Athens Private Full Day Tour

Meeting point

Departure

08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 daily; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)

Pickup

Hotel pickup included

Operator

H.P.Tours - Hellenic Private Tours; booking and payment are completed on Viator

1. 1
   Acropolis

   Greece’s most famous monument that houses the pride and crown jewel of Athens, the Parthenon. Dedicated to the city’s ancient patron, Athena – the Goddess of wisdom, the Parthenon is globally considered an enduring symbol of Democracy, Culture and Civilization. Housed on top and in the surroundings of the sacred rock are some of the most important sites of the capital’s ancient heritage, such as: Propylaea, the entrance to the rock. The Temple of Wingless Victory, which was devoted to Goddess Athena-Nike. Erechtheum, with the temple’s best-known feature being its south porch, whose roof, instead of being supported on columns, rested on the heads of six Korai statues – the famous Caryatides. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a 5000-seat stone Roman theatre which was carved into the rock and is still used for music festivals The Theatre of Dionysus where the Athenians listened to the immortal works of Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides and Aristophanes.

   1h 30m · Admission not included
2. We continue our tour by passing by the Temple of Olympian Zeus – King of the Greek Pantheon

   The now half-ruined temple, which is also known as Olympieion, was at its peak consisted of 104 columns of 17 meters (56 ft) high and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in diameter!

   Pass by, no stop
3. 3
   Panathenaic Stadium

   Following the visit to the temple, we will make a brief stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, a multi-purpose stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896. Interesting fact! The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as the Kalimarmaro, is the only stadium in the world that was built entirely out of marble.

   15 min · Admission not included
4. 4
   Hellenic Parliament

   Our next stop will be at the Greek parliament – a building which was originally built with the purpose of being the palace of Otto, the first King of Greece.

   10 min · Admission not included
5. 5
   Changing of the Guard Ceremony

   Housed outside of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the presidential guard. This light infantry unit, dressed in the traditional Evzone's uniform, conducts a famous changing of the guard ceremony.

   15 min · Admission not included
6. 6
   Academy of Athens

   We will then drive along Panepistimiou Street which connects Constitution (Syntagma) Square with Concord (Omonia) Square. During this short drive in the heart of the capital, you will come across three beautiful buildings: the Academy, the University and the National Library. Interesting fact! Constructed in the 19th century, these three mansions are commonly referred to as the “neo-classical trilogy” of Athens.

   5 min · Admission not included
7. 7
   Mount Lycabettus

   Our driving session continues with a stop at Lycabettus Hill, one of the city’s highest viewpoints, which offers one of the best panoramic views of downtown Athens and its suburbs.

   10 min
8. 8
   Plaka

   After enjoying the view, you will have lunch at a traditional Greek restaurant, tasting authentic Greek cuisine with its’ unique Mediterranean characteristics. Continuing the exploration of the city, we will head to the oldest and most famous part of the city, the Plaka district. Known for its picturesque streets filled with neoclassical buildings and small shops, Plaka is an area of interest for both tourists and locals alike.

   1h · Admission not included
9. 9
   Ancient Agora of Athens

   Strolling through the beautiful neighborhood, you will come across both the Roman & the ancient Athenian Agora. The agora was considered to be the heart and soul of Athens during the city’s peak, having the role of a business, political, and legal center. Nowadays, a large open area of ancient ruins and greenery, the Agora attracts more than half a million international visitors annually due to the important monuments that it houses. Two of the most notable highlights of the Agora are: I. The Temple of Hephaestus, a 5th century BCE temple dedicated to Hephaestus – the God of metal working, craftsmanship, and fire – which remains largely intact. & II. The Stoa of Attalos, a stoa (covered walkway) built by and named after King Attalos II of Pergamon.

   45 min · Admission not included
10. 10
    Acropolis Museum

    The new Acropolis Museum opened in 2009 and is located under the south slope of the Acropolis. The museum contains mostly pediment sculptures, reliefs, and statues found on the sacred rock, which formed its decoration. Displaying over 4,000 exhibits, the Acropolis Museum is considered one of the best and most significant museums in the world.

    1h · Admission not included

About this tour, from the operator