CAPE SOUNION NIGHT ASTRO TOUR Half-day

“We felt like we had experts at our fingertips and they would relate the constellations and nebulas to the Greek mythology which was so interesting to ingest. Not to mention that as a backdrop you have the archaeological wonder of Temple of Poseidon on a perfect night under the full moon. Magical!

(Lynette Oh, TripAdvisor, April 2018)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a relaxing drive along the impressive Athens coast
• Stop along the coast for a refreshing swim
• Visit the impressive Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio
• Admire the incredibly starry night sky over the Aegean sea and standing against the lit-up Poseidon Temple, in perfect solitude
• Hear about ancient Greek myths and how they relate to the stars and the Universe
• Spot planets, stars and galaxies with an astronomer/ sky guide (telescope viewing and night photography available upon request at an extra charge)

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Constellations, ancient temples, moon, planets and galaxies, Greek mythology and famous heroes. All these elements blend together in a unique experience at Attica’s Southernmost promontory one hour from central Athens. A unique tour that Beyond Athens is proud to offer adding a fascinating dimension to the already remarkable life experience that is visiting Cape Sounion.

You will be comfortably picked up at your hotel around 4 pm and by our van and tour leader and head towards Cape Sounion. On your way there and as the sun will be slowly leaning toward the sea horizon, you will enjoy impressive views of the Saronic Sea, beaches, coves and fishermen villages and stop at Vouliagmenis Lake or another beach of the coast (your choice*) for a refreshing swim. Once arrived in Cape Sounio you will have the chance to learn stories about this enchanting site, its architecture and the myths that surround it. The magnificent sunset viewed from above Cape Sounion is a one-of-a-kind experience that you will want to capture with your photo camera.

After a pic-nic meal with a sandwich made with Greek deli fillings along with a drink, you will start the Night Sky Tour with an Astro-Guide/ Astro-philosopher, who will guide you through the sky by naked-eye, highlighting the points of interest with a laser pointer (Uranography). Some interesting targets will be shown through binoculars. This guidance is based on a specific scenario that includes elements of Astrophysics, Mythology and Ancient Greek History.  The ambience of Cape Sounio and its rugged coastline provide the ideal setting for relating with the natural elements, experiencing Greek mythology and getting lost in time.

At the end of the activity, our van will drive you back at your hotel in full safety (you will arrive at your place before midnight).

*except Astir Beach – Vouliagmeni

INCLUDED:

• Transfers with private car or van
• A tour leader
• Admission into Vouliagmenis Lake
• A visit to Cape Sounion – admission included
• A 1-hour Night Sky Tour
• A pic-nic meal
• General liability insurance
• VAT and all applicable taxes

NOTES

The Night Sky Tour can be extended with the addition of sky spotting through telescope (extra € 50 per group) and night sky photography (extra +50 pp.).

The starting and return time of the tour can change according to the time of the year and according to sunset time (you will be informed about any time changes beforehand). Cape Sounion can be quite windy, it is advisable that you carry with you a light jacket in the summer period and a heavier coat in fall/ winter.

The tour can take place only with good weather conditions (sky not overrcast, within certain levels of air humidity) and not +/- 3 days from full moon. If you need to postpone or cancel the tour due to poor weather conditions, we will refund the whole amount. In case of unexpected and extremely bad weather during the day and once the tour has started we will suggest an alternate tour/activity in replacement of this tour. If you do not agree with any of the suggestions, we will cancel the tour and refund you a 30% of the paid amount. The program of the tour can change upon request of the guests, and the price may change accordingly (you will be promptly and duly informed about this in advance).

Single individuals are welcome to book the tour as well. If by the date of the tour minimum participation requirement is not met, a new date will be suggested or the client is free to cancel with full refund of the paid amount applying. If more people sign in for this tour on the specific date, partial refund may apply if the corresponding rate for shared group tour is lower than the paid amount at the time of booking.