Panorama of Athens in 6 hours: Discover the Birthplace of Democracy and Philosophy

Embark on a 6-hour journey through Athens, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy. Explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Panathenaic Stadium, and soak in the panoramic views from Lycabettus hill. Discover the ancient magic world with safety, comfort, privatization, and flexibility.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Acropolis - The Athens sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the impressive, naturally fortified hill of the Acropolis. This tour includes a walk that takes visitors back in time through one of the world’s oldest cities, considered the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of philosophy, theater, and democracy.

Passing through the monumental gate of Propylaea, you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon. Enjoy panoramic views of Athens and the Piraeus port. At the base of the Acropolis hill, you’ll find the ancient theater of Dionysos (the world’s oldest theater), the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Areopagus (Mars Hill).

  • Propylaea - The first propylon, or gate, was built during the age of Peisistratos (mid-sixth century BC) after the Acropolis became a sanctuary dedicated to Athena. A new propylon, constructed between 510-480 BC, was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC and later repaired after the Persian Wars during the fortification of the Acropolis by Themistokles and Kimon. The monumental Propylaea admired by modern visitors was part of the grand Periklean building program, erected between 437-432 BC after the completion of the Parthenon by architect Mnesikles.

  • Parthenon - The Parthenon is a temple dedicated by the Athenians to Goddess Athena Parthenos (Virgin), the patron of their city. It is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at its peak and the finest monument on the Acropolis in terms of both design and execution. It was built between 447 and 438 BC.

  • Erechtheion - The Erechtheion is a temple atop the Acropolis, designed by architect Mnesikles. This complex building was constructed in the last twenty years of the 5th century BC, replacing the ancient Temple of Athena Polias, part of which had been destroyed by the Persians sixty years earlier. The new temple was divided into two chambers: an eastern room dedicated to Athena, which housed the goddess’ wooden cult statue, and a lower western room that contained shrines of Poseidon-Erechtheus, Hephaistos, and Boutes, the brother of Erechtheus.

  • Panathenaic Stadium - The Panathenaic Stadium offers a unique opportunity to see what an ancient stadium from the 4th century BC looked like. Unlike typical archaeological sites, there are no ruins here. The stadium was not rebuilt in modern times, but during the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, its marble covering was renovated, financed by Georgios Averof. The present-day shape of the stadium mirrors that of the ancient 4th-century BC stadium.

  • Change of Guards - Unique to Greece are the Evzones and the Changing of the Guard at the presidential mansion, which occurs every day, every hour.

  • The Academy of Athens - Founded by the Constitutional Decree of March 18, 1926, the Academy of Athens serves as an Academy of Sciences, Humanities, and Fine Arts. This building is a replica of the Propylaea of the Acropolis.

  • Mount Lycabettus - Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in central Athens. Thousands of Athenians and tourists climb to the top each year to enjoy the view from a height of 277 meters.

  • Plaka - The Plaka area is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, situated under the Acropolis, around the northeastern slopes of the Sacred Rock, between Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations. Its village-like atmosphere, neoclassical buildings, quaint cafes, souvenir shops, and museums make it a favorite among visitors and Athenians who stroll along its narrow streets. Plaka is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists year-round.

  • Monastiraki Flea Market - The largest, best, and most popular flea market in Athens is undoubtedly the Monastiraki Flea Market, a shopper’s paradise located in the heart of Athens at the legendary Monastiraki Square.

  • Ancient Agora of Athens - The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, serving as the center of political, commercial, administrative, and social activity, as well as the religious and cultural hub and the seat of justice.

  • Temple of Hephaestus - The Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, also known as Thissio, is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. It was dedicated to Hephaestus, the Olympian god of fire.

  • Stoa of Attalos - The Stoa of Attalos dominates the north side of the Acropolis slope and is the main monument and museum at the Ancient Agora of Athens, second only to the Temple of Hephaestus.

  • National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - Founded on May 3, 1837, by King Otto of Greece, the University of Athens was named in his honor as the Othonian University. It was the first university in the liberated Greek state and the surrounding Southeast Europe region.

