No city in the world contains more landmark historical sites than Athens. On this panoramic tour, your guide will bring to life Syntagma Square and the Panathenaic Stadium before showing you the treasures of the Acropolis. Vassiliki, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Acropolis is the Greek word for 'high city' and it can usually describe any hilltop settlement. There are many towns in Greece that have an acropolis, but the Acropolis of Athens is without a doubt the most famous.'
Stroll with your expert guide up to the Greek parliament on Syntagma Square. Here, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by Evzones in traditional costumes and pompom-pointed shoes. Vassiliki says, ‘It's a real honour to be selected as a ceremonial guard. The changing of the guard every hour is the only time they are permitted to move – for the rest of their allotted hours on duty they must stay motionless.' From here, it's a short hop to the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus before making your way to the Panathenaic Stadium – site of the first modern Olympics.
Next, you'll visit the Acropolis, where you'll learn the fascinating history of the Parthenon, the Agora and the Temple of Athena. Soak up wow-factor views over Athens and snap a few photos of the Areopagus – a rocky hill where legend has it the Greek gods would hold court. Then, after a typical local lunch, there's free time in the history-steeped Plaka neighbourhood, the beating heart of the city, before returning to your hotel.
What is the itinerary for this experience?The itinerary for this experience is…
- 7:30am to 8:00am – pick-up from your hotel
- 9:30am – arrival in Athens
- 9:30am to 10:30am – city tour by bus
- 11:00am to 12:30pm – guided tour of the Acropolis
- 1:00pm to 2:00pm – lunch at a local restaurant
- 2:00pm to 2:30pm – free time in Plaka
- 4:00pm to 4:30pm – return to your hotel
Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day
