How to Plan Your Private Half Day Athens Tour

Athens, the city of ancient cultural heritage, can be overwhelming to navigate if you are not familiar with it. Don’t let the stress of public transit or long walks ruin your visit to the stunning Greek capital. Enjoy the Athens tour the easy way with a professional guide and driver. Explore the city’s top attractions, including the ancient Acropolis, the impressive Parthenon, the Arch of Hadrian, the Greek parliament building, and the famous Olympic stadium. With personalized tips on delicious Greek food away from tourist traps, you’ll make the most of your morning or afternoon in Athens. Here’s your step-by-step guide to plan your private half day tour in Athens.

Step 1: Book Your Private Half Day Athens Tour

To plan your private half-day Athens tour, the first step is to book it. You can do it online in advance of your visit so that you can avoid the hassle of organizing transportation and navigating Athens on your own. The Viator website offers a fantastic half-day tour of Athens by a professional guide with pickup at your Athens hotel or at Piraeus port. Make sure you book a tour that is suitable for your group size, requirements and travel dates, and don’t forget to check the tour reviews from other travelers.

Step 2: Customize Your Itinerary

When you book your private half-day Athens tour, you have the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your interests and preferences, so make the most of it. You can request to customize the itinerary, and skip the long lines at the sites or museums. Discuss with your driver and tour guide, who can provide you with personalized tips on what to see, do and eat in Athens. A customized itinerary allows you to cover more of your interests, allot time to your preferred attractions, and ensures a more enjoyable and meaningful tour.

Step 3: Confirm Your Pickup Location

Once you’ve booked your private tour, you’ll need to confirm your pickup location. You can arrange to be picked up at your Athens hotel, or at Piraeus port if you are arriving by cruise ship. Double-check the pickup time with your driver, and make sure you are ready at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. You don’t want to miss your tour and have to rush your Athens experience.

Step 4: Get Ready for Your Private Half Day Tour in Athens

On the day of your tour, get ready for the best Athens experience. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. You want to stay cool and hydrated while exploring the city. Your private tour guide will be waiting for you at your pickup location, and your driver will take you to your first attraction on the itinerary comfortably.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Private Half Day Tour in Athens

Your private tour guide will take you through Athens, explaining the history and mythology of this magnificent city. You will visit the magnificent Acropolis, the stunning Parthenon, the iconic Arch of Hadrian, the imposing Greek parliament building, and the famous Olympic stadium. As you explore these sites, your tour guide will provide you with fascinating insights that will ensure you appreciate these historical and cultural treasures even more. Moreover, you can ask your tour guide to adjust the itinerary to suit your interests or provide more information about the attractions.

Step 6: Taste Delicious Greek Cuisine

Your private half-day tour in Athens includes tasting delicious Greek cuisine, away from the tourist traps. Your tour guide will recommend local restaurants that serve authentic Greek food. You can taste the famous tzatziki, fresh feta cheese, and the mouth-watering souvlaki. Athens is a foodie paradise, and you will be delighted with the culinary experience.

Step 7: Book Your Private Half Day Athens Tour Now

Book your private half-day Athens tour now, and enjoy the stunning city in the easiest and most comfortable way. You will have the flexibility to customize your itinerary, skip the long lines, explore the top attractions in Athens and enjoy delicious Greek cuisine. The private half-day tour gives you memorable insights into the rich history and myths of Athens, and you will appreciate the city even more after experiencing it in the company of knowledgeable and professional tour guides. Book your private half day Athens tour here and make the most of your visit to the charming city. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of your personalized tour while exploring Athens’ top sites with the help of an experienced driver and guide.

FAQs About Athens: Everything You Need To Know

If you are planning to visit the city of Athens, you might have some questions in mind to make your trip more pleasant and smooth. We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about Athens in this post to help you with your travel plans.

1. What’s the best time to visit Athens?

The best time to visit Athens is during the months of April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. July and August are peak tourist seasons, the city gets overcrowded, and temperatures are high.

2. What is the currency used in Athens?

The currency used in Athens is the Euro. You can exchange your currency to Euro at the airport or any currency exchange in the city. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, but it’s always better to carry some cash with you.

3. What is the official language in Athens?

The official language in Athens is Greek. However, as it’s a popular tourist destination, you can find many people who speak English. Signs and directions are also in Greek and English.

4. How can I get to Athens?

Athens has good air connectivity. You can get direct flights from all major cities worldwide. Athens International Airport is the busiest airport in Greece, located 33km from the city center. From the airport, you can take a metro, bus, or taxi. The metro is the cheapest and the most convenient way to get to the city center.

