I had the Athens Private Full Day Tour with Driver Guide. My guide, Stelios, communicated with me before he picked me up from the cruise port. The cruise ship arrived earlier than planned, and he was able to adjust his schedule, and pick me up early. He asked for input on the schedule for the day, but Stelios had a solid plan for my full day tour. Stelios was a native Athenian. he drove to all locations with competence and patience. He suggested a schedule that would allow me to see timed activities, like the changing of the guard. I would highly recommend Stelios as a driver guide.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- This is A tailor made Tour you can Include or Skip any Site in Athens City
- Experienced, knowledgeable, professional English speaking Tour Leader driver.
- All vehicles are fully A/C non-smoking, insured & certified bottled water - Free WiFi on Board
- Perfect For : Cruise passengers with limited time
- Athens & Piraeus Hotels / residence or Piraeus cruise port pickup & return
- Perfect For : First-time visitorsTravelers Those interested in historical mythological tour Athens
Excludes
- Entrance fee to the Acropolis
- Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off (additional cost depending on vehicle type)
- Kindly note that gratuities and tips are not included in the price and are left to your discretion.
- Meal in Athens - Lunch stops are scheduled, but meal costs are not included.
- Entrance fees in any archaelogical site
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
. Your personalized tour of Athens begins bright and early, departing from your accommodation or preferred location, such as your cruise terminal.The pinnacle of our tour awaits – the awe-inspiring Acropolis of Athens, with its iconic Parthenon. Here, we will marvel at the majestic Propylaea, the elegant Temple of Athena Nike, and the renowned Erechtheion, known for its infamous Caryatid statues and the exquisite Porch of Maidens.
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.
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.
On the top of this sacred hill, proudly stands the Parthenon, which is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture, where you will experience the greatness of ancient Greece captured on every piece of marble. 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. We start the tour by visiting the so called “sacred rock”, The Acropolis. Here you will see: - Parthenon that was dedicated to goddess Athena (Parthenos) - Propylea, the monumental entrance to the sacred area - The Temple of Athena Nike which was dedicated to Athena-Nike - The Erechtheion with its famous female figures-statues - The Caryatides or Maidens dedicated to both goddess Athena and god Poseidon - The Odeum of Herodus Atticus - The the Theatre of Dionysus, the first theatre in the whole world - The Areopagus (Mars Hill)
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 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 Panathenaic Stadium and Olympic History Next, we make our way to the renowned Panathenaic Stadium, famously referred to as the Kallimarmaron Stadium. This magnificent structure hosted the inaugural modern Olympic Games in 1896 and played a vital role in subsequent Olympic events until the 2004 Athens Games. It’s also the sacred grounds from which the Olympic Flame is ceremoniously passed on to all Olympic events. 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. It was originally a natural hollow part of the ground between the two hills of Agra and Ardettos, over Ilissos river. It was transformed into a stadium by Lykourgos in 330-329 BC for the athletic competitions of the Great Panathinaea Festivities. Between 140 and 144 AD, Herodes Atticus restored the Stadium, giving it the form that was found .
The Acropolis Museum After descending from the Acropolis, explore the Museum of the Acropolis nestled at the base of the Sacred Rock. Feast your eyes on the marble of the Parthenon and a stunning array of relics and treasures discovered during excavations on the Acropolis.
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.
Traveling thousands of years ahead, to the Hellenic Parliament building that houses the Greek Parliament in an impressive building in downtown Athens overseeing Syntagma Square, protected by the presidential guard that consists of two soldiers dressed in the traditional Greek combat uniform, standing stationary and guarding beside the tomb of the unknown soldier. Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament As your expert driver navigates through the city, you’ll pass by iconic landmarks like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Greek Parliament building on Syntagma Square. Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is a bustling hub where the historic Parliament building stands tall. This esteemed institution serves as the voice of citizens through elected Members of Parliament who convene for plenary sessions. The Parliament building itself was once the ex-Royal Palace.
The Evzones execute the renowned "changing of guard" on Syntagma,in front of the Unknown Soldier monument,every hour.Two Evzones come in front of the monument of the Unknown Soldier to take the place of their colleagues.The Evzones who until then stood motionless guarding the monument,start an impressive gait by stretching their limbs which is a great spectacle.The same steps are followed by the Evzones who are going to replace them.When the show,which lasts about 15 minutes,is over,the Evzones stand still to guard the monument while their tired colleagues return to their barracks to rest.
