Best of Athens Half-Day Private Tour

Discover the wonders of Athens with our Half Day Private Tour, offering a personalized experience. After visiting the Acropolis and your choice of the Acropolis Museum, Ancient & Roman Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum, explore the city’s other iconic sites. Travel in comfort in our Mercedes premium, air-conditioned vans, ideal for families and adventure seekers. Our knowledgeable drivers provide fascinating insights and local anecdotes. Customize the itinerary to match your interests, whether it’s history, food, or culture. Enjoy the flexibility to set your own pace and capture stunning photos at top viewpoints like Mount Lycabettus. Complimentary bottled water, Wi-Fi, and convenient pick-up/drop-off included. Book today for a comprehensive, comfortable, and enriching Athens experience!

Pickup at your hotel, apartment, Airbnb, Athens airport, or Piraeus port.

As you ascend the Acropolis, each step feels like a journey through time. Passing through the Propylaea, you’re greeted by the imposing Parthenon, its columns glowing under the Athenian sun. The air carries whispers of ancient philosophers, poets, and leaders who once walked these grounds.
At the Erechtheion, the Caryatids captivate with their grace, seeming to watch over the city as they’ve done for centuries. You pause and imagine Athena’s mythical victory over Poseidon here, a tale that shaped Athens’ identity.
From the Temple of Athena Nike, the views are breathtaking—modern Athens stretches below, merging with the remnants of its ancient heart. You feel the connection to the Agora, where democracy was born, and the Pnyx, where history unfolded.
The Acropolis is not just a visit; it’s an immersion into a world of myths, ingenuity, and enduring spirit. As you leave, the sight of its iconic silhouette lingers, a memory of a place where past and present coexist.

(Included in the Acropolis & Slopes entrance ticket) Step into the Teatro di Dioniso, the oldest theater in the world and the birthplace of Greek tragedy. Nestled on the southern slope of the Acropolis, this ancient theater was dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and drama, and served as the stage for the works of great playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. With its semicircular seating carved into the hillside, the theater could hold up to 17,000 spectators who gathered for grand performances and festivals. As you stand amid the ruins, imagine the voices and stories that once filled this sacred space, shaping the foundation of Western theater against the awe-inspiring backdrop of ancient Athens.

(Included in the Acropolis & Slopes entrance ticket) Discover the Herod Atticus Odeon, a striking open-air stone theater nestled on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. Built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, this ancient odeon once hosted grand performances, echoing with music and poetry under the open sky. Today, its impressive arches and tiered seating remain a testament to Roman-era architectural mastery and serve as a cultural venue during the Athens Festival. Standing here, imagine the timeless performances that have graced this historic stage, all with the dramatic backdrop of the Acropolis rising above.

(Optional visit for 1 hour by selecting the “(+) Acropolis Museum 5H” option of this tour). Just below the Acropolis, this modern museum is filled with treasures from ancient Greece. You’ll see marble statues, pottery, and amazing artifacts that tell the story of Athens’ glorious past.
Begin in the Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis, featuring artifacts from ancient sanctuaries. The transparent floor reveals the archaeological excavation below.
Visit the Archaic Gallery to see Kore statues and other sculptures from the 7th to 5th centuries BC.
In the Parthenon Gallery, admire the Parthenon frieze, metopes, and pediments, providing insights into Greek mythology and history.
The Propylaia, Athena Nike, and Erechtheion Gallery houses architectural elements from these significant structures, including the iconic Caryatids.
Relax at the Museum Café and Shop, enjoying views of the Acropolis and browsing scholarly books and unique souvenirs.

(Optional visit for 40 minutes by selecting the “(+) Ancient & Roman Agora 5H” option of this tour. There is combined entrance ticket offer with Acropolis & Slopes). Explore the Ancient Agora, the bustling heart of classical Athens where politics, philosophy, and daily life flourished. Wander through the ruins of temples, stoas, and marketplaces, where great minds like Socrates and Plato once walked. Visit the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, dedicated to the god of craftsmanship, and the Stoa of Attalos, a restored colonnaded building that now houses artifacts from Athens’ rich history. As you stroll through this open-air museum, envision the lively debates, commerce, and ceremonies that shaped democratic ideals in this vibrant center of ancient Greek life.

