Athens Private Half Day City Tour

$240
Duration
4 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty
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About This Tour

Drive past the neo-classical buildings of the Academy, the University, and the National Library, and on to Omonia Square before moving on to Syntagma or “Constitution Square” (the heart of central Athens). Opposite is the Parliament building, where the National Guards (Evzones) in their colorful uniform skirts and pompom shoes guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
See the Pan-Athenian Stadium, the all-white marble stadium where history was made as the site of the first modern Olympic Games. Nearby, the Temple of Zeus is separated from modern Athens by the tall stone structure Hadrian’s Arch. Also view the Pnyx , the Theseum and the Agora with the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos. Then, on to the Acropolis, at the base of which stand the ancient theatres of Dionysos, and the still used Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The tour ends with a visit to the New Acropolis Museum or National Archaeological Museum.

Destinations
Activities
Language

Inclusions

  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • WiFi on board
  • Private transportation
  • English speaking professional driver with deep knowledge of history

Exclusions

  • Professional guide (can be booked with extra cost upon availability)
  • Gratuities
  • Admission tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis museum
  • Airport pickup and drop-off (can be booked with extra cost)
  • Tip or gratuity

Tour Plan

Itinerary

Expand All
Stage 1

We start with a pickup from hotel in Athens or Piraeus port.

Stage 2

We start from Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens is a prominent ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, Greece. It is one of the most significant and recognizable archaeological sites in the world. The Acropolis is home to several important ancient buildings, the most famous being the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patroness of the city.

Stage 3

The Propylaea is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, acting as the grand entrance to the sacred hill. Constructed between 437 and 432 BCE, during the height of Athenian power under the leadership of Pericles, the Propylaea is an architectural marvel and an essential part of the Acropolis.

Stage 4

The Parthenon is one of the most iconic and revered structures in the world, a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and a masterpiece of classical architecture. Located on the Acropolis of Athens. It was designed by the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, with the sculptor Phidias responsible for its decoration.

Stage 5

The Erechtheion is another iconic temple, which was dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, two of the most important deities in the Greek pantheon. It housed sacred relics and was the site of several significant myths and religious rituals.

Stage 6

The Temple of Athena Nike is one of the smallest temples on the Acropolis, measuring just 8 by 5 meters. Despite its modest size, it is an excellent example of the Ionic order of architecture, known for its elegance and refinement.

Stage 7

The Theatre of Dionysus is one of the oldest and most significant theaters in the world, located on the southern slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It was dedicated to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and drama, and it played a central role in the development of Greek theater and tragedy. It holds great cultural and historical importance, as it was the birthplace of many of the great dramatic traditions of Western theater.

Stage 8

The Herod Atticus Odeon (also known as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus) is an ancient stone theater located on the southern slope of the Acropolis of Athens, just below the Theater of Dionysus. It is one of the most impressive surviving examples of ancient Greek theaters and has been extensively used for performances over the centuries.

Stage 9

The Arch of Hadrian is an ancient monument, built in 131 CE to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian. The arch marks the boundary between the old city of Athens and the new Roman district. The structure is an impressive example of Roman architecture, with its grand, monumental archway and inscriptions on both sides.

Stage 10

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is a massive ancient temple in Athens dedicated to the king of the Greek gods, Zeus. Initially it had 104 Corinthian columns, of which only 15 remain today. The temple was one of the largest in the ancient world and symbolized the power of Zeus and the Roman influence on Greece.

Stage 11

The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is an ancient stadium in Athens, Greece, famous for being the site of the Panathenaic Games, held in honor of the goddess Athena. The stadium hosted athletic events and it is unique for being constructed entirely of marble, and it could hold up to 50,000 spectators. The stadium is still in use today for various events and is also a key historical site.

Stage 12

We continue with driving up to Lycabettus hill where you will enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city and admire the combination of ancient and modern Athens from above.

