The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, has always been the fortress and most important religious centre of ancient Athens, the absolute symbol of the grandeur of the Greek civilization and its achievements. The buildings included inside the Acropolis are: the Parthenon, the Erechthion, the Odeon of Herodes (Herodion), the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylea, the Theatre of Dionysus.
It offers one of the best views of the Acropolis and a panoramic view of Athens and the islands and also hosts remnants of an ancient tomb.
The most impressive museum in Greece and one of the top museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum houses the classical masterpieces from the Acropolis combining an excavation that is always visible right under your feet.
A stop at a Greek restaurant will give us the chance to rest and try traditional dishes like Greek salad, moussakás, spanakópita, yemistá, octopus, lamb, tzatziki and more!
This is the old town of Athens right by the Acropolis, full of taverns, cafés, and wonderful ancient and neoclassical buildings. Anafiotika is part of it but it stands out for its island look.
Considered the world's first meteorological station, this simple-looking building was a marvel of Ancient Greek engineering, now surrounded by remains of various conquerors, including the Romans and the Turks.
Once a library for nearly 20,000 'books' this site with impressive Corinthian columns eventually became home to Christian churches and turkish houses until the 19th century.
The Agora, known as the 'birthplace of Democracy', is where you can see the parliament of the Athenian Democracy, the best-preserved temple in Greece and the place where Socrates taught and was executed in the 5th century BC.
Marble from 72 demolished churches was used to build the city’s Cathedral, which was completed by 3 architects and 20 years later…
When the Germans occupied Athens in World War II, many Greeks were held here, including children. Throughout the walls of the basements, one can still see messages carved by the detainees…
With over 11,000 exhibits, Greece’s biggest museum provides a panorama of the Greek civilization from the beginnings of Prehistory to Late Antiquity.
A severe neoclassical 19th-century building surrounded by several architectural styles.
Very close to the ancient market, one can shop in Varvakios, the biggest market in the city, packed with high-quality nuts, spices, fish, meat and of course Greece’s renowned olives!
A stop at a Greek restaurant to rest and try traditional dishes.
One of the oldest quarters of Athens, Psirri was where heroes of the Greek War of Independence used to hang out in the 19th century. Today it’s famous for its bars and taverns with live music.
You can’t say that you’ve seen Athens without walking in the beautiful meandering streets of the old town which is scattered with wonderful ancient and neoclassical buildings.
See: Sounio by Car
Some of the city’s most beautiful neoclassical buildings are here, such as the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Old Parliament etc.
The intricate changing of the guards wearing skirts and shoes made of wood and leather takes place all year long, every hour, in front of the first palace of modern Greece, which now houses the Parliament.
A pleasant break from the city bustle, the former Royal Garden was created by the first King and Queen of Greece in the 19th century, at a time when watering it meant cutting the water supply for the rest of the city...
A monumental arch built by the Athenians to honour the Greek-loving Roman emperor.
A recent addition to the city, this once-forgotten modest statue is dedicated to the ‘greatest Greek of all times’. It will give us the chance to talk about Alexander from Macedonia and the country that is wrongfully using the name of his birthplace now...
Once the biggest building in Athens 1,900 years ago, the temple of the king of the Gods originally had over 100 Corinthian columns.
Originally the first Olympic Village ever built, this building is surrounded by a small park scattered with ancient ruins and statues.
A stop at a Greek restaurant to rest and try the local cuisine.
Also known as the ‘Olympic Stadium’, it was built in the place of the ancient stadium and hosted the first modern Olympic Games. We can see it from the hill but we can also enter if you wish (extra cost).
Greece's most expensive street (it figures...) features plenty of high-end apartment buildings with a view to the National Garden, as well as the Presidential Guards Barracks, the Residence of the President as well as the Office of the Greek PM.
Although mainly in ruins, this is the place where legendary philosopher Aristotle, student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great, taught.
At nearly 280m it is the highest and biggest hill of Athens with a church and a restaurant on its top, which can be reached on foot (app. 30 min.) or by the funicular (5 min., extra cost).
per group. Including transportation.
You can book by contacting me directly.
7-8 hours
DAY 1: Panepistimio metro station, ticket area
DAY 2: Panepistimio metro station, ticket area (might change according to sites opening times)
DAY 3: Dionysos Zonar’s Restaurant, 43 Rovertou Galli, 117 42
Walking.
Van fo Sounio
The Acropolis is built on a slippery rocky hill and can be difficult for people with walking issues.
English
Less than 72 hours (3 days) notice: full fee of cancelled tour payable