Best of Athens Half-Day Private Tour

Discover the wonders of Athens with our Best of Athens Half-Day Private Tour, offering a personalized experience through the city's most iconic landmarks and historic neighborhoods. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable tour driver who provides insights into Athens’ rich past and vibrant present. Visit the legendary Acropolis, then explore key sites such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Syntagma Square, Plaka, Monastiraki, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Lycabettus. Customize your itinerary based on your interests, and choose to include visits to the Acropolis Museum, Ancient & Roman Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum. With flexible scheduling, Wi-Fi, and convenient pick-up/drop-off, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.

Pickup at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.

The Acropolis of Athens, perched on a limestone hill in the heart of the city, is Greece’s most iconic ancient site and a universal symbol of classical civilization. Dating back to the 5th century BC, it was the spiritual and political center of ancient Athens. Dominated by the Parthenon, the Acropolis also features the Propylaea, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike—each showcasing the brilliance of ancient Greek architecture. Built during Athens’ Golden Age under Pericles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrates the city’s devotion to Athena and its lasting contributions to democracy, philosophy, and the arts.

The grand entrance to the Acropolis, the Propylaea, is an impressive gateway built in the 5th century BC under the leadership of Pericles. Its majestic Doric columns and balanced symmetry mark the transition from the secular to the sacred. As visitors pass through, they follow in the footsteps of ancient Athenians who once climbed this path during grand religious festivals. (Included in the Acropolis & Slopes entrance ticket)

The crown jewel of the Acropolis, the Parthenon is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, protector of Athens. Built between 447 and 432 BC, it represents the pinnacle of Doric architecture and classical art. Its perfect proportions, sculpted metopes, and frieze showcase the craftsmanship of ancient Greek architects and sculptors, particularly Phidias. Even in its ruined state, it radiates power, harmony, and timeless beauty. (Included in the Acropolis & Slopes entrance ticket)

This elegant temple is known for its asymmetrical design and the iconic Caryatids — graceful female figures that serve as architectural supports. The Erechtheion stands on the most sacred part of the Acropolis, where, according to legend, Athena and Poseidon competed for the city's patronage. The temple honors both gods, as well as early Athenian kings, blending mythology and history in a uniquely intricate structure. (Included in the Acropolis & Slopes entrance ticket)

A small yet striking Ionic temple, the Temple of Athena Nike stands at the southwest edge of the Acropolis. Built around 427 BC, it was dedicated to Athena as the bringer of victory. From its position overlooking the Athenian coastline and the Saronic Gulf, it reminded citizens of Athens’ naval dominance and divine protection during wartime. Its delicate friezes and compact beauty make it a gem of classical architecture. (Included in the Acropolis & Slopes entrance ticket)

Step into the Teatro di Dioniso, the oldest theater in the world and the birthplace of Greek tragedy. Nestled on the southern slope of the Acropolis, this ancient theater was dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and drama, and served as the stage for the works of great playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. With its semicircular seating carved into the hillside, the theater could hold up to 17,000 spectators who gathered for grand performances and festivals. As you stand amid the ruins, imagine the voices and stories that once filled this sacred space, shaping the foundation of Western theater against the awe-inspiring backdrop of ancient Athens. (Included in the Acropolis & Slopes entrance ticket)

Discover the Herod Atticus Odeon, a striking open-air stone theater nestled on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. Built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, this ancient odeon once hosted grand performances, echoing with music and poetry under the open sky. Today, its impressive arches and tiered seating remain a testament to Roman-era architectural mastery and serve as a cultural venue during the Athens Festival. Standing here, imagine the timeless performances that have graced this historic stage, all with the dramatic backdrop of the Acropolis rising above. (Included in the Acropolis & Slopes entrance ticket)

