The Best of Athens Half-Day Private Tour

Athens , Greece

The Best of Athens Half-Day Private Tour

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(12 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Athens through a private half-day experience that combines the city’s most iconic landmarks with flexible, personalized sightseeing. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned luxury vehicle and explore the city alongside a professional tour driver who provides insightful commentary on Athens’ history and contemporary life.
The tour includes visits to major highlights such as the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Syntagma area, Plaka, Monastiraki, and scenic viewpoints from Mount Lycabettus. The itinerary can be tailored to guest interests, with optional stops at the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient & Roman Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum.
With flexible start times, complimentary Wi-Fi, bottled waters, and convenient pick-up and drop-off, this private tour is ideal for both first-time visitors and returning travelers looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to Athens.

Available options

The Best of Athens Half-Day Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Charge your devices with our USB quick chargers (Type C & Apple) and Powerbanks

Bottled water

Pickup transfer from Athens, Piraeus, Airport, Port, or Suburbs (included in reservation's duration)

Professional Drivers with deep knowledge of history. (Not licensed to accompany you in any site)

WiFi on board

English Speaking Tour

Air-conditioned vehicle

Drop-off transfer to Athens, Piraeus, Airport, Port, or Suburbs (included in reservation's duration)

Groups of 1-3 people are transported in luxurious sedan vehicles

Groups of 4-7 people are transported in comfortable - luxurious mini vans

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your day hiking up the Acropolis Hill where one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was located inside of the temple of Parthenon.

Stop 2

Continue your tour of Athens’s finest sights by wandering among the ancient pillars of Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Stop 3

Enjoy a taste of history in Panathenaic Stadium and see where the first Modern Olympics took place on April, 1896.

Grab a ride to Syntagma and watch the ritual of the Presidential Guard change.

Stop 5

Continue your day in Athens in the place with the most breathtaking view of the city, which is is no other than Lycabettus Hill.

Stop 6

This tour ends with a quick stop by the University and National Library of Athens for the essential pictures of Athen’s neoclassical architectural treasures.

What's not included

Licensed Tour Guide upon request depending on availability (Additional cost - 150€)

Lunch stops are scheduled upon request

Acropolis & Slopes (1 Nov–31 Mar): • €30 per adult • €15 for EU citizens aged 65+ • Free for EU citizens aged ≤25 and non-EU citizens aged ≤18

Entrance fees for any other preferred sites upon personalization of the itinerary of the tour

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EL EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.2

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

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 tourist guides (historians | archaeologists), 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.

Due to Greek Laws, only official tourist guides (historians | archaeologists) are allowed to accompany you inside the archaeological sites and museums.

Transfer Time Inclusion: For pickups outside of Athens — including Piraeus Port (approx. 20 minutes), Athens International Airport (approx. 40 minutes), or suburban areas — the transfer time to/from Athens is already included in your reserved tour duration and price. The reservation's duration cannot be exceeded, except upon availability, in which case an extra per hour charge applies.

Important notes

Efcharisto (Thank you in Greek) for choosing Athenians First. We look forward to making your time in Greece unforgettable!
⚠️ Acropolis Tickets & Guidance
Due to limited daily availability, we recommend pre-booking tickets. You may use the official skip-the-line links below or contact us to arrange your tickets in advance (valid Nov–Mar) and directly pay your tour driver with cash or card upon delivery of them. Since tickets are not part of your booking, please share participants’ ages so the correct type can be issued. Prices range from free to €30 (free for under 25 EU / under 18 non-EU).
Opening Hours & Skip-the-Line Links:
Acropolis & Slopes: Nov–Mar 08:00–17:00 | Apr–Aug 08:00–20:00 | Sep–Oct varies
️ https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1P&place=000000002

About Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture, often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving modern scene.

Top Attractions

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.

Historical 2-3 hours €20 (combined ticket for multiple sites)

Ancient Agora of Athens

The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

Historical 1-2 hours €8 (included in the combined ticket)

Plaka

A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Acropolis Museum

A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Temple of Olympian Zeus

An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour €6 (included in the combined ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moussaka

A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.

Snack Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options

Tzatziki

A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Rock climbing Scuba diving Beach visits Spa treatments Café hopping Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Athens is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Athens Central Railway Station

By bus

KTEL Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plaka Monastiraki Psiri Koukaki Kolonaki

Day trips

Cape Sounion

65 km from Athens • Half day to full day

A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Delphi

180 km from Athens • Full day

An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.

Meteora

350 km from Athens • Overnight

A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.

Festivals

Athens Festival • May to October Athens Epidaurus Festival • June to August Athens International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Use the metro for easy and efficient travel around the city
Explore local neighborhoods for an authentic Greek experience
Try local street food for a quick and delicious meal
Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals