Full Day Private Of Athens Highlights of Classical &Modern Athens

. Your personalized tour of Athens begins bright and early, departing from your accommodation or preferred location, such as your cruise terminal.The pinnacle of our tour awaits – the awe-inspiring Acropolis of Athens, with its iconic Parthenon. Here, we will marvel at the majestic Propylaea, the elegant Temple of Athena Nike, and the renowned Erechtheion, known for its infamous Caryatid statues and the exquisite Porch of Maidens.

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.

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.

On the top of this sacred hill, proudly stands the Parthenon, which is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture, where you will experience the greatness of ancient Greece captured on every piece of marble. 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. We start the tour by visiting the so called “sacred rock”, The Acropolis. Here you will see: - Parthenon that was dedicated to goddess Athena (Parthenos) - Propylea, the monumental entrance to the sacred area - The Temple of Athena Nike which was dedicated to Athena-Nike - The Erechtheion with its famous female figures-statues - The Caryatides or Maidens dedicated to both goddess Athena and god Poseidon - The Odeum of Herodus Atticus - The the Theatre of Dionysus, the first theatre in the whole world - The Areopagus (Mars Hill)

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 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 Panathenaic Stadium and Olympic History Next, we make our way to the renowned Panathenaic Stadium, famously referred to as the Kallimarmaron Stadium. This magnificent structure hosted the inaugural modern Olympic Games in 1896 and played a vital role in subsequent Olympic events until the 2004 Athens Games. It’s also the sacred grounds from which the Olympic Flame is ceremoniously passed on to all Olympic events. 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. It was originally a natural hollow part of the ground between the two hills of Agra and Ardettos, over Ilissos river. It was transformed into a stadium by Lykourgos in 330-329 BC for the athletic competitions of the Great Panathinaea Festivities. Between 140 and 144 AD, Herodes Atticus restored the Stadium, giving it the form that was found .

The Acropolis Museum After descending from the Acropolis, explore the Museum of the Acropolis nestled at the base of the Sacred Rock. Feast your eyes on the marble of the Parthenon and a stunning array of relics and treasures discovered during excavations on the Acropolis.

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.

Traveling thousands of years ahead, to the Hellenic Parliament building that houses the Greek Parliament in an impressive building in downtown Athens overseeing Syntagma Square, protected by the presidential guard that consists of two soldiers dressed in the traditional Greek combat uniform, standing stationary and guarding beside the tomb of the unknown soldier. Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament As your expert driver navigates through the city, you’ll pass by iconic landmarks like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Greek Parliament building on Syntagma Square. Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is a bustling hub where the historic Parliament building stands tall. This esteemed institution serves as the voice of citizens through elected Members of Parliament who convene for plenary sessions. The Parliament building itself was once the ex-Royal Palace.

The Evzones execute the renowned "changing of guard" on Syntagma,in front of the Unknown Soldier monument,every hour.Two Evzones come in front of the monument of the Unknown Soldier to take the place of their colleagues.The Evzones who until then stood motionless guarding the monument,start an impressive gait by stretching their limbs which is a great spectacle.The same steps are followed by the Evzones who are going to replace them.When the show,which lasts about 15 minutes,is over,the Evzones stand still to guard the monument while their tired colleagues return to their barracks to rest.

The country's most prestigious research institute was created in 1926 and is supervised by the Ministry of Education.The main building of the Academy is a notable landmark in 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.

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.

The Temple of Hephaestus or Hephaisteion is a well-preserved Greek temple as it remains standing largely intact. It is a Doric peripteral temple and is located at the northwest side of the Agora of Athens, on top of the Agoraios Kolonos hill. From the 7th century until 1834, it served as the Greek Orthodox church of Saint George Akamates.

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.

Ancient Greek and Roman Landmarks Reaching the end of Panepistimiou Avenue, your eyes will be drawn to Omonoia Square, Athens’ second-largest square. Our journey continues with a scenic drive to the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate, where the ancient Greek and Roman eras beautifully merge.

The ancient Agora of Athens is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora, located to the northwest of the Acropolis and bounded on the south by the hill of the Areopagus and on the west by the hill known as the Agoraios Kolonos, also called Market Hill. The Agora's initial use was for a commercial, assembly, or residential gathering place and is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech. Plaka and Ancient Agoras Continue our private tour in Plaka, the charming neighborhood of Athens, where you’ll witness quaint boutiques filled with handcrafted treasures and souvenirs. Immerse yourself in history as we visit the Ancient Greek Agora of Athens, where great philosophers and orators once shared their wisdom, and the Roman Agora, a glimpse into the city’s bustling market scene.

Monastiraki Flea Market and Greek Cuisine Get a taste of modern Athens by visiting the fish and meat markets downtown and the famous Monastiraki flea market. Would you like to go out for a Culinary walk in the town? Or are you more the type who explores city’s dining scene themself? Athens has everything one needs; so, in terms of eating out, many choices are available at Plaka and Monastiraki. However, no visit to Athens is complete without indulging in the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine. We’ll take you to an authentic Athenian restaurant or tavern to savor the colors and flavors of the renowned Greek dishes and Mediterranean Diet.

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.

The temple of Olympian Zeus (124-132 AD) had three rows of eight columns (tripteral octastyle) on the two narrow sides and two rows of twenty columns (dipteral eikosastyle) on the long sides. It once housed the chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue of Zeus and the statue of the emperor. Sixteen of the temple's columns survive today, thirteen of them, on the east side, intact. Of the remaining three on the west side, one collapsed in 1852.

Lake Vouliagmeni: Athens’ Hidden Natural Spa** Nestled along the Athenian Riviera, just 20 km south of Athens’ bustling center, *Lake Vouliagmeni* is a rare geological wonder blending therapeutic waters with stunning natural beauty. This small, brackish lake formed thousands of years ago when an underground cave collapsed, creating a serene oasis surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery. What makes the lake extraordinary is its *warm, mineral-rich waters* (maintaining a steady 22–29°C year-round), fed by both underground thermal springs and the sea. The water’s high salinity and unique composition—rich in hydrogen sulfide, potassium, and sodium—are believed to offer therapeutic benefits for skin, joints, and respiratory conditions. Visitors can swim in the lake’s turquoise waters while small *fish (Garra rufa)* provide a natural exfoliation—a quirky, spa-like experience. The surrounding area offers sunbathing decks, a lakeside café, and dramatic views of the Hellenic hills

Tucked away in the heart of *Piraeus, **Mikrolimano* (meaning "small harbor") is one of Athens’ most picturesque and lively coastal spots. Once the ancient port of *Munychia*, this tiny horseshoe-shaped marina is now a glamorous blend of fishing tradition and modern sophistication, lined with colorful boats, luxury yachts, and some of the city’s best seafood tavernas. #### *A Scenic Seaside Escape* Unlike the bustling *Port of Piraeus*, Mikrolimano offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The calm, crystal-clear waters reflect the pastel hues of the surrounding buildings, while the scent of grilled octopus and fresh fish drifts from the waterfront restaurants. By night, the harbor transforms into a romantic setting, with twinkling lights dancing on the water. #### *Gourmet Paradise* Mikrolimano is famous for its *seafood dining, where visitors can enjoy the catch of the day—from succulent grilled sardines to lobster pasta—at upscale tavernas with stunning sea views.