Join our 4-day city break and visit one of the most ancient cities in the world. Get an insight into the pillars of modern democracy by visiting the Parliament and Acropolis Museum. Athens is a fascinating town full of highlights and surprises, also famous for its vibrant nightlife and Greek cuisine. This trip will fill all your senses and will leave great memories for a lifetime.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Acropolis: Visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens and let the fascinating ruins amaze your eyes.
Acropolis Museum: Recognized as one of the top museums in the world, you’ll find yourself up close to the impressive marble masterpieces found on the Acropolis including dramatic sculptures and friezes that brilliantly define the Classical period of ancient Greece.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS
Arrive at Athens International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy some free time to freshen up after your flight. If you feel like it, you can go on an optional excursion (not included):
Half-day tour of Cape Sounio (Spanish guide, available Mondays and Fridays only):
Drive along the coastal road, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni & Varkiza to the most Southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: ATHENS: HALF-DAY CITY TOUR
Early in the morning, after breakfast, begin your half-day Athens city tour. Meet your guide, hop on to your bus and explore the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (shortstop). Continue and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex-Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colourful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts an order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum (due to certain restrictions in the visiting hours of the new Acropolis museum the order of the program can be changed). You will be back at the hotel at approx. at 13:30 pm. The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3: ATHENS
Wake up to a luscious breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your day at leisure in this fascinating city. Explore the city and its hidden corners at your own pace. If you haven't yet had the chance to try local specialties, don't miss our optional food walking tour for a delicious experience (not included).
Delicious Athens Food Tour (English guide only, available daily except Sundays):
Meet your English-speaking guide and start with Greek coffee at one of the landmark coffee houses. Next, it’s a treat from the street, as you sample a koulouri, one of the all-time classic snacks on the go, before you duck into a carefully selected specialty food store that prides itself on its wide selection of Greek products. Here, you’ll be able to taste different olive oils, oils, spreads and other surprises. Next, we stop at Baklava bakery which has a long history. Then, it’s time for authentic souvlaki and fried potatoes at a popular grill spot before heading into the traditional “belly of the city”, the bustling Varvakios Market, the biggest and most popular fish, meat and vegetable market in the whole of Athens. As we continue our walk, we’ll take the city’s Spice Street and drop in at a shop with an incredible variety of local condiments and herbs. We’ll also stop by a local pastry shop for bougatsa (a traditional cream-filled phyllo treat). The last stop on the tour is for a selection of Greek meze (like tapas, only better) at a charming deli. Here, you’ll be able to try classic appetizers, a variety of cheese and cured meats.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 4: DEPART ATHENS
Wake up to your breakfast in the hotel and enjoy your last day in this long-standing metropolis. At the indicated time, you will be transferred to the airport of Athens (or Piraeus port) to take your flight home or to your following destination.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Athens. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