Stage 13

Syntagma Square is a central and iconic public square in Athens, Greece. It is located in front of the Greek Parliament building, which was originally the royal palace. The name "Syntagma" means "Constitution" in Greek. The square is a hub for both locals and tourists, with important landmarks around it, including the National Garden and luxury hotels.

Stage 14

The Hellenic Parliament, located in Athens, Greece, is the legislative body of the country. It occupies the former Royal Palace, a neoclassical building constructed in the 19th century. It is a key institution in Greece's democratic system, where lawmakers debate and pass laws. The Parliament building is an important landmark in Athens and is situated in Syntagma Square, right next to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard ceremony. Quick stop for taking a photo.

Stage 15

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a solemn monument located in front of the Greek Parliament in Syntagma Square, Athens. It honors Greek soldiers who died in battle, their identities unknown. The tomb features an inscription that reads "Unknown Soldier," and it is guarded by the elite presidential guards, the Evzones. These guards, in traditional uniform, perform the ceremonial Changing of the Guard every hour, a popular attraction for visitors.

Stage 16

The Academy of Athens is one of Greece’s most prestigious academic institutions, founded in 1926. Located in the heart of Athens, it is housed in a neoclassical building designed by architects Theophil Hansen and Christian Hansen. The Academy serves as a center for scientific research and academic excellence. It is part of the "Athenian Trilogy," a group of neoclassical buildings that also includes the University of Athens and the National Library.

Stage 17

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) is the oldest and largest university in Greece, founded in 1837. It is named after Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of independent Greece. Located in the heart of Athens, the university is a leading academic institution, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

Stage 18

Plaka is a historic neighborhood in the heart of Athens, located just beneath the Acropolis. Known for its charming, narrow streets, neoclassical buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, Plaka is often called "the neighborhood of the gods" due to its proximity to ancient landmarks. It is a popular area for both locals and tourists, offering a mix of traditional tavernas, shops, cafes, and cultural sites. With its blend of old-world charm and modern-day liveliness, Plaka offers a unique glimpse into Athens' rich history and culture.

Stage 19

The Old Parliament House at Stadiou Street in Athens housed the Greek Parliament between 1875 and 1935. It now houses the country's National Historical Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Greece's rich history.

Stage 20

The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum that opened in 2009 and is dedicated to the archaeological findings of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum houses a vast collection of sculptures, pottery, and artifacts from the Acropolis. The museum is renowned for its modern and sleek design, with large glass walls offering views of the Acropolis and its surrounding areas. The museum also provides important insights into ancient Greek art, culture, and religious practices, with exhibits arranged in a way that follows the layout of the Acropolis itself.

Stage 21

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is one of the most significant museums in the world, dedicated to ancient Greek art and archaeology. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts from prehistoric to Roman Greece, offering insight into the development of Greek civilization. Totally a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Greek history and culture. This is an optional visit, because the tour's max duration is 5 hours and the client must choose between Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum.

Stage 22

The Temple of Hephaestus is an ancient Greek temple located in the Agora of Athens. It is dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of metalworking, craftsmanship and fire. It is an iconic example of classical Greek architecture and offers a glimpse into the religious practices of ancient Athens. This is an optional visit as the max duration of the tour is 5 hours.

Stage 23

The Ancient Agora of Athens was the heart of public life in ancient Athens, serving as a marketplace, meeting place, and center for political, commercial, and social activities. Located just northwest of the Acropolis, the Agora was also a place where famous philosophers like Socrates and Plato gathered to discuss ideas. It played a key role in the development of Athenian democracy and remains a significant archaeological site today. This is an optional visit because max duration of the tour is 5 hours.

Meeting / Pickup

Meet on location or pick-up: Customers can come to our location or we can pick them up on request.

Know Before You Go

  • Public transportation nearby
  • Infant seats available
  • Passport required

Please Note

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Our driver will wait for you at the arrival hall holding a sign with the clients name and our company's name.

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