Private Athens: Acropolis with a twist-Transfers included
On this Athens private tour you’ll make the most of your short stay in one of the world’s oldest cities, where ancient and modern coexist. Be ready to explore the Acropolis, the jewel of Athens, and the Acropolis Museum, listed among the top museums in the world.
Start your private tour with a pick-up from the arrivals gate of the Port of Piraeus, or from Athens International Airport, where your Urban Adventures tour representative will be waiting for you at the cruise arrivals terminal or at the arrivals lounge at the airport.
The first stop on your epic exploration of Athens will be the one and only Acropolis and its main temple of the Parthenon. A local licensed guide will be waiting for you at the entrance to the Acropolis archaeological site, and will hand you your pre-purchased tickets so you can enjoy skip-the-lines access.
Feel the historical weight of this global monument, highlighting the legacy of ancient Greece and attracting curious travellers from around the globe. Follow the steps of ancient philosophers and the founders of democracy, and see why celebrities such as Marlon Brando, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Jennifer Lopez, Barack Obama, Agatha Christie and the Prince of Monaco (just to name a few) made sure to get a photo next to this famous monument.
Your next stop will be the fascinating Acropolis Museum, a modern masterpiece with a stunning view of Acropolis rock and a great collection of findings including the Parthenon marbles (stone sculptures and inscriptions) and countless artifacts. You won’t be able to stop admiring the original Caryatids, statues of maidens which once supported the roof of the Erechtheion temple, and who are now the real stars of the museum!
Continuing your tour you’ll walk through Athens’ oldest neighbourhood: Plaka. Hillside Plaka has a village feel, with its narrow cobblestone labyrinthine alleys, pastel-hued houses, mythical monuments, and souvenir shops selling local products such as ouzo (Greece’s national alcohol), feta cheese and olive oil (which you will sample), or specialised boutiques selling jewellery, clothing and organic cosmetics.
While wandering below the eastern slopes of the Acropolis rock you’ll discover a difficult-to-find enclave reminiscent of a Greek island, with its whitewashed houses, winding staircases and yards full of flowers.
Next, you’ll have a short stop for a freshly brewed coffee before visiting Monastiraki Square, a lively melting pot of cultures. Admire the ancient Adrian Library, Pantanassa Monastery and Tzistarakis Mosque; the square’s landmarks representing different periods and religions.
Walking through the side streets, you’ll explore the buzzing square’s flea market where you’ll see shops selling unique pieces of art, Greek musical instruments and leather sandals. This is the perfect way to get in touch with Athens market culture.
Moving on, you’ll stroll around Psirri, a neighbourhood famous for its local taverns and bustling street art scene. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch (not included) before your chauffeur picks you up for a ride around some of the most famous landmarks in Athens.
Get ready to blow up your Instagram account with some seriously awesome selfies! Take this opportunity to capture snaps of the best spots in the city such as the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium where the first modern day Olympics took place in 1896, Syntagma Square and the Evzones (guards in front of the Parliament Building), the Temple of Zeus, the neoclassical Athenian Trilogy of the National Library, and the Chapel of St. George at the top of Lycabettus Hill with its breathtaking 360-degree views of the city!
At the end of your tour you’ll know why a visit to Greece couldn’t be complete without a stop in the historic yet modern and lively city of Athens.