Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Athens

   Pick up from your hotel, apartment, Airbnb in Athens or Piraeus port

   5 minutes here

2. Acropolis

   Walk on the land in which thousands of years ago some of the largest and most important parts of the global philosophy, politics, and science were born and flourished. Navigate ancient monuments of priceless cultural and historical value and experience in person the greatness and glamour of Greek ancient times. Starting off with the Acropolis, which in Greek translates to the edge of the city, the geographically and spiritually highest point according to ancient Greeks.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

3. Propylaea

   The Propylaea was the monumental gateway to the Acropolis of Athens and was one of several public works commissioned by the Athenian leader Pericles in order to rebuild the Acropolis a generation after the conclusion of the Persian Wars.

   5 minutes here

4. Parthenon

   An architectural jewel that hosts the best of what the human spirit and genius has ever conceived, an open embrace that awaits its famed sister marbles to welcome them home again.

   30 minutes here

5. Erectheion

   The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens in Greece which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

   15 minutes here

6. Temple of Athena Nike

   The Temple of Athena Nike is a temple on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike. Built around 420 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. It has a prominent position on a steep bastion at the southwest corner of the Acropolis to the right of the entrance, the Propylaea. In contrast to the Acropolis proper, a walled sanctuary entered through the Propylaea, the Victory Sanctuary was open, entered from the Propylaea's southwest wing and from a narrow stair on the north. The sheer walls of its bastion were protected on the north, west, and south by the Nike Parapet, named for its frieze of Nikai celebrating victory and sacrificing to their patroness, Athena and Nike.

   15 minutes here

7. Theatre of Dionysus

   The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient Greek theatre in Athens. It is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus. The first orchestra terrace was constructed on the site around the mid- to late-sixth century BC, where it hosted the City Dionysia. The theatre reached its fullest extent in the fourth century BC under the epistates of Lycurgus when it would have had a capacity of up to 17,000, and was in continuous use down to the Roman period. The theatre then fell into decay in the Byzantine era and was not identified, excavated, and restored to its current condition until the nineteenth century.

   15 minutes here

8. Herod Atticus Odeon

   The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theater structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950.

   15 minutes here

9. Arch of Hadrian

   The Arch of Hadrian, most commonly known in Greek as Hadrian's Gate, is a monumental gateway resembling a Roman triumphal arch. It spanned an ancient road from the center of Athens, Greece, to the complex of structures on the eastern side of the city that included the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

   Pass by without stopping

10. Temple of Olympian Zeus

    Between the Acropolis and the Ilisos River are the remains of the Olympian Zeus Temple (now known as the Pillars of Olympian Zeus), one of Athens’ most important and oldest shrines. The space even today gives the visitor a sense of grandeur.

    Pass by without stopping

11. Panathenaic Stadium

    Continuing with the stunning Calimarmaro or as it is called today, the Panathenaic Stadium, the house of the first modern Olympic games, made of Pentelic marble in which the Olympic ideals are still reflected today.

    10 minutes here

12. Mount Lycabettus

    After leaving the beautiful Calimarmaro behind us, we will drive up to Lycabettus hill where you will enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city and admire the combination of ancient and modern Athens from above.

    20 minutes here

13. Syntagma

    Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is the central square of Athens. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843.[2] It is located in front of the 19th century Old Royal Palace, housing the Greek Parliament since 1934. Syntagma Square is the most important square of modern Athens from both a historical and social point of view, at the heart of commercial activity and Greek politics. The name Syntagma alone also refers to the neighbourhood surrounding the square.

    Pass by without stopping

14. Hellenic Parliament

    View of the national guards and the monument of the unknown soldier. Quick stop for a photo.

    5 minutes here

15. Monument to the Unknown Soldier

    The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens, in front of the Old Royal Palace. It is a cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during war. It was sculpted between 1930 and 1932 by sculptor Fokion Rok. The tomb is guarded by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard.

    15 minutes here

16. Academy of Athens

    The Academy of Athens is Greece's national academy and the highest research establishment in the country. It was established in 1926 and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. The Academy's main building is one of the major landmarks of Athens.

    Pass by without stopping

17. National Library of Greece

    The National Library of Greece is situated near the center of the city of Athens. It was designed by the Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen, as part of his famous Trilogy of neo-classical buildings including the Academy of Athens and the original building of the Athens University. It was founded by Ioannis Kapodistrias.

