Athens City Sightseeing Private Tour: A Comprehensive Guide
Visiting Athens is an enchanting experience. The city is built around the Acropolis, a hill with ancient ruins and iconic monuments such as the Parthenon. There are numerous other attractions apart from the famous rock, including museums, parks, and more. This Athens City Sightseeing Private Tour is an excellent way to explore the city and bring its history and culture to life. Here’s everything you need to know about this tour.Overview
This private tour lets visitors enjoy the city’s top attractions comfortably and at their own pace. With a flexible itinerary and a personal chauffeur, visitors can relax and enjoy the tour to the fullest. The four- to five-hour trip happens in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle and includes bottled water. The professional, English-speaking driver provides an informative tour, so visitors will approach each landmark with a rich knowledge of the city’s history and culture.What’s Included
- English Speaking Professional Driver (Not Licensed to ESCORT you INSIDE The sights.)
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon(Taxi) up to 4 according to booking
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
- Entrance Tickets to All Archaeological Sights and Museums
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
The Itinerary
This private tour covers the most famous and culturally significant attractions in Athens. Due to its personalized nature, the itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to visitors’ preferences. The itinerary could be as follows:Start at the Acropolis
The tour starts at the Acropolis, the iconic hill in Athens, where visitors can marvel at the Parthenon, the ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Acropolis is a perfect vantage point to view the entire city of Athens.The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is a perfect stop after exploring the archaeological site. It is a state-of-the-art museum that displays ancient artifacts and sculptures, telling the story of Athenian democracy.Panathenaic Stadium (Journey on foot – optional)
The stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and was initially built-in 330 BC for the ancient Panathenaic Games. The stadium is a vast, white marble structure that can seat over 70,000 people.The National Garden
The National Garden of Athens offers a calming ambiance amidst the bustling city. Visitors can stroll around the garden and enjoy exotic flora and fauna, ponds, and fountains.The Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the central square in Athens and a hub of political and social activity. Every hour, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place outside the Greek Parliament, where the guards change in a unique and ceremonious way.The National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum hosts a vast collection of ancient Greek art and artifacts, showcasing the country’s cultural and historical significance.Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points are available from most centrally-located hotels in Athens. After booking, visitors should confirm the pickup time with the local provider.Book Your Tour Now: Book the Athens City Sightseeing Private Tour
This private tour of Athens is an excellent way to explore its iconic monuments and museums at a comfortable and personalized pace. With a professional, English-speaking driver, visitors will experience the city’s rich history and culture in a unique way. Book the tour here and experience the best of Athens.
FAQ about Athens
If you’re planning a trip to Athens, you probably have a lot of questions about the city. In this FAQ, we’ll cover everything from the best time to visit, to the must-visit attractions, to the local customs and traditions. So, let’s dive in!1. What is Athens known for?
Athens is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and ancient monuments. The city is home to the Acropolis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant ancient sites in the world. Athens is also known for its museums, architecture, and vibrant food scene.2. What is the best time to visit Athens?
The best time to visit Athens is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The city is less crowded, the weather is mild, and the prices are lower during these times. However, if you’re a fan of hot weather and don’t mind the crowds, you can also visit Athens during the summer months (June to August).3. What are the must-visit attractions in Athens?
There are many must-visit attractions in Athens, but some of the top ones include:- The Acropolis
- The Parthenon
- The Ancient Agora
- The National Archaeological Museum
- The Temple of Olympian Zeus
- The Panathenaic Stadium
- The Plaka neighborhood
4. What is the local food like in Athens?
The local food in Athens is delicious and varied, with a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Some of the must-try dishes include:- Moussaka (a baked dish with eggplant, ground meat, and bechamel sauce)
- Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers)
- Greek salad (made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and olives)
- Tzatziki (a yogurt and cucumber dip)
- Pita bread (served with dips or stuffed with meat and vegetables)
- Baklava (a sweet pastry made with phyllo dough, honey, and nuts)
5. What is the currency in Athens?
The currency in Athens (and the rest of Greece) is the Euro (EUR).6. What are the local customs and traditions in Athens?
