A quick tour to the mother city of the Western Civilization, Ancient and Modern city struggle under the bright Attica sky.
Highlights
Panoramic view of a live city map from the Lycabettus hill
Stop at the Panathinaic Stadium and the Temple of Zeus
Watch the change of the presidential guards in front of the Parliament House
Walk up the Acropolis Hill
Feel the unique atmosphere of Plaka
Athens Sightseeing
A tour of Athens in the city’s most famous classical and modern sites in between city’s historical-archaeological triangle which is formed by Acropolis Hill – Lycabettus Hill and Panathinaic Stadium. This triangle covers the centre of Athens and combines the modern and ancient sites of the city. Starting from Lycabettus Hill panoramic view of the city, we drive down to the Panathenaic Stadium, made of clear white marble, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Then after a quick stop at the magnificent Temple of Olympian Zeus we visit the Parliament House, which was originally constructed to be a royal residence, and the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier at the Constitution Square (Syntagma). There we will meet the Euzones in their traditional colorful uniforms. After driving around the center we head to the famous site of the Acropolis hill, climb up the Holy Rock and visit the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and definitely the Parthenon. Enjoy the view from the top of the Acropolis and at the end take a relaxing walk in the cozy old traditional neighbourhood of Plaka.
ATHENA the virgin goddess
Goddess of wisdom, war and the crafts, and favourite daughter of Zeus, Athena was, perhaps, the wisest, most courageous, and certainly the most resourceful of the Olympian gods. Athena was born from Zeus’ head, wearing armour and fully grown. A popular theme in ancient art, Hephaistos is often depicted in the role of midwife, splitting Zeus’ head with an axe.
Epithets of Athena include Pallas (girl) and Parthenos (virgin), living up to which, she is conspicuous amongst the gods for not indulging in illicit relationships with other divinities, demi-gods, or mortals. Other epithets were Promachos (of war) – perhaps referring to more patriotic, defensive, and strategic warfare, rather than attacking warfare, in contrast to her more aggressive, conflict-loving brother Ares, Ergane (of the crafts), and Nike (victory).
Athena Parthenos
Sites Opening Hours
- Winter : From November 1 to March 31 08:30 until 15:00
- Summer : From April 1 to October 31 08:00 until 19:30
Entrance fee required 12 Euros
- Free entrance : For students from E.U (student id is required)
- Free entrance : For children under 19 years old
- Reduced entrance fee for students outside the E.U
- Reduced entrance fee for citizens over 65 years old from E.U Countries
Note: Please note that on this tour, your driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb to the top of the Acropolis or inside any other site or museum. If you want a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you can hire one at extra cost.
