Half-Day Athens Private Tour: Explore Acropolis, Parthenon, and Gastronomy
4.8
49 Ratings
Athens
Embark on a half-day private tour in Athens to explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, and indulge in the city's gastronomy. Discover the city's history, enjoy breathtaking views, and savor delicious local cuisine.
Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Athens - Pick up from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb in Athens or Piraeus port

  • Acropolis - Visit to the ACROPOLIS HILL and the PARTHENON

Parthenon, Acropolis Top of Dionyssiou Areopagitou, Athens 105 58 Greece

Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena. The eternal symbol of the Athenian Democracy and the Western Civilization.

Walk on the land in which thousands of years ago some of the largest and most important parts of the global philosophy, politics, and science were born and flourished. Navigate ancient monuments of priceless cultural and historical value and experience in person the greatness and glamour of Greek ancient times. Starting off with the Acropolis, which in Greek translates to the edge of the city, the geographically and spiritually highest point according to ancient Greeks.

  • Propylaea - The Propylaea was the monumental gateway to the Acropolis of Athens and was one of several public works commissioned by the Athenian leader Pericles in order to rebuild the Acropolis a generation after the conclusion of the Persian Wars.

  • Parthenon - An architectural jewel that hosts the best of what the human spirit and genius has ever conceived, an open embrace that awaits its famed sister marbles to welcome them home again.

  • Temple of Athena Nike - The Temple of Athena Nike is a temple on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike. Built around 420 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. It has a prominent position on a steep bastion at the southwest corner of the Acropolis to the right of the entrance, the Propylaea. In contrast to the Acropolis proper, a walled sanctuary entered through the Propylaea, the Victory Sanctuary was open, entered from the Propylaea’s southwest wing and from a narrow stair on the north

  • Erechtheion - The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens in Greece which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

  • Theater of Dionysus - The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient Greek theatre in Athens. It is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus. The first orchestra terrace was constructed on the site around the mid- to late-sixth century BC, where it hosted the City Dionysia. The theatre reached its fullest extent in the fourth century BC under the epistates of Lycurgus when it would have had a capacity of up to 17,000, and was in continuous use down to the Roman period. The theatre then fell into decay in the Byzantine era and was not identified, excavated, and restored to its current condition until the nineteenth century.

  • Acropolis Museum - Acropolis Museum, Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens 117 42 Greece

As you enter the museum grounds, look through the plexiglass floor to see the ruins of an ancient Athenian neighborhood, which were artfully incorporated into the museum design after being uncovered during excavations. This dazzling modernist museum at the foot of the Acropolis’ southern slope showcases its surviving treasures still in Greek possession. While the collection covers the Archaic and Roman periods, the emphasis is on the Acropolis of the 5th century BCE, considered the apotheosis of Greece’s artistic achievement. Built in 2009, this museum was voted as the best mono-thematic museum for 2019.
You can choose to visit either the new Acropolis Museum, or the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

  • Arch of Hadrian - The Arch of Hadrian, most commonly known in Greek as Hadrian’s Gate, is a monumental gateway resembling a Roman triumphal arch. It spanned an ancient road from the center of Athens, Greece, to the complex of structures on the eastern side of the city that included the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

  • Panathenaic Stadium - We will continue our tour at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the modern Olympic Games started in 1896. Also called “Kallimarmaro” stadium, is one of the highlights of Athens where the classic Marathon ends & the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.

  • Temple of Olympian Zeus - Temple of Olympian Zeus, Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas Leoforos Amalias, Athens 105 57 Greece

After the Acropolis, we will head towards the Temple of Zeus, the biggest temple in antiquity, devoted to the King of the Gods, by way of Hadrian’s Arch.

  • Syntagma - Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is the central square of Athens. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843.[2] It is located in front of the 19th century Old Royal Palace, housing the Greek Parliament since 1934. Syntagma Square is the most important square of modern Athens from both a historical and social point of view, at the heart of commercial activity and Greek politics. The name Syntagma alone also refers to the neighbourhood surrounding the square.
  • Mount Lycabettus - Mount Lycabettus, Athens Greece

Then moving into the historical center of the city we will drive up the highest hill of Athens, Lycabettus Hill, where you’ll have the best panoramic view of the city, from the hill of Acropolis to the Aegean Sea.Mount Lycabettus also known as Lycabettos, is a Cretaceous limestone hill in the Greek capital Athens. At 277 meters (908 feet) above sea level, its summit is the highest point in Central Athens and pine trees cover its base. The name also refers to the residential neighbourhood immediately below the east of the hill.

The hill is a tourist destination and can be ascended by the Lycabettus Funicular, a funicular railway which climbs the hill from a lower terminus at Kolonaki (The railway station can be found at Aristippou street). At its two peaks are the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and a restaurant.
At Lycabettus hill, you will encounter a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias Syntagma Square, Athens 100 28 Greece

We will see the changing of the guard (Euzones) in front of the old palace, which is today Parliament House, above the central square of Athens.

  • National Library of Greece - National Library of Greece, 32 Panepistimiou Street, Athens 106 79 Greece

The National Library of Greece was built at the end of the 19th century, as the last of the Architectural Trilogy of Athens, a group of three neoclassical buildings which also includes the Academy and the University. The building was designed by Theophil Hansen.The National Library of Greece is situated near the center of city of Athens. It was designed by the Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen, as part of his famous Trilogy of neo-classical buildings including the Academy of Athens and the original building of the Athens University. It was founded by Ioannis Kapodistrias.

