Walking Athens

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Explore the city's major sites by foot on this Athens walking tour. 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, and enjoying some of the cool things to do in Athens. Finish by exploring Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Jupiter and the Panathinaikos Marble stadium.

Highlights:

See the uniquely dress Evzones on this Athens tour
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
Finish your Athens tour shopping in Plaka

Tour style:Walking, Market visits, Local Life & Culture, Public Transportation, History & Heritage
Inclusion:

English speaking guide

Exclusion:

Tips, drink, lunch, transport, entrance fees

Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:

Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
Meeting point:
Syntagma Square, (at the exit of Syntagma metro station), in the middle of of the square, at the fountain.
Start time: 8.45 AM
Finish point:
Plaka area.

Additional information :

Voucher exchange details:
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.
Confirmation of booking:
Please contact Athens Urban Adventures to confirm your tour 24 hours prior to departure.
Dress standard:
In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.
Child policy:
Travellers must be 12 years old or older.
Language: English

Itinerary:

Start this historical Athens walking tour by meeting 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 as it a must on the Athens things to do list!

Jumping on the metro and travelling to Monastiraki is the next local adventure on our Athens tour. 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 as you get ready to experience some Athens sightseeing wonders as we make our way around the walls of Ancient Acropolis through the Ancient Agora. Learn about the history, and the myths, for each temple and receive explanations about 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 - something you won't experience on other Athens tours.

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 as you taste and feel the history of Athens.

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 some of the more modern architecture as we continue our Athens sightseeing tour. 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 Athens walking tour 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.

Your trip:

This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.

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

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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