Private Tour Acropolis and Athens Highlights

based on 95 reviews

Duration:4 hours to 5 hours (approx.)
Location: Athens, Greece

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Journey to Athens, cradle of democracy and philosophy! Ascend Acropolis Hill, where the Parthenon, a majestic temple, stands as a testament to a glorious civilization. Feel the thrill of history at the Panathenaic Stadium, birthplace of the modern Olympics, and witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the Presidential Mansion. Marvel at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a colossal monument to Greek artistry. Finally, lose yourself in the enchanting Plaka, Athens' charming old town

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as philosophy and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts.
2.
The temple of Athena Nike (Athena as a goddess of victory) is the smallest temple at the Acropolis in Athens, placed at its southwest corner, at the edge of a high cliff. Built around 420 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple. The citizens worshipped the goddesses in hopes of a successful outcome in the long Peloponnesian War fought against the Spartans and allies.
3.
The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis that was dedicated to the goddess Athena during the fifth century BC. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the highlights of classical Greek art, an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, democracy and Western civilization.
4.
Built by Athenian benefactor (and Roman senator) Herodes Atticus in around 161 AD as a memorial to his late wife, Regilla, the Herodion (as it’s commonly called) is one of the most striking Athens monuments and one of the world’s oldest functioning theatres.
5.
The elegant building known as the Erechtheion, on the north side of the sacred rock of the Acropolis, was erected in 421-406 BC as a replacement of an earlier temple dedicated to Athena Polias, the so-called "Old temple". The name Erechtheion, mentioned only by Pausanias, derives from Erechtheus, the mythical king of Athens, who was worshipped there.
6.
Temple of Olympian Zeus is a former colossal temple at the center of the Greek capital, Athens. It was dedicated to "Olympian" Zeus, a name originating from his position as head of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who envisioned building the greatest temple in the ancient world, but it was not completed until the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, some 638 years after the its foundations were laid. During the Roman period, the temple, which included 104 colossal columns, was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest statues in the ancient world.
7.
The first stadium was built at 330 BC primarily for the Panathenaic Games. It was rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus, an Athenian Roman senator, by 144 AD it had a capacity of 50,000 seats. After the rise of Christianity in the 4th century it was largely abandoned. The stadium was excavated in 1869 and hosted the Zappas Olympics in 1870 and 1875. After being refurbished, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896 and it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.
8.
The Presidential palace in Athens, is the official residence of the president of the Hellenic Republic. It served previously as the Royal Palace, until the abolition of the monarchy by the 1973 referendum.
9.
Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens at a height of 277m. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole of Athens, the Acropolis and out to sea towards the islands.
10.
This imposing, minimalist building served as the Royal Palace until 1909, when it was damaged by fire. Now home to the Hellenic Parliament, the building was erected between 1836 and 1843 for King Otto. Built by Bavarian architect Gurtner, the building served as a luxurious temporary residence to wealthy and influential Athenians during the final phases of its construction – that is, until the summer of 1843 when the Royal Couple finally moved in.
11.
Plaka is often referred to as the “Neighborhood of the Gods” because it is located on the North-Eastern slopes of the Acropolis hill. Its charm comes from its ancient and picturesque cobbled streets lined with beautiful neoclassical mansions and iconic Greek white houses.
12.
The Agora's initial use was for a commercial, assembly, or residential gathering place where the great thinkers Sophocles, Socrates, Protagoras, among others, would meet and where ordinary citizens could come and interact with their peers, voice their concerns, agree on solutions and courses of action. Among the agora’s many temples, alters and other shrines, the temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved of its type in Greece. Built to honour Hephaistos, the patron of metal workers and Athena Ergane, patroness of potters and crafts in general, it was built around the same time as the Parthenon.

