Discover what makes Athens so unique on this private 3-hour tour led by a local guide. Dive into the Greek capital’s storied history at Syntagma Square, where you’ll see the eye-catching Changing of the Guard ceremony. Walk the perimeter of the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site; pass through the Ancient Agora of Athens; and see the Panathenaic Stadium. Then, get a taste of modern life from a local’s point of view in Plaka — or Athens Old Town — and Kolonaki.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ See a traditional Greek changing of the guard ceremony
✔ Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
✔ Sip Greek coffee, admire the old and new architecture
✔ Join Local English speaking guide on a walking tour
✔ Learn about Athens’ history and modern-day life from a local perspective
✖ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✖ Metro Ticket
✖ Entrance fees
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Syntagma Square, (at the exit of Syntagma metro station), in the middle of of the square, at the fountain.
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Itinerary
1
Plateia Syntagmatos
Start this historical Athens walking tour by meeting your local guide in Syntagma Square, the most important and crowded square in Athens, surrounded by impressive neoclassical buildings. The best known is the Grande Bretagne, once a royal palace but now a luxury hotel which has housed everyone from Churchill to Madonna.
Duration: 10 minutes
2
Tomba Del Milite Ignoto
At the upper end of the square see the Evzones, the guards of the Constitution, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Evzones are traditionally dressed in 17th and 18th century clothes: an impressive white skirt, red hat, and an old rifle. The changing of the guard happens every hour, and you simply cannot tour Athens without seeing this spectacle – which is why we’ve incorporated it into this tour! Watch the ceremony while your local guide explains the tradition.
Duration: 10 minutes
3
Next on this Athens tour you’ll jump on the metro and travel to Acropolis station. You’ll exit the station and take a walk around the walls of the famous Athens Acropolis, passing by the Ancient Agora. We’ll walk along ancient roads, admire new architecture, and hear about the customs and traditions that still exist today. This is the central hub of classic Athens history, and you’ll hear the stories behind this monument from your local guide. (Please note that if you wish to tour inside the Acropolis, this will have to be done separately on your own time.)
Duration: 40 minutes
4
Adrianou Street
Shop for souvenirs along Adrianou Street, where you can find local products such as ouzo (Greece’s national alcohol). You’ll also see shops that specialise in olive oil, sponges, leather sandals, and bags — something you won't experience on other Athens tours.
Duration: 15 minutes
5
Arco Di Adriano
Continue walking to Diogenis Square, under the impressive wall of the Acropolis. See Hadrian’s Arch, built in honour of one of the most glorified Roman emperors.
Duration: 10 minutes
6
Tempio Di Zeus Olimpio
You can see the ruins of the Jupiter (Zeus) temple as you taste and feel the history of Athens.
7
Panathenaic Stadium
The white marble Panathenaic Stadium is where the first Olympic Games took place and where the 2004 Olympic marathon ended.
Duration: 15 minutes
8
Kolonaki Square
Finally, you’ll be taken back to present-day Athens to admire some of Athens’ more modern architecture. We walk through the new city highlights, where life goes on in modern rhythms. See where locals wander, shop, and gather. Visit the Kolonaki area, which is the heart of today’s Athens.
Duration: 30 minutes
9
The Academy of Athens
The Athens walking tour comes to an end at the Academy of Athens.
Additional info
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please note that if you wish to tour inside the Acropolis, this will have to be done separately on your own time.