5. What are the popular tourist attractions in Athens?

Athens is famous for its ancient history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking scenery. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens include:

• Acropolis: The iconic symbol of Athens and one of the most famous ancient sites in the world.
• Parthenon: One of the most famous landmarks of Athens, located on the Acropolis hill.
• Plaka: A charming historic district, also known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods.”
• National Archaeological Museum: A museum showcasing the ancient history of Greece.
• Ancient Agora: A public square that was the center of political, religious, and commercial life in ancient Athens.
• Syntagma Square: The central square of Athens, it’s home to the Parliament Building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

6. What’s the local cuisine in Athens?

Greek cuisine is known for its fresh, healthy, and flavorful ingredients. Some of the must-try local dishes in Athens include:

• Moussaka: Layers of eggplant, minced meat, potatoes, and béchamel sauce, baked in the oven.
• Souvlaki: Grilled meat on a skewer, usually served with pita bread and Tzatziki sauce.
• Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves with rice, herbs, and sometimes with meat.
• Greek Salad: A salad consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and olives.
• Tzatziki: A dip made with Greek yogurt, garlic, cucumber, and olive oil.
• Baklava: A dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry, chopped nuts, and honey syrup.

7. Is Athens a safe city?

Athens is a safe city for tourists. However, it’s always better to take some precautions to keep your belongings safe. Avoid displaying your valuables, keep your bags close to you and don’t carry large amounts of cash.

8. How do I get around Athens?

Athens has an excellent public transportation system that includes a metro, buses, trams, and trolleys. A single ticket costs €1.20, and it’s valid for 90 minutes. You can also buy a day pass or a multi-day pass, depending on your stay. Taxis are also available but are more expensive.

9. What souvenirs can I buy in Athens?

Athens has a variety of souvenirs that you can buy, including:

• Olive Oil and Olives: Greece is known for its high-quality olive oil, and you can find it in various flavors.
• Wine and Spirits: Greece has many vineyards, and you can find a wide variety of wines and spirits in Athens.
• Herbs and Spices: Greek cuisine makes use of many herbs and spices, and you can purchase them in the local markets.
• Jewelry: Athenian jewelry is known for its unique designs and excellent craftsmanship.
• Ceramics: Pottery is an ancient tradition in Greece, and you can find exquisite ceramics in Athens.
• Textiles: Greek textiles are known for their quality and unique designs.

10. Is tipping required in Athens?

Tipping is not mandatory in Greece, but it’s customary to leave a small tip if you’re happy with the service. In restaurants, a 10% tip is typical if service is not already included in the bill. In cafes and bars, you can round up the bill. It’s also common to tip hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides.

Book Your Tour Now

Athens is a city filled with ancient history, culture, delicious food, and friendly people. We hope this FAQ will help you plan your trip to Athens and make it a memorable one. Remember to explore the city’s hidden gems apart from the popular tourist attractions. Don’t forget to carry a camera to capture the stunning views and the scenic beauty of Athens.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Athens: A Comprehensive Guide

Athens is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, home to some of the most important landmarks of ancient civilization, and modern tourism is no exception. It is a vibrant, bustling city that offers endless possibilities for sightseeing, exploration, and discovery. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best things to do in Athens, whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or just want to sit back and relax. Here’s what you have to do:

1. Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon

No visit to Athens can be considered complete without a trip to the Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon. Standing on a rocky hill above the city, these two landmarks are the most famous and most recognizable symbols of ancient Greece. To visit the Acropolis, start at the south slope and make sure you see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Asklepion before you get to the Parthenon. The view from the top of the hill is unbeatable, so pack some snacks and water, and take your time to gaze in wonder at the sights below.

2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in history and art. The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts, some of which date back to the 6th century BC. Walk along the glass floors to see the excavation sites underneath the museum and marvel at the Parthenon sculptures displayed in their full glory.

3. Explore the National Archaeological Museum

Located in the heart of Athens, the National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological museums in the world. It houses an extensive collection of ancient Greek artifacts, including statues, pottery, jewelry, and other items that date back to the prehistoric era. Be sure to visit the Mycenaean and Minoan exhibits, which feature artifacts from some of the most important civilizations in ancient Greece.

4. Walk in the footsteps of ancient philosophers

Athens was the birthplace of philosophy, and it is filled with landmarks that are important to the history of human thought. Visit the Academy of Plato, where the great philosopher taught his students, and stroll through the olive groves that surround it. The Lyceum, where Aristotle once taught, is another must-see for anyone interested in philosophy.

5. Taste the flavors of Greece

Greek food is known worldwide for its unique flavors and fresh ingredients. Athens has a thriving food scene, so make sure you sample some of the local specialties while you’re in town. Try traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades, and wash them down with some ouzo or Greek wine.

6. Take a stroll through the Plaka district

The Plaka district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, and it is filled with narrow, winding streets and picturesque cottages with red-tiled roofs. Stroll through the streets, shop for souvenirs, and visit some of the local cafes and restaurants. Be sure to visit the ancient Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds, two of the most impressive landmarks in the area.

7. Relax in the National Gardens

The National Gardens are an oasis in the heart of Athens, perfect for a quiet stroll or a picnic lunch. The gardens are home to a small zoo, several ponds, and a playground, making them a great spot for families. Relax on a bench and take in the sights and sounds of the city around you.

8. Take a day trip to the nearby islands

Sometimes, you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Athens. Luckily, there are several nearby islands that are perfect for a day trip. Visit Hydra, Poros, or Aegina and bask in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Be sure to sample some fresh seafood while you’re there. In conclusion, Athens is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or just want to relax, you’ll find it here. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience in this magical city.