Athens, A historical but lively city full of surprises.
Many come to Athens for the Acropolis, and indeed the ancient sites are not to be missed. However, unlike other cities like Paris, Barcelona or London, most tourist just stop here for a day or two. Give it a chance there are endless options for every type of traveller.
Sightseeing is easy in Athens. It is largely a walk-able city and taking the metro is an easy option. You can do the ancient sites, museums and shopping which will fill up a 3-day visit easily. However, to do something a little unconventional, there are many alternative tours catering to your interests – such as visiting wineries, taking a cooking class, visiting side streets and uncovering hidden gems, catching a theater show, taking a photography or architectural themed tour, discovering street-art, …..
AND what more when you travel outside the city? Full of day trips and overnight possibilities, most commonly Delphi, Meteora, Nafplio and Cape Sounio.
And that’s not all, there are even more places that would charm your pants off! The villages, the local beaches, the winter resorts, Local festivals and endless events around the city. I guess you will just have to stay here forever.
When you think of Athens, the image of the Acropolis comes to mind.
Seeing the ancient sites around the center could take you a full day or even a week depending on how immersed you want be! Athens Tips :Read More
ATHENS SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
Acropolis Museum
A guided tour of the New Acropolis Museum is a must, see artifacts from Ancient Greece at the height of its power. The Modernist building itself is a sight to behold, built right about relics you can admire through see through flooring!
3 island 1-day Cruise
Pack in a full day, by visiting 3 islands close to the city of Athens. Cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in the Saronic Gulf. Swim in crystal-clear waters off Hydra, admire neoclassical beach houses on Poros, and explore the pine-covered landscape of Aegina.
Athens Mythology Highlights Tour
See Athens’ most important landmarks, and learn all about the myths behind them. Visit the majestic Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Ancient Agora and find out their connection to the Greek gods and goddesses
Athens for Kids and Family
Various daily options to entertain the kids while teaching them about the history, myths and legends.
Guided by a specialist, tours can include treasure hunts, arts and crafts, food tasting all tailored for kids! Try the 3D-Tour of the Acropolis!
Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion Tour
Evening tour from Athens to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. Pass idyllic beaches as you leave Athens for some of the most important ruins of Ancient Greece. Your guide with fill you in on the history as you look out over Poseidon’s sea, and the breakth-taking sunset.
Alternative Themed Tours
SHOPPING TOUR – visit the flea market, famous shopping streets such as Ermou for brands like Zara, H&M and many local outlets, Antiques and bargain hunting around Monastiraki, Upscale brands in Kolonaki, Outlet malls and other specialty scores, including jewelry, souvenirs and vintage & local crafts.
GASTRONOMY TOUR – walking tours that show you the landmark sights while leisurely sampling local favourites along the way. Food and wine tastings, Cooking + Dinner experience. The range is wide for the budget traveler right down to tasting menus at Michelin restaurants.
WORKSHOPS – Dance, craft marking, pottery, yoga and more. Numerous types are held throughout the year and will enrich your travels, while meeting like-minded people.
Corinth Canal is about an hour and a half drive from Athens, and separates the Peloponesse in the south from the Greek mainland. It is a waterway that cuts through and links the Corinth Gulf with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean sea. While it is not possible for large ships to pass through, today tourists can take a ride through it with small cruiseboats. And a new activity that has been introduced recently for the more adventurous is ‘bungee-jumping’.
STREET ART / ARCHITECTURE /PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS – perfect for those artist in you.
CYCLE/eBIKE/SCOOTER/TRIKKE Sightseeing tours on wheels for the more adventurous!
My List of Local & Alternative Dining Outlets Click to read!
Delphi is one of the most important historical & spiritual sites of ancient Greece. Historically regarded as the ‘navel’ of the world and recognised today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Delphi sanctuary is surrounded by breathtaking landscape at the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassos. The journey from Athens takes approximately 3.5 hrs, therefore be prepared to set-off early in the morning to give you enough time to experience this spectacular site & museum if you are planning on a daytrip visit.
Highlights include: Temple of Athena Pronaia, Temple of Apollo &
The Archaeological Museum showcases a collection of prehistory to Late Antiquity. Including the famous ‘Charioteer of Delphi’ one of the best known ancient Greek bronze statues. General ticket price:12euro
Arachova Village – Just a short drive from Delphi, Arachova is a winter destination for locals, but it is worth a stop for visitors all year round. A pretty village center, perfect for a little shopping , tasting local delicacies, or just to enjoy the scenery.
Kalambaka is the city located at the base of the Meteora monasteries so popular with visitors from all over the world. The Monasteries built majestically on rocks are a sight to behold, and have been declared ‘UNESCO Heritage site’ in 1988. 24 monasteries in all were built, but only 6 operate today and can be visited by the public. Most visitors travel from Athens and combine the trip with a visit to Delphi before heading onwards to Kalambaka-Meteora. 1 overnight is required to visit these 2 popular historical sites.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Kalambaka Town
Kastraki Village
6 Monasteries
Archaeological Sites & Museums
Landscape, Wildlife & Surrounding region
Outdoor Activities – rafting, hiking
NEW TOURS
1-2 Day Meteora tour by Train from Athens
Hiking Meteora’s Caves
Sunset on Meteora Rocks
Photography Tour
Truffle Hunting in Meteora
Bike Tours (mountain bike and ebike)
Rock Climbing with guide
Private Food & Wine tours
*Contact to discuss Options – For Solo, Couples & Groups
Corinth Canal
This marvel is just the beginning of many sightseeing tours. After the obligatory photo op at this amazing man-made marvel, most visitors continue their tour to Ancient Corinth, one of the most rich and powerful cities in the classic times. Much still remains to explore in terms of ruins, including the temple, bath and a forum, the most popular being the Temple of Apollo built around 540BC. A small but extensive museum is also a required visit to get a better understanding and appreciate the mosaics, pottery and statues, all from the Neolithic time. Another recommended stop is the Acrocorinth a short distance away. Here you will be amazed at the fortress and pathways leading to the top, where you will find the Temple of Afrodite.
Cape Sounio
- Cape Sounio is at the southern tip of Attica (about 1.5hr drive from Athens), you will find Cape Sounio and one of the most notable landmarks from the Golden Age, Temple of Poseidon, the God of the Sea! Myth meets history once again at this spectacular vantage point.
A significant strategic point, controlling the sea passage to Piraeus, the central port, as well as the Lavrion peninsula, rich silver mines to which Athens emerged as a leading power in the 5th century BC.Homer refers to Sounion in the ‘Odyssey’ as “the sacred cape of the Athenians”. It is also believed that various Greek commanders passed by the cape on their return from the battle of Troy. And also that the Aegean sea was named after King Aegeus who drowned himself here. While the architect is not known, there are many facts lead one to believe that the same one is responsible for the Theseion at the Athens Ancient Agora. The Parian marble is used and you can find the original remaining sculptures when you visit the Lavrio Museum and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
The journey to Sounio itself is enjoyable, as you will pass by the coastal towns and beaches namely Glyfada, Vougliameni, Lagonissi and Anavyssos. You can go by public bus/coach or by car. Aside from admiring the stunning view and ancient temple remains, visitors can also go for a swim at the beach nearby in summer, or beach hop to one of the other beaches nearby.Most visitors come just before sunset to fully appreciate the beauty and photo-op.
For those visiting Athens and the mainland and prefer a quieter break, staying by the coastal areas of Attica is a good option. Many choices of apartments, tourist hotels as well as Luxury options are available. Perfect for that romantic honeymoon, family holiday or destination wedding.
Olympia
Monemvasia
Mycenae
Epidavrus
Vivaellada 