(Optional visit for 1 hour by selecting the "(+) Acropolis Museum 5H" option of this tour). Just below the Acropolis, this modern museum is filled with treasures from ancient Greece. You’ll see marble statues, pottery, and amazing artifacts that tell the story of Athens’ glorious past. Begin in the Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis, featuring artifacts from ancient sanctuaries. The transparent floor reveals the archaeological excavation below. Visit the Archaic Gallery to see Kore statues and other sculptures from the 7th to 5th centuries BC. In the Parthenon Gallery, admire the Parthenon frieze, metopes, and pediments, providing insights into Greek mythology and history. The Propylaia, Athena Nike, and Erechtheion Gallery houses architectural elements from these significant structures, including the iconic Caryatids. Relax at the Museum Café and Shop, enjoying views of the Acropolis and browsing scholarly books and unique souvenirs.

(Optional visit for 40 minutes by selecting the "(+) Ancient & Roman Agora 5H" option of this tour. There is combined entrance ticket offer with Acropolis & Slopes). Explore the Ancient Agora, the bustling heart of classical Athens where politics, philosophy, and daily life flourished. Wander through the ruins of temples, stoas, and marketplaces, where great minds like Socrates and Plato once walked. Visit the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, dedicated to the god of craftsmanship, and the Stoa of Attalos, a restored colonnaded building that now houses artifacts from Athens' rich history. As you stroll through this open-air museum, envision the lively debates, commerce, and ceremonies that shaped democratic ideals in this vibrant center of ancient Greek life.

(Optional visit for 20 minutes by selecting the "(+) Ancient & Roman Agora 5H" option of this tour. There is combined entrance ticket offer with Acropolis & Slopes). Step into the Roman Agora, an ancient marketplace that once served as a bustling hub for trade and social life in Roman Athens. This historic site, framed by grand columns and monumental gates, showcases the architectural blend of Greek and Roman styles. Explore notable structures like the Gate of Athena Archegetis and the Tower of the Winds, an octagonal clocktower with intricate reliefs representing the winds. As you wander through the ruins, imagine the merchants, scholars, and artisans who once filled this lively space, contributing to Athens' rich legacy of culture and commerce.

(Optional visit for 1 hour by selecting the "(+) Nat. Arch. Museum 5H" option of this tour). Delve into Greece’s rich history at the National Archaeological Museum, Athens’ largest and most prestigious museum, showcasing an unparalleled collection of ancient artifacts. Marvel at treasures from prehistoric times to late antiquity, including the golden Mask of Agamemnon, intricate Cycladic figurines, and iconic bronze statues like the Artemision Zeus or Poseidon. Wander through galleries filled with pottery, jewelry, and sculptures that trace the evolution of Greek art, culture, and mythology. Each exhibit brings you closer to the lives, beliefs, and achievements of ancient civilizations, offering a profound insight into the heritage that shaped Western culture.

Stand before the Arch of Hadrian, or Hadrian's Gate, a monumental gateway in Athens, built in honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian in 131-132 AD. It marked the boundary between the ancient city and the new city developed by Hadrian. Made from Pentelic marble, the arch stands about 18 meters tall and blends Greek and Roman architecture. It features two inscriptions, one facing the Acropolis, reading "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus," and the other facing the new city, saying "This is the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus." It symbolizes Hadrian's influence on Athens.

Witness the remnants of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This monumental temple, dedicated to Zeus, was one of the largest in the ancient world. Marvel at the 15 towering Corinthian columns that remain from the original 104, each standing 17 meters tall. Learn from your guide about the temple's history, starting in the 6th century BC and completed in the 2nd century AD by Emperor Hadrian. Explore the surrounding archaeological site, seeing remnants of ancient structures and statues. Enjoy the stunning views of the Acropolis and the city from the temple grounds, perfect for photos.

Visit the historic Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro. Step into the stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896! Entirely built of marble, this is the world’s only stadium like it. A must-see for sports fans and history lovers alike. Your driver will share engaging stories about the stadium's history and significance.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Special Requests: If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
• Our tour drivers are not official tourist guides, but they are highly knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. While they will not accompany you inside the archaeological sites, they are well-versed in the history and significance of each location and can answer all your questions during the tour.
• We provide assistance to people with movement disability for boarding and alighting from the vehicle. However, it is advisable to inform us in advance if any special arrangements are required.
• For families with younger children, we offer child safety seats upon request.
• We provide assistance to purchase skip the line electronic entrance tickets.
• Smartphone or tablet and earphones are required for our audio guides.
• Smartphone or tablet is required for our PDF guide.

