Ancient and Modern Athens: A Private Journey Through History
Overview
Duration: 8 hours
Pickup: From your hotel in Athens
Guide: Private, with customizable tour options
Price: 360€
This classical city tour of Athens lasts approximately 8 hours and allows you to explore the city that is the cradle of Democracy, showcasing a unique blend of ancient and modern elements. Athens, the cradle of democracy, endures through the ages with its unique combination of ancient and modern features, making it one of our most popular tour destinations.
Central Athens:
- Start your tour in the central avenues of Athens and visit the main landmarks of the city. Explore the Presidential Mansion (formerly the Royal Palace), the Zappeion, the Panathenaic Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and two famous Roman-era monuments: the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian, as well as the National Garden.
Syntagma Square and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier:
- Head to Syntagma Square to visit the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the famous Evzones (presidential guards).
Omonia Square and Neoclassical Buildings:
- Proceed to Omonia Square, passing the Numismatic Museum (Heinrich Schliemann’s house), the Catholic Cathedral, and the neoclassical buildings of the Academy, University, and National Library.
Markets and Plaka:
- Wander through Athens’ meat and fish markets and head to the old town of Athens (Plaka), the city’s main attraction, and the impressive, world-famous Acropolis Rock, surrounded by numerous monuments: the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Theseion.
Acropolis and Museums:
- Visit the magnificent Parthenon and the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids, and the Theater of Herodes Atticus and Dionysus. You can also see the dome of the Astronomical Observatory on the nearby Philopappos Hill, where Pericles used to give his speeches, and visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum, and the Museum of Cycladic Art.
Stadium and Lycabettus Hill:
- Continue your tour at the Panathenaic Marble Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Passing through a stylish residential area with many embassies, museums (War Museum, National Gallery), and the Athens Concert Hall, arrive at Lycabettus Hill to enjoy the view of the city from its slopes.
- Here, you will have the opportunity to see the entire city, from the port of Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf to northern Athens, and take home a memory of the city that never sleeps, close to your heart.
Highlights:
- Central Athens Tour: Traverse the central avenues of Athens and see key landmarks, including the Presidential Mansion, the Parliament, the Zappeion, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Arch of Hadrian.
- Athens’ Unique Markets: Experience the distinctive meat and fish markets of Athens.
- Old Athens – Plaka: Explore the historical Plaka area of Athens.
- Acropolis and Museums: Visit the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and nearby museums.
- Residential Area Exploration: Drive through a residential area with embassies and museums, including the War Museum and National Gallery.
- Lycabettus Hill: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Lycabettus Hill.
