A fascinating Athens experience: 4-hour private tour

ITINERARY (break-down); Today is an exciting opportunity to immerse ourselves in the awe-inspiring memorials of western civilization!

Start: Let’s embark on our journey to the Acropolis! I will pick you up from your hotel in Athens, address in Athens, or the cruise ship pier at Piraeus port. Along our route, we will pass by various captivating areas depending on our starting point. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

• Duration: 20 Minutes average

Stop At: Experience the ultimate Greece tour by beginning at one of the country’s most renowned destinations: the magnificent Acropolis hill in Athens. This historical site offers a captivating glimpse into one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Roam the sacred area dedicated to the city’s patron goddess, Athena, and admire the monumental gateway, known as the Propylaea.

Mnesicles, one of the most talented architects of his time, constructed the avant-garde structures using premium Pentelic marble. Located southwest of the Propylaea and guarding the main entrance to the Acropolis, these monuments include the exquisite Ionian temple of Apteros Nike, currently undergoing restoration in honor of the goddess Athena Nike, as well as the Temple of Poseidon and Athina known as the Erechtheion. And towering above all, the grand Parthenon, dedicated to the revered virgin goddess Athena, stands as a testament to its historic and cultural significance.

The Theater of Dionysus

Additionally, you will have the incredible opportunity to marvel at the most ancient theater in the world, the magnificent Theater of Dionysus, and the awe-inspiring Odeon of Herodes Atticus from the top of the Acropolis. The Theater of Dionysus Eleuthereus, located at the base of the Athenian Acropolis, is a renowned theater in Athens and is widely considered to be the first theater ever built. On the southwest slope of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece stands the stone Roman structure of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Originally completed in 161 AD, the Odeon was later restored in 1950 and continues to be a stunning sight.

• Duration: 80 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Not Included

Pass By: Once we finish exploring the Acropolis, our next stop will be the Melina’s Mercury statue. From there, we’ll make our way down the iconic Herodou Attikou street, which will lead us to the breathtaking Acropolis museum and the magnificent Acropolis itself. We’ll also have the opportunity to visit the impressive Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, as well as the grand Athens Gate.

• Duration: 15 Minutes

Pass by: Zapeion. The Zappeion Megaron stands proudly as a testament to Greece’s rich cultural heritage, generously bestowed upon the state by the philanthropic Zappas. A true patriot and visionary hailing from North Epirus, Evangelis Zappas dedicated himself to the revival of ancient Greek principles and the Olympic Games, as well as the advancement of the arts. To this day, the Zappeion boasts exceptional facilities for hosting conferences, cultural events, scientific gatherings, and sports exhibitions, with a spacious Peristyle Central Circular Atrium and 4,546 square meters of versatile exhibition and congress halls.

• Duration: 10 Minutes

Stop At: Panathenaic Stadium.

As we journey through Athens, we’ll make a special stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the very first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. This impressive structure, commonly known as the Kalimarmaro, holds a significant place in history and is a must-see attraction in the city. Built solely from marble, it is the only stadium of its kind in the world. Originally a simple racecourse, it was transformed into a grand stadium by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos around 330 BC, specifically for the prestigious Panathenaic Games.

Fast forward to 1896 and the Panathenaic Stadium once again made history as it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic Games. More than a century later, it was selected as an Olympic venue once more in 2004. The excitement is palpable today as the Athens Classic Marathon reaches its thrilling conclusion, marking the final destination for runners and serving as the symbolic setting for the Olympic flame handover ceremony, a tradition that dates back to ancient Greece.

• Duration: 10 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Not Included

Pass By: Experience some of Athens’ top attractions with a tour through its vibrant Kolonaki district, including a visit to the glass Runner statue of President Truman, as well as the Megaron music hall, a beautiful venue for concerts and cultural events.

• Duration: 15 Minutes

Stop At: Mount Lycabettus,

looming over the magnificent city of Athens is the majestic Mount Lycabettus, also known as Lycabettus, Lykabettos, or Lykavittos. Rising to an impressive height of 277 meters (909 feet) above sea level, it stands at almost twice the height of the iconic Acropolis. Covered in lush pine trees at its base, Mount Lycabettus is home to two distinctive peaks boasting a 19th century Chapel of St. George, a grand theatre, a charming cafeteria, and a renowned restaurant. Like a proud guardian, this towering hill abruptly rises from the heart of the city, making its presence felt and visible from almost every corner.

You simply cannot miss the majestic Mount Lycabettus. It beckons to be conquered and eventually, if you find yourself with time to spare on an Athenian afternoon and have a decent level of fitness, you will be tempted to take on the challenge. The primary motive for embarking on the Lycabettus climb is to revel in the breathtaking 360° vistas from the peak, the highest and most central point in Athens.

• Duration: 10 Minutes

Pass By: After going through Lycabettus, you’ll drive through Kolonaki and pass by some of the city’s most iconic historical sites such as the war museum, the Byzantine museum, and the museum of ancient archaeological Cyclades civilization. You’ll also get to see the national garden, previously known as the royal garden, as well as the Plateia Syntagmatos, or Syntagma Square, which holds great significance in Athens. The square was named after the Constitution that was granted by King Otto following a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843.

• Duration: 20 Minutes

Stop At: Hellenic Parliament.

The Hellenic Parliament, in Greek known as Voulí ton Ellínon is the parliament of Greece, located in the Old Royal Palace, overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens. The Parliament is the supreme democratic institution that represents the citizens through an elected body of Members of Parliament. See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Watch the changing of the guard (Euzones) in front of the ex-royal palace, today the Parliament House of Greece, above the central square of Athens.

