Private Athens: Historical Walking Tour Including the Changing of the Guard

Discover what makes Athens so unique on this private 3-hour tour led by a local guide. Dive into the Greek capital’s storied history at Syntagma Square, where you’ll see the eye-catching Changing of the Guard ceremony. Walk the perimeter of the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site; pass through the Ancient Agora of Athens; and see the Panathenaic Stadium. Then, get a taste of modern life from a local’s point of view in Plaka — or Athens Old Town — and Kolonaki.

Start this historical Athens walking tour by meeting your local guide in Syntagma Square, the most important and crowded square in Athens, surrounded by impressive neoclassical buildings. The best known is the Grande Bretagne, once a royal palace but now a luxury hotel which has housed everyone from Churchill to Madonna.

At the upper end of the square see the Evzones, the guards of the Constitution, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Evzones are traditionally dressed in 17th and 18th century clothes: an impressive white skirt, red hat, and an old rifle. The changing of the guard happens every hour, and you simply cannot tour Athens without seeing this spectacle – which is why we’ve incorporated it into this tour! Watch the ceremony while your local guide explains the tradition.

Next on this Athens tour you’ll jump on the metro and travel to Acropolis station. You’ll exit the station and take a walk around the walls of the famous Athens Acropolis, passing by the Ancient Agora. We’ll walk along ancient roads, admire new architecture, and hear about the customs and traditions that still exist today. This is the central hub of classic Athens history, and you’ll hear the stories behind this monument from your local guide. (Please note that if you wish to tour inside the Acropolis, this will have to be done separately on your own time.)

Shop for souvenirs along Adrianou Street, where you can find local products such as ouzo (Greece’s national alcohol). You’ll also see shops that specialise in olive oil, sponges, leather sandals, and bags — something you won’t experience on other Athens tours.

Continue walking to Diogenis Square, under the impressive wall of the Acropolis. See Hadrian’s Arch, built in honour of one of the most glorified Roman emperors.

You can see the ruins of the Jupiter (Zeus) temple as you taste and feel the history of Athens.

The white marble Panathenaic Stadium is where the first Olympic Games took place and where the 2004 Olympic marathon ended.

Finally, you’ll be taken back to present-day Athens to admire some of Athens’ more modern architecture. We walk through the new city highlights, where life goes on in modern rhythms. See where locals wander, shop, and gather. Visit the Kolonaki area, which is the heart of today’s Athens.

The Athens walking tour comes to an end at the Academy of Athens.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• 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
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please note that if you wish to tour inside the Acropolis, this will have to be done separately on your own time.

• Private Athens: Historical Walking Tour Including the Changing of the Guard
  Add

• See a traditional Greek changing of the guard ceremony
• Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
• Sip Greek coffee, admire the old and new architecture
• Join Local English speaking guide on a walking tour
• Learn about Athens’ history and modern-day life from a local perspective

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Metro Ticket
• Entrance fees

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Dress Code
In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.
Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended.

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Intrepid Urban Adventures – Greece.
• 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 5 Stars based on 27 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 12 Travelers is accepted for booking.