  • National Library of Greece - Founded by Ioannis Kapodistrias in 1832, the National Library of Greece’s mission is to locate, collect, organize, describe, and preserve the perpetual evidence of Greek culture and its evolution over time, as well as significant representative evidence of human intellectual production.

  • Temple of Olympian Zeus - The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, is a former colossal temple in the center of Athens. It was dedicated to “Olympian” Zeus, named for his position as head of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants but was not completed until the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD.

  • Temple of Athena Nike - The Temple of Athena Nike is a temple 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.

What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water
  • Vehicle: SUV Kodiaq or Mercedes E-Class taxicab
  • Professional drivers with historical knowledge (not licensed to accompany you on-site)
  • Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Licensed Tour Guide upon request for availability.Plus €160 for 2 hours to visit the Acropolis.
  • Airport pick up and drop off.
  • Food and drinks
  • Entrance fees for the Archeological sites €30 per person.Free under five years old
Additional Information

Visit the most archeologically important sites in Athens. The Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechthion, the Parthenon the theater of Dionysus, the Roman Odeon, and the Areopagus the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896, Then the three buildings of knowledge (the University, the Academy, the National Library) the Parliament building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Lycabettus hill with the panoramic view of Athens and then in the famous Plaka visit the Roman market, Monastiraki with the flea market and at the end lunch in a Greek grill restaurant.

Location
Acropolis
Via Dionysiou Areopagitou Str.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
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(136 Ratings)
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9brantm
Jul 17, 2024
Awesome - worth every penny! - Fantastic all around! This is by far an efficient and enjoyable way to see all the historical sights in Athens - absolutely perfect!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brant_m
Jul 6, 2024
Truly a must-do! - Andreas was absolutely fantastic - knowledgeable, patient, flexible, helpful - a perfect host and representative of Greece. Could not ask for anything more or better, and an absolutely incredible tour!
Review provided by Viator
Ronaldls3186jn
Oct 6, 2023
Great Tour - We took the 6 hour Athens tour with Andreas. He was very professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable of the city. He showed us all of the important main sites of Athens,including the area around the beach and coast. I would highly recommend him for your day tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Favoring
Sep 24, 2023
Let a knowledgeable guide and driver take the wheel! - We were a group of ten, with our own mini-bus. Clean and comfortable. Our driver Frank made it the most wonderful experience for us. He was very flexible around what we wanted to see, and really knew his way around where we timed things just right (e.g. changing of the guard, Acropolis tickets). His restaurant recommendation for lunch was honestly a big food highlight of our whole 10-day Greek trip! Delicious authentic meal served in the most wonderful family-run place we'd been to.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kendanm2023
Jun 27, 2023
Great Athens tour experience - Great tour of Athens with a knowledgeable and experienced driver. Our family was able to enjoy the tour.
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Timothy_d
Jun 25, 2023
Alex the Great - Our driver Alex brought history to life. He knew how to get around a busy town, where to park, where we should go for lunch, and went over and above by showing us historical photos of the famous sites we were seeing. He was knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, and spoke great English. He tailored our tour to our families, specific needs and interests.
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_m
Apr 28, 2023
Wonderful Experience - Andrew was wonderful! He gave a running commentary on Athens past and present so that you got a real feel for the city.
Review provided by Viator
Jimsnet1
Oct 30, 2022
Wonderful and helpful - Andreas was very accomidating to our needs and changes. We are a older couple not able to do a lot of walking Andreas took good care for us to still see sights with our limitations
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lara_w
Oct 20, 2022
Athens in a Day! - Andreas picked us and dropped us off very close to the boat. He dropped us off at the Acropolis so we could explore it on our own. We were able to walk around several other sites including the Temple of Zeus, took pictures in front of the Olympic Stadium and walked up Lycabettus hill to overlook Athens. (Prior to leaving home, we purchased combo tickets to get us into the Archaeological Sites - saved us a lot of time waiting in line) It was amazing! We only had 6 hours in Athens, but he definitely made us want to go back!!
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_p
Oct 13, 2022
One day in Athens - It was great to have a private driver. He gave us a great history of the area. We really like Acropolis and all the ruins.
Review provided by Viator
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