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The Greek Essentials: Private Full-Day Tour of Athens Highlights

Athens, Greece
8 hours
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What You Will Do

If you only have a short amount of time in Athens and want to see as much as possible in one day, this full-day private tour is the perfect option for you! You will visit the Greek Essentials, including the Parthenon, Acropolis Hill, New Acropolis Museum, the Plaka neighbourhood, the Ancient Greek Agora and the Olympic Stadium.

On your all-inclusive, private full-day tour of Athens, you will:


  • Admire the Parthenon’s remarkable design, learn about the uses of Acropolis Hill over the centuries, and cross through Acropolis Propylaea gate, as the ancients would have done in procession centuries ago;

  • Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Greece's most iconic archaeological site, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus, where classical works by the most famous Greek poets were first performed in the 5th Century B.C.;

  • Walk through the charming Plaka district, with its famed white staircases, cafes and terraces and see the Lysicrates Monument;

  • Admire the Tower of the Winds and Roman Agora and marvel at Hadrian's Library;

  • Explore Ancient Greece's economic and political centre at the Greek Agora;

  • Admire the Temple of Hephaestus, known to be the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world, and is even older than the Parthenon;

  • See the Stoa of Attalos, the beautifully reconstructed Ancient Greek Portico, once an ancient shopping mall;

  • See the Parthenon Marbles up close in the New Acropolis Museum on the Museum's top floor, as you admire breathtaking views over the monument itself;

  • End the tour at the famed Olympic Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium), the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and home to the first modern games in 1896.


With your expert guide, you will discover the city’s most important cultural sites, including the colossal remains of the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the plateau of the Acropolis, you will find the awe-inspiring heights of the Parthenon pillars, gaze on the beautiful female forms of the Caryatid columns, discover some of the earliest theatres known to man and enjoy panoramic views over the city. 

Your guide will explain the central role these monuments, and more, played in classical society and immerse you in the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. You will also wander through the Agora, the heart of classical Athens. Once a bustling marketplace, in these now peaceful ruins, you’ll walk in Socrates’ footsteps amongst classic temples and Byzantine churches, learning how Athens became the birthplace of democracy

On your way to lunch at a place recommended by your local guide, explore bustling Plaka, the oldest district in the city. Sometimes called “the neighbourhood of the gods”, Plaka is known for its winding alleyways and scenic shopping. 

After finishing lunch, escape the heat of the day with a visit to the spectacular (and air-conditioned) New Acropolis Museum. Here you will learn firsthand the artistic wonders that once adorned the monuments of the Acropolis. 

Finally, you will also visit the stunningly marbled Panathenaic Stadium. Constructed for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, this immense structure is a strong reminder of the continuing legacy of ancient Athens in the modern day. 

This tour includes the "combo ticket" that will give you skip-the-line access to the Roman Agora, Kerameikos site & Museum, Lykeion Gymnasium, Hadrian's Library and the Temple of Olympian Zeus during the 4 days following your tour.


What's Included?

  • A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group
  • Olympic (Panathenaic) Stadium, Acropolis and Greek Agora admission tickets
  • New Acropolis Museum admission tickets
  • Combo ticket that gives you access to these additional sites in the 4 days following your tour: Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Library, Archeological site and Museum of Kerameikos, Lykeion Gymnasium

What's Not Included?

  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Food and drink
  • Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 30 days before tour start. 25% cancellation fee applies if cancelled between 30 and 4 days before tour start. Non refundable if cancelled within 4 days of tour start.

Itinerary

Meeting Point

Your guide will meet you in front of "Crescendo Cafe" located at Makrygianni 5-7, Athens 117 42 Greece.

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Acropolis

An ancient citadel high above the city, this group of stunning ruins are among the most important cultural icons of Western civilisation.

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Additional Information

This activity is operated by Travel Curious
  • Weather notes: In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, natural disasters, riots, strikes, etc. and the tour cannot operate as published, we will endeavour to reschedule your tour date/time or we will provide a full refund.
  • Know before you go: - Please note that this tour requires walking up the steep Acropolis hill on uneven ground, please wear comfortable shoes. - Food and Drink are not allowed in the Acropolis archaeological site, except for Bottled water. - Please bring any medication you may require during the tour. - In summer, please remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
  • Accesibility: Accessibility in the Acropolis You will find uneven ground that will be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. Nevertheless, the Acropolis is wheelchair accessible overall although you will only be able to see approximately 40% of the archaeological site. Accessibility in the Acropolis Museum The Acropolis Museum is completely wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility impairments or require any assistance, please let us know in advance so we can plan your tour accordingly to ensure a great experience.