Greece · City Tours

Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour

5 Hours Pickup service provided in Athens. to Drop-off service provided in Athens. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the Acropolis and its landmark monuments
  • 02 Visit the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the sacred hill
  • 03 See the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and Theatre of Dionysus
  • 04 Drive through central Athens in a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • 05 Enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Lycabettus
  • 06 Pass by the Panathenaic Stadium, Arch of Hadrian, and Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • 07 See Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • 08 Discover the historic streets and atmosphere of Plaka

Discover Athens’ most iconic landmarks on a private half-day tour that blends ancient history with the city’s modern character. From the Acropolis and its world-famous monuments to the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, this experience offers a well-rounded introduction to the Greek capital.

Travel in the comfort of a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver, and enjoy the flexibility and personal attention that come with a private tour. Along the way, take in panoramic city views from Mount Lycabettus and pass through key central sights including Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament, and the historic neighborhood of Plaka.

Discover Athens’ most iconic landmarks on a private half-day tour that blends ancient history with the city’s modern character.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Athens
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Acropolis

Walk on the land in which thousands of years ago some of the largest and most important parts of the global philosophy, politics, and science were born and flourished. Navigate ancient monuments of priceless cultural and historical value and experience in person the greatness and glamour of Greek ancient times. Starting off with the Acropolis, which in Greek translates to the edge of the city, the geographically and spiritually highest point according to ancient Greeks.

Propylaea

The Propylaea was the monumental gateway to the Acropolis of Athens and was one of several public works commissioned by the Athenian leader Pericles in order to rebuild the Acropolis a generation after the conclusion of the Persian Wars.

Parthenon

On the top of this sacred hill, proudly stands the Parthenon, which is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture, where you will experience the greatness of ancient Greece captured on every piece of marble. An architectural jewel that hosts the best of what the human spirit and genius has ever conceived, an open embrace that awaits its famed sister marbles to welcome them home again.

Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens in Greece which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

Temple of Athena Nike

The Temple of Athena Nike is a temple on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike. Built around 420 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. It has a prominent position on a steep bastion at the southwest corner of the Acropolis to the right of the entrance, the Propylaea. In contrast to the Acropolis proper, a walled sanctuary entered through the Propylaea, the Victory Sanctuary was open, entered from the Propylaea's southwest wing and from a narrow stair on the north. The sheer walls of its bastion were protected on the north, west, and south by the Nike Parapet, named for its frieze of Nikai celebrating victory and sacrificing to their patroness, Athena and Nike.

Theatre of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient Greek theatre in Athens. It is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus. The first orchestra terrace was constructed on the site around the mid- to late-sixth century BC, where it hosted the City Dionysia. The theatre reached its fullest extent in the fourth century BC under the epistates of Lycurgus when it would have had a capacity of up to 17,000, and was in continuous use down to the Roman period. The theatre then fell into decay in the Byzantine era and was not identified, excavated, and restored to its current condition until the nineteenth century.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theater structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950.

Acropolis Museum

At the foot of the Acropolis Hill in the shadow of the imposing Parthenon lays a modern jewel that houses some of the most important ancient Greek statues and works of art, the Acropolis Museum.

Arch of Hadrian

The Arch of Hadrian, most commonly known in Greek as Hadrian's Gate, is a monumental gateway resembling a Roman triumphal arch. It spanned an ancient road from the center of Athens, Greece, to the complex of structures on the eastern side of the city that included the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Between the Acropolis and the Ilisos River are the remains of the Olympian Zeus Temple (now known as the Pillars of Olympian Zeus), one of Athens’ most important and oldest shrines. The space even today gives the visitor a sense of grandeur.

Panathenaic Stadium

Continuing with the stunning Calimarmaro or as it is called today, the Panathenaic Stadium, the house of the first modern Olympic games, made of Pentelic marble in which the Olympic ideals are still reflected today.

