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Athens Sightseeing: Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Olympian Zeus Half Day Tour
4.8
429 Ratings
Athens
Experience the best of Athens with a half-day tour of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Explore the cradle of civilization and discover the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Book now for a flexible and personalized experience!
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Acropolis - Ascend the sacred hill to explore the ancient citadel that has stood for over 2,500 years. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, all while enjoying panoramic views of Athens below. This visit provides a unique insight into the heart of ancient Greece and its lasting influence on Western civilization.
- Parthenon - The crown jewel of the Acropolis and a symbol of ancient Greece. This magnificent temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, stands as a testament to the brilliance of classical architecture. Admire its Doric columns and intricate sculptures. The Parthenon offers a breathtaking experience, embodying the artistic and architectural achievements of Athens at its peak.
- Plaka - Stroll through the charming neighborhood of Plaka, known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods.” Nestled beneath the Acropolis, Plaka’s narrow, winding streets are lined with neoclassical buildings, vibrant shops, and cozy cafés. This historic district offers a perfect blend of ancient history and modern-day Athens, allowing exploration of traditional Greek culture, local crafts, and delightful tavernas. It’s the ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere of old Athens while discovering hidden gems around every corner.
- Ancient Agora of Athens - Once the vibrant heart of the city’s political, social, and commercial life. This historic site was a gathering place for ancient Athenians, where democracy, philosophy, and trade flourished. Walk through the remains of temples, stoas, and statues, and visit the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus. The Ancient Agora offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of ancient Greece, bringing history to life as you stand where great thinkers like Socrates once roamed.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus - Visit the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, this colossal structure took over 600 years to complete. Though only a few of its towering columns remain, the temple’s sheer scale and grandeur are awe-inspiring. Standing amidst these ancient ruins, you’ll gain a sense of the temple’s importance in ancient times and its role in the religious life of Athens.
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in front of the Hellenic Parliament at Constitution Square. This solemn monument honors the soldiers who lost their lives in defense of Greece. Witness a time-honored tradition featuring the Evzones in their distinctive uniforms. This visit reflects Greece’s rich history and military heritage and offers a moment of reflection on the sacrifices made for the nation’s freedom.
- Lykavittos (Mount Lycabettus) - The highest point in the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis. At the top, find the charming Chapel of St. George, perfect for capturing stunning photos of the city below. This visit provides a unique perspective on Athens, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection amidst the bustling urban landscape.
- Panathenaic Stadium - Visit the historic Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaron. This remarkable structure is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and served as the venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The site is a testament to Greece’s rich athletic heritage and offers a captivating glimpse into the Olympic spirit that continues to thrive today.
- Temple of Athena Nike - Explore the exquisite Temple of Athena Nike, a small yet stunning temple perched on the Acropolis. Dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike, this masterpiece of Ionic architecture celebrates victory and the protection of the city. Admire its intricate friezes and elegant columns. The temple’s location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for appreciating both the artistry of ancient Greece and the beauty of the city below.
- Roman Agora - Visit the Roman Agora, an important archaeological site that served as the commercial and social hub of Roman Athens. Explore the ruins of this once-bustling marketplace, which features well-preserved structures such as the Gate of Athena Archegetis and the remnants of ancient shops and public spaces. As you walk through the Agora, gain insight into the daily life of Athenians during the Roman period and witness the blending of Greek and Roman cultures. This visit provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s evolution and its rich historical tapestry.
- Tower of the Winds - An ancient octagonal structure located in the Roman Agora. Built in the 1st century BC, this remarkable monument served as a clock, weather vane, and water clock, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Greek engineering. Adorned with beautifully carved reliefs representing the eight winds, the tower is a fascinating blend of function and artistry. As you stand before this historic landmark, feel its significance in ancient Athens and its role in the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants.
- Arch of Hadrian - Visit the impressive Arch of Hadrian, a monumental gateway that once marked the entrance to the city during the Roman period. Erected in honor of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, this grand structure symbolizes the connection between ancient Athens and its Roman conquerors. The Arch offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and the cultural exchange between Greece and Rome.
