Athens | Ancient Cultures!

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request

Immerse yourself in the history & culture of ancient Athens visiting two of the most famous archaeological sites & landmarks of Athens - the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum plus so much more. And, when you’ve had your fill enjoy the most delicious food tour of Athens on an 'off the beaten track' tour giving valuable insight on the unique and the intricate culinary heritage of Greece!

Day 1: Athens

Arriving at Athens airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel located in central Athens. The remainder of today is at your leisure to start exploring Athens on your own.

Day 2: Athens City, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

This morning enjoy a comprehensive small-group walking tour of Athens combined with the two most famous archaeological sites & landmarks of Athens - the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum. Your tour begins inside the Syntagma metro station, where you will visit the metro Museum (in 10-15 minutes) with very interesting archaeological artefacts from the daily life of Ancient Athenians, that came to light during the construction of the metro. You will then continue on to the House of the Greek Parliament, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and watch the changing of the guards. The tour then continues towards the National Gardens and onto the beautiful neoclassical Zappeion Hall, in front of which tower the surviving columns of the Zeus Temple and Hadrian’s  Arch, both of which you will have the opportunity to visit. From there you walk towards the Acropolis through the beautiful pedestrian walkway of Dionysiou Areopagitou. We will then enter the Acropolis from the south slope to avoid the crowds and also to visit the Dionysus sanctuary and Dionysus Theatre built in the 5th century BC. As you begin to ascend the sacred hill a breathtaking view of the city below will unfold. Remember that entrance fees are to be paid locally so be sure to have some Euros in your pocket (Euro 31 person approximately). Your guide will give you a detailed explanation of the glorious monuments of the Acropolis such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia, the Nike Temple, the Agrippa monument and the surrounding monuments such as the Herodes Atticus Odeon, the Ancient Agora, the Observatory as well as the city's scenic hills of Philopappos, Mars and Pnyx. You will then have some free time (approx 45 minutes) for picture taking and perhaps get a snack or a drink, before meeting up again with your guide at the Acropolis Museum where you'll enjoy a guided visit of this stunning museum displaying of over 4000 artefacts from the Acropolis and excavations visible under glass floors & walkways. The tour lasts approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, ending at the Acropolis Museum at about 3:00 pm. (B)

Day 3: Food Walking Tour

Following breakfast at your hotel, set out on a delicious 'off the beaten track' food tour to discover another side of Athens which lies in the shadow of the famous Acropolis and where a kaleidoscope of colours, smells, tastes and textures await. Get ready to taste a wide variety of Greek delicacies ranging from the mouth-watering sweet and syrupy “loukoumades” to traditional “bougatsa” pie and savour a satisfying meld of flavours of a "gyros", warm pita bread filled with seasoned grilled meat, fresh veggies & traditional sauce. In between, you’ll taste Feta cheese, Greek olives, and sip Greek wines. Your guide will lead you through the bustling Athens Central Market, a historic food market unlike any other in Europe. Here, colourful and fragrant food stalls set the stage among animated food sellers, fishmongers and butchers whelping for sales as locals bargain them down. You’ll also walk the city’s quaint spice street, browse through mom-and-pop speciality shops selling local wine, olive oil, cheese or olives, and sample what’s behind the glass counters at family-run delicatessens. The aromas of fresh, out-of-the-oven savoury pies, the tempting displays of Greek pastries and sips of Greece’s strong and tasteful spirits round out the food tour. In between each bite, you’ll gain insight into Greece’s fascinating food culture, the evolution of the country’s cuisine and the healthy nature of locally produced, organic ingredients. This small group tour of no more than 16 participants lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes and the remainder of the day is free to spend as you chose. (B)

Day 4: Departure

Today marks the end of your Athens City Break. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your driver arrives to transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. Or ask about extending your stay with CIT Tours. (B)
   

Daily departures

Please note: The excursions included in this City Break do not operate daily. The itinerary will be modified to suit.