• Athens - Begin your personalized tour of Athens early in the morning, departing from your accommodation or chosen location, such as your cruise terminal. The highlight of our tour is the breathtaking Acropolis of Athens, featuring the iconic Parthenon. Here, admire the majestic Propylaea, the elegant Temple of Athena Nike, and the renowned Erechtheion, famous for its Caryatid statues and the exquisite Porch of Maidens.

• Propylaea - The Propylaea served as the grand entrance to the Acropolis of Athens and was one of several public works commissioned by the Athenian leader Pericles to rebuild the Acropolis a generation after the Persian Wars.

• Acropolis - Walk on the land where, thousands of years ago, significant aspects of global philosophy, politics, and science were born and thrived. Explore ancient monuments of immense cultural and historical value and experience the grandeur and splendor of ancient Greek times. Begin with the Acropolis, which in Greek means the edge of the city, the highest point both geographically and spiritually according to ancient Greeks.

• Parthenon - Atop this sacred hill stands the Parthenon, the epitome of ancient Greek architecture, where the greatness of ancient Greece is captured in every piece of marble. An architectural masterpiece that embodies the best of human spirit and genius, it awaits the return of its famed sister marbles.
  We start the tour by visiting the “sacred rock,” The Acropolis. Here you will see:

• Parthenon, dedicated to goddess Athena (Parthenos)

• Propylea, the monumental entrance to the sacred area

• The Temple of Athena Nike, 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 Theatre of Dionysus, the first theatre in the world

• The Areopagus (Mars Hill)

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

• Mount Temple - Between the Acropolis and the Ilisos River lie the remains of the Olympian Zeus Temple (now known as the Pillars of Olympian Zeus), one of Athens’ most significant and ancient shrines. The site still imparts a sense of grandeur.

• Theater of Dionysus - The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient Greek theatre in Athens, situated on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus. The first orchestra terrace was built on the site around the mid- to late-sixth century BC, hosting the City Dionysia. The theatre reached its fullest extent in the fourth century BC under the epistates of Lycurgus, with a capacity of up to 17,000, and was in continuous use until the Roman period.

• Panathenaic Stadium - The Panathenaic Stadium and Olympic History

Next, we proceed to the renowned Panathenaic Stadium, also known 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 is also the sacred ground 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 home of the first modern Olympic games, made of Pentelic marble, where 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 the 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.

• Acropolis Museum - 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 - 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. 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 also refers to the neighborhood surrounding the square.
• Hellenic Parliament - Journey thousands of years forward to the Hellenic Parliament building, which houses the Greek Parliament in an impressive building in downtown Athens, overlooking Syntagma Square, protected by the presidential guard consisting of two soldiers dressed in 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.

• Changing of the Guard Ceremony - The Evzones perform the renowned “changing of guard” at 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.
• National Archaeological Museum - The National Archaeological Museum in Athens houses some of the most important artifacts from various 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.
• The Academy of Athens - 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.

• 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.
• Temple of Hephaestus - 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.
• 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.
• Roman Agora - 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.

• 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.

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 - Monastiraki Flea Market and Greek Cuisine

Experience 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 the city’s dining scene themselves? 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.

• Lykavittos (Mount Lycabettus) - After leaving the beautiful Calimarmaro behind, 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.

• Temple of Olympian Zeus - 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.

• Experienced, knowledgeable, professional English speaking Tour Leader driver.
• Tailor made Tour - customize your itinerary in Athens City.
• Luxurious sedan vehicles for groups of 1-3 people.
• Pickup & return from Athens & Piraeus Hotels/residence or Piraeus cruise port.
• Car Seats available - book in advance for infants or children.
• Family friendly - tours can be modified for children.
• Private tour with personalized service.
• Fully A/C, non-smoking, insured & certified vehicles.
• Chilled bottled water & Free WiFi on board.
• Luxurious transportation options: taxi, sedan, SUV, van, minibus.
• Comfortable mini vans for groups of 4-7 people.

• Entrance fee to the Acropolis and the other sites
• Licensed Tour Guide offered upon request & availability in Additional Cost
• 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.
• Licensed guide to accompany you into archaeological sites

Experience an extraordinary journey with the Athenian Highlights tour, offering a stunning exploration of the city that blends history, breathtaking views, and exquisite culinary delights.

Highlights

• Discover Athens’ top attractions in a single day, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off

• Enjoy insightful commentary from a private driver as you travel

• Avoid delays from slow walkers; the vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group

• Most attraction entrance fees and lunch are included for your convenience

• Visit the Athens Central Market

• Wander through lesser-known areas of the city

• Find out where locals shop and dine in a vibrant neighborhood

• Gain insights into the Mediterranean diet

• Taste a variety of Greek dishes and sweets

Our drivers, while not official tour guides, are well-informed and can offer engaging commentary in fluent English. Although they won’t accompany you inside archaeological sites, they are ready to answer any questions about the locations you explore on this tour.

• Please note that if you select airport pickup, you will be charged an extra 45€.

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