Athens Myths & Tales Walking Tour
Description
Immerse yourself in Athens’ ancient history
Get ready to explore one of the world’s oldest cities, where a long history and strong culture coexist with Athenians’ modern rhythms and life. Visit must-see Athens spots as well hidden not-to-miss gems, sip Greek coffee, and see a traditional Greek changing of the guard ceremony with a local by your side. Dive into the very soul of Athens’ past and discover exactly what made this city so special.
Highlights
You begin our Historical Athens Walking tour from Syntagma Square, where you’ll meet your local guide. Being the most important and crowded square in Athens, Syntagma square is surrounded by the Parliament and other impressive neoclassical buildings, but it wasn’t always like this! Learn why King Otto moved the capital of the newly-born Greek Kingdom from Nafplio to Athens and why he picked Syntagma Square for his Palace.
Moving into the upper end of the square, you’ll visit the tomb of the unknown soldier and see the Evzones, the guards of the constitution dressed in a traditional white skirt, red hat, and an old rifle, a costume dated back to the 17th and 18th-century. Learn about the tradition of the changing of the guard and watch the ceremony that happens every hour and simply cannot be missed during your Athens tour.
You’ll continue your tour by following Theseus, the legendary hero from Greek mythology, trails around Athens’s most famous landmarks. We’ll stroll around centuries-old pathways alongside ancient landmarks and other unknown historical sites, passing by the famous Athens Acropolis and the Ancient Agora and hearing stories from your local guide about the customs and traditions that still exist today. Please bear in mind that the tour inside the Acropolis is not included, so that’ll have to be done separately on your own time.
Next, explore Plaka, the oldest neighborhood, continuously inhabited since ancient times. Wander along Athen’s oldest streets and pass by some of the most important city’s landmarks such as the Diogenes Square, Hadrian’s Arch built in honor of one of the most glorified Roman emperors, the impressive ruins of the Jupiter (Zeus) temple, the National Gardens, and Zappeion, and the white marble Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place and the 2004 Olympic marathon ended.
After this highlighted not-to miss tour of Athens history, you’ll be taken back to present-day Athens to experience the locals’ everyday life and admire some of Athens’ more modern architecture while sipping a traditional coffee and savoring local sweets.
This Athens walking tour will come to an end at the Acropolis of Athens, where you can continue your own personal exploration, or your local guide can give you directions on how to get back to your hotel. With so many suggestions and tips from your local guide, you’ll likely have a myriad of things you’ll want to do next!amazing Athens!
Get ready to explore one of the world’s oldest cities, where a long history and strong culture coexist with Athenians’ modern rhythms and life. Visit must-see Athens spots as well hidden not-to-miss gems, sip Greek coffee, and see a traditional Greek changing of the guard ceremony with a local by your side. Dive into the very soul of Athens’ past and discover exactly what made this city so special.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Athens’ ancient history while also experiencing Athenians’ modern life.
- Stroll around centuries-old pathways alongside ancient landmarks and other unknown historical sites.
- Witness the changing of the Greek ‘Evzones’ guards, traditionally dressed with a white skirt, red hat and old rifle.
- Get ready to meet the Olympians through fascinating myths and tales.
- Experience real Athens through the eyes and storytelling of locals, leaving aside any ‘impersonal’ reading of guidebooks.
You begin our Historical Athens Walking tour from Syntagma Square, where you’ll meet your local guide. Being the most important and crowded square in Athens, Syntagma square is surrounded by the Parliament and other impressive neoclassical buildings, but it wasn’t always like this! Learn why King Otto moved the capital of the newly-born Greek Kingdom from Nafplio to Athens and why he picked Syntagma Square for his Palace.
Moving into the upper end of the square, you’ll visit the tomb of the unknown soldier and see the Evzones, the guards of the constitution dressed in a traditional white skirt, red hat, and an old rifle, a costume dated back to the 17th and 18th-century. Learn about the tradition of the changing of the guard and watch the ceremony that happens every hour and simply cannot be missed during your Athens tour.
You’ll continue your tour by following Theseus, the legendary hero from Greek mythology, trails around Athens’s most famous landmarks. We’ll stroll around centuries-old pathways alongside ancient landmarks and other unknown historical sites, passing by the famous Athens Acropolis and the Ancient Agora and hearing stories from your local guide about the customs and traditions that still exist today. Please bear in mind that the tour inside the Acropolis is not included, so that’ll have to be done separately on your own time.
Next, explore Plaka, the oldest neighborhood, continuously inhabited since ancient times. Wander along Athen’s oldest streets and pass by some of the most important city’s landmarks such as the Diogenes Square, Hadrian’s Arch built in honor of one of the most glorified Roman emperors, the impressive ruins of the Jupiter (Zeus) temple, the National Gardens, and Zappeion, and the white marble Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place and the 2004 Olympic marathon ended.
After this highlighted not-to miss tour of Athens history, you’ll be taken back to present-day Athens to experience the locals’ everyday life and admire some of Athens’ more modern architecture while sipping a traditional coffee and savoring local sweets.
This Athens walking tour will come to an end at the Acropolis of Athens, where you can continue your own personal exploration, or your local guide can give you directions on how to get back to your hotel. With so many suggestions and tips from your local guide, you’ll likely have a myriad of things you’ll want to do next!amazing Athens!
Included
Local English-speaking guide, Greek coffee or soft drink, local sweets
Excluded
Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide
Know before you go
Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour.