Athens & Acropolis Highlights - Archaeologist Led Private Tour

MEETING OUR GUIDE. Your guide will be waiting at 7 Makrygianni Street at the Acropolis Metro stop which is just around the corner from the Acropolis Main Entrance. Our meeting spot provides an ideal perspective from which to view the surrounding wall of the Acropolis built by the earlier Mycenean civilisation and to provide you with an introduction to the History of the Acropolis, its importance and role in the life of ancient Greece, and an overview of the temples & amazing monuments you are about to see. VEHICLE OPTION: If choosing this option your driver will be at your Cruise ship disembarkation point, Hotel Reception or other Athens Address (please provide this after booking)

THE ACROPOLIS AND ALL ITS TEMPLES AND MONUMENTS. Our day starts with the Acropolis, focus of life in Ancient Athens & surrounded by its amazing cyclopean' wall, ' built by the Myceneans thousands of years ago. The Acropolis is home to the Parthenon, but also many other amazing monuments. You will first enter through the giant ‘Propylaia’ behind which once stood a gold encrusted statue of the Goddess Athena. You will also see the Temple of Athena Nike (or 'Viktory') from 420 BC before other important sites such as the mythical Erechtheion, unique in its construction with its iconic statues of the Caryatids, and the World’s oldest Theatre of Dionysus from the 6th Century BC, which would have seen the very first performances of ancient plays by Sophocles and Euripides among others. The impressive & fully renovated Roman theater, Herodius Atticus, completed in AD 161, also in the site, was dedicated to the wife of a rich benefactor and still hosts a vibrant public summer program.

THE PARTHENON. Considered widely as a masterpiece of science, engineering and culture, the Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena and would have originally housed her impressive statue. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of classical Greek art, some of which can be seen in the nearby Museum.

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM. A state of the Art Museum carfully built over excavations that revealed historical layers from Roman houses to byzantine churches. Passing the Museum, your guide will pass by these remains which brings to life the history literally beneath your feet during the tour

TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS. This Colossal temple at the center of Athens was dedicated to the God Zeus, head of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC and the temple was home to a richly adorned statue, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.

ARCH OF HADRIAN. Classic Triumphal Arch built by the Ancient Athenians for the Roman Emperor Hadrian & seen together with the Temple of Zeus in the same location

THE PANATHENAIC STADIUM. Also called 'Kallimarmaro' stadium is one of the highlights of Athens where the classic Marathon ends & the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble

ZAPPION HALL. This iconic landmark site in the National Gardens and was originally built as the very first Olympic Village at the start of the Modern Olympic Games. It has a fascinating history throuth the development of modern Athens & also once served as a tram hub in the 19th century.

NATIONAL GARDENS OF ATHENS. Originally laid out as a Royal Gardens in the 19th century this green and shady oasis connects many of the citys highlights and inside its meandering paths are many small delights from fountains, libraries, ancient ruins and even a zoo.

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS & TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER. Guarded by the impressive evzones, you can take photos with them (one at a time) and if the tour happens to hit this spot on the hour, then you will also see the impressive changeover ceremony.

GREEK PARLIAMENT. Center of Government and once a Royal Palace with importance in the recent history of modern Greece and dominating the spot above the main square of Athens.

SYNTAGMA SQUARE. Main square of Athens housing the Hellenic Parliament building & focus of much of Athenian life & Politics. At the start of the pedestrianised shopping thoroughfare and with many other markets and attractions in easy walk, this is the ideal spot to end your tour for a break before continuing your day.