Private Archaeological Site Tour: Flexible and Comfortable

10 Ratings

Athens

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Experience the wonders of Athens and Ancient Corinth on a private full-day tour. Avoid the crowds and enjoy personalized attention from our professional drivers. Book now!

Duration: 9 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Athens - At the Acropolis, you’ll explore the Parthenon, a temple atop the sacred rock dedicated to Goddess Athena, the deity of wisdom. You’ll also see the Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis, the Temple of Wingless Victory honoring Athena-Nike, and the Erechtheum, the most sacred temple in Athens known for its Caryatides (female statues). The 5000-seat Odeon of Herodes Atticus, carved into the rock, still hosts music festivals, while the 3000-seat Theater of Dionysus was where Athenians enjoyed the works of Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides, and Aristophanes.
Temple of Olympian Zeus - This colossal temple in central Athens was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC under Athenian tyrants aiming to build the greatest temple of the ancient world, but it wasn’t completed until the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s reign in the 2nd century AD, 638 years later. The temple, featuring 104 massive columns, was the largest in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues of the ancient world.
Panathenaic Stadium - Also known as Kallimarmaro, meaning “beautiful marble,” this multi-purpose stadium in Athens is a major historic attraction and the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble. Originally built by Athenian statesman Lycurgus around 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games, it was later rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus in 144 AD, seating 50,000 people. Abandoned after the rise of Christianity, it was excavated in 1869 and refurbished to host the first modern Olympics in 1896. It also served as an Olympic venue in 2004 and is the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon. The Olympic flame handover ceremony to the host nation also takes place here.
Hellenic Parliament - Located in the Old Royal Palace overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens, the Hellenic Parliament is Greece’s supreme democratic institution, representing citizens through elected Members of Parliament.
Changing of the Guard Ceremony - The Presidential Guard, a ceremonial infantry unit, guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion in Athens. Known for their traditional Evzone uniform, which includes the fustanella (a kilt-like garment), this unit is the last of its kind in the Hellenic Army.
Corinth Canal - After leaving Athens, a 45-mile drive along the National Highway brings you to the famous Corinth Canal, which connects the Saronic Sea and the Corinthian Sea. Though completed in the late 19th century, the canal was a 2000-year-old dream. Before its construction, ships had to circle the Peloponnese, adding 185 nautical miles to their journey. The idea was first conceived by Periander, the tyrant of Corinth, around 602 BC, but it was too complex to execute at the time. Emperor Nero attempted its construction in 67 AD with 6,000 slaves, but the project was only completed in the late 19th century.
Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - According to myth, the first kings of Corinth were descendants of Sisyphus, who was punished by the gods to eternally roll a boulder uphill. Thanks to its strategic location on the Isthmus, connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece, Corinth thrived in wealth and fame, rivaling Athens and Thebes. The city’s main export was black-figured vases, and it was a major cult center for Aphrodite, with over a thousand temple maidens. Corinth also hosted the Isthmian Games, similar to the Olympics. The city founded colonies like Kerkyra (Corfu) and Syracuse and played significant roles in the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War. After various political shifts and conflicts, Corinth fell under Macedonian and later Roman rule, becoming a major Roman colony. Despite invasions and natural disasters, the city experienced periods of revival and prosperity. Today, the ruins of Ancient Corinth, including the Temple of Apollo, the agora, and the Lechaion Street, attract many visitors. The Temple of Apollo, built in the 6th century BCE, is notable for its monolithic columns. The agora, dating back to the 4th century BCE, features the Basilica Iulia and the “bèma” or “rostrum,” a platform for public announcements. The Lechaion Street, a “shopping mile” with galleries and shops, remains impressive. The Fountain of Peirene, known for its clear water, and the Roman Odeion, a concert hall, are also noteworthy. The ancient port of Kechries, one of Corinth’s two ports, served eastern trade routes and was visited by Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey.

What's Included

Private transportation
Bottled water included
On-board WiFi access
Air-conditioned vehicles
Expert drivers (Note: Drivers do not guide inside attractions)

What's Not Included

Lunch
Entrance fees (Total Cost: 38 Euros per adult)
Licensed tour guide upon request, depending on availability (Additional cost 270 Euros)
Airport pickup and drop off (Additional cost)
Gratuities

Additional Information

We offer versatile tours and services tailored to each client’s needs. With certified professional drivers fluent in English and extensive experience, you’ll feel secure and relaxed in our well-kept, comfortable vehicles. Our tours provide a unique advantage of exploring archaeological sites outside of peak visiting hours, allowing you to appreciate magnificent landmarks and understand their historical significance without the crowd. Plus, the expense of availing our services is less than buying individual tickets from big tour operators and companies.

Your English- speaking driver will explain about the ancient monuments that you are about to visit, the ancient history of Greece and interesting facts about historical and modern-day Greece but is not allowed by law to accompany you in the sites. If you wish to have a licensed tour guide to accompany you into the sites, we will help you arrange a licensed tour guide to be with you at an extra cost
Your tour is totally private. No unknown passengers will participate in your group.
Infant car seats are available upon request

Location

Athens

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

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(10 Ratings)

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Josealbertop419

Jun 22, 2024

Best guys in town - One of the best services ever. Friendly , reliable and willing to help with anything we needed. Will recommend to any one