Athens Shore Excursion: Private City Sightseeing and Acropolis Tour

based on 22 reviews

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

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Explore Athens, the cradle of civilization, on a half-day shore excursion from Piraeus Port. With an expert private guide at your side, walk up the UNESCO-listed Acropolis of Athens (entrance own expense), seeing beguiling structures like the Parthenon. On a tour around town by minivan, see top Athens attractions such as Hadrian’s Arch and Syntagma Square – the focal point of the city.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Acropolis
For twenty-five centuries, the panorama of this city is dominated by the rock of the Acropolis. Walk uphill to visit the Acropolis and see the principal buildings: the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the magnificent Parthenon
2. Parthenon
The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the peak of its power. It was completed in 438 BC, although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered the zenith of the Doric order. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of Greek art. The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian democracy and Western civilization,[6] and one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. To the Athenians who built it, the Parthenon and other Periclean monuments of the Acropolis were seen fundamentally as a celebration of Hellenic victory over the Persian invaders and as a thanksgiving to the gods for that victory
3. Propylaea
The monumental gateway to the Acropolis, the Propylaea, was one of several public works commissioned by the Athenian leader Pericles in order to rebuild the Acropolis at the conclusion of the Persian Wars. Pericles appointed his friend Phidias as the supervisor and lead architect of this massive project, which Pericles allegedly financed with funds appropriated from the treasury of the Delian League. According to Plutarch, the Propylaea was designed by the architect Mnesicles, about whom nothing else is known.[1] Construction began in 437 BC and was terminated in 432, when the building was still unfinished. The Propylaea was constructed of white Pentelic marble and gray Eleusinian marble or limestone, which was used only for accents. Structural iron was also used, though William Bell Dinsmoor[2] analyzed the structure and concluded that the iron weakened the building.
4. Plateia Syntagmatos
Syntagma 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.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. In close distance from the Square you can find one of the most busy streets in Athens , Ermou Street, where you can stroll among the great number of shops as well as the coffee & snack places.
5. Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium or Kallimarmaro ( [kaliˈmarmaro], meaning "beautiful marble") is a multi-purpose stadium in Athens, Greece. One of the main historic attractions of Athens,it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. A stadium was built on the site of a simple racecourse by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos (Lycurgus) c. 330 BC, primarily for the Panathenaic Games. It was rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus, an Athenian Roman senator, by 144 AD and 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 was the venue for 4 of the 9 contested sports. It was used for various purposes in the 20th century and was once again used as an Olympic venue in 2004. It is the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon.It is also the last venue in Greece from where the Olympic flame handover ceremony to the host nation takes place.
6. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens, in front of the Old Royal Palace. It is a cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during war. It was sculpted between 1930 and 1932 by sculptor Fokion Rok. The tomb is guarded by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard.
7. The Academy of 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.
8. Arch of Hadrian
The Arch of Hadrian, most commonly known in Greek as Hadrian's Gate, is a monumental gateway resembling – in some respects – a Roman triumphal arch. It spanned an ancient road from the center of Athens, Greece, to the complex of structures on the eastern side of the city that included the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It has been proposed that the arch was built to celebrate the adventus (arrival) of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to honor him for his many benefactions to the city, on the occasion of the dedication of the nearby temple complex in 131 or 132 AD.[1] It is not certain who commissioned the arch, although it is probable that the citizens of Athens or another Greek group were responsible for its construction and design. There were two inscriptions on the arch, facing in opposite directions, naming both Theseus and Hadrian as founders of Athens. While it is clear that the inscriptions honor Hadrian, it is uncertain whether they refer to the city as a whole or to the city in two parts: one old and one new. The early idea, however, that the arch marked the line of the ancient city wall, and thus the division between the old and the new regions of the city, has been shown to be false by further excavation.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• At time of booking, Cruise Ship passengers must provide the following details under Special Requirements: Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
• Please also enter your preferred pickup time in the Special Requirements box at the time of booking, and reconfirm 48 hours prior to the tour’s departure time
• Children who do not occupy a seat are free of charge. Children who occupy a seat and are up to 11 years old, benefit from a discount
• Due to the high volume of visitors, the archaeological site of Acropolis has applied the regulation of the time slots (time zones). The time slots allow the visitor to enter the site at specific times.This is for the better experience of the visitors (for the better handling of the flow) and to reduce the long queues & waiting time at the ticket office. Thus, after completing your booking through Viator, you will receive a message from our company, indicating the time slot for which it is highly recommended to book your Acropolis tickets in advance, so as to be in accordance with your our timings. You are kindly requested NOT to book the Acropolis tickets before receiving our message as your tour timings depend on the availability of the guide on the day of tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : uniglobe0777
I brought with me a group of 70 people on my recent visit to Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus and Cyprus. My main contact was Mariniki from Achtypis Tours. I cannot imagined how I can manage my group without the help of Mariniki. She was excellent in all aspect, from the beginning like 1 year ago in the planning stage till the last day of the trip. All my transfers and shore excursions were perfect. Guides always on time and that was important for me. A couple of the tours and guides were not as good as I preferred but I can understand how distracted it can be with such a big group. Overall very satisfied with the service, the price and the professionalism. I even have the chance to meet the boss Mr. Takis Achtypis, what a wonderful human being, so respectful. I highly recommended anyone to book with them with confidence.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-09 02:16:30