    Pass by without stopping

18. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

    The University of Athens has been in continuous operation since its establishment in 1837 and is the oldest higher education institution of the modern Greek state and the first contemporary university in both the Balkan Peninsula and the Eastern Mediterranean. Today it is one of the largest universities by enrollment in Europe, with over 69,000 registered students. The University of Athens was founded on 3 May 1837 by King Otto of Greece and was named in his honour Othonian University. It was the first university in the liberated Greek state and in the surrounding area of Southeast Europe as well. It was also the second academic institution after the Ionian Academy. This fledgling university consisted of four faculties; Theology, Law, Medicine and Arts (which included applied sciences and mathematics). During its first year of operation, the institution was staffed by 33 professors, while courses were attended by 52 students and 75 non-matriculated "auditors".

    Pass by without stopping

19. Plaka

    The old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. It is known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites.

    Pass by without stopping

20. National History Museum (Old Parliament)

    The Old Parliament House at Stadiou Street in Athens housed the Greek Parliament between 1875 and 1935. It now houses the country's National Historical Museum.

    Pass by without stopping

21. Acropolis Museum

    Optional visit for 1 hour by selecting the "Best of + Acropolis Museum 5H" or the "Best of + Museum + Agora 6H" option of this tour. The entrance tickets are not included. After exploring the Acropolis, visit the Acropolis Museum nearby. Discover a vast collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis, including the original Caryatids, Parthenon friezes, and other treasures of ancient Greece.

    60 minutes here · Admission not included

22. Ancient Agora of Athens

    Optional visit for 30 minutes at the Ancient Agora by selecting the "Best of + Anc. Agora 5H" or the "Best of + Museum + Agora 6H" option of this tour. The Ancient Agora was the heart of public life in ancient Athens. It served as a marketplace and a civic center where people gathered for social, political, and commercial activities. Here, you can see the remains of various buildings, including the Stoa of Attalos, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Bouleuterion (Council House). The entrance tickets are not included.

    30 minutes here · Admission not included

23. Temple of Hephaestus

    Optional visit for 30 minutes at the Temple of Hephaestus by selecting the "Best of + Anc. Agora 5H" or the "Best of + Museum + Agora 6H" option of this tour. This beautifully preserved temple is situated on the west side of the Ancient Agora in Athens. Built in the 5th century BC, it is dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and craftsmanship. The temple's excellent condition allows visitors to get a glimpse of ancient Greek architectural style. The entrance tickets are not included.

    30 minutes here · Admission not included

24. National Archaeological Museum

    Optional visit for 1 hour at the National Archaeological Museum by selecting the "Best of + Arch. Museum 5H" option of this tour. The total duration of the tour by selecting this option is about 5 hours. The entrance tickets are not included. Explore the vast collection of ancient artifacts and treasures at the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in the world.

    60 minutes here · Admission not included

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Best of Athens 4 Hours

  Duration: 4 hours Athens Odyssey: A 4-hour panoramic tour of Athens including the Acropolis of Athens and Parthenon Necessary entrance tickets: Acropolis of Athens - not included Pickup included

• Best of + Arch. Museum 5H

  Duration: 5 hours Athenian Time Capsule: A 5-hour Athens panoramic tour featuring the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and National Archaeological Museum Necessary entrance tickets: Acropolis of Athens, Archaeological Museum - not included Pickup included

• Best of + Acropolis Museum 5H

  Duration: 5 hours Athenian Marvels: A 5-hour Athens panoramic tour featuring the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the world-famous Acropolis Museum Necessary entrance tickets: Acropolis of Athens, Acropolis Museum - not included Pickup included

• Best of + Museum + Agora 6H

  Duration: 6 hours Athens Classical Antiquities: A 6-hour Athens tour featuring the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus Necessary entrance tickets: Acropolis of Athens, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora of Athens - not included Pickup included

• Best of + Ancient Agora 5H

  Duration: 5 hours Athens Timeless Treasures: A 5-hour Athens panoramic tour featuring the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus Necessary entrance tickets: Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens - not included Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 14 travelers per booking

Operated by

My Athens Transfers

Know before you go

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Our drivers are not official tour guides, but they are knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. Although they will not enter the archaeological sites with you, they can answer all of your questions about the places you visit with this tour.
• Third party activities and especially extreme sports are not allowed during the tour. This can be a cause for immediate cancellation of the tour.
• Airport pick-up and drop-off upon request (Additional cost)
• We can provide you with the skip-the-line tickets upon request.

Photos

Traveler reviews

487 verified traveler reviews for Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.