Mythical Athens And Olive Oil Tasting 9-Hour Tour
Discover the essence of Greek heritage and the intriguing world of oleotourism with our 9-Hour Mythical Athens and Greek Olive Oil Tasting Tour. This tour combines a comprehensive “Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour” with an engaging “Olive Oil Tasting Experience.”
Experience Athens’ historical highlights and savor the nuances of Greek olive oil, a staple of local culture and cuisine. Ideal for those keen to explore Greek traditions and the emerging trend of oleotourism, this tour offers valuable insights and memorable experiences for every traveler.
Itinerary of the Athens Sightseeing and Olive Oil Tasting Tour in 9 Hours
Self-guided Visits:
The Acropolis – The Parthenon – Erechtheum – Temple of Athens Nike – Propylaea – Plaka – Panathenaic Stadium (outside) – The Parliament – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – Change of the Guards – Lycabettus Hill
Panoramic Sightseeing (from the comfort of our vehicle as our driver provides insightful commentary):
Piraeus Riviera, Athens Riviera, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Theatre of Dionysus, Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Presidential Mansion, the National Garden, Greek Parliament, Syntagma Square, Numismatic Museum of Athens, the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, the National Library, the Statue of General Kolokotronis, the Museum of the History of Greece, and the bustling Ermou Street.
- Visit Athens’ historical and modern landmarks
- Visit the iconic Acropolis, symbol of Athens
- Explore traditional to super intensive olive groves
- Seasonal olive harvesting (October-November)
- Learn about organic extra virgin olive oil production
- Olive oil tasting and pairing session
- Convenient hotel or cruise port transfers included
Explore the Iconic Acropolis
Begin your journey at the Acropolis, the defining symbol of Athens and a pinnacle of ancient Greek culture. This site, perched atop a rocky outcrop above the city, offers a direct connection to the past, showcasing the architectural and intellectual achievements of a civilization that has profoundly influenced the Western world.
The Propylaea serves as the grand entrance, leading visitors into the heart of this ancient complex. Here, the Erechtheum stands out with its unique architectural features, including the Porch of the Caryatids, where meticulously carved female figures replace traditional columns.
Your visit concludes at the Parthenon, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. This temple exemplifies the pinnacle of classical architecture, its perfect proportions and detailed sculptures embodying the Athenians’ dedication to beauty and excellence.
Wander Through Picturesque Plaka
After the Acropolis, descend into Plaka, the most enchanting neighborhood in Athens. Nestled at the foot of the sacred rock, Plaka enchants visitors with its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and a vibrant atmosphere that combines the historic with the cosmopolitan.
As you wander through this area, you’ll be greeted by neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, and an array of shops selling everything from traditional Greek crafts to contemporary art. Plaka’s charm lies not just in its aesthetics but also in its ability to transport you to a bygone era, all while providing a lively, welcoming environment. This quarter is the perfect place to continue your exploration of Athens, offering a seamless blend of cultural heritage and modern-day Greek life.
See the City’s Landmarks
Your tour will guide you past the solemn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the bustling Syntagma Square, home to the Greek Parliament.
Discover landmarks like Hadrian’s Arch and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
As you journey down Panepistimiou Avenue, the elegance of Athens unfolds through sights of the Catholic Church, the illustrious Academy, the University of Athens, and the National Library, all set against a backdrop of fragrant sour orange trees.
Experience an Award-Winning Olive Oil Mill
After the first leg of your private excursion, your driver will escort you to the Argolis region of the Peloponnese, setting the stage for an enriching olive oil tasting experience.
Located in the vibrant area of Argolis-Corinth, a world-renowned olive oil mill opens its doors to those who wish to immerse themselves in the world of olive oil production. Through a carefully guided tour, visitors are introduced to the process of transforming olives into oil, highlighting both contemporary and ancient techniques.
The highlight of this visit is an engaging seminar where participants have the opportunity to taste extra virgin olive oil. This session is designed to enhance your ability to recognize its distinctive characteristics and reveal the nuanced secrets of its flavor.
Tasting Greek Olive Oil
Olive oil tasting is an enriching experience that draws parallels with wine tasting, emphasizing the aroma, bitterness, and spiciness of the oil. Through this immersive activity, participants gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of olive oil, a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine.
Option 1 (70 minutes, minimum 2 people) involves a comprehensive journey beginning with a visit to the olive grove and mill, where you’ll be introduced to the production line of extra virgin olive oil. A standout feature is the virtual reality presentation, where participants don a VR headset to experience the cultivation, production, and bottling processes.
The session includes a detailed presentation on Greek extra virgin olive oils, covering varieties, health benefits, and storage tips. A professional tasting for two of the award-winning extra virgin olive oils, alongside the option to sample additional products for a small fee, complements this experience. Guests also enjoy a simple tasting of the Soligea product line, featuring extra virgin olive oil, Kalamon olives, and Kalamon olive paste.
Option 2 (40 minutes, minimum 4 people) offers a guided tour of the facilities with an insight into the journey of extra virgin olive oil “from the tree to the bottle.” This option includes a straightforward tasting of the Soligea product line, embracing extra virgin olive oil, pitted Kalamon olives, and Kalamon olive paste.
In both options, guests can savor the simple pleasures of fresh bread and bruschetta topped with Kalamon olive paste, along with a mini salad made with seasonal vegetables, encapsulating the essence of Greek flavors.
Experience Virtual Reality
The tour embraces modern technology through a virtual reality experience that transports visitors into the world of olive oil production. Wearing a VR headset, participants virtually engage in every stage of production, from the cultivation of olives to the bottling of the oil, offering an immersive educational experience that bridges tradition and innovation.
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
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.
