5 Must-Experience Tours Through Athens, Greece

Are you fascinated by ancient ruins, architecture and Greek mythology? Does your mouth water when you think of delicious Mediterranean dishes? If so, Athens could top your list of dream destinations, and a guided tour is one of the best ways to experience it. Here are five must-experience tours in Athens to help you make the most of your time in the ancient city:

A Foodie Walk Through Athens

Immerse yourself in the everyday of Athens, indulging in the tastes of Greek culture. As part of a small group, you’ll embark on a Foodie Walk Through Athens with a guide that knows all the best gems serving Greek cuisine. Savor the flavors of sesame bread (koulouri), extra-virgin olive oils, cheese, wine, honey, vinegar, cured meat (pastourmas), cream-filled pie (bougatsa), Greek donuts (loukoumades) and tasty skewers (souvlaki). Explore local markets and get an energy boost with industrial-strength java in a traditional coffee shop. There’s so much to see and taste that your senses will leap with joy.

The Best of Athens

If you’re chomping at the bit to explore some of the most popular sites in Athens, then the Best of Athens tour could be the one for you. Explore the Acropolis with towering walls that have framed it for more than 3,000 years. You’ll be in awe as you roam the hill on which it sits, knowing philosophy, democracy and art took center stage here. View the Temple of Athena Nike and soak up the sights of the Parthenon, which is considered the perfect example of classical architecture. Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch and then head to the National Archaeological Museum to enjoy the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities. Later enjoy a scenic drive where you’ll see some of the most important landmarks in the city, ending with a walking tour of the historical center.

Scenic Athens & the Plaka On Foot

Enjoy unique panoramic views as you depart the pier on the Scenic Athens & Plaka On Foot tour, where you’ll pass Adrian’s Arch and the statue of Lord Byron. You’ll also go by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which took 700 years to complete. This Athens tour continues to many sites, including Constitution Square and the former Royal Palace where the Evzones National Guard keep watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. It also includes views of the all-marble Olympic Stadium built for the modern Olympic Games in 1896 and the National Gardens. And finally, get ready for photos as you stop at the foot of the Acropolis and admire the beauty above.

Athens & The Acropolis

Embark on the Athens & the Acropolis tour by starting your day with the Parthenon – the most famous temple of the ancient city dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. As you walk up the path toward the Acropolis, you’ll pass through the Propylaea and see the Erechtheum temple and Porch of the Caryatids in the distance. After soaking up the sights of the Acropolis, enjoy a drive through the city, seeing highlights that include Constitution Square, the Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium.

Acropolis, Ancient Agora & Temple of Olympian Zeus

Enjoy a scenic ride on the Acropolis, Ancient Agora and Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens tour, passing many landmarks treasured by the ancient city. Sites include Hadrian’s Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens, the Academy and the University Library. The walking part of the tour begins as you climb 80 steps through Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis. Next enjoy lunch and local wines before visiting Agora. You’ll also visit the Stoa of Attalus Museum, the Thission Temple (built in 449 BC), the Old Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and local shops.

Quick Tips

Dress appropriately for the season and wear very comfortable shoes, as many of these tours involve steep steps and a lot of walking. Click the links above to learn more about each tour.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in an ancient city that continues to leave a lasting impression on civilizations around the globe? Learn more about the different shore excursions you can experience in Athens on a Holland America Line Greek Isle cruise.