Philosophy and Democracy Tour of Ancient Athens: A Journey through History and Achievements
5.0
84 Ratings
Athina
Embark on a captivating journey through ancient Athens, exploring its landmarks and delving into its rich history of philosophy, democracy, sciences, and arts. Discover surprising connections between ancient theories and modern scientific discoveries. Gain insights into the ancient democracy and its relevance today. Plus, get insider tips on sightseeing, museums, activities, food, and nightlife!
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kerameikos Archaeological Site - This site, often overlooked by tourists, is one of the most significant landmarks. The name Kerameikos means “ceramic,” named for the many ceramic workshops that once existed here. It also served as Athens’ cemetery for many centuries, where many notable Athenians were buried. It is also the site where Pericles delivered his famous “Epitaph” speech for the first casualties of the Peloponnesian War, extolling the virtues of Democracy and the Athenian way of life.
  • Monastiraki Flea Market - Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Athens’ Flea Market.
  • Hadrian’s Library - Built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132, Hadrian’s Library is located on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens.
  • Roman Agora - The Roman Agora in Athens is situated north of the Acropolis and east of the Ancient Agora.
  • Tower of the Winds - This octagonal structure, known as the Tower of the Winds, was constructed by the astronomer Andronicus of Kyrristos in the 1st century BC. It functioned both as a wind indicator and a clock, making it the “Big Ben” and meteorological station of ancient Athens. The clock was solar-powered, but on cloudy days, a hydraulic mechanism would produce a sound every hour. It is considered the first meteorological station.
  • Plaka - Plaka is a picturesque neighborhood in Athens, characterized by its small houses and narrow streets.
  • Ancient Agora of Athens - This area was the heart of ancient Athens. Philosophers like Socrates and Plato, politicians like Solon and Themistocles, and other prominent Athenians and citizens would gather here to discuss and debate various matters.
  • Pnyx - Pnyx Hill is known as the world’s first parliament. It offers a great view of the area and is free to visit, proving that the best things in life are indeed free.
  • Philopappos Monument - The Philopappos Monument is a testament to the vanity of a wealthy man, but the location also offers some of the best views.
  • Acropolis - Greece’s most iconic monument is now open for you to visit and admire.
What's Included
  • Tips are not included and are left to your discretion.
What's Not Included
  • Admissions to sites
Additional Information

During this expedition, we will:

a. Explore many of the crucial historical structures of old Athens

b. Offer a condensed history of the city’s ancient times and engage in conversations on its major accomplishments in Philosophy, Democracy, Sciences, Arts and so forth.

c. Delve into ancient philosophical ideologies using fresh insights derived from astonishing recent scientific findings

d. Compare the principles of ancient and modern Democracy

e. Provide recommendations for attractions, museums, activities, culinary experiences, nightlife, and any other information you may need!

Location
Adrianou 1
Adrianou
In front of the statue of Thisseas (opposite the train station, across the road)
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(84 Ratings)
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Atsushit387
May 18, 2024
Great experience with thoughtful inspirations on philosophy and democracy - Tour guide Mr. Panos was a gentle, kind and highly educated person who have deep knowledge and reflexibities responding to wide-ragned questions. He guided us on ruins regarding to the birth of democracy and philosophy, but he also promoted us to think about the significances of philosophy in today. Learning about the culture of ancient Greek inspired us to discuss the matter deeply, and found each hypothesis thanks to Mr. Panos' mediations. Everybody who hopes to think about democracy in ancient and today's world in Athens surely has fun by participating in this great experience. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Geneviever237
May 18, 2024
Highly recommended for anyone who likes to think! - Panos’ philosophy and democracy tour is so much more than a tour. We learnt so much about Greek history, as well as democracy and philosophy, all in such an engaging and thought provoking way. It was a fantastic way to be reminded how little I know, and how much there is to learn and think about. I cannot recommend this highly enough and will definitely take part in one of Panos’ other tours next time I am in Athens, he is an exceptional thinker and teacher!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashley_b
May 15, 2024
Panos's philosophy tour is a must for your time in Athens! - My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our philosophy walking tour with Panos, who was a wealth of knowledge and was personable, friendly, and funny. My husband is a philosopher, so he and Panos had an especially grand time geeking out on all things philosophy, but Panos kept it super interesting for me, who is less familiar with ancient philosophy, too. We also really appreciated Panos's recommendation for lunch after the tour; we had a great lunch there!
Review provided by Viator
Kenneth_r
May 9, 2024
A must take tour in Athens - Our guide was very very knowledgeable on Greece history, excellent English and a pleasure to take the walking tour with him.
Review provided by Viator
Bernard_f
Apr 26, 2024
A great way to learn about Greek Philosophy and Democracy. - Panos was a really interesting and knowledgeable guide. Learnt a lot about Greek democracy and philosophy. The tour is mainly about discussing these subjects, and the places visited are really props to allow the subjects to be discussed.
Review provided by Viator
72clarissef
Apr 18, 2024
Exceptional Guided Tour with Panos in Athens! - Our guide Panos was absolutely incredible, A guided tour filled with storytelling, history, and anecdotes about the city of Athens, allowing for a thorough understanding of such a beautiful city! Panos takes the time to answer all our questions and tailor the tour to our needs. We laughed, learned, and especially appreciated this guided tour! Reserve a few extra hours because Panos is talkative and knowledgeable, and he might keep you longer with thought-provoking questions before you head home! We recommend him without any hesitation!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y_f
Apr 13, 2024
Off the beaten path - This tour was so cool! We learned so much history that other tours didn’t offer. The guide, Panos, had a great sense of humor and told stories really well. The tour built upon itself, so that you learned more about topics as you walked through the city. He was excellent at answering the random questions we thought of as we explored. He tailored the experience to the people in the group, adding things we were interested in and skipping things everyone had already seen. He also showed us the best places to buy unique souvenirs. Overall, it was excellent. It’s clear to see how he earned a 5 star rating!
Review provided by Viator
Alexandrasq3615gs
Apr 10, 2024
Amazing! ( for all ages ) - I am a teen and I went with family and friends. I really enjoyed the tour and the tour guide ( Panos ) was very nice and interesting. He told us a lot of amazing facts and he really knows how to keep you hooked. It was a really hot day and Panos made sure to bring us to the shade. I had a lot of fun! Thank you!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
96dietrichs
Apr 10, 2024
A must for every visit to Athens - A MUST. We were given a guided tour of the most important archaeological sites, apart from the Acropolis, with extremely interesting explanations. The connections between Greek civilization, democracy and philosophy were presented with an interesting overview of the foundations of philosophy and its effects up to the present day. This tour is like a semester of study.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jayne_s
Mar 23, 2024
Panos was wonderful! We learned so much. - Panos was a wonderful guide. He was wise and very knowledgeable of Greek history and philosophy. He told us all that he knew in stories according to the locations he led us to. The story of Socrates death in prison was timed perfectly when we arrived at his prison. Pythagoras’ cup was a wonderful story as well. We really enjoyed discussing democracy at the Hill of Nymphs, aka the Cradle of Democracy. He was kind and personable with questions. If you’re looking for the opportunity to learn from an expert Greek historian and science buff while wandering the city, this is your tour!
Review provided by Viator
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