Philosophy and Democracy Tour of Ancient Athens: A Journey through History and Achievements

Embark on a captivating journey through ancient Athens, exploring its landmarks and delving into its rich history of philosophy, democracy, sciences, and arts. Discover surprising connections between ancient theories and modern scientific discoveries. Gain insights into the ancient democracy and its relevance today. Plus, get insider tips on sightseeing, museums, activities, food, and nightlife!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kerameikos Archaeological Site - This site, often overlooked by tourists, is one of the most significant landmarks. The name Kerameikos means “ceramic,” named for the many ceramic workshops that once existed here. It also served as Athens’ cemetery for many centuries, where many notable Athenians were buried. It is also the site where Pericles delivered his famous “Epitaph” speech for the first casualties of the Peloponnesian War, extolling the virtues of Democracy and the Athenian way of life.
  • Monastiraki Flea Market - We take a leisurely stroll through Athens’ Flea Market.
  • Hadrian’s Library - Built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132, Hadrian’s Library is located on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens.
  • Roman Agora - The Roman Agora in Athens is situated north of the Acropolis and east of the Ancient Agora.
  • Tower of the Winds - This octagonal building, known as the Tower of the Winds, was constructed by the astronomer Andronicus of Kyrristos in the 1st century BC. It functioned both as a wind indicator and a clock, making it the “Big Ben” of Athens and the city’s meteorological station. The clock was solar-powered, but on cloudy days, a hydraulic mechanism produced a sound every hour. It is considered the first meteorological station.
  • Plaka - Plaka is a picturesque neighborhood in Athens, characterized by its small houses and narrow streets.
  • Ancient Agora of Athens - This area was the heart of ancient Athens. Philosophers like Socrates and Plato, politicians like Solon and Themistocles, and other prominent Athenians and citizens walked here, engaging in discussions and debates on various matters.
  • Prison of Socrates - Here, we pay tribute to the great philosopher Socrates.
  • Pnyx - Pnyx Hill is regarded as the “cradle of democracy” because it was the first place where people made decisions about their future. The site also offers stunning views of the Acropolis and Athens.
  • Acropolis - Greece’s most iconic monument is now yours to visit and admire.
What's Included
  • Tips are not included and are left to your discretion.
What's Not Included
  • Admissions to sites
Additional Information

This is not the usual “touristy” tour but rather a philosophical walk, in between the landmarks of Athens! In this tour, we will:

a. See many of the most important landmarks of ancient Athens

b. Have an overview of the city’s ancient history and discuss about its greatest achievements such as Philosophy, Democracy, Sciences, Arts etc.

c. Examine some of the ancient philosophical theories under a new light due to surprising latest scientific discoveries

d. Discuss the ancient Democracy compared to the modern

e. Give you tips for sightseeings, museums, activities, food, night life and anything you want to know!

Location
Adrianou 1
Adrianou
In front of the statue of Thisseas (opposite the train station, across the road)
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
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(103 Ratings)
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Dianne_u
Sep 26, 2024
Fabulous - Wonderful, well worth our time. Knowledge of the host exceeded our expectations. We got a tour of the sites as well as a wealth of information about philosophy of Greeks and their advanced society.
Review provided by Viator
Mary_b
Sep 25, 2024
Interesting tour! - This ended up being one of our favorite tours! Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. He left us wanting to learn more.
Review provided by Viator
Anam_b
Sep 24, 2024
The Story of Philosophy, History, Culture of Ancient & Modern Greece - Panos is a fantastic guide, storyteller, humorist, and (even if he may not consider himself as one) street philosopher! The tour is at a nice relaxed place that allows you to soak in the historic sites and Panos’ natural and witty accounts of history woven with some mythology, and ancient as well as historic political philosophy. There are plenty of stops with some shade from the sun, places to refill water, a break for snacks and restrooms, and mostly flat terrain with only some mild hills and steps. I don’t want to spoil the magic but Panos will take you through the breadth and influence of Ancient Greek philosophy and its relationship to the whole. Was an awesome experience, and Panos gave fascinating recommendations to see in your own time. He also does a tour on military history of Athens and I can only imagine it is just as incredible. Thank you Panos! Ana & Craig
Review provided by Viator
Davekw5783qa
Sep 22, 2024
Exceptional - Honestly the best tour I’ve been on. Was great to be taken by a local Greek passionate about philosophy. The tour guide covered all the key areas with lots of stories and visual aids in his back back. Guide had clearly studied mathematics, philosophy and history of Athens well. At the end of the tour, there was a hour lecture about how modern philosophy mixed with acient philosophy. It will take up the whole morning (and a bit of the afternoon) but you won’t be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_k
Sep 18, 2024
This tour brings the past into the present -- it's fantastic! - Panos' tour is just fantastic. If you want to not just wonder through archeological excavations with a few signs but actually have them come alive with the stories and ideas of the time and how they relate to today, take this tour. This is not simply a list of historical facts like you often find. Instead, the tour allows you to discuss the origins of important philosophical ideas and democratic practices. Panos integrates the past and present, the objects and ideas, Greece and the world in a way that's a real thrill. Very relevant for facing today's challenges with a connection to what has and hasn't worked in the past. He's extremely generous with his knowledge and time. THANK YOU!!!
Review provided by Viator
Sarahsthomas2
Sep 17, 2024
What a Great Tour! - Panos was brilliant. He easily led us through years of history and made it come alive. Panos obviously knows a great deal about philosophy and democracy but doesn’t waste your time with minutia. He takes you places that you haven’t seen and puts meaning into them. His sharing of knowledge feels more like a gentle university professor who just wants you to consider things. I am so glad that we did this tour. I could have listened to him (and learned) all day.
Review provided by Viator
Juliap959
Sep 16, 2024
Panos' tour keeps past ideas relevant to today in a thrilling way - Panos' tour is just fantastic. If you want to not just wonder through archeological excavations with a few signs but actually have them come alive with the stories and ideas of the time and how they relate to today, take this tour. This is not simply a list of historical facts like you often find. Instead, the tour allows you to discuss the origins of important philosophical ideas and democratic practices. Panos integrates the past and present, the objects and ideas, Greece and the world in a way that's a real thrill. Very relevant for facing today's challenges with a connection to what has and hasn't worked in the past. He's extremely generous with his knowledge and time. THANK YOU!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kandice
Sep 14, 2024
Excellent tour guide - I was highly impressed by Thanos and his expertise on philosophy and democracy’s roots in Ancient Athens. He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and was always willing to entertain the questions I had. As a lifelong learner and lover of history, my trip in Greece without this tour wouldn’t have been the same.
Review provided by Viator
Tammyelmore
Sep 15, 2024
Very good tour - It was a very interesting tour of the Agora and surrounding areas intertwined with discussions of philosophy and democracy.
Review provided by Viator
Susan_m
Sep 14, 2024
Good overview of key people and events. - The group had a range of prior knowledge and areas of interest. Panos did his best to cater for everyone.
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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