Some of the local customs and traditions in Athens include:- Respect for elders and authority figures
- Importance of family and community
- Lively street festivals and celebrations
- Religious traditions, such as Easter (which is a major holiday in Greece)
- Love of music and dance
7. How do I get around Athens?
Athens has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, metro, and electric trolleybuses. The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city. You can also use taxis (which are relatively cheap), rent a car, or use a bike-sharing service.8. Is Athens safe?
Athens is generally a safe city, but like any city, it has its share of petty crime and scams. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry. It’s also a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night.9. What language do they speak in Athens?
The official language of Athens (and the rest of Greece) is Greek. However, many people in Athens also speak English, especially in the tourist areas.10. What is the nightlife like in Athens?
The nightlife in Athens is vibrant and lively, with a mix of bars, clubs, and music venues. Some of the top nightlife areas include Gazi, Psirri, and Kolonaki. The bars and clubs stay open late (and sometimes until morning), so be prepared for a late night out if you want to experience Athens’ nightlife.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Athens
Athens, the capital city of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city is home to many ancient landmarks, museums, and art galleries. Athens is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year. In this guide, we will go over the best things to do in Athens, how to get around the city, and other tips that will help you make the most of your time in Athens.Getting Around Athens
One of the best ways to see Athens is by using the city’s public transport system which consists of buses, trams, and the metro. The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city. You can purchase a 5-day metro pass for €9 or a 3-day pass for €22. Alternatively, you can rent a car, but be sure to check the local driving laws.Best Things to Do in Athens
Visit the Acropolis
The Acropolis is perhaps the most famous landmark in Athens. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Visitors can purchase tickets to the Acropolis from the entrance located on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, or you can book a guided tour that includes admission to the site.Explore Plaka
Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens and a popular spot for tourists. With its narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and abundance of shops and restaurants, it is an excellent place to spend an afternoon or evening. It is also home to several ancient landmarks, including the Tower of the Winds and the Roman Agora.Visit the National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in Greece and has an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry. Visitors can purchase tickets to the museum from the entrance located on 28is Oktovriou Street.Take a Trip to Cape Sounion
Cape Sounion is located about 70km outside of Athens and is home to the Temple of Poseidon, which was built in the 5th century BC. The drive to Cape Sounion is beautiful, passing through small villages and along the coast. Alternatively, there are guided tours available that include transportation to and from Cape Sounion.Explore Athens’ Street Art Scene
Athens has a thriving street art scene, with incredible murals and graffiti scattered throughout the city. You can take a self-guided walking tour of some of the best street art locations in Athens or book a guided tour with a local street artist.Where to Eat in Athens
One of the highlights of visiting Athens is the food. From traditional Greek cuisine to international dishes, Athens has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to eat in the city.Oineas
Oineas is a cozy wine bar and restaurant located in Plaka. It serves traditional Greek cuisine, including meze dishes, souvlaki, and grilled seafood. The wine list is extensive, with many local and international wines available.Stani
Stani is a famous dessert shop located in central Athens. It serves a variety of Greek desserts, including loukoumades (Greek donuts) and galaktoboureko (custard pie).To Koutouki Tou Kokkona
To Koutouki Tou Kokkona is a traditional Greek taverna located in the Psiri neighborhood. It serves classic Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki, all at reasonable prices.Final Tips
When visiting Athens, it’s important to keep in mind a few final tips.Dress Appropriately
As Athens is a conservative city, it is important to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites and places of cultural significance. This means covering your shoulders and wearing pants or skirts that cover your knees.Visit in the Off-Season
Athens is a busy city and can get overcrowded during peak tourist season. Consider visiting during the off-season (November to March) when there are fewer tourists and lower hotel rates.Be Aware of Scams
As with any major tourist destination, scams are prevalent in Athens. Be aware of people offering you tours or services that seem too good to be true, and always use reputable tour operators and transportation services. In conclusion, Athens is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time in Athens and have a truly unforgettable experience.Table of Contents