  • Akadimia (Academy) - The Academy of Athens, 28 Panepistimiou Avenue, Athens 106 79 Greece

The Academy Building constitutes one of three parts in an “architectural trilogy”. It was founded with the Constitutional Decree of March 18th, 1926, as an Academy of Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts.

  • Plaka - The old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. It is known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods” due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites.
  • Ancient Agora of Athens - The ancient Agora of Athens is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora, located to the northwest of the Acropolis and bounded on the south by the hill of the Areopagus and on the west by the hill known as the Agoraios Kolonos, also called Market Hill. The Agora’s initial use was for a commercial, assembly, or residential gathering place and is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech.

Duration: 50 minutes

  • Central Market Athens - Feel , Taste, Walk in the Central Market of Athens experience leave in the HEART of ATHENS
  • National History Museum (Old Parliament) - 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.
What's Included
  • Private Transportation in Luxury Cars
  • Professionally Driven with Historical Knowledge
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Air-Conditioned Comfort
  • Convenient Hotel/Port Pickup and Drop-Off
  • Inclusive of All Taxes, Fees, and Handling Charges
What's Not Included
  • Official Tour Guide €170 Extra Cost in total For 4 Hours Upon Availability
  • Entrance tickets book on your own we can send you a link
  • Entrance tickets - Acropolis (€20 or €30 pp, must be purchased in advance - limited availability)
  • Entrance tickets - Acropolis Museum (€15 pp)
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Entry/Admission - Acropoli
  • Entry/Admission - Acropolis Museu
  • Entry/Admission - Ancient Agora of Athens
  • Entry/Admission - Roman Agora
Additional Information

An opportunity for a distinct journey. The ‘Athenian Highlights’ presents the most picturesque city tour, intertwining historical experiences, breathtaking panoramas and flavors from a refined gastronomy hub.

Following the Athenian immersion, we take you along the Riviera. Palm-fringed promenades and pristine beaches define this distinctive portion of the Mediterranean shoreline – a metropolitan coast filled with casual sophistication, a past vibrant with high society charm, and the sensation of dedicating sublime moments on a Greek isle.

Location
Athens
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(49 Ratings)
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Moi517
May 15, 2024
Great experience - Chris was amazing. Very knowledgeable about the area. Took us all over and was always on time when he picked us up. Thank you Chris!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Xtrae2
May 15, 2024
Great Tour and Tour Guide - Our driver, Costas, was AMAZING! He was very knowledgeable of the different locations we visited. The Changing of the Guard was not on our itinerary, but we're glad that he suggested that we make that stop. He also placed us in the right location to get the best view. We made some other stops that interested us since we didn't want to go to every location that was suggested. Doing a private tour allows you that flexibility. Costas, thank you for a great tour! Erica & Robert
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erica_c
May 15, 2024
Great Excursion - Our driver, Costas, was AMAZING! He was very knowledgeable of the different locations we visited. The Changing of the Guard was not on our itinerary, but we're glad that he suggested that we make that stop. He also placed us in the right location to get the best view. We made some other stops that interested us since we didn't want to go to every location that was suggested. Doing a private tour allows you that flexibility. Costas, thank you for a great tour! Erica & Robert
Review provided by Viator
Marcia_m
May 14, 2024
excellent time spent - what an excellent time. we had plenty of time to walk Acropolis, the museum, see the guards at prime minister house, see the city, the tomb, and have time for a great restaurant. learned so much about all of Athens and do much history was not overwhelming, have enough time.
Review provided by Viator
Joan
May 12, 2024
Greece by Private Transport - We had the most wonderful day with an amazing host Casto seeing the history of Athens …it was Amazing!! You must travel to Greece and use this service!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_p
Apr 24, 2024
Short on time? This is your tour! - Our guide, George, picked us up right on time at the cruise ship terminal. Turns out we were his only passengers that day. George was very knowledgeable and pointed out the sights as we drove by on our way to our first stop, the Acropolis. He dropped us off as close as he could and we proceeded on our own to explore the Acropolis Hill and the Parthenon. When we were done he was waiting for us at the same spot where we were dropped off. The day proceeded like this as we visited many sites in just a few hours. The tour included a ride to the top of one of the tall hills surrounding Athens for breath-taking views of this city of six million people. George returned us to the ship on time and even helped us get back a bag of souvenirs that we inadvertently left in his van. We were impressed with George's knowledge and his friendly demeanor that made us feel very welcome. We would definitely recommend his services to others who might have limited time, but want an efficient, comfortable tour of the highlights of Athens.
Review provided by Viator
Jeffrey_r
Apr 11, 2024
Great Experience - Panos was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Greece. He even asked me if I needed a ride for the trip to the airport the next morning. Overall very satisfied with the tour. It’s something everyone needs to see.
Review provided by Viator
Roger_b
Apr 5, 2024
Acropolis - Gianni was awesome. Very knowledgeable and knew exactly how to beat the crowds. Definitely would be hesitant to come in the summer during the busy season.
Review provided by Viator
892samij
Mar 4, 2024
Amazing experience - Our tour person Andreas was great, we had plenty of time to explore on our own in the city of Acropolis, he also made time to stop for pictures in the beautiful area of Plaka , excellent knowledge of history, super friendly I highly recommend booking this experience, I just wish I had more time to explore, but I have to go back to my ship. Do it! Book this tour is amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannon_k
Feb 19, 2024
Highly recommend half day in Athens - Awesome your with very knowledgeable guide. I highly recommend as a way to see the most beautiful places in Athens. Our guide was very prompt and gave us lots of information. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
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June 2024
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