The country's most prestigious research institute was created in 1926 and is supervised by the Ministry of Education.The main building of the Academy is a notable landmark in 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.
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.
The Temple of Hephaestus or Hephaisteion is a well-preserved Greek temple as it remains standing largely intact. It is a Doric peripteral temple and is located at the northwest side of the Agora of Athens, on top of the Agoraios Kolonos hill. From the 7th century until 1834, it served as the Greek Orthodox church of Saint George Akamates.
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 Greek and Roman Landmarks Reaching the end of Panepistimiou Avenue, your eyes will be drawn to Omonoia Square, Athens’ second-largest square. Our journey continues with a scenic drive to the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate, where the ancient Greek and Roman eras beautifully merge.
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. Plaka and Ancient Agoras Continue our private tour in Plaka, the charming neighborhood of Athens, where you’ll witness quaint boutiques filled with handcrafted treasures and souvenirs. Immerse yourself in history as we visit the Ancient Greek Agora of Athens, where great philosophers and orators once shared their wisdom, and the Roman Agora, a glimpse into the city’s bustling market scene.
Monastiraki Flea Market and Greek Cuisine Get a taste of modern Athens by visiting the fish and meat markets downtown and the famous Monastiraki flea market. Would you like to go out for a Culinary walk in the town? Or are you more the type who explores city’s dining scene themself? Athens has everything one needs; so, in terms of eating out, many choices are available at Plaka and Monastiraki. However, no visit to Athens is complete without indulging in the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine. We’ll take you to an authentic Athenian restaurant or tavern to savor the colors and flavors of the renowned Greek dishes and Mediterranean Diet.
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.
The temple of Olympian Zeus (124-132 AD) had three rows of eight columns (tripteral octastyle) on the two narrow sides and two rows of twenty columns (dipteral eikosastyle) on the long sides. It once housed the chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue of Zeus and the statue of the emperor. Sixteen of the temple's columns survive today, thirteen of them, on the east side, intact. Of the remaining three on the west side, one collapsed in 1852.
Lake Vouliagmeni: Athens’ Hidden Natural Spa** Nestled along the Athenian Riviera, just 20 km south of Athens’ bustling center, *Lake Vouliagmeni* is a rare geological wonder blending therapeutic waters with stunning natural beauty. This small, brackish lake formed thousands of years ago when an underground cave collapsed, creating a serene oasis surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery. What makes the lake extraordinary is its *warm, mineral-rich waters* (maintaining a steady 22–29°C year-round), fed by both underground thermal springs and the sea. The water’s high salinity and unique composition—rich in hydrogen sulfide, potassium, and sodium—are believed to offer therapeutic benefits for skin, joints, and respiratory conditions. Visitors can swim in the lake’s turquoise waters while small *fish (Garra rufa)* provide a natural exfoliation—a quirky, spa-like experience. The surrounding area offers sunbathing decks, a lakeside café, and dramatic views of the Hellenic hills
Tucked away in the heart of *Piraeus, **Mikrolimano* (meaning "small harbor") is one of Athens’ most picturesque and lively coastal spots. Once the ancient port of *Munychia*, this tiny horseshoe-shaped marina is now a glamorous blend of fishing tradition and modern sophistication, lined with colorful boats, luxury yachts, and some of the city’s best seafood tavernas. #### *A Scenic Seaside Escape* Unlike the bustling *Port of Piraeus*, Mikrolimano offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The calm, crystal-clear waters reflect the pastel hues of the surrounding buildings, while the scent of grilled octopus and fresh fish drifts from the waterfront restaurants. By night, the harbor transforms into a romantic setting, with twinkling lights dancing on the water. #### *Gourmet Paradise* Mikrolimano is famous for its *seafood dining, where visitors can enjoy the catch of the day—from succulent grilled sardines to lobster pasta—at upscale tavernas with stunning sea views.
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Reviews
Stelios took great care of us - he communicated early via WhatsApp to help plan the day and had some great recommendations since it was a rainy day. The tour company also sent the link to get our time for the Acropolis ahead of time so we could structure the day around that. Highly recommend the company and ask for Stelios he’ll take great care of you!
