Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens
Athens, Greece
From USD 0.00
Office phone number: +30 698 067 9166
Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens
Athens, Greece
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Athens makes travelling easy; the streets are filled with cultural, historic, and culinary icons. The problem is knowing on which streets to find these treasures! Join this Athens tour to enjoy the benefits of having a local guide who will show you fresh produce, retail hot spots, ruins, temples, markets, and mosques.
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Highlights
- Dive deep into the history of the ancient city of Athens, with a local to guide you
- Explore the city’s many markets and legendary traditions within
- Step back in time and get insider knowledge on the city’s famous landmarks
- Discover Athens’ more recent history and architecture
- Wander around the famous neighbourhood of Plaka and sip coffee at a local’s favourite joint
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- All the stores you visit on this tour are 100% locally owned and run. Supporting small-scale, locally-run businesses helps to preserve the traditional character of old Athens.
- By joining this tour, you are supporting a street vendor who sells traditional Koulouri sesame rings, which helps increase his income.
- At least one store on your itinerary is dedicated to the preservation of locally-produced crafts.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
Kotzia Square, in Athina Avenue between metros staions of Omonia and Monastiraki, in front of the Mayor Building. Your guide will meet you at the fountain in this square.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.30 AM
- Ending point:
The Acropolis
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, coffee or soft drink, and a local sweet
Exclusions: Food and additional drinks, entrance fees, tips and gratuities for your guide. Please note that this tour does not go inside the Acropolis.
We start your Athens tour by meeting your local guide at Ktozia Square, then head to the Mayor of Athens’ neo-classical building on Athina Street, one of the busiest in Athens. Starting at 9.30 AM when the city’s shops and markets are bustling with Athenians, you’ll see the shop owners get ready for a day of business, just as they have done for the past 2,000 years. You will experience the spirit of Greek life with the same commerce of food that existed thousands of years before, and your local guide will be explaining these practices to you along the way.
On this Athens market tour you’ll dive into the Athenian way of life as your guide leads you through the markets. Here you will find every Mediterranean fruit, vegetable, meat, cheese, and more on offer. Experiencing local produce is one of the best things to do in Athens, and you’ll be able to pick out all the local favourites with the guide to show you the way.
Filled with all these warm colours, tastes, and smells, the next stop is Monastiraki Square. The name of the square derives from the Greek word for monastery, and in the centre of the square sits the Pantanassa Monastery. The square is also home to the Adrian Library, an archaic temple constructed in the Corinthian-style, and not far away is the 18th century Tzistarakis Mosque, now a ceramics museum. This Athens tour will point out all these landmarks to you and give you all the information you need to know about them in this cultural hub of the city.
Next, we explore the square’s flea market, mingle with merchants, and see ancient monuments as you uncover even more Athens history. Then, you’ll head off to Ifaistou or Pandrossos to discover shops selling all kind of specialties such as leather sandals, handmade icons, Greek music instruments, and antiques. This is the perfect place to pick up a momento of your Athens travel experience, and the perfect way to get in touch with Athens market culture.
Your tour will take you past ancient Agora next, where merchants traded enthusiastically during Greek and Roman times. You’ll see the lively central neighbourhood of Thission and pass houses from the 17th and 18th centuries along the way, as we make our way to one of Athens’ oldest areas, Plaka, to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee as we chat about all things ancient Greek.Your Athens tour ends at the entrance of the Acropolis, where you are free to continue on your own personal exploration or your local guide can give you advice on the best way to get back to your hotel. Don’t forget to ask for tips on what else to see and do during your stay.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, coffee or soft drink, and a local sweet
Exclusions: Food and additional drinks, entrance fees, tips and gratuities for your guide. Please note that this tour does not go inside the Acropolis.
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.
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +30 698 067 9166
Email address: info@athensurbanadventures.com
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