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Athens is the historic capital of Europe, featuring a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”) – the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history – the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens and erected unique, splendid monuments – a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and became an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.

A large part of the town’s historic centre has been converted into a 3-kilometre pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reforming the ancient landscape.

AROUND ACROPOLIS

The tour starts at the temple of Olympian Zeus (6th c. B.C.), one of the biggest and close to  Hadrian’s Arch (131 A.D.), which forms a symbolic entrance to the city.  From there, walking along Dionysou  Areopaghitou Street (on the south side of the Acropolis) you pass the ancient Theatre of Dionysos (5th c. B.C.) where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylos, and  Aristophanes were performed.  Continuing, you will reach the ruins of the Asklepieion (5th c. B.C.) and the  Stoa of Eumenes (2th c. B.C.) and from there the auditorium of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 A.D. and is nowadays the venue of the performances of the Athens Festival.

From there you climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the site of some of the most important masterpieces of worldwide architecture and art,   the most renowned of which is the Parthenon temple.   Apart from this, also impressive are the Propylaea, the temple of the Athena Niki and the Erechtheion, while you must not skip a visit to the Museum, located close to   Parthenon.  Moreover, from the rock, you have an impressive view of the city.

Only 300m away from the sacred rock of   Acropolis stands the impressive Acropolis Museum, one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens.   It is made of steel, glass, and concrete and it houses 4,000   priceless finds from the Acropolis monuments that represent its history and function as the most important religious centre of ancient Athens.

Coming down from the Acropolis you arrive at the Areios Pagos, the most ancient law court of the world.  Opposite it is Philopappou Hill, with its beautiful cobbled little roads and the Roman monument by the same name on its top, while close by is Pnyka, where the citizens of ancient Athens used to assemble and exert their democratic rights.  Walking farther along the pedestrian road you arrive at the Ancient Agora, which was the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient   Athens.  A visit to the archaeological site will give you the opportunity to become acquainted with the workings of Classical Athenian democracy.

From there, via Ermou Street, you arrive at the Kerameikos, the largest cemetery of the ancient city, with impressive tomb sculptures and stelae.  The Iridanos River, sacred in antiquity, runs through the archaeological site. However, our tour of enchanting Athens does not restrict itself only to these unique archaeological sites.

 

AROUND  NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE HISTORICAL CENTRE

The “core” of the historic centre is Plaka neighborhood (at the eastern side of Acropolis), which has been inhabited without interruption since antiquity.  When you walk through those narrow labyrinthine streets lined with houses and mansions from the time of the Turkish occupation and the Neoclassical period (19thc.), you will have the impression of travelling with a “time machine”.  You will encounter ancient monuments, such as the Lysikrates Monument, erected by a wealthy donor of theatrical performances, the Roman Agora with the famed “Tower of the Winds” (1st c. B.C.) and Hadrian’s Library (132 A.D.), scores of bigger and smaller churches, true masterpieces of Byzantine art and architecture, as well as remnants of the Ottoman period (Fetihie Mosque, Tzistaraki Mosque, the Turkish Bath near the Tower of the Winds, the Muslim Seminary, et al.). There are also some interesting museums (Folk Art, Greek Children’s Art, Popular Musical Instruments, Frysira Art Gallery, etc.), lots of picturesque tavernas, cafes, bars, as well as shops selling souvenirs and traditional Greek products.

Continuing from Plaka you arrive at Monastiraki, a characteristic area of “old” Athens, with narrow streets and small buildings where the city’s traditional flea market (Yousouroum) is held.  Close to it is the Psyrri area, a traditional neighborhood which during the past few years has been evolved into one of the most important “centres” of the town’s nightlife, with scores of bars, tavernas, ouzeris, clubs, etc.

However, the “heart” of the historic centre is the traditional commercial neighborhood, with more than 2,500 shops of all kinds, which spreads out over the streets surrounding Ermou Street (the city’s  best-known commercial street).  The western “border” of the area is Athinas Street, where the foodstuff commerce is concentrated, reminding strongly any of Middle East.  Here are situated, among others, the neoclassical mansions of the Town Hall, the Municipal Market (where meat, fish, and vegetables are sold) and spacious Kotzias Square.