Stelios was a wonderful guide going above and beyond to show us all the sights , he was courteous and obliging and knowledgeable of history and local culture we can highly recommend him !
What an incredible experience! I booked a private full-day tour of Athens with Stelios and couldn't have been happier. I arrived with absolutely no itinerary, and Stelios turned my day into an unforgettable adventure! He was kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly accommodating, taking me to amazing hidden gems and beautiful places I never would have discovered on my own. His local expertise and personalized approach made the entire experience truly special. If you're visiting Athens, I highly recommend booking a private tour with Stelios. It was one of the highlights of my trip! You are lucky to have him Yomadic tours! Treat him well.
Andreas was our guide for the day tour of Athens. He was on time to pick us up and he even helped the previous evening to buy the tickets to the Acropolis entry. He dropped us at Acropolis entrance and gave instructions on how to do a self guided tour and where to meet him. We were jet lagged and he understood and showed us many sites in his very comfortable car. His English is excellent and we got a fantastic first tour of Athens and he recommended an excellent restaurant also. We recommend Andreas very much.
We spent a wonderful day touring Athens with our guide Stelios! He was so knowledgeable of the history of the city and navigated the busy streets seamlessly. It was the best way for us to experience the highlights of Athens and one of the best days of our trip to Greece!
My wife and I booked this city tour for our day in Athens, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. From start to finish, everything was seamless, relaxed, and genuinely fun. A huge part of that was our driver, Dimitris. He was punctual, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable, sharing stories about the city's history and everyday life that you'd never get from a guidebook. He knew exactly when to beat the crowds, where to find the best views, and which spots were worth lingering at. Navigating Athens traffic looked effortless in his hands, and he made us feel completely at ease the whole day. What really stood out was how personal it felt. Dimitris took the time to understand what we were interested in and tailored the day around us, with great recommendations for food and places to visit afterward. It felt less like a tour and more like being shown around by a local friend. If you're visiting Athens, I can't recommend this tour, and especially Dimitris, highly enough. We left with great memories and a real appreciation for the city. Thank you, Dimitris!
We had an amazing guide. He was very helpful. Told us all the things did everything we asked couldn’t ask for better.
Stelios was an amazing guide and fantastic storyteller. We had a great experience and saw various temples, the market, Plaka, churches, the museum and the first Olympic stadium. Stelios personalised the trip to suit the needs of everyone in our group. Would highly recommend!
We were met at the port and spent the day on a fully customised tour of Athens. The core of our days’ success was Stelios. He has a wealth of knowledge about Athens and all the shortcuts on the road to get us where we wanted to go. Adding in Stelios’ very friendly and funny personality made for a perfect day…… thank you
Our Driver Stelios Papazis picked us up right on time. He brought us to all of the cultural and historical sites in Athens. He was very good about bringing us to some locations that were also a bit less known but were excellent to see. I would highly recommend this tour as we have done it twice in 4 years. It is by far the best way to learn about the city without all the hassles of big crowds.
Amazing experience! Our driver/guide Theodore was knowledgeable and attentive. Will use the company for return transfer. Thank you!
We had a wonderful and personalized day with Stelios! He was so sweet and really listened to the things we enjoyed. We did the ancient parts and even ended up at the ocean such a special time and seeing sights we would not have found by ourselves. Thank you Stelios.
Our guide Theodore was excellent - very friendly and forthcoming plus lots of knowledge about the different sights he drove us to .
Our experience was wonderful! Stilio, our driver, was so informative and gave us great history lessons! He gave us time to enjoy things, was accommodating in all respects. The car was comfortable and he was so informative. There was also good communications at all times.