- Temple of Hephaestus - Visit the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. Located in the heart of the Ancient Agora, this stunning structure was dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, and served as a place of worship for artisans and craftsmen. Surrounded by lush greenery, this serene site offers a captivating glimpse into ancient religious practices and the artistic achievements of classical Greece.
What's Included
- Free WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Expert drivers knowledgeable in history
- Convenient pickup & return from Athens hotels or residences
- Travel in comfort with luxury air-conditioned vehicles
What's Not Included
- Entrance tickets (available upon request or book on your own - links on the ticket/ voucher)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Licensed tour guide (upon request and depending on availability)
- Entrance tickets - Acropolis (€30 pp, must be purchased in advance - limited availability)
Additional Information
Your trip to Athens wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Acropolis and the Parthenon, iconic structures that have dominated the cityscape for over 2500 years. Athens Taxi Travel offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Athens with flexible exploration options. Uncover the birthplace of Civilization, a place of rich historical significance that offers a blend of contemporary and ancient sights. This bastion of culture, architecture, and science is definitely a must-visit. Traverse the historic routes that lead to Plaka, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaistus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Watch the guards change at the Parliament House in Constitution square and pay your respects at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier. Downtown Athens is awash with historic sites, including the Kallimarmaron or Panathenian Stadium, the venue for the inaugural Olympic Games held in 1896.
- Our drivers are not official tour guides, but they are knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. Although they will not enter the sites with you, they can answer all of your questions about the places you visit with this tour.
- Third party activities and especially extreme sports are not allowed during the tour. This can be a cause for immediate cancellation of the tour.
- We can provide you with the skip-the-line tickets upon request or you can pre-purchase them by following the link on your ticket/ voucher. The availability is limited and the tickets must be pre-purchased timely.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off upon request (Additional cost)
Location
Acropolis
Via Dionysiou Areopagitou Str.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(429 Ratings)
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Pam_h
Jul 29, 2024
Perfect day - Our driver Spiros was professional, kind, thorough, knowledgeable. He arrived promptly to start our day. He shared some much current and historical information with us as we were driving. He was great with my ten year old son. We covered SO much. A beautiful and educational day in Athens! I would most certainly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Renee
Jul 28, 2024
Athens in a day - Great guide. He was very knowledgeable and personable. The personal service made the experience easy and stress free. This tour was a great way to see Athens on a tight timeline.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johngf7824tp
Jul 26, 2024
Fantastic service from Fotis our driver. Professional, knowledgeable and courteous. - An excellent, less-stress way to experience the amazing, ancient history jewels in this vibrant city without the hassle of trying to navigate your way around in an unknown city, especially when short on time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aaron_y
Jul 25, 2024
Great tour to see all the sites - Our tour and tour guide were great. We got to see all of the sites in Athens and not feel rushed. My only complaint was that the tour guide did not go into the sites with us to explain more.
Review provided by Viator
970amiet
Jul 25, 2024
Tour of Athens in a private vehicle - Costa is an amazing guide! We had such a great time on his tour. He was punctual, told us a lot of history information and adjusted the routes based on our preferences. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveler38188129911
Jul 25, 2024
Great tour - Great tour! We all enjoyed each of the stops, and felt like the tour was the perfect length to experience the city without exhausting oneself. Our tour guide, Costa, was extremely friendly and engaging. We all appreciated his flexibility, and his knowledge of both mythology and the city really added to the experience. Would recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigate11027652369
Jul 25, 2024
1/2 Tour of Athens - We had a lovely half day tour. Our driver/tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw all the major sights of Athens. The car was nice and clean and he provided cold water for us. We had lunch at a small restaurant in the market place. Dallas-very nice Greek lunch and then we saw a few more sights before he returned us to the hotel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
De3726
Jul 24, 2024
A great guide made our dsy - This trip was fantastic mainly because of the knowledge and care of the driver/ guide from Athens Taxi Travel, Fotis.
The sites were great enhanced to the nth degree by Fotis
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angela_b
Jul 24, 2024
Fotis is amazing! - Fotis was amazing. Great knowledge and wonderful and kind guide. We were on schedule and he was an excellent driver. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Danieldt6477pi
Jul 23, 2024
Excellent Experience!!! - Our driver Petros was excellent! He took us everywhere location Pyrgos
we wanted to see and then some!
Very happy with the tour!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
