The Best Of Athens 8-Hour Private Tour

Discover Athens with our 8-Hour Best Of Athens Private Tour, designed to offer an unmatched exploration of one of the world’s most ancient and intriguing cities. Athens, with its rich history, has enchanted numerous visitors across time. On this exclusive tour, you will engage deeply with the city’s authentic character, as many travelers have delightedly experienced.

This distinctive journey highlights Athens’ splendid mix of age-old marvels, significant historical sites, and famed museums. Secure your spot on this remarkable tour with Athens Tours Greece, and embark on an exploration to witness the best of this captivating city firsthand.

Highlights of the Best of Athens 8-Hour Private Tour

Discover the essence of Athens on an exclusive 8-hour private sightseeing tour. This comprehensive trip covers the city’s most iconic landmarks and offers an intimate glimpse into its rich history.

Visit the Acropolis of Athens, the city’s crown jewel and home to the majestic Parthenon.
Explore the New Acropolis Museum, a modern home to ancient artifacts.
Stroll through Plaka, Athens’ charming old quarter, and enjoy a traditional Greek meal at a local restaurant.
Ideal for cruise passengers with a full day or several hours in Athens.
Benefit from the expertise of a professional English-speaking tour driver.

Your day in Athens includes visits to

The Acropolis: Experience the grandeur of the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Theater of Dionysus, and Mars Hill/Areopagus.
Historic Athens: See the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, the former Royal Palace, and witness the changing of the guard at the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Ancient Agora: Enter the heart of ancient democracy at the Greek Agora and the Roman Agora, including the Tower of the Winds.
Cultural Sites: Choose from the Acropolis Museum or the National Archaeological Museum for a deep dive into Greek heritage.
Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Athens from Lycabettus Hill on a panoramic sightseeing tour that includes highlights such as Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, the National Garden and more.

Panoramic Sightseeing Highlights (from inside the vehicle)

Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, National Garden, Catholic Cathedral, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Athens, National Library, Kapnikarea Byzantine Church, Monastiraki Flea Market, Thiseio, the Central Orthodox Church, and Kolonaki, the prestigious area of Athens.

Experience the best of Athens with a tour that combines historical exploration with the comfort and convenience of a private vehicle for a full day of discovery and adventure.

The Acropolis of Athens

Your personalized tour of Athens begins bright and early, departing from your accommodation or preferred location, such as your cruise terminal.The pinnacle of our tour awaits – the awe-inspiring Acropolis of Athens, with its iconic Parthenon. Here, we will marvel at the majestic Propylaea, the elegant Temple of Athena Nike, and the renowned Erechtheion, known for its infamous Caryatid statues and the exquisite Porch of Maidens.

The Acropolis Museum

After descending from the Acropolis, explore the Museum of the Acropolis nestled at the base of the Sacred Rock. Feast your eyes on the marble of the Parthenon and a stunning array of relics and treasures discovered during excavations on the Acropolis.

Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament

As your expert driver navigates through the city, you’ll pass by iconic landmarks like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Greek Parliament building on Syntagma Square.

Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is a bustling hub where the historic Parliament building stands tall. This esteemed institution serves as the voice of citizens through elected Members of Parliament who convene for plenary sessions. The Parliament building itself was once the ex-Royal Palace.

The Panathenaic Stadium and Olympic History

Next, we make our way to the renowned Panathenaic Stadium, famously referred to as the Kallimarmaron Stadium.

This magnificent structure hosted the inaugural modern Olympic Games in 1896 and played a vital role in subsequent Olympic events until the 2004 Athens Games. It’s also the sacred grounds from which the Olympic Flame is ceremoniously passed on to all Olympic events.

The Neoclassical Trilogy

visit the academy of athens with our athens tours

As we progress down Panepistimiou Avenue, you’ll catch sight of the magnificent Catholic Cathedral of Athens and the iconic Neoclassical Trilogy – the Academy of Athens, Athens University, and the National Library. These stunning buildings boast exquisite architectural designs and rich historical significance.

Ancient Greek and Roman Landmarks

Reaching the end of Panepistimiou Avenue, your eyes will be drawn to Omonoia Square, Athens’ second-largest square. Our journey continues with a scenic drive to the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate, where the ancient Greek and Roman eras beautifully merge.

Plaka and Ancient Agoras

Continue our private tour in Plaka, the charming neighborhood of Athens, where you’ll witness quaint boutiques filled with handcrafted treasures and souvenirs.

Immerse yourself in history as we visit the Ancient Greek Agora of Athens, where great philosophers and orators once shared their wisdom, and the Roman Agora, a glimpse into the city’s bustling market scene.

Monastiraki Flea Market and Greek Cuisine

Get a taste of modern Athens by visiting the fish and meat markets downtown and the famous Monastiraki flea market.

However, no visit to Athens is complete without indulging in the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine. We’ll take you to an authentic Athenian restaurant or tavern to savor the colors and flavors of the renowned Greek dishes and Mediterranean Diet.

Lycabettus Hill and Panoramic Views

Finally, enjoy breathtaking views from Lycabettus Hill, the highest peak in Central Athens, to capture spectacular images of the entire city.

After this unforgettable experience, your driver will happily drop you off at your preferred destination in Athens or Piraeus Port.

Resources:

Tour Type

Shore Excursion – Private tour
Activity level: Moderate

Included in the tour

Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
Road tolls and all local taxes

Excluded from the tour

Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
Optional Gratuities
Food and beverage
Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver

Cancellation Policy

Read our cancellation policy

Additional info

Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.

Persons with Disabilities

Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.