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

This is a great tour if you only have a day in Athens and want to fit in everything!

  • Entrance fees

For this tour you will need tickets for the Acropolis & the Ancient Agora (not included in the price). 

Children 0-18 years old & individuals from EU countries under 25 need to present a valid identity card or passport to be entitled to free entry or discounts

  • Strollers & Wheelchairs

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

  • Ending point

The tour ends at Syntagma Square, a central area with easy access to transportation, shops, and cafés.

  • Note regarding Sunday tours

The food market is closed on SUNDAYS

Upon request - Private basis only

  • Licensed English speaking guide (Acropolis)
  • Professional English speaking guide
  • Lunch
  • Coffee
  • Entry fees
  • Extra food or drinks not mentioned in the description
  • Transfers (if needed)

Meeting point

  • The meeting point is flexible and depends on your accommodation location. Details are confirmed after booking.

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

The Best of Ancient & Modern Athens Tour is a guided experience designed to showcase both ancient landmarks and modern city life in Athens. The tour combines history, local culture, and everyday experiences, offering a well-rounded introduction to the city in a limited amount of time.

This tour is ideal for travelers who have limited time in Athens, such as visitors spending only one day in the city, and want to experience both ancient landmarks and modern Athens in a single, well-rounded tour.

Yes. This tour is well suited for cruise ship passengers visiting Athens for the day. It is designed to cover the Acropolis and central areas of Athens within a limited time frame, making it a practical and well-paced shore excursion.

Entrance tickets are included only if you select the ticket-included option at the time of booking.
If you choose the tour-only option, entrance tickets must be purchased separately.

No. The Acropolis Museum is not included by default.
However, if you prefer, the visit to the Ancient Agora can be replaced with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, upon request.

Participants will enjoy souvlaki, coffee, and a sweet snack during the experience.

Yes. The tour combines visits to Acropolis and the Ancient Agora with exploration of central Athens neighborhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Psyrri, and Syntagma Square, offering a balanced introduction to both ancient and modern Athens.

The tour involves several hours of walking, including a visit to the Acropolis, where the terrain is uneven and includes some uphill sections. The pace is manageable, with breaks along the way, and is suitable for visitors with a reasonable level of mobility.

Unlike tours that focus exclusively on archaeology or modern culture, this experience is designed to connect ancient history with contemporary Athens, making it especially suitable for first-time visitors and short stays.

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

Best of Ancient and Modern Athens Tour
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