Athens half-day tour, sightseeing private tour in Athens

Explore Athens with a half-day 4½ h private tour by Athens Tours Greece!

A well-designed and organized sightseeing tour in Athens is the perfect way to get to know the historical capital of Greece and its worldwide known monuments. Our private half-day tour in Athens offers to you an excellent opportunity to visit the most important sites and monuments of Athens, in a comfortable and hassle-free way!

Personalized Experience to Suit Your Schedule

Crafted with your needs in mind, our exclusive tour is perfect for cruise travelers and visitors on a quick visit to Athens. We recognize the importance of your time and aim to offer a smooth and stress-free journey personalized to fit your itinerary:

If you are already in Athens, we will pick you up at your accommodations and drop you off again at the same place we have picked up at the end of the tour.
If you are embarking on your cruise ship, we will pick you up at Athens Airport and drop you off at Piraeus Harbor at the end of the tour.
If you are disembarking from your cruise ship, we will pick you up at Piraeus Harbor and drop you off at Athens International Airport or your Athens hotel at the end of the tour.
If you are only visiting Athens for a few hours on a cruise ship, we will pick you up at your cruise ship pier, give you a tour of Athens, and drop you back at the cruise ship pier at the end of the tour.

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.
Plaka: This historic district, with its cobblestone streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the vibrant city of Athens.
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, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square, National Garden, Catholic Cathedral, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Athens, National Library, and Kolonaki, the prestigious area of Athens.

Embark on a journey through Athens that blends historical discovery with the luxury and ease of a private vehicle for a full day of exploration and excitement.

Efficient: A meticulously planned 4½-hour sightseeing tour designed to fit into half a day, allowing you to experience the essence of Athens without feeling rushed.
Convenient: Includes door-to-door transfers with modern, air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
Comprehensive: A perfect blend of Athens’ ancient wonders and modern delights, offering a well-rounded perspective on the city’s rich heritage and vibrant present.
Expertise: Enjoy the insights and commentary of an experienced, English-speaking tour driver, who will bring the city’s history and culture to life with captivating narratives.
Explore the Acropolis: The cornerstone of the Athenian culture
Pickup and drop off: At your accommodation in Athens, cruise terminal at Piraeus cruise port

Trusted Guide Since ’89

For more than thirty years, Athens Tours Greece has been providing top-notch travel services to showcase the best that Greece has to offer. Our team of experienced guides and dedicated staff are here to ensure you have an unforgettable experience that highlights the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty of this enchanting country. Join us on an adventure where you can immerse yourself in history, culture, and picturesque scenery, creating lasting memories that you will cherish forever.

Join us for a half-day tour in Athens, where you’ll get a glimpse of the modern city alongside the ancient landmarks that have put Athens on the map worldwide. Whether it’s your first time in Athens or you’re looking to fine-tune your itinerary, this tour offers a perfect orientation. Athens seamlessly blends ancient and contemporary vibes, evident in every nook and cranny of the city. Our private tour covers key sites from the iconic Acropolis to Lycabettus Hill, Plaka and Kolonaki, bridging the gap between the city’s ancient roots and its bustling commercial center.

Athens: Ancient Landmarks

Uncover Acropolis Secrets

Let’s begin our private tour by exploring the Acropolis, which is a must-see landmark in Athens! One of the main attractions of this sightseeing tour in Athens is undoubtedly the Acropolis, the iconic symbol of the city. The Sacred Rock, representing Greek culture, is the highest point in the area and used to function as a fortress. The term Acropolis, with a capital “A”, universally signifies the Acropolis of Athens, the renowned Acropolis that is the birthplace of Western civilization. Exploring the Acropolis offers the opportunity to pass through the Propylaea, admire the Erechtheum and the Caryatids, all while taking in the panoramic view of the city below, allowing your gaze to wander from the distant mountains to the sparkling waters of Piraeus harbor.

One of the most significant landmarks in Athens is the Parthenon, a masterpiece of classical architecture dedicated to the goddess Athena. This stunning monument once housed a magnificent statue of the Goddess of Wisdom and stood proudly atop the Acropolis, overlooking the city.

Discover the famous landmarks and traditional ceremonies of contemporary Athens

Your journey carries on with a stop at a few of Athens‘ most famous contemporary landmarks. Experience the ceremonial tradition of the guard changing at the Parliament Building, showcasing traditional Greek clothing and military discipline. Take in the beauty of the Unknown Soldier’s Monument, a moving tribute to those who gave their lives for Greece.

Experience the grandeur of sports, the charm of chic neighborhoods, and the beauty of scenic vantages

Travel back in time to the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. Picture the cheers of the audience and the camaraderie of athletes in this historic venue.

Conclude the journey with a leisurely drive through the fashionable Kolonaki neighborhood, famous for its stylish shops, hip cafes, and exquisite buildings.

The tour ends with a mesmerizing view of Athens from Lycabettus Hill, the city’s highest point, showcasing a beautiful blend of ancient and contemporary elements.

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.