Exploring the iconic landmarks of Athens has never been more personalized. The Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich history and breathtaking sights. With private transportation, an English-speaking driver, and a flexible itinerary, visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the Acropolis, marvel at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and discover hidden gems like the Panathenaic Stadium and Mount Lycabettus. While entrance fees are not included, this tour promises a tailored experience that caters to individual interests, leaving guests eager to uncover more of Athens’ enchanting wonders.
Key Points
- The Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour provides a private, customized exploration of major landmarks in Athens, including the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium.
- The tour offers flexible pickup options from hotels, the Piraeus Port, or Athens Airport, and is wheelchair accessible to ensure all guests can participate.
- Highlights of the tour include approximately 1.5 hours at the Acropolis, a 30-minute visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and a 15-minute photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium.
- The tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking driver, and on-board WiFi, but entrance fees to the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Acropolis Museum are excluded.
- Visitors can optionally add a licensed tour guide for an extra fee, and airport pickup/drop-off charges may apply.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour offers flexible booking and free cancellation, providing visitors with a rundown of the city’s iconic landmarks at a starting price of €8,895 per group (up to 3 participants).
This tour is valid for 1 hour and allows guests to explore the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and other notable sites.
The tour includes private transportation, pickup/drop-off from the hotel or Piraeus Port, and an English-speaking driver.
While entrance fees to the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Acropolis Museum aren’t included, the tour offers a hassle-free way to discover Athens’ rich history and stunning architecture.
Pickup and Accessibility
The Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour offers flexible pickup options, catering to the needs of visitors. Guests can choose to be collected from their hotel or apartment in the Athens city center, the Piraeus Port, or even the Athens Airport, where a driver will be waiting to greet them with a sign bearing their name.
This tour is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring all guests can participate and enjoy the highlights of Athens. Plus, the experience is private, allowing guests to explore at their own pace and focus on the sights that interest them most.
- Pickup from hotel, Piraeus Port, or Athens Airport
- Wheelchair accessible
- Private group experience
Itinerary and Highlights
Guests on the Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour can expect to explore the Acropolis of Athens, spending approximately 1.5 hours marveling at the Parthenon, Propylea, Temple of Wingless Victory, Erechtheum, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Theatre of Dionysus.
The tour also includes a 30-minute visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a 15-minute photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, and 15 minutes of free time for panoramic views from Mount Lycabettus.
Along the way, the tour passes by the Hellenic Parliament, National Library of Greece, Academy of Athens, and University of Athens for quick photo opportunities.
An additional hour is spent at the Acropolis Museum, subject to an extra admission fee.
Acropolis of Athens
Visitors typically spend around 1.5 hours exploring the iconic Acropolis of Athens, marveling at its well-preserved ancient monuments, including the renowned Parthenon, the Propylea, the Temple of Wingless Victory, the Erechtheum, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theatre of Dionysus. This awe-inspiring citadel sits atop a rocky outcrop, offering breathtaking views of the city below.
Some key highlights include:
- The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the most famous and iconic structure on the Acropolis.
- The Propylea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis, showcases the impressive architectural skills of ancient Greek builders.
- The Erechtheum, a temple known for its intricate caryatid sculptures, is a masterpiece of classical Greek design.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
After exploring the iconic Acropolis, the Athens Highlights Tour continues to the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, where visitors can spend around 30 minutes sightseeing with an extra fee.
This ancient Greek temple, dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus, was once the largest in Greece, with 104 colossal columns standing tall. Though only 15 columns remain today, the sheer scale and grandeur of the site are still impressive.
Visitors can wander through the ruins, imagining the temple in its former glory, and capture stunning photos against the backdrop of the towering columns and the Acropolis in the distance.
Panathenaic Stadium
The Athens Highlights Tour next takes visitors to the iconic Panathenaic Stadium, where they’ll enjoy a brief 15-minute photo stop. This impressive all-marble stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, stands as a testament to Greece’s rich athletic heritage.
Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of this well-preserved structure, which retains its original form and can accommodate over 45,000 spectators.
Some key facts about the Panathenaic Stadium:
- It was originally built in the 4th century BC and was later reconstructed in the 2nd century AD.
- The stadium features a U-shaped design, with rows of white marble seats lining the length of the track.
- Visitors can capture stunning views of the stadium, with the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill providing a dramatic backdrop.
Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus offers visitors a panoramic vista of Athens from its peak, standing at 277 meters (910 feet) above the city center.
The tour includes a 15-minute stop at this picturesque location, allowing guests to take in the breathtaking views and snap some memorable photos.
Reaching the summit can be done either by climbing the 908 steps or taking the funicular railway, providing a convenient option for those looking to minimize the physical exertion.
From the top, one can observe the Acropolis, the Saronic Gulf, and the surrounding neighborhoods, offering a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks.
This short but rewarding stop is sure to be a highlight of the Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions in the Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour cover private transportation, pickup and drop-off from the hotel or Piraeus Port, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and on-board WiFi.
However, the tour excludes:
- Entrance tickets to the Acropolis (€30), Temple of Zeus (€8), and Acropolis Museum (€15).
- A licensed tour guide, which is available at an additional cost.
- Extra charges for pickup or drop-off at Athens Airport, as well as snacks and gratuities.
It’s important to note that the tour is private and flexible, allowing participants to adjust the itinerary based on their preferences and conditions.
Bringing a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Be Extended Beyond the Specified Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. According to the information provided, the tour is flexible, and the itinerary may be adjusted based on the customers’ preferences and conditions, suggesting the possibility of extending the tour beyond the specified 1-hour duration.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Participants?
The tour has a maximum capacity of 3 participants per group. The pricing is based on the group size, so there is no restriction on the number of participants as long as it does not exceed the specified maximum.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear shoes suitable for walking. Attire that covers shoulders and knees is generally expected when visiting historical sites.
Can the Tour Be Modified to Include Additional Sites?
Yes, the tour can be modified to include additional sites. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate the traveler’s preferences and interests, subject to time constraints.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for This Tour?
While there are no official discounts for this tour, the provider may offer package deals or promotions if you book multiple tours or services. It’s best to inquire directly about any available discounts or bundled pricing.
Recap
The Athens Highlights Private Half-Day Tour offers a personalized exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
With private transportation, an English-speaking driver, and a flexible itinerary, this tour ensures a tailored experience at a comfortable pace.
While entrance fees are excluded, the tour provides breathtaking views and photo opportunities, making it an ideal way to experience the highlights of Athens.
