Sightseeing in Athens starts with the hill of Acropolis which will make your day. On the historical hill, you will have the opportunity to see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of the Athena Nike, the monumental gateway (Propylaea), the Erechtheum and of course the famous Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena.
Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the eternal symbol of the Athenian democracy and the western civilization.
The Propylaea is the monumental entrances to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Built by the architect Mnesicles with Pentelic marble, their design was avant-garde. To the south-west of the Propylaea, on a rampart protecting the main entrance to the Acropolis, is the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike.
Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike or Wingless Victory.
Temple of Poseidon and Athena, the strangest and most sacred place in ancient Athens.
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.
We will visit Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
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.
Ancient Greek Agora which is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech.
In the ancient Greek Agora, you will visit the Temple of Hephaestus (the best-preserved temple in Greece standing largely as built) devoted to the God of blacksmiths and volcanoes.
In this small but important museum you will see findings from Ancient Athenians' daily life and learn about their constitution.
Next driving alongside the National Garden, 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, Syntagma. 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.
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.The Hellenic Parliament, in Greek known as Voulí ton Ellínon is the parliament of Greece, located in the Old Royal Palace, overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens. The Parliament is the supreme democratic institution that represents the citizens through an elected body of Members of Parliament.
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is the largest state institution of higher learning in Greece, and among the largest universities in Europe. The splendid Athens University was designed by the Danish architect Christian Hansen and completed in 1864.
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.
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.
You will be feeling hungry by now, so our next stop is going to be a Greek tavern with the authentic Greek Pitta Gyros in the traditional neighbourhood of Koukaki. Enjoy your lunch and taste Gyros, the most popular Greek recipe, with a set menu, as described below: 1 Pitta Gyros (pork or chicken or veg, fried potatoes, tzatziki, tomato, onion) 1 Greek salad (tomato, cucumber, green pepper, olives & feta cheese, dressed with salt, Greek oregano, and olive oil) 1 piece of Baklava (layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey) 1 Drink (beer or glass of wine or soft drink) Please contact us in case of food allergies or dietary restrictions
Historically old neighborhood of Athens.
As you enter the museum grounds, look through the plexiglass floor to see the ruins of an ancient Athenian neighbourhood, 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 or spent time in the neighbourhood of Plaka.
Instead of visiting the new Acropolis Museum, we give you the opportunity to visit the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, that houses some of the most important artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations around Greece from prehistory to late antiquity. It is considered one of the greatest museums in the world and contains the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity worldwide.
If you don't want to enter the Acropolis or the National Archaeological Museum, you can walk at the traditional neighbourhood with the narrow and picturesque streets, that is known as the neighbourhood of the Gods.
Yannis was our driver and Vasso was our guide and they were excellent. The driving was precise and safe in a large Mercedes van and Vasso was a highly educated and knowledgeable guide. The tour was catered to our desires and we made changes on the fly with little effort. Both guide and drive spoke perfect English! Highly recommend!
The tour was wonderful. We enjoyed the historic sites as well as the tour of Athens and especially the Changing of the Guard.
Terry was outstanding. He said he was a history major and he knew all about the history of Greece and surrounding areas. He spoke English very well and was easy to understand.
This private tour was amazing from beginning to end. Nikolas was our guide, and he was very knowledgeable and very patient with us. We were able to see so much in Athens that we would not have been able to see on our own. I would highly recommend this tour and Nikolas as your guide!
Amazing tour. Visited all the major sights. Our guide Pantelis Giannakopoulus was very informative explaining all the history to us. We learned so much.
Great way to see all of the Acropolis sites and some of the city. It helps if you do a little research and decide what you would like to see after the Acropolis. The driver made suggestions , but left it up to us
Terry was amazing. He was great at explaining the history of what we were seeing. A fun way to see Athens highlights in one day
Panos was a wonderful guide. He explained so much of the history and background of all the places we visited, and also for all of Greece. He is very personable and made our day!
We, husband and wife, decided to do a private tour so we could experience as much of the highlights of Athens as we could in the one day we had there. We would highly recommend Pantelis, he was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. We saw wonderful places one wouldn’t know to ask about, as well as the historical sites.
Theodore was an amazing tour guide, not only with his seemingly endless wealth of knowledge but also his jaw-dropping driving skills. The time spent at each stop was more than adequate...never did we feel rushed. Theodore also made the day great through his positive attitude. Thank you for making our visit the absolute best!
