How to plan your National Archaeological Museum & Museum of Cycladic Art Tour in Athens

If you are planning a trip to Athens, you should definitely include the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art in your itinerary. These two museums are some of the most important archaeological museums in Greece that preserve the rich history and culture of ancient Greece.

Here’s how to plan your National Archaeological Museum & Museum of Cycladic Art Tour in Athens.

Experience

This specially designed tour is perfect for museum lovers and visitors who are interested in learning about the prehistoric era of Greece. With a licensed archaeologist as your guide, you’ll explore two of Athens’ significant museums and Lycabettus Hill, which offers a spectacular view of the city.

Highlights

The tour has two significant highlights, including:

Be impressed by the Prehistory section of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is an attraction in itself because it is known for being the largest archaeological museum in Greece. The museum features collections of ancient Greek art and antiquities and has halls designated for Greek history, prehistoric collections, Crete, and the Mycenaeans. When you visit the museum, the prehistoric section will catch your eye in particular, where you’ll see intricate artifacts, tools, weapons, and jewelry. The section is divided into three parts, each displaying different periods of prehistoric culture in Greece.

Breathe in the air and the view from the top of Lycabettus, the highest of the seven hills of Athens

Mount Lycabettus or Lycabettus Hill, located in the heart of Athens, is the highest point in the city. After walking around the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art, you will travel to the hill via a cable car. The cable car ride alone up to the top of Lycabettus Hill is an experience that you will never forget. Once you reach the top of Lycabettus Hill, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Athens – it’s one of the most breathtaking views available in the Greek capital.

Revel at the superb collection of prehistoric and Cycladic art and findings at the Cycladic Museum

After visiting the National Archaeological Museum, the tour takes you to the Museum of Cycladic Art, which is devoted to the ancient Cycladic civilization. Here, you will discover the magnificent collection of 3,000 artefacts that date back to the Cycladic era, including figurines, vases, vessels, and tools. The museum has a vast collection of antiquities spanning more than 5,000 years and displays the best-crafted items from the Cycladic Culture.

Full Description

This half-day tour lasts for approximately five and a half hours and is available all year round. The guide is licensed and has a deep knowledge of both museums and their collections. He or she will provide you with valuable information and insights into the objects and culture of prehistory.

The tour follows a convenient program that combines the visit of two major archaeological museums with an exciting trip to Lycabettus Hill. You will be picked up from the designated location and taken to the National Archaeological Museum, which is the first stop of the tour. Then, you will be transported to Lycabettus Hill by cable car to see the panoramic view from the highest point in Athens. Finally, you’ll be taken to the Museum of Cycladic Art before returning to the designated pick-up location.

How to book

To book the National Archaeological Museum & Museum of Cycladic Art Tour in Athens, head to book the tour here, click on ‘Book now and pay later,’ and complete the registration process. The tour fee includes entrance fees, transportation, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Conclusion

This tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about the unique history and culture of ancient Greece through two of Athens’ top museums. With a licensed guide as your companion, you will visit the National Archaeological Museum, Lycabettus Hill, and the Museum of Cycladic Art, making your Athens trip even more memorable. So, make sure to book this tour in advance to explore the rich history of Greek civilization.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece, a hub of rich history, immense culture, and ancient landmarks that tell thousands of years of stories. Athens is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most visited cities in Europe. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Athens.

1. What is the best time to visit Athens?

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to November) months when the weather is mild, and the city is not overcrowded. Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season, and the city can be quite hot, busy, and expensive. Winters (December to February) are damp and chilly, and many attractions operate on a reduced schedule.

2. What are the must-visit landmarks in Athens?

Athens is home to numerous ancient landmarks, and some of the must-visit ones include:

• Acropolis

Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, an ancient citadel that sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. It houses several ancient buildings, including the Parthenon.

• Parthenon

The Parthenon is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and is arguably the most famous ancient landmark in the world.

• Ancient Agora

Ancient Agora, located near the Acropolis, was once the political, commercial, and cultural center of Athens.

• Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was once the largest temple in Greece and an important site of pilgrimage.

• National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is home to some of the most important ancient artifacts in the world, including sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and coins.

3. How is the food in Athens?

Greek cuisine is famous worldwide, and Athens has a rich gastronomic culture. Some of the popular dishes in Athens include:

• Moussaka

Moussaka is a baked dish made of minced meat, eggplant, potatoes, and bechamel sauce.

• Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a Greek fast-food staple made with grilled meat (chicken, pork, or lamb) skewered on a stick and seasoned with spices.

• Greek Salad

Greek Salad is a simple yet refreshing dish containing tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and olives seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice.

• Dolmades

Dolmades are small parcels of vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and herbs.

4. What is the currency used in Athens?

The official currency in Athens is Euro (€).ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit and debit cards.

5. What is the transport system like in Athens?

Athens has an excellent public transport system that includes buses, tram, metro, and suburban railway. The metro is the fastest and most convenient means of transport for tourists, with three lines that connect the city center with the suburbs and the airport. The tickets are affordable, and the system is easy to navigate.

6. Is Athens a safe city?

Athens is a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, tourists should take the usual precautions, such as keeping valuables safe and being mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.

7. What is the nightlife scene like in Athens?

Athens has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and pubs open till the wee hours of the morning. Some of the popular areas for nightlife include Keramikos, Gazi, and Psiri.

In conclusion, Athens is a city that has something for everyone. History buffs will marvel at the ancient landmarks, foodies will relish the delicious cuisine, and party animals will love the vibrant nightlife. So pack your bags, and head to Athens for a trip of a lifetime!