Day Tour: Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens, Greece

You'll meet your local guide at Ktozia Square, and then have a look at the Mayor of Athens’ neo-classical building on bustling Athina Street, at 9am when the city’s shops and markets are alive with Athenians, preparing for another day of business just as they have for over 2,000 years. You'll have the chance to witness the spirit of the Greek life and commerce that existed thousands of years before: plunge into the authentic Athenian lifestyle as your guide takes you around the markets. Home to every kind of Mediterranean fruit, vegetable, meat, cheese and fresh on offer, it's a truly dazzling experience. After experiencing all these warm colours, tastes, and smells, you'll now head to Monastiraki Square.

Derived from the Greek word for monastery, the centre of Monastiraki square is home to the Pantanassa monastery, only a short distance from the 18th century Tzistarakis mosque, which is now a ceramics museum. The square is also where you'll find the Adrian library, an ancient temple built in Corinthian-style. You can also discover the square’s flea market, haggle with merchants and see millennia-old monuments. Wander along Ifaistou and Pandrossos Streets to discover specialist shops with everything from leather sandals to hand made icons, Greek music instruments and antiquities.

Fittingly, you'll now be taken to the ancient Agora, where merchants traded in Greek and Roman times, and on to the district of Thisson, passing en route houses from the 17th and the 18th century. Formerly a much overlooked corner of the city, Thisson has been completely renovated in the last decade, with many pedestrian streets, and lovingly restored houses.

Finally you'll come to Athens' crowning glory: the Acropolis. As you explore the site, you'll learn about the history and mythology of each temple, as well as seeing the Athina Nike, the Caryatides and the Parthenon, constructed in the city's Golden Age under Pericles. Here is where your urban adventure finishes, and you're at liberty to continue on your own personal exploration or the guide can give you advice on the best way to get back to your hotel.