Mount Lycabettus

After leaving the beautiful Calimarmaro behind us, we will drive up to Lycabettus hill where you will enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city and admire the combination of ancient and modern Athens from above.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is the central square of Athens. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843.[2] It is located in front of the 19th century Old Royal Palace, housing the Greek Parliament since 1934. Syntagma Square is the most important square of modern Athens from both a historical and social point of view, at the heart of commercial activity and Greek politics. The name Syntagma alone also refers to the neighbourhood surrounding the square.

Hellenic Parliament

Traveling thousands of years ahead, to the Hellenic Parliament building that houses the Greek Parliament in an impressive building in downtown Athens overseeing Syntagma Square, protected by the presidential guard that consists of two soldiers dressed in the traditional Greek combat uniform, standing stationary and guarding beside the tomb of the unknown soldier. The two guards perform the guard change ceremony every hour with impressive accuracy and agility.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens, in front of the Old Royal Palace. It is a cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during war. It was sculpted between 1930 and 1932 by sculptor Fokion Rok. The tomb is guarded by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard.

Academy of Athens

The Academy of Athens is Greece's national academy and the highest research establishment in the country. It was established in 1926 and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. The Academy's main building is one of the major landmarks of Athens.

National Library of Greece

The National Library of Greece is situated near the center of the city of Athens. It was designed by the Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen, as part of his famous Trilogy of neo-classical buildings including the Academy of Athens and the original building of the Athens University. It was founded by Ioannis Kapodistrias.

Old Parliament House

The Old Parliament House at Stadiou Street in Athens housed the Greek Parliament between 1875 and 1935. It now houses the country's National Historical Museum.

Plaka

The old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. It is known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Pickup service provided in Athens. to Drop-off service provided in Athens. 1 city · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional drivers with deep knowledge of history (Not licensed to accompany you in any site)
  • Athens hotel or apartment/ Piraeus port pickup and drop-off
  • Private transportation
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • WiFi on board
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Acropolis of Athens (must be purchased in advance due to limited availability - available upon request or can be pre-booked using the links provided on your ticket/ voucher)
  • Acropolis Museum (OPTIONAL depending on the tour option selected - available upon request or can be pre-booked using the links provided on your ticket/ voucher)
  • Ancient Agora of Athens (OPTIONAL depending on the tour option selected - available upon request or can be pre-booked using the links provided on your ticket/ voucher or purchased directly on-site)
  • Archaeological Museum (OPTIONAL depending on the tour option selected - available upon request or can be pre-booked using the links provided on your ticket/ voucher or purchased directly on-site)
  • Licensed tour guide - upon request and depending on availability
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Our drivers are not official tour guides, but they are knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. Although they will not enter the archaeological sites with you, they can answer all of your questions about the places you visit with this tour.
  • Third party activities and especially extreme sports are not allowed during the tour. This can be a cause for immediate cancellation of the tour.
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off upon request (Additional cost)
  • We can provide you with the skip-the-line tickets upon request.
  • LINKS FOR THE TICKETS

    Acropolis of Athens

    This is the most important ticket to purchase in advance, as availability is limited. Please select the time slot that follows the start time of your tour.

    Acropolis Museum

    This is also important to be purchased in advance, as availability is limited. Please select the time slot that follows the Acropolis of Athens time slot.

    Ancient Agora of Athens

    This ticket can be purchased on-site, as lines are typically short.

    National Archaeological Museum

    This ticket can be purchased on-site, as lines are typically short.

  • This is a private tour exclusively for your group. Pickup time can be adjusted upon request.

    Your driver can pick you up and drop you off at the same location or at a different location of your choice within Athens.

    For hotel pickups, your driver will be waiting in the hotel lobby.

    For apartment pickups, your driver will be waiting outside the entrance of the building.

    For cruise port pickups, your driver will be waiting at the disembarkation gate, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Athens.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Athens.
Tour end
Drop-off service provided in Athens.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours run from Pickup service provided in Athens. to Drop-off service provided in Athens..

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.