This is a walking and sightseeing full day tour out-of-the beaten track to the southeast tip of Attica, at the area of Lavreotiki. You will discover secret places and hidden treasures only 50km far from the city of Athens.
The area had been inhabited since the Neolithic period, mainly due to its rich subsoil. It was the main silver mining center in both ancient and modern Greece and it was this silver that gave ancient Athenians the power to dominate during the Classical era.
After Classical Antiquity, the mining activity was stopped, and until the mid-19th century, there are no signs of human presence in there.
Lavreotiki is a hilly area with an extended coastline that includes the town of Lavrio and the National Park of Sounion, whilst has a wealth of important archaeological monuments and contemporary history sites.
Note: During summera, on Saturday and Sunday departure will be 1 hour earlier, that is at 08h00 am
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ Bottled water
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ Tour Leader with deep knowledge of the area, history and culture (not licensed cultural guide)
✖ Entrance tickets to sites and museums. Poseidon's temple: 10 EUR, Thorikos: free
✖ Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Your tour leader will pick you up from just outside the big parking space of Dionysos Zonar's. He will be driving our 9-seats minivan; a white Nissan NV300. Your bikes will be on board. He will be holding a sign (size A4) with your your name or the name of your tour.
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
A full-day walking tour out-of-the beaten track to the southeast tip of Attica, at the area of Lavreotiki. Discover secret places and hidden treasures only 50km from the city of Athens.
The area had been inhabited since the Neolithic period, mainly due to its rich subsoil. It was the main silver mining center in both ancient and modern Greece and it was this silver that gave ancient Athenians the power to dominate during Classical era. After the Classical Antiquity the mining activity was stopped, and until the mid-19th century, there are no signs of human presence in there.
Lavreotiki is a hilly area with extended coastline that includes the town of Lavrio and the National Park of Sounion, whilst has a wealth of important archeological monuments and contemporary history sites. It is a region perfect for beautiful day explorations and adventure tours.
Duration: 3 hours
2
Archaeological Site of Thorikos
Thorikos, was one of the earliest settlements of Attica, with very important archeological finds such as its unique ancient theatre, the Mycenean acropolis at the peak of Velatouri Hill and other priceless finds, evidences that this area was already inhabited since Neolithic era.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
You can enjoy the breathtaking view to the sparkling blue of the Aegean Sea, visit Poseidon's sanctuary and swim in the crystalline sea.
Duration: 2 hours
4
Temple of Poseidon
Poseidon’s temple, built at the highest point Cape Sounion by the Atheniens, in the mid-5th century B.C, during the “golden age of Pericles” of Athens; entirely made of white marble. This sanctuary of the god of the sea, was since then and till our days, known among the sailors. According Greek Mythology, it was there that king Aegeus was in agony expecting Theseus’s ship returning from Crete and he jumped to the sea as he falsely believed that his son had been killed by the Minotaur. The sea was named after this good king of Athens, Aegean Sea. The view from this legendary place is stunning!
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Lavrio
Lavrio and its port, a modern city founded in the 19th century. It was an industrial town till 20 years ago with mining activity, something that is very obvious practically everywhere. Beautiful neoclassical buildings, intact the installations of the French Mining Company; nowadays an Industrial and cultural Park, Archeological and Mineral museums.
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