• Best of Athens 4H
  Add
  Duration: 4 hours
  Best of Athens: Following the Acropolis, we continue our itinerary to explore the rest of Athens.
  Pickup included
• (+) Acropolis Museum 5H
  Add
  Duration: 5 hours
  Acropolis Museum: Following the Acropolis, we visit the Acropolis Museum, then we continue our itinerary to explore the rest of Athens.
  Pickup included
• Personalized Athens Tour 4H
  Add
  Duration: 4 hours
  Personalized Athens Tour: Personalize your Athens Tour by selecting stops that interest you. Reach out to us after booking to tailor your experience!
  Pickup included
• (+) Ancient & Roman Agora 5H
  Add
  Duration: 5 hours
  Ancient & Roman Agora: Following the Acropolis, we visit the Anc. Agora & Roman Agora, then we continue our itinerary to explore the rest of Athens.
  Pickup included
• (+) Nat. Arch. Museum 5H
  Add
  Duration: 5 hours
  National Archaeological Museum: Following the Acropolis, we visit the Nat. Arch. Museum, then we continue our itinerary to explore the rest of Athens.
  Pickup included

• Pickup and drop-off available at any location in Athens, Piraeus, Athens Airport, and Piraeus Port
• Bottled waters
• Audio guides for the Acropolis, Ancient Agora and Museums (Smartphone+Earphones required)
• Mercedes air-conditioned Premium Minivan
• Charge your devices with our 4 USB quick chargers (Type C & Apple)
• Skip-the-line ticket service
• English-speaking tour driver with extensive knowledge of each location's history and significance
• PDF guide for all sights & monuments of the tour

• Licensed guide (historian | archaeologist) to accompany you inside the sites (upon request–€230)

Sights Entrance Information & Skip-the-Line Ticket Links Acropolis & Slopes Opening Hours: Nov 1–Mar 31: 08:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) | Apr 1–Aug 31: 08:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30) | Sep 1–15: 08:00–19:30 (last entry 19:00) | Sep 16–30: 08:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30) | Oct 1–15: 08:00–18:30 (last entry 18:00) | Oct 16–31: 08:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30) Skip the Line: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000002 Acropolis Museum Opening Hours: Winter (Nov 1–Mar 31): Mon–Thu: 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) | Fri: 09:00–22:00 (last entry 21:30) | Sat–Sun: 09:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30) | Summer (Apr 1–Oct 31): Mon: 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) | Tue–Sun: 09:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30) | Fri: 09:00–22:00 (last entry 21:30) Skip the Line: https://etickets.theacropolismuseum.gr/?culture=en Ancient Agora Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00 (last entry 16:40) Skip the Line: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000004 Roman Agora Opening Hours: Winter (Nov 1–Mar 31): 08:00–15:00 (last entry 14:30) | Summer (Apr 1–Aug 31): 08:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30) | Sep 1–15: 08:00–19:30 (last entry 19:10) | Sep 16–30: 08:00–19:00 (last entry 18:40) | Oct 1–15: 08:00–18:30 (last entry 18:10) | Oct 16–31: 08:00–18:00 (last entry 17:40) Skip the Line: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000005 National Archaeological Museum Opening Hours: Winter (Nov 1–Mar 31): Tue: 12:30–20:00 | Mon & Wed–Sun: 08:30–16:00 | Summer (Apr 1–Oct 31): Tue: 12:30–20:00 | Mon & Wed–Sun: 08:00–20:00 Skip the Line: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000012

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Athenaos Travel & Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Athens.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.8 Stars based on 24 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 14 Travelers is accepted for booking.