(Optional visit for 20 minutes by selecting the “(+) Ancient & Roman Agora 5H” option of this tour. There is combined entrance ticket offer with Acropolis & Slopes). Step into the Roman Agora, an ancient marketplace that once served as a bustling hub for trade and social life in Roman Athens. This historic site, framed by grand columns and monumental gates, showcases the architectural blend of Greek and Roman styles. Explore notable structures like the Gate of Athena Archegetis and the Tower of the Winds, an octagonal clocktower with intricate reliefs representing the winds. As you wander through the ruins, imagine the merchants, scholars, and artisans who once filled this lively space, contributing to Athens’ rich legacy of culture and commerce.

(Optional visit for 1 hour by selecting the “(+) Nat. Arch. Museum 5H” option of this tour). Delve into Greece’s rich history at the National Archaeological Museum, Athens’ largest and most prestigious museum, showcasing an unparalleled collection of ancient artifacts. Marvel at treasures from prehistoric times to late antiquity, including the golden Mask of Agamemnon, intricate Cycladic figurines, and iconic bronze statues like the Artemision Zeus or Poseidon. Wander through galleries filled with pottery, jewelry, and sculptures that trace the evolution of Greek art, culture, and mythology. Each exhibit brings you closer to the lives, beliefs, and achievements of ancient civilizations, offering a profound insight into the heritage that shaped Western culture.

Stand before the Arch of Hadrian, or Hadrian’s Gate, a monumental gateway in Athens, built in honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian in 131-132 AD. It marked the boundary between the ancient city and the new city developed by Hadrian. Made from Pentelic marble, the arch stands about 18 meters tall and blends Greek and Roman architecture. It features two inscriptions, one facing the Acropolis, reading “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus,” and the other facing the new city, saying “This is the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus.” It symbolizes Hadrian’s influence on Athens.

Witness the remnants of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This monumental temple, dedicated to Zeus, was one of the largest in the ancient world.
Marvel at the 15 towering Corinthian columns that remain from the original 104, each standing 17 meters tall. Learn from your guide about the temple’s history, starting in the 6th century BC and completed in the 2nd century AD by Emperor Hadrian.
Explore the surrounding archaeological site, seeing remnants of ancient structures and statues. Enjoy the stunning views of the Acropolis and the city from the temple grounds, perfect for photos.

Visit the historic Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro. Step into the stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896! Entirely built of marble, this is the world’s only stadium like it. A must-see for sports fans and history lovers alike.
Your driver will share engaging stories about the stadium’s history and significance.

Discover the heart of Greek politics with a pause to the Greek Parliament in Athens, located in Syntagma Square. Marvel at the neoclassical architecture of this historic building, originally a royal palace for King Otto, now the seat of the Hellenic Parliament since 1934. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, held every hour, featuring the elite Evzones in their distinctive uniforms. This traditional ritual is a fascinating spectacle of synchronized and precise movements. See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument commemorating Greek soldiers who died in war, guarded vigilantly by the Evzones. Capture photos of the Parliament building, the guards, and the vibrant square. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with locals, tourists, and street performers. This visit to the Greek Parliament offers a glimpse into Greece’s political life and its historical significance.

Drive through Syntagma Square, the vibrant center of modern Athens, renowned for its historical significance and lively atmosphere. Located in front of the Hellenic Parliament, this bustling square is surrounded by neoclassical architecture, gardens, and inviting cafes. It serves as a central gathering place and a symbol of Athens, offering a blend of tradition and modern city life, where visitors can experience the pulse of the city.

Admire the Academy of Athens, a striking example of neoclassical architecture adorned with statues of Athena and Apollo. This institution symbolizes the city’s intellectual and artistic heritage.

