Athens City Experience

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will have some free time to relax and freshen up following your flight. If you wish, you may join an optional half-day excursion to Cape Sounion (not included). This scenic drive along the coastal road passes the beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza before reaching the southernmost point of Attica, where the striking white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. You will enjoy splendid views of the Saronic Gulf and nearby islands, with time to explore the rocky promontory at leisure. You will spend the night in Athens.

After breakfast, we begin a half-day tour of Athens. Meet your guide and board the coach to explore the city’s striking contrasts and rich history. We visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Passing key landmarks, you will see the Prime Minister’s residence—formerly the Royal Palace—guarded by the colourful Euzones, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament building with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis, we explore the architectural masterpieces of Athens’ Golden Age: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon, celebrated for its harmony of form and spirit. We then visit the New Acropolis Museum to admire classical sculptures and artefacts—please note the museum’s visiting hours may affect the order of the programme. The tour concludes with a return to your hotel around 13:30, leaving the afternoon free to explore Athens at your leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Athens at your own pace. Discover the city’s hidden corners and vibrant neighbourhoods, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. If you wish, you can join an optional food walking tour (not included) for a taste of authentic local flavours. On this tour, you will meet an English-speaking guide and begin with Greek coffee at a historic café. You’ll sample koulouri – a classic street snack – before visiting a specialty food shop offering a variety of Greek olive oils, spreads and delicacies. The tour continues with a stop at a renowned baklava bakery, followed by authentic souvlaki and fried potatoes at a popular grill. You will then explore Varvakios Market, Athens’ largest and liveliest fish, meat and vegetable market, before strolling down Spice Street to a shop with an extensive selection of local herbs and condiments. The tour concludes with bougatsa, a traditional cream-filled pastry, and a tasting of Greek meze – a selection of cheeses, cured meats and classic appetizers – at a charming deli. Overnight in Athens.

After breakfast, enjoy some final moments in Athens before we transfer you to Athens International Airport or Piraeus Port for your onward journey. This concludes your time in the city, offering a smooth and timely departure to your next destination.