Athens Half-Day Tour: Acropolis, Parthenon & All Major Landmarks
5.0
17 Ratings
Athens
Discover Athens' iconic landmarks in a half-day tour. Explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, and more with expert guides. Perfect for first-time visitors!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus - The Temple of Olympian Zeus, situated in Athens, Greece, is a colossal marvel of ancient architecture and mythology. Commissioned by Athenian tyrants in the 6th century BCE, its construction spanned centuries, culminating in the 2nd century CE. Dominating the cityscape, the temple housed a colossal chryselephantine statue of Zeus, though only a few columns and ruins remain today.

With Corinthian columns reaching 17 meters in height, the temple exuded grandeur and ambition. Its sheer scale reflects the aspirations of ancient Athens. Dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus, the temple’s remnants transport visitors to a bygone era, evoking awe and appreciation for ancient Greek engineering and religious devotion. The site, now an archaeological gem, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek civilization.

  • Panathenaic Stadium - The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is an iconic ancient stadium nestled in the heart of Athens, Greece. Constructed entirely of white marble, it stands as a historical masterpiece and a symbol of Greek athletic heritage. Originally built in the 4th century BCE, the stadium underwent extensive reconstruction in the 2nd century CE, resulting in its present form.

This horseshoe-shaped arena hosted the Panathenaic Games, a significant athletic event in ancient Greece. With a seating capacity of around 50,000, the stadium became the venue for the revival of the modern Olympic Games in 1896. Surrounded by lush greenery and offering panoramic views of Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium continues to capture the spirit of ancient athleticism, serving as both a historical landmark and a living tribute to the enduring legacy of the Olympic movement.

  • Acropolis - The Acropolis, perched high above Athens, Greece, is an enduring symbol of ancient Greek civilization and architectural prowess. Dominating the city skyline, this citadel houses several iconic structures, most notably the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Built in the 5th century BCE, the Acropolis reflects classical Greek ideals with its Doric columns, intricate friezes, and meticulous symmetry.

The Propylaea, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike complete the ensemble, each contributing to the Acropolis’s cultural significance. Despite enduring centuries of war, weathering, and reconstruction, the site remains an unparalleled testament to the achievements of ancient Athens. The elevated location offers panoramic views of the city below, creating a captivating blend of historical grandeur and contemporary urban life, making the Acropolis a UNESCO World Heritage site and a destination that continues to inspire awe and admiration.

  • Statue of Alexander the Great - Alexander the Great, born in 356 BCE, was a visionary military tactician and one of history’s most influential leaders. He ascended to the Macedonian throne at age 20 after the death of his father, King Philip II. Fueled by a desire for conquest and guided by the teachings of his tutor Aristotle, Alexander embarked on a relentless military campaign, creating one of the largest empires in history.

Known for his strategic brilliance, Alexander conquered vast territories across Asia, from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and beyond. His military success was coupled with a cultural assimilation policy, blending Greek and Persian influences, creating the Hellenistic civilization. Despite his untimely death in 323 BCE, possibly due to illness or poisoning, Alexander’s legacy endured, leaving an indelible mark on history, inspiring military leaders and shaping the course of civilizations for centuries to come.

  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens is a solemn and symbolic monument located in Syntagma Square. Erected in 1932, it pays tribute to Greek soldiers who sacrificed their lives in wars, particularly in World War I. Guarded by the Evzones, elite soldiers in traditional attire, the monument is a focal point for national remembrance.

The tomb itself is a marble structure adorned with sculpted reliefs depicting scenes of battle and mourning. An eternal flame burns at its center, symbolizing the perpetual memory of the unknown soldiers. The changing of the guard ceremony, marked by precise and ceremonial movements, occurs regularly and attracts visitors from around the world.

Surrounded by neoclassical buildings and the Hellenic Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a poignant reminder of sacrifice and valor, embodying the spirit of Greek national identity and resilience.

  • Lycabettus Hill - Lycabettus Hill, towering 300 meters above Athens, Greece, is an iconic landmark and natural vantage point offering panoramic views of the city below. Crowned by the Chapel of St. George, the hill’s rocky ascent provides a scenic escape from the urban hustle. Legend has it that Athena accidentally dropped a rock here while carrying it to the Acropolis, forming Lycabettus.

Accessible by a winding path or a funicular, the summit rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas of Athens, the Aegean Sea, and the surrounding mountains. The hill’s lush vegetation and the chapel’s charming presence contribute to its allure. At sunset, Lycabettus transforms into a romantic spectacle, casting a golden glow over the city. The vantage point has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat and an unparalleled perspective on the enchanting city of Athens.

  • Ancient Agora of Athens - The Ancient Agora of Athens is a historical gem that served as the heart of civic, commercial, and social life in ancient Greece. Situated northwest of the Acropolis, this archaeological site showcases the ruins of various structures dating back to the 6th century BCE. Dominated by the majestic Temple of Hephaestus, the Agora features stoa (covered walkways), altars, and the iconic Tholos, a circular building.

This agora was a bustling marketplace and the center of political discussions, where philosophers like Socrates and Plato engaged in dialogue. The reconstructed Stoa of Attalos now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, displaying artifacts that provide insight into daily life in ancient Athens. Surrounded by historical significance, the Ancient Agora remains a testament to the democratic ideals and cultural vibrancy of ancient Greece, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the roots of Western civilization

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • On-board WiFi
  • Luxury Car
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Fluent English speaking driver
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees for all attractions
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

A tour of Athens is an indispensable experience for first-time, or time-pressed visitors. Our drivers boast years of experience and historical knowledge and guarantee a personalized tour tailored to your needs!