Posted By : stamperdog
Katarina was a great guide. She was knowledgeable and easy to understand. She knew a LOT! The Parthenon was packed when we went as it had been intermittently closed during the previous week. She got all 8 of us in and out of there with some time to walk about on our own. We had 8 couples in a bus built for more so we had room to spread out. It was a fairly warm July morning. The tour was actually 4-1/2 hours due to traffic. I think it was a great value.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2019-07-17 03:50:41

Posted By : Ana_A

We have a private tour with an excellent guide. The best is the change of the army soldiers on the palace. It was an. amazing performance

Rating :

Posted On : 2018-04-06 17:59:21 full ratings

Posted By : Jeanie

Dee met us at the docks with the van and a driver. She was very knowledgeable and explained what everything was as we drove into Athens. She took us to Olympic stadium where we stopped for a few pictures. She timed it just right so we got to see the changing of the guards at the Presidental Palace before we were off the the Acropolis. Lots of steps but we're took it slow and it was well worth the hike!

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Posted On : 2017-11-12 11:20:04 full ratings

Posted By : BRADLEY D

We had to amend our group number due to an unforeseen issue. Good communication. Great guide. Always a good experience using Viator.

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Posted On : 2017-10-18 10:51:00 full ratings

Posted By : Anthony M

This was an EXCELELNT TOUR!! our guide Diotima was not only a professional BUT a history professor and provided us soo much detail and was friendly, accommodating and again, like our tour guide Luca in Livorno it was ALL ABOUT US, OUR NEEDS and OUR HAPPINESS!! A MUST DO but ask for DIOTIMA as your guide!!!

Rating :

Posted On : 2017-10-16 09:05:21 full ratings

Posted By : Darline K

The tour guide stayed with us for the whole tour and spoke wonderful English. She navigated the crowds and procured our tickets without any trouble. She stayed with one of our travelers who was unable to go to the top of the Parthenon. We never felt that there was no one looking out for us in the sweltering heat. Her explanations made all the difference in seeing the sites. The van was air conditioned spacious and a Godsend as we traveled with little ones in tow. Most happy we took this tour!!! No regrets! Worth every dime!!! - especially With the heat and excess crowds. I tell all my patients that this is the only way to see Athens and the Parthenon.

Rating :

Posted On : 2017-09-02 22:15:39 full ratings

Posted By : Chuck C

Athens is very crowded this time of the year. This Shore Excursion picked us up directly from our ship and we were able to see all the highlights of Athens without standing in line. I highly recommend this Excursion.

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Posted On : 2017-08-07 09:51:11 full ratings

Posted By : Vicki S

We had a wonderful day exploring and saw the highlights in a short amount of time, plus had a wonderful lunch!

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Posted On : 2017-07-17 10:59:11 full ratings

Posted By : James B

We arrived to Athens from our cruise ship and met our tour guide at the port. She picked up our party of six and took us to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Olympic stadium which was used for the 1st modern Olympics in 1896. She then took us to see the Parthenon and two amphitheaters near the Acropolis. Amazing excursion with our guide who was very knowledgeable and spoke English very well. I highly recommend this tour and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Rating :

Posted On : 2017-05-30 19:02:09 full ratings

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Tickets

Athens Shore Excursion: Private City Sightseeing and Acropolis Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Acropolis

2. Parthenon

3. Propylaea

4. Plateia Syntagmatos

5. Panathenaic Stadium

6. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

7. The Academy of Athens

8. Arch of Hadrian

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

Athens Shore Excursion: Private City Sightseeing and Acropolis Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1. Acropolis

2. Parthenon

3. Propylaea

4. Plateia Syntagmatos

5. Panathenaic Stadium

6. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

7. The Academy of Athens

8. Arch of Hadrian

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY