Espa

Best of Ancient and Modern Athens Tour

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Give us a day and we’ll show you the whole city – its fabulous past and its forward-looking present!

Duration

6 hours

When

Daily, upon request

Languages

english, french

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A fantastic combination full-day tour of the unmissable sights, like the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora of Athens, but also a modern Athens tour of the liveliest neighborhoods in town, where trend-setting art and hip style coexist with authentic and traditional food joints.

This is a Private Tour

Our private tours can be booked as featured or be customized especially for you.

Highlights

  • The archaeological stars like the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora of Athens, sites of world-heritage importance you just can’t miss
  • The other unmissable spots – a modern Athens tour of the places where Athenians actually hang out.
  • The bustling food & flea markets of Athens, full of colors and smells
  • The feeling that you’re getting to know the city -both ancient and modern Athens, not just the sights.

What you can expect

From the Acropolis, where your guide will explain both what you’re looking at and what it meant to the people of ancient Athens, to the Ancient Agora, where the history you learn will cover philosophy and politics, you’ll spend an important part of the tour in the past. 

After the Acropolis and Ancient Agora tour, however, you’ll come straight back to the present with an exploration of the neighborhoods of modern-day Athens that are changing right now. You'll stop for a coffee in one of Athens' secret gardens, a surprising café in an unexpected setting in the heart of the city.

Then, take a walk around the neighborhoods of  Monastiraki, the colorful flea market, and Psiri and keep an eye out for street art – your guide will know where – as well as cool new design shops and vintage clothing stores. Check out both the pre-war and the post-war buildings and the concentration of hardware and specialty item stores in an area they happily share with brand-new funky little bars.

Head into the traditional “belly of the city”, the bustling Varvakios Market, the biggest and most popular fish, meat and vegetable market in the whole of Athens and explore the main spice street of Athens too. Have a light lunch, at one of the best spots to taste the real Greek souvlaki!

In Plaka, the oldest part of Athens, find out if there’s a compromise between history and modernity as you explore an area that is trying to offer more than just souvenirs. 

This full day ancient and modern Athens tour will alllow you to discover the city -and what a city! sure, a day is still not enough, but it’s a great start to a beautiful new friendship.

Practical info

Duration
6 hours
Walking pace
Easy
Languages
english, french
When
Daily, upon request

Good to know

  • This is a great tour if you only have a day in Athens and want to fit in everything!
  • For this tour you will need tickets for the Acropolis & the Ancient Agora (not included in the price). 
  • Children 0-18 years old (as of 1/4/24) & individuals from EU coutries under 25 need to present a valid identity card or passport to be entitled to free entry or discounts
  • Strollers and wheelchairs cannot be used throughout the tour and especially on the rock of the Acropolis and have to be left at the WEST entrance of the Acropolis
  • The food market is closed on SUNDAYS

Prices

Upon request - Private basis only

What's included

  • Licensed English speaking guide (Acropolis)
  • Professional English speaking guide
  • Lunch
  • Coffee

Not included

  • Entry fees
  • Extra food or drinks not mentioned in the description
  • Transfers (if needed)

Notes

Tour not operating on January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, December 25th & 26th, Easter Sunday.

Testimonials:

"A perfect day. Alternative Athens is very fortunate to have such gifted guides!"

taiter – Orkney

"We had an incredible day in Athens. This ended up being the best day of our 2.5 week vacation across Rome, the Greek Islands, Naples, and Sicily. I'm really impressed with this company and have already recommended them to all of my friends and family."

kathyinil – Illinois

"We had one day in Athens while on a cruise. Our guides made history come alive and took us to many hidden treasures that most tourists would not see. Both of them spoke excellent English and were very enthusiastic and friendly. I would highly recommend this small, innovative, private tour company to anyone."

Leslev C

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You'll love:

Getting to know, really know, ancient and modern Athens in a day!

Best of Ancient and Modern Athens Tour
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