View the historic University of Athens, the oldest higher education institution in modern Greece. Its impressive facade and elegant design reflect the rich educational heritage of the city. Learn about its founding in 1837 and its influence on Greek academic life.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Special Requests: If you have any special requests or needs, please let us know when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
• Our tour drivers are not official tour guides, but they are highly knowledgeable and can provide fascinating commentary in fluent English. While they will not accompany you inside the archaeological sites, they are well-versed in the history and significance of each location and can answer all your questions during the tour.
• We provide assistance to people with movement disability for boarding and alighting from the vehicle. However, it is advisable to inform us in advance if any special arrangements are required.
• For families with younger children, we offer child safety seats upon request.
• We provide assistance to purchase skip the line electronic entrance tickets.
• Smartphone or tablet and earphones are required for our audio guides.
• Smartphone or tablet is required for our PDF guide.
• Entrance Tickets 01/11-31/03: Acropolis & Slopes (10€/adult), Acropolis & Slopes+Ancient & Roman Agora (30€/adult), Acropolis Museum (20€/adult), National Archaeological Museum (6€/adult)
• Entrance Tickets 01/04-31/10: Acropolis & Slopes (20€/adult), Acropolis & Slopes+Ancient & Roman Agora (30€/adult), Acropolis Museum (20€/adult), National Archaeological Museum (12€/adult)

• Best of Athens 4H
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  Duration: 4 hours
  Best of Athens: Following the Acropolis, we continue our itinerary to explore the rest of Athens.
  Pickup included
• (+) Acropolis Museum 5H
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  Duration: 5 hours
  Acropolis Museum: Following the Acropolis, we visit the Acropolis Museum, then we continue our itinerary to explore the rest of Athens.
  Pickup included
• (+) Ancient & Roman Agora 5H
  Add
  Duration: 5 hours
  Ancient & Roman Agora: Following the Acropolis, we visit the Anc. Agora & Roman Agora, then we continue our itinerary to explore the rest of Athens.
  Pickup included
• (+) Nat. Arch. Museum 5H
  Add
  Duration: 5 hours
  National Archaeological Museum: Following the Acropolis, we visit the Nat. Arch. Museum, then we continue our itinerary to explore the rest of Athens.
  Pickup included
• Personalized Athens Tour 4H
  Add
  Duration: 4 hours
  Personalized Athens Tour: Personalize your Athens Tour by selecting stops that interest you. Reach out to us after booking to tailor your experience!
  Pickup included

• Audio guides for Acropolis, Ancient Agora and Museums (Smartphone+Earphones required)
• Bottled waters
• English-speaking tour driver with deep knowledge of each location’s history and significance
• Mercedes air-conditioned Premium Minivan
• Charge your devices with our 4 USB quick chargers (Type C & Apple)
• PDF guide for all sights & monuments of the tour

• Entrance tickets fees (We provide assistance with purchasing online entrance tickets after booking)
• Licensed tour guide (available upon request for monument visits, subject to availability-extra cost)
• Meals and beverages

Trending Athens Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

SIGHTS ENTRANCE INFORMATION AND TICKETS LINKS

Acropolis & Slopes OR Acropolis & Slopes, Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Aristotle’s School [Lyceum], Olympieion, Roman Agora:
From 1st of April until 31 of August 08:00 – 20:00
Last entrance to the Site at 19:30
On the 1st of September the opening hours apply, due to a gradual reduction in the length of the day, as follows:
1st to 15th September 08:00 – 19:30
Last entrance to the Site at 19:00
16th to 30th September 08:00 – 19:00
Last entrance to the Site at 18:30
1st to 15th October 08:00 – 18:30
Last entrance to the Site at 18:00 and
16th to 31st October 08:00 – 18:00
Last entrance to the Site at 17:30

SKIP THE LINE LINK: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000002

Acropolis Museum:
OPENING HOURS
Winter season
1 November – 31 March
Monday – Thursday
9 am – 5 pm / Last entry: 4:30 pm
Friday
9 am – 10 pm / Last entry: 9:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday
9 am – 8 pm / Last entry: 7:30 pm
Summer season
1 April – 31 October
Monday
9 am – 5 pm / Last entry: 4:30 pm
Tuesday – Sunday
9 am – 8 pm / Last entry: 7:30 pm
Friday
9 am – 10 pm / Last entry: 9:30 pm

SKIP THE LINE LINK: https://etickets.theacropolismuseum.gr/?culture=en

National Archaeological Museum:
Tuesday
13:00 – 20:00
Last admission 19:30
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
08:00 – 20:00
Last admission 19:30

SKIP THE LINE LINK: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000012

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Athenaos Travel & Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Athens.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 12 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.