Theodore was an amazing tour guide, not only with his seemingly endless wealth of knowledge but also his jaw-dropping driving skills. The time spent at each stop was more than adequate...never did we feel rushed. Theodore also made the day great through his positive attitude. Thank you for making our visit the absolute best!
Terry was an excellent tour guide for our day in Athens. He was exceptional explaining historical facts and engaging us throughout the day. We also appreciated his ability to accommodate our disability needs. We highly recommend Terry to anyone visiting Athens.
The driver Nikos was very helpful and was very passionate about the history of Athens.
What an awesome day in Athens spent with Tolis! We had one day to see all that we could and he absolutely delivered including one of the best gyros we’ve ever had! Cannot recommend this experience enough. Great communication, timing, and being private was perfect. Thank you Tolis for making our 10 year anniversary extra special!
Manolis was an excellent tour guide!! Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, funny, accommodated all our needs. He had a great deal of knowledge about the history of Athens, which was fascinating. He gave us a heads up about which things to look for in each site we were about to see, which we would likely have missed otherwise. His instructions for where to go and where to meet were very clear and helped. The tour was well worth the money.
If you have limited time in Athens and want to sightsee the most relevant sites, this is a great option. We were picked up at our hotel by Theodore our guide/driver. Talked about history and highlights of the sites we went to. Tickets for the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora were included with enough time to explore the ruins. Lunch was provided and was very good too. Toured around the city and ended at the Presidential Palace for the change of the guard before being dropped off at the hotel again.
Lovely day seeing the highlights of Athens. Highly recommended. Lots of ancient and modern history to enjoy.
Manolis was amazing. He provided a fabulous private overview of Athens where we can ill set our own pace without feeling rushed. He was very informative and answered many questions. The included local was delicious!
Just know you don’t have a guide at the Acropolis. I would have liked that. It felt more like an expensive hop on hop off activity. Driver was knowledgeable and we enjoyed listening to him but overall it was not worth the money.
Our tour guide Yiannis was very knowledgeable, professional, friendly on your make our travel experience memorable
We had a wonderful day!! Tolis was our driver. He was waiting for us at the port which we pre-arranged. We had a group of 8. The transportation was so comfortable. Tolis was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, answering our questions. He was gentle to ensure our safety and flexible when we chose to not do the museum at the end of our tour offering to take us to the market instead. Thank you Tolis! We would absolutely recommend this tour and Tolis. Thanks
Manolis was excellent. Very informative and kept in touch throughout the day. He even adjusted things to see the changing of the guard. Lunch for 10 was good and enjoyed by all. It was prompt and tasty. It is an excellent one day tour to see all the sights and the city areas. Would recommend a 8 or 9 start time. Ours was later per our choice, but lots to cover before dark sets in.
Theodore was an exceptional guide. His knowledge of Athens as well as the history of the area excellent. He was engaging, friendly and very polite. We highly recommend him as well as this tour.
Wonderful tour. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Greek history.
Had a fantastic experience touring Athens with a very professional and expert tour guide, Stephanos. We expected a small group experience but actually had a private tour, just my wife and me. Although we were the only ones who booked the tour that day, Stephanos cut no corners showing us all the major sites. His knowledge of ancient Athens was amazing! We could not have been more pleased.
Our guide was Panos! He was fabulous. He spoke very good English and was easy to hear and understand. Our full day itinerary was wonderful and our fancy transportation was great! He had a microphone so everyone was able to hear. Our stops were absolutely amazing, and a delicious lunch was included! I would definitely recommend this tour with Panos!! Money very well spent
Manos was excellent driver. Very knowledgeable
Everything. Niko was a fabulous driver and tour guide. My wife and I had a wonderful time. We didn't feel rushed and Niko was a pleasant gentleman. This was probably the second best Viator tour we've been on. The first was the Vatican opening tour. Thank you so much, Niko, for making our day the best.
We really lucked out, because I think we got Viator’s best Athens tour guide! Terry is friendly, professional, flexible, and he speaks perfect English. His knowledge of Greek, European, and even American history is nothing short of amazing, and he knows the streets of Athens like the back of his hand! I generally don’t care for tours, but Terry treated us to the perfect day. When you make your reservation, I’d strongly recommend that you ask for Terry to be your driver! Tip: Go to the Acropolis as early as possible, like 9am. The crowds are crazy by late morning! If you have mobility issues, bring a doctor’s note so you can use the elevator.
Wonderful guide, great tour. Dimi was very knowledgeable, courteous , great lunch choice and the extra stops added were great.
We really enjoyed this tour that included entry to Acropolis and Agora. Theodore did a fantastic job of navigating the streets of Athens while narrating. The included lunch was delicious.
