This full-day tour will take you to some of the most amazing sites in Athens and all of which offer incredible views all over the city, there is also a sneaky visit to the hidden away Socrates Prison! A day to remember and definitely a tour with joining.
This full-day tour will take you to see all of the Acropolis before heading onwards to see more of the scenery that lies within a short distance from the Acropolis. The day will begin with your allocated tour guide coming to collect you in the morning firstly, now whether you book as a regular group tour or as a private tour with us you shall be given your collection time upon time of booking, also your pick up can be from various points such as from Piraeus Harbour – Athens Airport and also your hotel depending upon which tour you wish to book either private or as a regular group tour.
To visit Athens Acropolis – Monumental Gateway – Parthenon – Erechteion will take about 2 hours
Once you have been collected we will then start off on your day around Athens, the first point of the call shall be to the outstanding Parthenon which is the number 1 attraction of Athens and a day in Athens would not be the same without visiting here. As we reach Parthenon we will take a walk up the hill where along the way you can see the Temple of Athena Nike, it was here that Athena was worshipped as the goddess who stood by the Athenians in the time of war and this temple still stands in a great condition. Straight after the Temple, you will pass through the grand Propylaea which in the English language means ‘Monumental Gateway’, the amazing well-kept propylaea was created back in 437-432 B.C and also offers great views before you enter through it. Moving on you will come to the world-famous Parthenon, it can be seen from any angle you stand in Athens and shines down to the city below the same as the sun shines in the sky. This Temple was built as a dedication to Athena and is absolutely incredible – it makes the most perfect photograph to take back home as a reminder! Just next to the Parthenon is a smaller building called Erechtheion and just beside here are known legends that the very first olive trees were grown by when Athena threw the seeds to the ground.
To visit Hill Philopappos – Socrates Prison – Muses Hill & Phynx Hill will take about 2 hours
After exploring the wonders that lay within the Acropolis we will take a walk downwards past the Odeon before we reach our next stop on the list for today which will be to visit the Hill Philopappos but before we reach there we will make a stop at Socrates Prison, now this prison is just breath-taking as it has been carved into a hill itself that’s just west of the Acropolis, this kind of construction truly does show how architecture was done in the time of Ancient Athens. It is told that artifacts from Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum were hidden away here to keep them protected from the invasion of the Nazis during world war 2. As we make our way up to Philopappos you will notice that the top of here offers by far the best views of the Parthenon as you will be standing almost at eye level, and just on this hill you will find a monument that was placed here in memory of Roman Prince Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos and of course is still in viewing condition so be sure to have your cameras at the ready. Just a short distance away we will reach the Hill of Phynx which is approx. 500m away from the Acropolis, The hill of Phynx is of a rocky nature with its surroundings being made up of parks, therefore, making the scenery around here very green and naturally beautiful. This hill has a very specific place within world history as to be one of the most important historical sites or Bema and these stone platforms are on the side of the hill and take steps to reach the top. Phynx has been noted to of been found during the 5th century B.C. and has also undergone 3 construction periods before it has become its lasting structure. By the third formation, the Phynx became of a larger scale and could accommodate up to 20,000 people and out of that 20,000 6,000 had to be Athenians to enable the discussions to start over political issues. When there was excavation work was done there were many other ancient remains found such as 2 large stones whose purpose was to shelter people in case of terrible weather there was also an altar of Zeus Agoraios and the sanctuary of Zeus Hypsistos.
Visit Lycabettus Hill will take about 1 hour
Last on our list is an exploration of Lycabettus Hill, this hill is 278m high and takes about 15 minutes to reach the top by foot but believe me the walk is worth it, Lycabettis stands very high above Athens and offers a very clear and unbelievable view across the Attica Basin and the Aegean Sea. During ancient times this hill was covered by superb vegetation and on the top stood a temple dedicated to Zeus. You will also be able to see the Agios Georgios which is a tiny White chapel of St.George which is great to capture on camera, there is also a cute little cafe that is based there, and its a perfect place to be to watch the sunset over a bottle of wine! This just about wraps up our tour for today, therefore your guide will then drop you back off at your allocated drop-off points where you will be able to spend the rest of the day relaxing and also reviewing your day with us.
*The Hills of Athens Tours is available all year round in private.
INCLUSIONS
*Pick up and Drop Off
*Professional Licensed Guide
*Parking Fees
*Transport and Driver
EXCLUSIONS
*Lunch – Drinks
*Entrance Fees
*Gratitude’s
ACROPOLIS AND PARTHENON
General admission fee: €20
The price is reduced by 50% during winter (1 November and 31 March). Children under 18 (with proof of ID), students and others (scroll down for the full list) pay €10 for their tickets (€5 during winter). Entry to the Acropolis not only gives you access to the Citadel (where you can see the Parthenon and the Erechtheion) but also the North and South slopes, where you will find the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus – amongst other features.
