Admission, food, and drinks cost extra.

“Guide very good Dido & driver pleasant , so much seen in such short amount of time , museum was amazing at Corinth & beach very beautiful”

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From Athens: Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion Half-Day Tour - Poseidon’s temple, high above the sea
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From Athens: Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion Half-Day Tour

15.Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 833 reviews · from $22Best value

Travel from Athens by air-conditioned coach along the coast to Cape Sounion, where an archaeologist guide introduces Poseidon’s 5th-century BC temple and its myths. You get about an hour to explore the site yourself. Choose a sunset departure for the sea views at dusk, and budget separately for the entrance ticket.

“Really good, your guide gave great knowledge and also the sites were incredible”

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Athens, by the day

Start with a temple, a boat or a table.