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Posted By : 782mjl
Ruslan picked us up promptly as we disembarked our cruise in Athens, and gave us an amazing, full tour of Athens before dropping us at the airport for our flight home. Ruslan was gracious and kind, and incredibly knowledgeable, giving us fantastic information that filled in so many gaps in our understanding of Greek history. There was no question he couldn’t answer, and he ably pivoted to our areas of specific interest. He efficiently navigated all the important sites in spite of busy summer traffic, and we were amazed how much we were able to see in the limited time we had. It was an outstanding tour to end our wonderful vacation, and we will definitely seek out Ruslan and Colors of Greece for another tour next time we are in Athens!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-02 13:02:44

Posted By : Cleo_S
We missed our return flight from Thessaloniki to US, and decided last minute to drive to Athens for 48 hours. I booked this tour the evening before not expecting too much. The tour hit many points we wanted to see and loved not being with other people that were not family. Our guide George G.G. was so amazing. He did an amazing job giving us facts and background before each stop. He did not rush us or mind our 2 year old singing loudly in the back. I recommend this tour as well as asking for George G.G.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-30 12:21:06

Posted By : Vivian_B
This is how you see every single sight worth seeing in Athens on one day.

We booked this tour through Viator. Although we did experience some last minute complications with the separate entry tickets into the Acropolis. The Viator customer support team were extremely helpful and responded very quickly.

Our operator, Ruslan was outstanding! His car was immaculate and provided candies and cold water. He was skillful and confident driver, providing an comfortable ride, expecially since we are prone to motion sickness. He was very knowledgeable in Athen's recent and ancient history. He always managed to find the best parking spot at every point of interest.

This is definitely the best way to see Athens on a busy tourist weekend during a heat wave. The air-conditioning was a life saver.

Thank you so much for this amazing experience.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 15:49:05

Posted By : Myra_M
Ruslan was an excellent tour guide. He picked us up on time (5 min early), was very knowledgeable and personable. He clearly explained the tour stops, gave ample time to enjoy, snap pictures, ask questions and continued to next site. We highly recommend seeing Athens historical sites with an experienced driver (to take you to the door step of all the sites) and local (who can give you incite into the city, culture, food, etc.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 04:51:27

Posted By : annemariewhite2004
George did a great job of getting us to the sites, telling us relevant & interesting facts & accommodating our requests for the length of our stay at each place. He has a great patience and enthusiasm. I had trouble accessing my Acropolis combo online passes and he so patient helped me work through that in the blazing hot weather. He was very knowledgeable, easy to communicate with and the vehicle was super comfortable.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-27 14:28:07

Posted By : Deric_F
Ruslan is the most pleasant guide, very knowledgeable, and accommodating. Very comfortable Mercedes, provided water
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 14:29:49

Posted By : Luann_B
Our guide picked us up at the port. He began the excursion starting at the port. He was a wonderful historian and knows so much about Athens history! We were able to see the changing of the guard at the Legislature Building. We climbed up to the Acropolis. An amazing site to behold. We found our tour guide to be one of the best we had on this trip.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 10:36:39

Posted By : X5129VFbeckyk
I had the pleasure of meeting Periklis last summer when he was my private driver after I disembarked a cruise in Athens. My tour with him was amazing. He was full of information and history, very communicative and overly friendly. He also was my transfer back to the airport the following day. I knew that I would be returning to Athens this summer for a port visit in Athens.

I knew without a doubt last summer that I would contact Periklis to take wonderful care of us. And guess what? He did just that! My son and I made the most amazing memories in Athens because of him. When I ask my son what his favorite port visit was, he says Athens and I know it's because of everything that we had the opportunity to see.

As a travel advisor I am always sure to pass his information along to clients visiting Athens as I know they will always leave happy and yearning to return. Thank you again for the wonderful time you gave to Joseph and me. It is much appreciated.

-Becky Keenan
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-25 07:55:03

Posted By : BenjaminA2029
Had a great day with Periklis seeing all the top sites. Started the day at the Acropolis and saw all the noted sites. Periklis was a great guide full of history and facts on all the sites. Fantastic driver always leaving you close to your site. Arranged an afternoon drop off at the museum with a great lunch recommendation to top it off. 5 stars for sure!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 15:23:04

Posted By : Escape16034725511
What an amazing tour! Ruskin was the best guide ever, his attentiveness to our needs, expert knowledge and adaptability was excellent! I cannot recommend him enough…you will not be disappointed! A true gentleman and we will be back!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 09:54:42