Day Tour: Walking Athens, Greece
Visit the great sites of Athens on foot, from Syntagma Square to the Acropolis, with the chance to shop in the historic Plaka district, as well as discovering Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Jupiter and the Panathinaikos Marble stadium.
£31
Greentraveller's Travel Advice: From the UK, there are two scenic and green options to reach Greece. Your first option is travelling by train to Bari via Paris and Bologna before hopping on to the overnight to Patras which is followed by a bus ride to Athens. Alternatively, ferry and bus travel can be avoided by travelling by train to Athens via Paris, Munich and Bucharest.
>> For full details, see: Train, Ferry and Bus from London to Athens
Details of Urban Adventure in Athens: Walking Athens
You'll meet your local guide in Syntagma Square, Athens' great central square, surrounded by striking neo-classical buildings, such as the famous Grande Bretagne, once a royal palace and now a luxury hotel where everyone from Churchill to Madonna have spent their time in the Greek capital. At one end of the square you'll get to see the Evzones, the guards of the Constitution, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Evzones are traditionally attired in 17th and 18th century uniform: an impressive white skirt, red hat and an historic rifle. The changing of the guard happens every hour and we’ll definitely have chance to watch the ceremony.
From here, we take the metro to Monastiraki: travelling between these stations takes you back in time; both have exposed ancient ruins that were discovered whilst excavating the metro enclosed behind glass for commuters and tourists to admire. We'll then walk around the walls of the Ancient Acropolis through the Ancient Agora.
You'll get to discover the history and mythology of each temple as well as Athina Nike, the Caryatides and the Parthenon, built in Athens' Golden Age under Pericles. Next up is a chance to explore the historic Plaka area. You can browse for souvenirs on Adriannou Street and stop at an ouzo shop to sample the Greek national timple. All of Greece's tavernas sell ouzo and here you can find different types from all across the country, produced in a variety of ways. There are also shops that specialize in everything from olive oil to sponges, icons, leather sandals and bags.
We'll head on to Diogenis Square, which stands under the impressive wall of the Acropolis: here you can marvel at Hadrian’s Arch, built in honour of one of the greatest Roman emperors. Directly behind it are the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter (Zeus). We'll continue on past the National Garden and Zappeion and arrive at the Panathinaiko Stadium, the while marble home of the first Olympic games, recently reused as the end of the 2004 Olympic marathon ended.
At the end of the tour, you get the chance to take in some of Athens' more modern architecture, learning how renowned foreign architects designed and constructed neo-classical residences during the 18th and 19th century, sitting next to the glories of Ancient Greece. Your urban adventure comes to an end in Plaka, and you'll be at liberty to continue your own personal exploration or the guide can advise you on how to get back to your hotel.
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Syntagma Square, (at the exit of Syntagma metro station), in the middle of of the square, at the fountain.
Athens Larissa Station
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
It is 4 stops on metro line 2 (red line) from Larissa station to Syntagma.
How to get there:
Train, Ferry and Bus from London to Athens
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
In the Plaka area
Athens Larissa Station
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
The Plaka area is close to both Syntagma and Akropoli metro stations, on a direct line to Larissa Station.
How to get back:
Bus, Ferry and Train from Athens to London
