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Trip Valid:30 Dec 2009 to 30 Dec 2010
Duration:2.5 - 3 hours
Pickup location:
Syntagma Square, (at the exite of Syntagma metro station), in the middle of of the square, at the fountain.
Pickup time:9.45 AM
Drop-off location:
Plaka area
Drop-off time:1.00 PM
Highlights:
See the uniquely dress Evzones, Explore bustling pedestrian streets, Travel by metro to see ancient sites, Experience ancient Greece with a guide at the Acropolis, Explore Hadrian’s Arch, Visit the home of the first Olympics, Window shop in Plaka
Trip Code:GRUC Group size:Minimum 1, Maximum 12 Price:USD 50.38 Style:Walking, Market visits, Local Life & Culture, Public Transportation, History & HeritageExplore Athens’ major sites by foot. Begin in Syntagma Square and see the Evzones hard at work. Then head to the Acropolis before a spot of window shopping in the Plaka area. Finish by exploring Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Jupiter and the Panathinaikos Marble stadium.
Itinerary
Meet your local guide in Syntagma Square, the most important and crowded square in Athens. Around the square, you will find impressive neo-classical buildings. The best known is the Grande Bretagne, once a royal palace but these days a luxury hotel which has housed everyone from Churchill to Madonna.
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 with 17th and 18th century clothes: an impressive white skirt, red hat and an old rifle. The changing of the guard happens every hour and we’ll be sure to see the spectacle.
Jump on the metro and travel to Monastiraki. Travelling between these stations is like stepping back in time; both have exposed ancient ruins behind glass, discovered during the excavations for the metro system.
Walk from the station to the ancient Acropolis site. Walking around the site learn about the history, and the myths, for each temple. See the Athina Nike, the Caryatides and the Parthenon, constructed in the Golden Age of Athens under Pericles.
Afterwards, explore the Plaka area. Shop for souvenirs along Adriannou Street and stop at an ouzo shop to taste the Greek national drink. All taverns in Greece sell ouzo and here you’ll see different types from all over the country, made in many different ways. You’ll also see shops that specialize in olive oil, sponges, icons, leather sandals or bags.
Continue walking to Diogenis Square, under the impressive wall of the Acropolis. See Hadrian’s Arch, built in honor of one of the most glorified Roman emperors. Directly behind it you can see the ruins of the Jupiter (Zeus) temple.
Pass by the National Garden and Zappeion, to arrive at the Panathinaiko Stadium. Made of white marble it was here that the first Olympic games took place and where the 2004 Olympic marathon ended.
Finally admire the more modern architecture. Learn how well known foreign architects built and designed neo-classical residences during the 18th and 19th century and see how they sit next to ancient Grecian sites.
The adventure comes to an end in the Plaka area where you are free to continue your own personal exploration or the guide can give you advice on how to get back to your hotel.
Inclusion
English speaking guide
Exclusion
Tips, drink, lunch, transport, entrance fees
Voucher Exchange details
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.
Confirmation of booking
Please contact the local supplier to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.
Your trip
This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12
Dress Standard
Casual, sport dressing, walking shoes
Tipping
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this trip
Children policy
Children must be more than 12 years old or older.
Language
English- Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
- Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.
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