Within the boundary of Athens’ historical centre also are the picturesque neighborhoods of Makriyianni (close to Acropolis, where the Acropolis Museum stands), Ano Petralona, Theseion (where you will find small interesting museums and scores of cafes, bars and restaurants), Kerameikos and Metaxourgeio, as well as the Gazi area, with the former Gas works, which now have been turned into a cultural centre of the Athens municipality (“Technopolis”).

DOWNTOWN

Syntagma and Omonia are the main central squares of the town;  they are linked by Stadiou Street and Panepistimiou Avenue, along whith some of the town’s most beautiful Neoclassical buildings erected more than 100 years before.  Dominating Syntagma Square is the Greek Parliament building and in front of it the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the Evzones in traditional costume.  From this square starts the beautiful National Garden (40 acres), south of which stands the impressive Zappeion Mansion (1874-1888). From there you can continue towards the Presidential Mansion (1897) and then to the Panathenaikon (Kallimarmaro) Stadium, where the first Olympic Games in modern history were held (1896).  From there, crossing the Mets neighborhood, the road leads you to the First Cemetery, the oldest one in Athens, basically an outdoor sculpture display with a wealth of wonderful monumental tombstones by some of the most important sculptors of the 19th and 20th centuries.

From Omonia Square starts Patission street, a busy street with interesting buildings, amongst which are the Neoclassical mansions of the Polytechnic  School and the National Archaeological Museum, which ranks among the leading museums in the world and hosts rare art treasures from the Neolithic era up to the Roman period.

Close to the museum is the Exarheia area, a charming and very lively neighborhood, traditional a meeting point and home to many students and artists.  From Exarcheia, crossing the Neapoli neighborhood, you can climb the verdant Lycavittos Hill. From its top you have a view of the entire city, all the way to the sea. On the other side of the hill is the Kolonaki neighborhood, whose boundary is Vassilissis Sophias Avenue, one of the most grandiose streets of Athens with beautiful buildings, many museums (Cycladic Art, Benaki, Byzantine and Christian Museum, War Museum, National Gallery) and green areas. In Kolonaki, which is considered to be the most “aristocratic” area of the centre of Athens, you will  find many shops selling expensive brands and haute couture, modern restaurants, bars and cafes, while it is worthwhile  to take a stroll through the central streets with their art deco, art nouveau and interbellum buildings.

BREATHTAKING VIEWS OVER ATHENS

Thanks to its rich morphology Athens has plenty of places where you can admire stunning panoramic views of the city. Romantic or not, let yourself be captivated by the Athenian cityscape as seen from above

 

AROUND SUBURBS

The southern suburbs, located on the coast of the Saronic Gulf, a recreational and cultural park is being planned, comprising the existing sports facilities. They offer many opportunities to take a walk along the seaside, while you will also find many beautiful organized and free beaches, large shopping centers and nightclubs (especially during the summer).  In the Maroussi suburb (north of the centre) are the facilities of the Olympic Athletic Centre of Athens, where the majority of the athletic events were held during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.  Kifissia (north of Maroussi) is also worth a visit, with its beautiful villas and impressive mansions.

Moreover, if you wish to leave the centre behind you, you may visit, amongst others, the neighboring town of Piraeus, Greece’s main port (which nowadays forms one big conglomerate with Athens), the Daphni Monastery (11 km. west), one of the most significant Byzantine monuments of the country (12th c.) with unique mosaics, the Kaisariani Monastery (5 km. east), which was founded in the 2nd century, the Temple of Poseidon (5th c. B.C.) on Cape Sounion (58 km. south), following a wonderful route along the coast, the area of the battle of Marathon (490 B.C.) with the Tomb of Marathon, the archaeological sites of Eleusina (23 km. west), of Amphiareion (48 km. northeast), of Vravron (38 km. east) and Ramnous (close to Marathon), as well as the wonderful surrounding mountain massifs of Parnitha, Penteli and Hymettos, all suitable for hiking.

 

In Athens and the wider Attica area, you will find hotel accommodation of high standard, modern means of transportation, a wide choice of opportunities for  shopping, dining and nightlife, good service but above all  the hospitality and warmth of it’s habitants.  In a nutshell, Athens is a city that fascinates every visitor, during every season.