It was a great experience, Theodore was very helpful and knows his history very well. Also he was patient with us and accommodate the trip to our need.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Review for Alex and Nathalie We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Alex and Nathalie! From the very beginning, they were incredibly friendly, professional, and welcoming. Alex is an excellent driver who made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire trip, They took us to amazing spots that we would never have discovered on our own, shared great local insights, and recommended a fantastic restaurant where we enjoyed one of the best meals of our stay. Every stop was carefully chosen and made the day truly special. What impressed us most was their genuine hospitality and their passion for making sure we had the best possible experience. They went above and beyond to make our visit memorable. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area. If you have the chance to spend the day with Alex and Nathalie, don’t hesitate ! You will not regret it! Thank you both for an unforgettable day. We will definitely come back and would happily do this tour again! 😊🚗🌟
Alex was an outstanding guide—professional, patient, and genuinely kind throughout our experience. He made everything seamless, kept us on schedule, and shared his knowledge of the area with confidence and ease. We truly enjoyed our time with him and appreciated how comfortable and well taken care of he made us feel. Highly recommend Alex for anyone looking for a wonderful and stress-free experience. Thank You, Angela & Mark Merlin
Had a great day either way Alex. Amazing person and took us to many great places. Highly recommend him
Theodore was graet and very kind!
We had no agenda for the day. Theodore picked us up at the hotel. We wanted to see as much as we could as we only had 2 days in Athens. He drove us everywhere, explained everything. We finished with a perfect lunch near the water. Tomorrow, on our own, we will go back to explore the Acropolis and the Platka area. Theodore was informative, friendly and very personable. We very much enjoyed our day.
It was a fantastic trip with our driver Theo. He showed us the most beautiful places in Athens and fulfilled all our wishes. This tour is highly recommended.
Chris was a great driver who took us on a curated tour. He let us make all the decisions with his guidance of course. It was such an awesome way to see and learn about the history of athens
We had an amazing day with our driver Alex! He was incredibly friendly, professional, and made the whole experience very enjoyable. Throughout the trip, he explained everything clearly and shared useful tips that really added value to our day.
We had an amazing experience on the private Athens city tour with our driver Christos. From the very beginning he was extremely friendly, professional and knowledgeable. He made us feel comfortable throughout the entire day and shared many interesting insights about Athens, its history and culture. Christos was very attentive, patient and always made sure we had enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed. His recommendations and explanations made the tour even more special and memorable. The car was very comfortable and the whole tour was perfectly organized. Thanks to Christos we were able to see the most beautiful and important places in Athens in a relaxed and enjoyable way. We highly recommend this tour and especially Christos to anyone visiting Athens. It truly made our trip unforgettable!
Nikos arrived on time, he spoke English, had cold water for us, the van was cool, he planned an excellent day trip of Athens. We were able to see the changing of the guards, The Holy Church of St George, Panathenic Stadium where the Olympics was held, Roman Agora (acient market), arch of Hadrian, The Acropolis museum which is incredible and finally the acropolis. Take water and/or an umbrella, the sun is hot, it is dry, you don't realize how much water you're losing. We logged over 10k steps and I'd do it again, even my 3 teenagers agree!
We had an outstanding tour with Costas as our guide. He customized our tour to meet our preferences. He took us to a local restaurant, Therapeftirio which gave us an excellent flavor of the local food. I would highly recommend Costas - He went over and above to meet our needs.
Costas was a wonderful tour guide! He went above and beyond to make our day perfect! He listened to what we wanted and planed the tour to fit our needs. He picked us up at the port, and after a full day of sightseeing, dropped us off at our hotel. He fit in several request that we’re not on the tour and provided tons of information all day long! Thank you Costas for a beautiful day!
Absolutely the best! Our driver and tour guides were so knowledgeable and accommodating. They didn’t mind modifying our day based on our needs and that was so helpful! Would highly recommend using them. They gave us suggestions on what to do/see, where to visit, and where to eat. Their recommendations were spot on!
The absolute best tour guides I’ve had! Prompt, courteous, well spoken and gave an absolutely awesome tour. Highly recommend.
If you’re looking for the best way to see Athens in a day…look no further than this tour. It takes you to all of Athens top spots plus more! We were so lucky enough to have Chris Z. as our driver and guide, a native Greek who knows everything there is to know about Athens and its rich history. He was very punctual and a great driver too! Our tour turned out to be the best decision we ever made in our short stay here in Athens…
We requested Kris because we had such a good time with him the first time! He took us all over to the historical and mythological places! He really connected with us and built a personal relationship with each of us individually! I’m honestly sad that I won’t see him for a long time! He really is a great guide!
Christos was a super professional guide/driver. He drove us around and showed us all the historical sites on our day in Athens. Highly recommended!!!!
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