Exploring the historic and picturesque city of Athens has never been easier. This private city highlights tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the iconic landmarks that have defined the Greek capital for centuries. From the awe-inspiring Acropolis to the serene Lycabettus Hill, you will embark on a journey that blends culture, history, and breathtaking vistas. Convenient hotel pickup and air-conditioned transportation ensure a seamless and comfortable experience, while the personalized nature of the tour allows for a more intimate exploration of the city’s wonders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to unveil the true essence of Athens, leaving you eager to…
Key Points
- The tour is a private half-day experience priced at £335.95 for up to 4 participants, with a 5-hour duration and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The itinerary covers major Athens landmarks, including the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, Parliament, Panathenaic Stadium, and Lycabettus Hill, with guided tours and admission fees included.
- Highlights of the tour include exploring the Acropolis and its ancient structures, visiting the impressive Temple of Zeus, and witnessing the changing of the guard ceremony at the Parliament.
- Participants will have the opportunity to take in panoramic views of Athens from the top of Lycabettus Hill, with the option to take a cable car for the descent.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and all necessary admission fees, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient sightseeing experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This private half-day tour of Athens offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks for £335.95 per group, accommodating up to 4 participants.
The tour lasts 5 hours and provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.
The itinerary highlights the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, Parliament, Panathenaic Stadium, and Lycabettus Hill, with optional guided tours and cable car rides available.
The tour includes pickup from central Athens hotels, Wi-Fi, bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and admission fees.
Visitors are advised to bring proper identification, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and be prepared for uphill walking and steps at the archaeological sites.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour showcases Athens’ renowned landmarks, starting with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, where participants can explore the Parthenon, Athena Nike, and Erechtheion, with optional guided tours available for an additional fee.
Next, the tour proceeds to the Temple of Zeus, located behind Hadrian’s Arch. Guests will also witness the shift change of the National Guards at the Parliament building.
The Panathenaic Stadium, known as the ‘kallimarmaro’ for its fine marble construction, is another stop on the itinerary.
The tour culminates with a visit to Lycabettus Hill, offering panoramic views of Athens. Participants can choose to return to their hotel or stay for coffee or lunch, utilizing the available cable car for the descent.
Acropolis
Visitors can explore the Acropolis, one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks, which features the renowned Parthenon temple, the Athena Nike shrine, and the Erechtheion, with optional guided tours available for an additional fee. These tours provide valuable insights into the rich history and significance of these ancient structures.
| Acropolis Entrance Fees | |
|---|---|
| Full Price | €20 |
| Reduced Price | €10 |
The Acropolis is a must-see destination for any visitor to Athens, offering a glimpse into the city’s remarkable past and the remarkable achievements of ancient Greek civilization.
Temple of Zeus
Located behind Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Zeus stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture.
Entrance fees for the site are €6 for full price and €3 for reduced price, with free admission for EU visitors under 25.
Visitors can explore the impressive ruins of this once-colossal temple, which was dedicated to the king of the Greek gods. Though only a few columns remain standing today, the scale and detail of the original structure are still evident.
The temple’s proximity to other key landmarks on the tour, like the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium, makes it a must-see stop for those exploring the rich history of Athens.
Parliament
After exploring the magnificent ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the tour moves on to witness the iconic Parliament building, where visitors can observe the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the elite Presidential Guard. This patriotic ritual showcases Greece’s rich military heritage and the stoic discipline of the soldiers.
| Significance | Tradition | Pageantry | Precision |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Parliament building is the seat of Greece’s government, symbolizing the country’s democratic ideals. | The changing of the guard ceremony dates back to 1868 and has become a beloved national ritual. | The soldiers’ elaborate uniforms, including the distinctive ‘foustanella’ skirts, add to the spectacle. | The guards execute their movements with unparalleled coordination and focus, captivating onlookers. |
Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium, known as the ‘kallimarmaro’ for its fine marble construction, stands as a testament to Greece’s rich athletic heritage. This renowned venue has hosted the revived Olympic Games in 1896 and 2004, showcasing the country’s commitment to sportsmanship.
Visitors can explore the impressive structure, which boasts:
- Capacity of over 45,000 spectators
- Original starting blocks from the 1896 Olympics
- Panoramic views of Athens from the upper seating areas
- Opportunity to walk the grounds where ancient Greek athletes once competed
Admission to the Panathenaic Stadium is priced at €10 for adults and €5 for reduced tickets, making it an affordable and must-see attraction on any private tour of Athens.
Lycabettus Hill
Topping off the private city highlights tour of Athens, visitors can take in panoramic views of the city from the summit of Lycabettus Hill.
At 277 meters high, it’s the highest point in central Athens, offering sweeping vistas of the Acropolis, the Saronic Gulf, and the surrounding cityscape.
Visitors can opt to spend around 40 minutes exploring the hill before returning to their hotel, or they can stay longer to enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the hilltop cafes.
For those who’d prefer not to walk up, a cable car is available for the descent.
With its dramatic natural setting, Lycabettus Hill provides a breathtaking finale to the Athens highlights tour.
Inclusions
The private Athens city highlights tour includes pickup from the hotel in central Athens, providing convenient start and end points for the experience.
Travelers will enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity and a complimentary bottle of water during the journey. Plus, all transportation costs, such as road tolls, fuel charges, and parking fees, are covered within the tour price.
The tour also includes:
- Admission fees for popular archaeological sites like the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium
- Discounted rates for visitors, including reduced-price tickets for children and free access for EU citizens under 25
- An option to use the Lycabettus Hill cable car for a scenic descent
- All necessary taxes and fees associated with the tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Be Customized to My Specific Interests?
The tour can be customized to the participant’s specific interests. The driver can adjust the itinerary to focus on the sights or activities that interest you most, as long as they’re within the tour’s scope and duration.
Is There an Option to Add More Participants to the Group?
Yes, the group size can be increased up to 8 participants for an additional fee. This would change the per-person price but keep the tour private. Confirming the group size is recommended when making the booking.
Do the Guides Provide Commentary During the Acropolis Visit?
The tour driver is not licensed to provide commentary inside the archaeological sites. Visitors can opt for guided tours of the Acropolis for an additional fee of 60-70 euros to receive in-depth explanations from licensed guides.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Yes, reduced admission prices are available for seniors and students at the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium. For the Acropolis, the reduced price is €10, and for the other sites, it’s €3-€5.
Can the Tour Be Extended Beyond the 5-Hour Duration?
The tour duration can be extended beyond 5 hours, but it’ll incur additional fees. Clients should contact the tour operator to inquire about extended tour options and pricing. Availability may vary based on guide and vehicle schedules.
Recap
This private city highlights tour of Athens offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the city’s rich history and captivating sights.
From the iconic Acropolis to the panoramic views of Lycabettus Hill, the tour provides a comprehensive and personalized experience, complete with convenient hotel pickup and comfortable transportation.
It’s an unforgettable way to discover the best of Athens.