Manos was amazing he was very knowledgeable and the experience was wonderful! Manos picked us up from our VRBO in a comfortable van. We were able to see almost everything in Athens all while learning the history and culture of this beautiful city. Also a shoutout to Alexander who was very attentive and responsive when I had questions. Thank you all for this great day and will definitely be recommending to anyone who will be coming to Athens.
First of all, Manos, our driver, was fantastic! Not only did he do a wonderful job of driving, his knowledge of Athens and enthusiasm for all of Greece made for an unforgettable day. With only one day in Athens, this was a perfect tour to select. You were able to see the most important sights and not feel rushed. This is definitely the thing to book when your have only one day to spend in Athens.
If you’re visiting Athens, Greece, and want an unforgettable experience, look no further than Panos! He was an absolutely spectacular guide who made our day exploring this incredible city one of the highlights of our trip! Panos was knowledgeable, personable, engaging, and passionate about sharing the fascinating history and culture of Athens. He brought the ancient world to life while also introducing us to the beauty and charm of modern-day Greece. We visited so many remarkable places, including: 🇬🇷 The Acropolis – One of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world! Seeing the magnificent Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and learning about its history dating back nearly 2,500 years was truly awe-inspiring. 🇬🇷 The Ancient Agora – Once the center of political, commercial, and social life in ancient Athens, this historic site offered a fascinating glimpse into the birthplace of democracy. Walking where ancient Athenians once gathered was an incredible experience! 🇬🇷 The National Garden – A beautiful, peaceful oasis in the middle of bustling Athens. Originally created in the 19th century as the royal garden, it provided a lovely contrast to the ancient ruins and busy city streets. 🇬🇷 The Changing of the Guard – We watched the impressive ceremonial changing of the Evzones, the elite soldiers who guard the Presidential Mansion and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Their traditional uniforms, distinctive shoes, and carefully choreographed movements made this a memorable experience! 🇬🇷 Panathenaic Stadium – What an incredible piece of Olympic history! This beautiful stadium, constructed entirely of marble, hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It was amazing to stand at a place with such a significant connection to the Olympic tradition. 🇬🇷 Mount Lycabettus – The panoramic views from this overlook were absolutely breathtaking! From high above Athens, we enjoyed a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city, with the Acropolis standing majestically among the sprawling neighborhoods. It was a photographer’s dream! 🇬🇷 Dromeas (The Runner) – We stopped to admire this fascinating modern sculpture in the area near Evangelismos. Created by Greek artist Costas Varotsos, this remarkable work is made from thousands of stacked, greenish glass sheets that give the impression of a runner in motion. It was such an interesting contrast to the ancient artwork and architecture we had seen throughout the day! 🇬🇷 The Plaka – Exploring this charming historic neighborhood beneath the Acropolis was another highlight! With its picturesque streets, traditional architecture, quaint shops, and wonderful atmosphere, it’s easy to understand why Plaka is often called the “Neighborhood of the Gods.” 🥙 An Authentic Greek Lunch – Panos also took us to a local restaurant where we enjoyed absolutely delicious gyros, followed by baklava for dessert! There’s something special about enjoying authentic Greek food right in the heart of Athens. Everything was wonderful! What truly made this day exceptional, however, was Panos himself. A great guide does so much more than take you from one attraction to another. Panos helped us appreciate what we were seeing, understand its historical significance, and experience Athens in a way we never could have on our own. We loved the combination of ancient history, modern culture, beautiful scenery, and delicious Greek food. The day was packed with unforgettable experiences, yet Panos made it all so enjoyable. We cannot recommend Panos highly enough! If you’re fortunate enough to have him as your guide, you’re in for a real treat. He helped make our visit to Athens an experience we will remember for years to come. Thank you, Panos, for a truly spectacular day in Athens! 🇬🇷❤️
Wonderful way to see all of the site in Athens if you do not have too much time. Yanis was a wonderful and very knowledgeable tour guide and his English was amazing. I would highly recommend this tour.
Great trip with Manos. Educational, energetic and humorous. Nice balance fitting in sights of Arcropolis, Parthalon and Plaka District without feeling rushed. Highly recommended
Panos, our driver and host was amazing. He shared many details of the history, sites and architecture we visited. He was gracious and so helpful. The lunch he arranged was some of the best Greek food we ate in Athens. I would highly recommend this tour, especially if you can request Panos as your driver.