DAY ATHENS

Includes: Acropolis – Temple of Olympian Zeus – Panathinaiko kallimarmaro Stadium – Parliament Change Of Guard
Duration:3 hours
Cost: 120 euros pickup from Athens City Center or Piraeus port, 160 euros pickup from Athens airport

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30 March

ATHENS RIVIERA

You don’t need to sail on a ferry to escape the bustle of the Greek capital: take a short ride and you’ll find superb local beaches along the sheltered Saronic Gulf stretching from the southern suburbs of Athens to the southernmost point of Attica, Cape Sounio. Just 10 miles south of the city –typically a 30-40 minute drive– you will find a place where urban sprawl gives way to an idyllic palm fringed setting. Take the opportunity to swim, relax at a waterfront cafe, walk along the picture-perfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favourite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centres, dine by the sea or entertain yourself in one of the coastal avenue’s buzzing clubs – young people’s favourite choice– that have actually brought a touch of Mykonos in town! Summer in the city doesn’t sound that bad after all, does it?!

• Fáliro, Flisvos Marina

Located very close to Athens, yet away from the hustle and the bustle of the city, a wide range of activities on offer and an amazing view to the Saronic Gulf are the reasons why Faliro is the ultimate summer hot spot for the Athenians! It’s trademark is of course it’s marina, a mega-yacht destination that infuses a cosmopolitan flair to the area. Flisvos Park on the other hand is ideal for leisurely strolls and carefree bike rides. Beautiful coasts, recreation parks, playgrounds, shopping centres and stylish restaurants are there to keep up your summer carefree mood!

Extra Tip: Every Wednesday to Saturday evening you can ride a bike at no cost for 1.5 hours borrowing it from a specially created kiosk located between the tram stations “Flisvos Park” and “Flisvos”. Free bicycles are available from 5:30 to 8:30 PM from Wednesday to Saturday every week until September 30th. All you need to do to get yours is to go to the kiosk and present them your ID and tram ticket up to 1.5 hours in advance. Happy riding!

Flisvos marine

Glyfada marine
Glyfada: one of the most elegant districts of Athens, Glyfada stands out for its sandy palm-fringed beaches, its cosmopolitan clubs (where the pulse of the Athens nightlife beats), luxury hotels, boutiques and restaurants as well as its marinas, a much preferred yacht-mooring place for a getaway! Swim in crystal clear waters or enjoy a frappe, a favourite immensely refreshing coffee drink! The authentic frappe is made with Nescafe, and is drunk through a straw!

Extra tip: if you are a golf enthusiast you will be thrilled with the Glyfada Golf Club, the city’s modern 18-hole course!

Voula: just two miles south of Glyfada lies Voula, home to two amazing organised beaches and the Riviera’s biggest beach clubs. Enjoy during the day a colourful summer setting that brings to mind a real amusement park with modern beach bars, jet ski equipment, beach volleyball courts, a vibrant dance deck and exciting waterslides, whereas at night you can enjoy a cocktail in one of the district’s elegant clubs!

Extra tip: Voula A’ beach has been awarded a blue flag this year, which makes it ideal (and safe!) for families as well. On Voula B’ beach disabled people can also enjoy a swim thanks to the special infrastructure that has been installed on the beach.

Vouliagmeni: To the east lies
Vouliagmeni bay, its beach nestling in a beautiful location, before Mount Hymettus. A marina and a brace of private beaches are its trademarks whereas the picturesque harbour offers stunning views of the distant Saronic Gulf islands. Astir beach on Apollonos Street with its shallow, delicately turquoise water, smooth sand, excellent facilities and blue flag certification for cleanliness is one of Attica’s most luxurious and most popular beaches. Opposite Astir beach lies the public beach, which has no facilities and therefore no entry fee. If we add the bustling nightlife, the elegant cafes and restaurants and the luxurious hotels, Vouliagmeni is definitely a summer hotspot that you cannot afford to miss!

Extra Tip: Vouliagmeni Lake, only a five-minute walk from the little square in the centre of the town, lies “sunk” (Vouliagmeni meaning sunk) in the remains of a huge limestone cave fed by lukewarm springs welling from underground. The lake’s mineral and brackish waters feel absolutely silky while swimming whereas it is reportedly healing for rheumatism and arthritis!

Varkiza: Beyond Vouliagmeni lies the bustling little resort of Varkiza, where an outstanding seascape unfolds with impressive coves below the coastal road. You will have the chance to swim in free or organised beaches with azure waters, to exercise your favourite water sports or enjoy a delicious meal in a picturesque taverna by the sea while sipping a glass of ouzo which perfectly complements fresh seafood!

Extra tip: Windsurfing enthusiasts will be thrilled to exercise their favourite sport in Varkiza since it is considered to offer the best windsurfing infrastructure!

The coastal road continues through marvellous tourist resorts such as Lagonissi and Saronida and ends at Cape Sounio, Attica’s southeastern tip. There you will find the impressive Temple of Poseidon – the last piece of the ancient Athenians’ homeland every time they sailed into the Aegean. Watching the sunset filling the sky with every shade of mauve and pink and making the sea glowing like a sapphire is an unforgettable experience that will weave a powerful spell over you.

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The cape Sounion is an enchanting place to visit, located only about an hour and a half outside the city, offering to the visitors and travellers some of the most stunning views of the Attic landscape: The most expressive example of coexistence between beauty of Nature and the beauty of Art and Architecture.

Surmounted on a gorge almost 72 meters above the sea level stands the magnificent temple of Poseidon chanted through the centuries by numerous scholars and authors. The place that Aegeas , the legendary king of Athens leapt from into the water and gave his name to the Aegean Sea. Also a place of pilgrimage for romantic poets and philosophers including the great German philosopher Heidegger and the English poet Lord Byron whose signature can still be seen today at the site.

SUNION

Includes: Cape Sounio (Temple of Poseidon)
Duration: 4 hours
Cost:130 euros pickup from Athens City Center or Piraeus port, 160 euros pickup from Athens airport

FULL DAY TOUR ATHENS & SUNION

Includes: Acropolis – Temple of Olympian Zeus – Panathinaiko kallimarmaro Stadium – Parliament Change Of Guard – Ancient Market – Roman Market – Lycabettus, a view over Athens – Museum Visit choise between : a) national archaeological museum, b) the new acropolis museum, c) keramikos ancient cemetery, d) hellenic world interactive museum & tholos virtual reality theater, Cape Sounio (Temple of Poseidon)
Duration: 8 hours
Cost:240 euros pickup from Athens City Center or Piraeus port, 280 euros pickup from Athens airport

 

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30 March

FULL DAY ATHENS

Athens Joy of earth and dawn as it is described by the modern song of Chatzidakis and Gkatsos. Athens is a city of miracles therefore a full day tour in Athens is hardly enough to discover the beautiful aspects and every hidden treasure.

The tour will start with a Visit to Acropolis, seeing Parthenon and the Erecthium, the place where Athenians reached the peak of Classic Art and Architecture, admiring the Auritorium of Herodes Attikos and the ancient theatre of Dionysos the place where the performing art was born. Later on heading towards the Ancient Agora to have an insightful view in the place where
Democracy was born.

We will visit the temple of Ifaistos and Athena, and we will try to map the area of the parliament, the Senate, the prisons, the courts and various buildings that were related with the public administration of Athens. The third stop of our tour will be the sanctuary of Zeus on the eastern part of the city where we will admire the columns of the temple of Zeus and we will talk about the expanded version of Athens during Roman Times and the Adrian Gate. We will finish visiting Panathenaic stadium that hosted first modern Olympiads in 1896. Finally we will finish our day with climbing up the Lycabetus hill in order to catch the beautiful sunset and one of the most beautiful views of the city of Athens as she displays like an oyster in front of our feet.

Includes:Acropolis – Temple of Olympian Zeus – Panathinaiko kallimarmaro Stadium – Parliament Change Of Guard – Ancient Market – Roman Market – Lycabettus, a view over Athens – Museum Visit choise between : a) national archaeological museum, b) the new acropolis museum, c) keramikos ancient cemetery, d) hellenic world interactive museum & tholos virtual reality theater
Duration: 6 hours
Cost160: euros pickup from Athens City Center or Piraeus port, 200 euros pickup from Athens airport

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