Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour

based on 96 reviews

Duration:4 hours to 6 hours (approx.)
Location: Athens, Greece

From $119.89

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Explore the timeless wonders of Athens and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture as we journey through iconic landmarks. From the majestic Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands as a testament to ancient civilization, to the historic Plaka district with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere, this tour encapsulates the essence of Athens. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the Erechtheion and delve into the heart of ancient Athens at the Agora, once the bustling marketplace and agora of Athenian democracy. With personalized attention from your expert guide, uncover hidden gems and fascinating anecdotes that bring each site to life.

• Take the hassle out of seeing Athens with the freedom of a private tour
• Get the personalized experience of a private tour
• Customize the itinerary to suit your interests and preferences
• Gain a thorough perspective of Athens' key landmarks
• Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned private car with WiFi available onboard

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✓ Private transportation
✓ Bottled water
✓ WiFi on board
✓ Professional drivers with deep knowledge of history (Not licensed to accompany you in any site)
✓ Air-conditioned vehicle
✓ Athens hotel/ Piraeus port pickup and drop-off

✗ Entrance tickets (available upon request or book on your own - links on the ticket/ voucher)
✗ Entrance tickets - Acropolis (€20 or €30 pp, must be purchased in advance - limited availability)
✗ Entrance tickets - Acropolis Museum (€15 pp)
✗ Entrance tickets - Nat. Arch. Museum (€6 pp)
✗ Licensed tour guide - €300 (upon request and depending on availability)
✗ Lunch
✗ Gratuities

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Athens
Pick up from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb in Athens or Piraeus port
2. Acropolis
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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. The sheer walls of its bastion were protected on the north, west, and south by the Nike Parapet, named for its frieze of Nikai celebrating victory and sacrificing to their patroness, Athena and Nike.
7. 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.
8. Herod Atticus Odeon
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theater structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950.
9. 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.
10. Temple of Olympian Zeus
Between the Acropolis and the Ilisos River are the remains of the Olympian Zeus Temple (now known as the Pillars of Olympian Zeus), one of Athens’ most important and oldest shrines. The space even today gives the visitor a sense of grandeur.
11. Panathenaic Stadium
Continuing with the stunning Calimarmaro or as it is called today, the Panathenaic Stadium, the house of the first modern Olympic games, made of Pentelic marble in which the Olympic ideals are still reflected today.
12. Mount Lycabettus
After leaving the beautiful Calimarmaro behind us, we will drive 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.
13. 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.
14. Hellenic Parliament
View of the national guards and the monument of the unknown soldier. Quick stop for a photo.
15. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens, in front of the Old Royal Palace. It is a cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during war. It was sculpted between 1930 and 1932 by sculptor Fokion Rok. The tomb is guarded by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard.
16. The Academy of Athens
The Academy of Athens is Greece's national academy and the highest research establishment in the country. It was established in 1926 and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. The Academy's main building is one of the major landmarks of Athens.
17. National Library of Greece
The National Library of Greece is situated near the center of the 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.
18. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
The University of Athens has been in continuous operation since its establishment in 1837 and is the oldest higher education institution of the modern Greek state and the first contemporary university in both the Balkan Peninsula and the Eastern Mediterranean. Today it is one of the largest universities by enrollment in Europe, with over 69,000 registered students. The University of Athens was founded on 3 May 1837 by King Otto of Greece and was named in his honour Othonian University. It was the first university in the liberated Greek state and in the surrounding area of Southeast Europe as well. It was also the second academic institution after the Ionian Academy. This fledgling university consisted of four faculties; Theology, Law, Medicine and Arts (which included applied sciences and mathematics). During its first year of operation, the institution was staffed by 33 professors, while courses were attended by 52 students and 75 non-matriculated "auditors".
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. Acropolis Museum
Optional visit for 1 hour by selecting the "Best of + Acropolis Museum 5H" option of this tour. The total duration of the tour by selecting this option is about 5 hours. After exploring the Acropolis, visit the Acropolis Museum nearby. Discover a vast collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis, including the original Caryatids, Parthenon friezes, and other treasures of ancient Greece.
22. National Archaeological Museum
Optional visit for 1 hour at the National Archaeological Museum by selecting the "Best of + Arch. Museum 5H" option of this tour. The total duration of the tour by selecting this option is about 5 hours. Explore the vast collection of ancient artifacts and treasures at the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in the world.
23. Temple of Hephaestus
Optional visit for 30 minutes at the Temple of Hephaestus by selecting the "Best of + Anc. Agora 5H" option of this tour. This option also includes the Ancient Agora of Athens and the Roman Agora and the total duration is about 5 hours. This beautifully preserved temple is situated on the west side of the Ancient Agora in Athens. Built in the 5th century BC, it is dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and craftsmanship. The temple's excellent condition allows visitors to get a glimpse of ancient Greek architectural style.
24. Ancient Agora of Athens
Optional visit for 20 minutes at the Ancient Agora by selecting the "Best of + Anc. Agora 5H" option of this tour. This option also includes the Temple of Hephaestus and the Roman Agora and the total duration is about 5 hours. The Ancient Agora was the heart of public life in ancient Athens. It served as a marketplace and a civic center where people gathered for social, political, and commercial activities. Here, you can see the remains of various buildings, including the Stoa of Attalos, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Bouleuterion (Council House).
25. Roman Agora
Optional visit for 20 minutes at the Roman Agora by selecting the "Best of + Anc. Agora 5H" option of this tour. This option also includes the Ancient Agora of Athens and the Temple of Hephaestus and the total duration is about 5 hours. Located just north of the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora was constructed later in Roman times. It was a marketplace used during the Roman period and served as a center for commercial and administrative activities. The Tower of the Winds, an ancient clocktower and weather vane, is one of the prominent structures within the Roman Agora.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Q580QFscottb
Our driver Notis was very knowledgeable and entertaining! Got to see the highlights of Athens including the Acropolis. Recommended.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-21 08:27:59