Alexander was a very knowledgeable driver and took me to the most important sites all through Athens – I even got to enjoy the changing of the guard! If I had understood this package better, I would've added an extra Guide to tour the major sites with me. Alexander gave me a lot of information before he dropped me off at each location, but I would have loved to have been guided in the actual destinations so for anyone booking this tour I would add that extra expense of a driver AND a guide. But Alexander did not disappoint and was very kind, accommodating, personable, and pleasant to spend the day with!
Excellent. My tour guide Terry is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. My family really appreciate the great tour he has provided us.
We booked a full-day private tour of Athens with Olive Sea Travel, and it was the absolute highlight of our trip! From the very beginning, Alexander in the office was phenomenal. He was incredibly timely, thorough, and patiently answered my many frequent questions from the moment of booking all the way up until the actual day of the tour. He even followed up with us after the trip to ensure we were completely satisfied. Olive Sea Travel made sure everything was perfectly coordinated so we were ready to go. On the morning of the tour, our private driver, Manolo, arrived right on time as planned at our hotel for pickup, having already retrieved our private historian so we could start our day seamlessly. Manolo was absolutely fabulous! He was incredibly warm, personable, friendly, and felt like an instant friend. Beyond his wonderful personality, he was an exceptionally safe driver and very knowledgeable about Athens, adding excellent information as we drove along. We highly recommend adding both the private historian (we did this last minute and Alexander had to scramble to secure someone for us, so make sure to book this early) and their skip-the-line museum tickets. Even though it is an extra investment ($$), having a private historian is an absolute must-do upgrade to properly experience Athens. Our historian was a lovely, friendly woman who really excelled at the logistics of the day. She and Manolo helped us manage our time beautifully at every single stop, making sure we successfully hit every item on our itinerary before dropping us safely back off at our hotel. She knew exactly where to go, how to navigate the exits efficiently, and exactly where to reconnect with Manolo so we didn't have to worry about a thing. Having her logistical guidance and the skip-the-line tickets made the day incredibly smooth and entirely worth it. Overall, a top-notch, 5-star experience. We highly recommend them!
Terry was very knowledgeable, & great at pointing out points of interest. The pre-purchased entry tickets meant we could skip the queues, which saved time & gave more time to explore sites. The lunch was great, & delicious. We highly recommend this tour.
This was a great tour of Athens in a new clean Mercedes van by Panos, our driver and Panos our tour guide.
We had a fabulous time on our private tour. Manos was our driver and he made sure we got to see everything we could on tour with him. He also told us great stories and the history of Athens. Always had a great attitude and a smile on his face, made us feel very welcomed. I would highly recommend you take a tour with him, A+ service! Thanks again! Manos
The private tour was amazing. Our driver was fantastic. He was very friendly, polite and respectful. He had an extensive knowledge of the history of Greece and every place we visited or drove by. He had pre purchased all our tickets so we did not have to waste time standing in line. We ate lunch at a local restaurant and it was very good. Overall the tour was fun and incredibly knowledgeable. He was very punctual. Thanks again to our driver.
Great day tour. Theodore was an excellent driver who gave information about each site before we entered to discover the site alone. Was very relaxing not worrying about driving!
Manos gave us a great tour and shared all about Greece’s history and culture. He is very friendly and knowledgeable about Athens and Greece as a whole! This has been and will be an unforgettable experience! If I know of anyone going to Athens, I will recommend Manos!! Athens, Greece is rich with history and culture and are some of the warmest, friendliest and wonderful people I have met! I like the food too!😎 Manos introduce all them to us. So fun!
Our tour guide Dimi was top notch and was extremely knowledgeable. Was thoughtful to have bags for our shoes to enter the mosque. The restaurant the he recommend for us to take a lunch break with relaxing the had extremely good food. He was always super punctual and gave clear instructions and gave us a way to contact him if we needed assistance and answered promptly
Stefanos was wonderful! His knowledge of Geek Hellenic History was amazing. He was able to get us right next to the changing of the guard and the Olympic stadium. He had good humor and convinced us we knew more Greek than we believed. The location for lunch was lovely and the food was delicious. We could not have asked for a more enjoyable day!
Fabulous 5 star tour with Manoulis! Gracious, entertaining, and full of knowlege. So glad we booked this tour. We wanted an in-depth tour of the main sights in Athens and we got all of that and more. Excellent guide with a wonderful demeanor, he always had clear explanations with solid facts. He was easy going and fun to be with. Extremely pleased with our decision to book this tour!
Our tour guide Panos was wonderful! Friendly , knowledgeable,and accommodating We highly recommend him!
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