Immerse yourself in the cradle of Western civilization and unveil a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural wonders. Athens, with its iconic Acropolis and a large variety of ancient ruins, offers a profound journey through millennia, showcasing the birthplace of democracy and philosophical enlightenment.

Exploring the city provides a tangible connection to ancient Greek achievements and lays the foundation for understanding Western heritage.

A tour of Athens becomes not just a sightseeing endeavor but a transformative exploration, leaving an indelible imprint of the city’s significance on the minds of first-time visitors.

  • Available child seat or booster
  • Pre-order your tickets a few days before you arrive at: hhticket.gr
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring
  • Download the “WhatsApp” application for easier communication with your driver
Location
Acropolis
Via Dionysiou Areopagitou Str.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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Leif_k
Jun 17, 2024
Short on time in Athens? Take this tour. - We only had one day in Athens so we wanted to book a private tour to make the most of our limited time. This tour was perfect. Panos was an excellent guide - very engaging, knowledgeable and obviously very passionate about his city and its history. We saw all the highlights and a few spots more off the beaten path. Panos also gave us a lot of advice on places to try and tips to navigate around Athens on our departure day. Would recommend this trip 100%. The only advice I would offer is that if you are going into the Acropolis, make sure you leave enough time for the line to get in.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_s
Jun 9, 2024
What a great way to see Athens! - Wow! Is all I can say about our day exploring the beauty and history of Athens. Panos our driver was extremely knowledgeable and let us customize our experience with the addition of the Acropolis Museum. He even pre-purchased our tickets to the sites to make sure we got in and didn’t have to wait or even denied entrance because of crowds. What a truly wonderful experience. Highly recommend this tour. Thank you, Panos.
Review provided by Viator
Desirose8
Jun 7, 2024
Ancient Athens. - Excellent Guide Panos who peppered the tour with interesting stories and facts about the places. Perfectly curated to see the changing of the guard at Parliment. Visited all 8 ancient sites that are a must see in Athens. The only problem is the crowds but our guide tried everything to avoid them where possible. At the Acropolis, the crowds are unavoidable. Don’t miss the ancient market, our guides favorite as it was the best. Panos is fun and caring. Great person to spend four hours with.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passport08675778470
Jun 1, 2024
The Panos experience ! - This was my first time in Athens and my 1st experience to Greece. I booked with car and Panos was my driver. PANOS !! this man was knowledgeable, polite fun and interactive the whole time. He made my trip to Athens a memory I will not soon forget !! The experience was above superb !!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luzitafeliz
May 11, 2024
Best tour guide in Athens - Very knowledgeable history oriented guy and with a coloquial way of telling facts about Athens and its surroundings. Ask for Panagiotis! Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bakegold
Apr 30, 2024
If you only have a day or two this is a must - Panos was amazing and very knowledgeable. Private tour was the way to go We saw all of the main sites and went at our own pace Pano even arranged to take us to a majestic spot where my boyfriend proposed. I tried to upload photos- but I am tech challenged. Panos is the best
Review provided by Viator
Jink744
Mar 30, 2024
Awesome Private Custom Tour with Wonderful Service - My family of four had an 8 hour private custom tour in Mercedes Benz car around Athens and Poseidon with Panagiotis, who provided the best service. First, he went well beyond in order to satisfy my teenagers' desire to swim during off season. On our way to Poseidon, we had a brief stop over to take a picture of a sea lake, Lake Vouliagmeni, where the water was warmer so we could swim. Upon hearing this, my kids immediately wanted to change plan to go swimming instead of going to Poseidon despite not having swim suits, towels, etc. Panagiotis upon hearing this found a store that sold swimming suits for both my son and daughter during an off season after calling/visiting couple stores. Bottom line is that without his extra efforts, we would have not met my kids desire to swim in Greece. Second, he spoke very good English, so he provided us lots of great information while visiting each site in Athens. He majored journalism in one of the universities in Greece, which is a big deal thus provided many informative information. Lastly, he always said 'yes' to whatever we wished for. I don't think 'no' is in his vocabuary :) Anyway, if you only have 1 full day to tour Athens, use his services. You will get most bang out of the buck/euro even though it may cost more than typical bus tours. He is just awesome and I recommend him greatly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dimitris
Mar 6, 2024
Unique experience, Panos was the greatest!!! He was very knowledgeable about the City of Athens, The car was very clean - We were picked up at our hotel and driven to each spot, to see the highlights of Athens,the car was extremely clean, We really enjoyed our tour of Athens.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vasileiosn652
Mar 3, 2024
Top quality service!!! - From the very first moment we arrived, he took such great care of us and we ended up requesting him for our other trips during our stay in Athens. He made us feel right at home! Feels weird even calling him a driver because by the end he felt more like a friend. Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zsazsab2017
Mar 2, 2024
Getting there tour is top notch for getting there in Athens - Best decision and best time for my personalized trip. Panos was more than attentive to traveling needs, providing first class safety and comfort. Extra extra bonus his manners were impeccable and command of English way elevated. From beginning to end my experience using getting there was top notch. I appreciated the details and suggestions made to enhance my once in a life time trip to Athens. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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