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This whistle-stop Athens private tour is packed full of all those must-see Athens spots as well as those hidden gems that can only be found with a local by your side. Dive into the very soul of Athens and discover exactly what makes this city so very special — aside from all that ancient history.
Start this historical Athens walking tour by meeting your local guide in Syntagma Square, the most important and crowded square in Athens, surrounded by impressive neoclassical buildings. The best known is the Grande Bretagne, once a royal palace but now a luxury hotel which has housed everyone from Churchill to Madonna.
At the upper end of the square see the Evzones, the guards of the Constitution, and the tomb of the unknown soldier. The Evzones are traditionally dressed with 17th and 18th century clothes: an impressive white skirt, red hat, and an old rifle. The changing of the guard happens every hour, and you simply cannot tour Athens without seeing this spectacle – which is why we’ve incorporated it into this tour! Watch the ceremony while your local guide explains the tradition.
Next on this Athens tour you’ll jump on the metro and travel to Acropolis station. Travelling between these stations is like stepping back in time; both have exposed ancient ruins behind glass, discovered during the excavations for the metro system. But these are just a taster of the ancient ruins to come…
You’ll exit the station and take a walk around the walls of famous Athens Acropolis, passing by the Ancient Agora. We’ll walk along ancient roads, admire new architecture, and hear about the customs and traditions that still exist today. This is the central hub of classic Athens history, and you’ll hear the stories behind this monument from your local guide. (Please note that if you wish to tour inside the Acropolis, this will have to be done separately on your own time.)
Afterwards, explore the Plaka area. Shop for souvenirs along Adrianou Street, where you can find local products such as ouzo (Greece’s national alcohol). You’ll also see shops that specialise in olive oil, sponges, icons, leather sandals, and bags — something you won't experience on other Athens tours.
Continue walking to Diogenis Square, under the impressive wall of the Acropolis. See Hadrian’s Arch, built in honour of one of the most glorified Roman emperors. Directly behind it you can see the ruins of the Jupiter (Zeus) temple as you taste and feel the history of Athens.
Pass by the National Garden and Zappeion, to arrive at the white marble Panathinaiko Stadium. It was here that the first Olympic Games took place and where the 2004 Olympic marathon ended.
Finally, you’ll be taken back to present-day Athens to admire some of Athens’ more modern architecture.We walk through the new city highlights, where life goes on in modern rhythms. See where locals wander , shop, and gather. Visit the Kolonaki area, which is the heart of today’s Athens.
The Athens walking tour comes to an end at the Academy of Athens, where you are free to continue your own personal exploration, or your local guide can tell you how to get back to your hotel, where you can digest all that history!
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
Local English-speaking guide, Greek coffee or soft drink
Drinks, lunch, transport, entrance fees, tips or gratuities for your guide
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.
If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point.Â
Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this trip
This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
Syntagma Square (at the exit of Syntagma metro station), in the middle of of the square at the fountain.
Academy of Athens, 28 Panepistimiou Street.
By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.
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| AVAILABLE DATES | PRICE (1 ADULT) | PRICE (1 CHILDREN) | SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT | TRAVEL STATUS |
We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.
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