• Duration: 10 Minutes
• Admission Ticket Free

Pass By: Located in the bustling city of Athens, Greece, you will find a collection of stunning buildings that make up the city’s iconic “architectural trilogy” – the Numismatic Museum, the Attica shopping mall, the Catholic cathedral, and the Academy of Athens. Established in 1926 by a Constitutional Decree, the Academy serves as an esteemed institution for the advancement of science, humanities, and fine arts. Alongside the Academy stands the Kapodistrian University of Athens, and the National Library of Greece, which was constructed in the late 19th century, completing the trio of neoclassical structures that embody the grandeur and history of Athens.

Designed by renowned architect Theophil Hansen, the building boasts a rich history, housing notable landmarks including the Council of State and a statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis, the emblem of the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans. The former site of the parliament, now known as the National Historical Museum, and the bustling Ermou street, known as the heart of Athens’ shopping scene, also add to the vibrant atmosphere of the constitution square.

• Duration: 20 Minutes

Drive-By: Plaka.

Take a scenic drive through Plaka, the charming historic neighborhood of Athens. Stroll down the pedestrian streets, lined with delightful cafes, restaurants, and various shops. You’ll have the opportunity to explore at your leisure, with free time for lunch (not included) and shopping.

• Duration: 15 Minutes
• Admission Ticket: Free

 

 

Pass By: Let’s drive back, and we’ll drop you off at the same spot where we initially picked you up!

• Duration: 15 Minutes

• Transfer offerd; Travelers pickup/drop off is offered.
• Pick up from; We will pick you up from any hotel or apartment in Athens center and Piraeus cruise port at the cruise ship pier!
• Info needed When booking make sure to include the address of your accommodation, or the name of the cruise line and the cruise ship!
• Pick up time; We propose to pick you up at 8 am in order to avoid traffic and crowed at the Acropolis.
• Drop off; We will drop you off at the same place we have picked you up or at any hotel in Athens center or cruise ship pier!

What is Included

• Professional driver with good knowledge of history and culture in Greece
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle appropriate for the size of your group
• Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple day tours only)
• Flexible pick up time on request (proposed 08:00AM)
• Free Pick-up from and return to your hotel
• Free Pick-up & drop off from Piraeus cruise port
• Athens Airport transfers or pickup locations outside Athens: arranged on request with surcharge
• First class transport: By Mercedes E-Class or similar; Mercedes minivan or Mercedes minibus according to the size of your party. All new models come with full leather and A/C.
• Road tolls and local taxes
• Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.
• Official licensed tour guide for guiding in archeological sites. Available on request with surcharge
• The private tour is 100% exclusive for your party

What is Excluded

• Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
• Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
• Athens Airport transfer: arranged on request with a surcharge
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and beverage
• Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost.

Tour Type

• Private tour - Shore Excursion
• Activity level: Moderate
• Departures: Daily

Restrictions

• Due to the high complexity and uncertainty of contemporary transportation, as well as unexpected situations, the planned itinerary can change at any moment and our choices may be affected by any social, economic or environmental phenomena!

Guaranteed Departures

• Best Greece Tours is proud to be the first in the industry to offer Guaranteed Departures . A guaranteed departure means; There is no minimum number of bookings required on a trip to run and that the tour will definitely operate on the day it is scheduled and will not be cancelled. All guaranteed departures will run except in the event of a natural disaster or other similarly disruptive event that is beyond our control. Our current collection of tours can take you to exciting places in Athens and around the world.

How will we use the information you wll give us about you!

• Passenger Detail; We need basic contact details so we can send appropriate booking information to you as well as make sure the supplier can contact you should they need to.
• Flight Details; We will need to know your exact travel details so they can track flight time as well as make sure they get you to and from your destination with no delay.
• Accommodation Details; We need to know your pick-up and drop-off address to ensure the right price and that we know exactly where to meet you or take you.
• Payment Details; We will pass your payment details to our secure payment provider, but we do not see or store any of these details on our website payment details.

Importantant information!

• Dress: religious and memorial sites: shoulders and knee must be covered.
• Terms & Conditions, F.A.Q , Privacy policy & Cookies
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
• This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.
• Itinerary (break-down)Due to the high complexity and uncertainty of contemporary transportation, as well as unexpected situations, the planned itinerary can change at any moment and our choices may be affected by any social, economic or environmental phenomena!

Persons with Disabilities

• Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora.
• In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• For guests who are full-time wheelchair users a ramp vehicle will be needed. Guests may remain in their wheelchair or scooter for the duration of the excursion. Wheelchair or scooter dimensions are required in order to confirm the correct vehicle!
• Wheelchair or small scooter folding type only. (Please note that disabled passengers must be able to board the vehicle independently or with the assistance of those in their party.)

Opening hours & Admission fees

• Opening Hours: Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
• Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
• Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
• Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.

Free admission days

• March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
• June 5: Environment international day
• April 18 : International monuments day
• May 18: International museums day
• September 27: International tourism day
• The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
• National Holidays
• Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
• The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August and September
• NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day

Holidays in Greece

• January 1: closed
• January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
• March 25: closed
• Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
• Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• Easter Sunday: closed
• Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• May 1: closed
• Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
• October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
• December 25 & 26: closed

• Sedans; Within 24 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 24 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• Minivan; Within 36 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 36 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• Minibus 10-20 seats; Within 96 hrs of travel 100% fee will apply. Outside of 96 hrs a €2 per person cancellation charge will apply.
• For all vehicles; No show mean, no refund