Posted By : 593dahliaa
This was such an excellent tour, totally worth it! Our driver Spyros was the best! We got a history lesson for each stop as well as places along the way. Had lunch at a lovely, inexpensive, traditional restaurant. This tour is great for families or friends. My mother who needs a cane to walk was able to get around just fine on the tour!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-20 09:08:23

Posted By : Hughjack1
Spiros was our driver and he was amazing! Knowledgeable, patient and kind. Water was even provided. I highly recommend this company and Spiros
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-07 01:22:44

Posted By : Emily S
Kostas is by far the most knowledgeable and sweetest tour guide. I had my own private tour and he took me to exhibits, I wouldn't even have thought of. When you're in Greece try and book with him! I would definitely want to have another tour with him as the guide!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-30 09:32:22

Posted By : Gerri M
Kostos is a great tour guide. He took us to the most interesting historical sites and shared his knowledge of Greek history and culture. He’s very personable, friendly. It was a wonderful experience.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-30 02:15:57

Posted By : Guide12271525743
We had a great time with Kostas! He drove us all over the greater Athens area in his very comfortable and air conditioned taxi. He told us about the sites he took us to, helped us take photos, and answered all of our questions. He also took us to a great restaurant for lunch and gave us a little gift at the end. Highly recommend, especially if you can book this on a holiday when the sites are free!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-28 07:58:51

Posted By : Susan_C
The journey through history & excellent guide/driver who was so knowledgeable & friendly. Athens was always a dream & it came true!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-21 06:38:56

Posted By : R649CWcraiga
Fantastic Tour at a reasonable price. We booked this tour with short notice but were not disappointed. George, our driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. We only wish we had more time to explore wonderful Athens, but our cruise ship only docked for 7 hours. This was the perfect way to see the highlights of Athens in this short time. Thankyou!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-18 14:57:34

Posted By : L9261ACterrim
Great tour! Planned tour guide was very knowledgeable and easily understood. Pace was good and allowed for all in our group to keep up but not too quick. Driver was exceptional. We would absolutely use this company again!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-14 10:22:03

Posted By : Seaside6984
Exactly what we were looking for!!! Got us to all the main spots with ease! Not too long at any one spot!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-01 23:09:45