Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour

Greece’s most famous monument that houses the pride and crown jewel of Athens, the Parthenon. Dedicated to the city’s ancient patron, Athena – the Goddess of wisdom, the Parthenon is globally considered an enduring symbol of Democracy, Culture and Civilization. Housed on top and in the surroundings of the sacred rock are some of the most important sites of the capital’s ancient heritage, such as: Propylaea, the entrance to the rock. The Temple of Wingless Victory, which was devoted to Goddess Athena-Nike. Erechtheum, with the temple’s best-known feature being its south porch, whose roof, instead of being supported on columns, rested on the heads of six Korai statues – the famous Caryatides. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a 5000-seat stone Roman theatre which was carved into the rock and is still used for music festivals The Theatre of Dionysus where the Athenians listened to the immortal works of Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides and Aristophanes.

We continue our tour by passing by the Temple of Olympian Zeus – King of the Greek Pantheon. The now half-ruined temple, which is also known as Olympieion, was at its peak consisted of 104 columns of 17 meters (56 ft) high and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in diameter!

Following the visit to the temple, we will make a brief stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, a multi-purpose stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896. Interesting fact! The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as the Kalimarmaro, is the only stadium in the world that was built entirely out of marble.

Our next stop will be at the Greek parliament – a building which was originally built with the purpose of being the palace of Otto, the first King of Greece.

Housed outside of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the presidential guard. This light infantry unit, dressed in the traditional Evzone's uniform, conducts a famous changing of the guard ceremony.

We will then drive along Panepistimiou Street which connects Constitution (Syntagma) Square with Concord (Omonia) Square. During this short drive in the heart of the capital, you will come across three beautiful buildings: the Academy, the University and the National Library. Interesting fact! Constructed in the 19th century, these three mansions are commonly referred to as the “neo-classical trilogy” of Athens.

Our driving session continues with a stop at Lycabettus Hill, one of the city’s highest viewpoints, which offers one of the best panoramic views of downtown Athens and its suburbs.

The new Acropolis Museum opened in 2009 and is located under the south slope of the Acropolis. The museum contains mostly pediment sculptures, reliefs, and statues found on the sacred rock, which formed its decoration. Displaying over 4,000 exhibits, the Acropolis Museum is considered one of the best and most significant museums in the world.