Athens Half-Day Tour with Acropolis

See the city’s most historic sites and explore the Acropolis with skip-the-line tickets!

Travel Flexibly 5 / 5 See All 1 Reviews · 4.00h · Athens, Greece

Want to see the top sights of Athens but short on time? On this half-day tour, follow along as your guide details Athens’ rich history. Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, watch the changing of the guard's ceremony, and wander through the idyllic neighborhood of Plaka. Finally, enter the Acropolis with skip-the-line tickets as you marvel at the crown jewel of Athens. With a knowledgeable guide by your side and a minibus escorting you along the way, this is the best way to experience Athens!

  • Meeting point at New Hotel
  • Panathenaic Stadium
  • Changing of the Guards
  • Athens Trilogy
  • Explore Plaka
  • Monastiraki
  • Acropolis Hill
  • Ending point at New Hotel

Your enchanting tour of Athens begins at your designated meeting point, where your local guide will be waiting to help you aboard your comfortable minibus. Once the rest of your small group of only 15 people at most have found their seats, it’s time for the adventure to begin!

Visit the magnificent Panathenaic Stadium, and then marvel at the Parliament Building and Presidential Palace before being mesmerized by the changing of the guards ceremony. Next, explore the Athens Trilogy as you wander past the University of Athens, Academy of Athens, and National Library. All along the way, your expert guide will detail the rich history and intriguing stories behind each monument.

Next, discover the picturesque neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, as you wander past idyllic streets lined by lively tavernas. Stop along the way to take a photo in front of the Ancient Agora, where you’ll marvel at the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.

Finally, end your tour with a memorable visit to the iconic Acropolis. Whiz past the long queue thanks to your skip-the-line tickets as you visit the ancient Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and Erechtheion.

Your half-day tour ends following your visit to the Acropolis, though you still have plenty of time left to continue exploring Greece’s fascinating capital!

Athens Half Day Tour Description

Your 4-hour tour includes:

  • Professional guide

  • Comfortable Mercedes minibus

  • Skip-the-line Acropolis tickets

  • Sightsee the top highlights of Athens

  • Explore the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki

  • Small groups of 15 people at most

Hop in Your Minibus

To begin immersing yourself in the beauty and history of Athens, make your way to your designated meeting point, just in front of the New Hotel. Your friendly guide will be waiting to greet you, along with your intimate group of only 15 people at most.

Once all your fellow travelers are ready, hop inside your comfortable Mercedes minibus. Buckle up and have your camera handy as your driver escorts you to your first awe-inspiring stop of the day!

Panathenaic Stadium

Your adventure begins at the iconic Panatheniac Stadium. This historic site is particularly notable for being the only stadium in the world that is made entirely of marble. Admire the captivating structure as your knowledgeable guide explains that in 1896, this is where the Olympic Games were hosted! Snap a few photos of the one-of-a-kind, white marble stadium, before hopping back in your minibus.

Parliament Building and Presidential Palace

Next, your expert guide will lead you to the stunning Parliament Building, which now contains the National Historical Museum. Nearby, marvel at the opulent Presidential Palace, where the president of the Hellenic Republic resides. As your guide details the importance of both these prominent buildings, watch in amazement as you witness the famous changing of the guards ceremony.

The Athens Trilogy

Continue discovering the city’s historic landmarks as you explore the Athens Trilogy. Begin by admiring the impressive architecture of the University of Athens, which is renowned for being the first university in the liberated Greek state. Afterwards, marvel at the prestigious Academy of Athens, which is the country’s national academy. Finally, take in the striking exterior of the National Library. Established back in 1832, this is still the main public library in Greece. Snap a few photos of these legendary buildings while your guide explains more about their intriguing history.

Explore Local Neighborhoods

With your friendly guide leading the way, wander through the enchanting neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. Meander through the idyllic streets and vibrant markets of these two beloved local neighborhoods, as you pass by bustling tavernas and artisanal shops. As you take in the sights, your guide will explain more about Athens’ picturesque city center.

Ancient Agora

While wandering through Athens’ charming neighborhoods, take out your camera for one of the best photo-ops of the tour! The Ancient Agora is where you’ll find the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples. Snap a quick photo with this historic site as the backdrop, before moving on to your final stop of the tour.

The Acropolis

It wouldn’t be a proper tour of Athens without a visit to the spectacular Acropolis. Cruise past the long line of tourists with your skip-the-line tickets and immerse yourself in the city’s most captivating site. Take in the beauty of the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and Erqchtheion while your expert guide details the fascinating history and mythology of these ancient treasures.

Following your exploration of the Acropolis, your half-day tour will sadly come to an end. However, you’re left with plenty of time to continue exploring the magical city of Athens! Head back to your favorite site from the tour for a deeper look or wander through areas of the vibrant city that you haven’t yet explored!

What you get with this tour
Expert English-speaking guide
Comfortable transportation
Skip-the-Line Acropolis tickets
Explore Plaka and Monastiraki
Changing of the Guards
Max 15 people
Guide gratuitiy
Hotel pick-up
Food and drink
Tripadvisor Logo

See what people are saying

1 total reviews

Leave a review
5.0/5 (based on 1 reviews)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 stars
28 May 2024
K
Reviewed by
Kimberly Voigt

Our tour guide Teddy was just great! He was very informative with enough humor to make it fun. We enjoyed our tour & have recommended it to others already.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and wear weather appropriate clothing!

What to bring?

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and wear weather appropriate clothing!

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Athens.

What if I have concerns about my mobility?

Unfortunately, due to the transportation and walking involved in the tour, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users. In this case, a private tour may be a better fit.

What happens if it rains?

We run our Athens tours rain or shine, so please dress accordingly if the forecast shows rain.

Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour? 

None of the sites visited on this tour require a dress code. Though we do recommend comfortable walking shoes!

How comprehensive is the Acropolis portion of this tour?

In the spirit of seeing as much of Athens in a half-day as possible, the Acropolis section of this tour is abbreviated more than our dedicated Acropolis tours. You'll still get to experience all the most important elements of this impressive attraction though.

Is lunch included in the price of the tour?

No, but your guide will be happy to recommend some of their favorite spots.

Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?

Kids are welcome on this Athens sightseeing tour! Infants 2 and under may join for free, while children aged 3-17 pay a reduced fee.

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends after being dropped off back at your original meeting point.

Start From: $101.70

available days discounted days

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

Reserve Now $101.70 / per person
$101.70 / per person
You may also like
New Tour

New Tour

Skip-the-Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum

Discover the ancient mythology and historic landmarks of Athens with an expert archaeologist guide

Athens in a Day Tour with Acropolis Early Entrance and Lunch

Athens in a Day Tour with Acropolis Early Entrance and Lunch

Enjoy morning guided access to Parthenon Hill and its museum, paired with a delightful Greek meal

New Tour

New Tour

Essential Highlights Tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon

Skip the line and get to know Greece’s most important ruins, including the Temple of Athena Nike

New Tour

New Tour

Delphi and Arachova Day Trip from Athens

Take a journey to the center of the ancient Greek world to see the Temple of Apollo and more

New Tour

New Tour

Athens Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart

Glide around the ancient city in order to see all the top spots of Athens!

New Tour

New Tour

Athens Local Food Tour in Monastiraki

Discover the real taste of Greece with a fun foodie guide and explore amazing Varvakios Agora Market

New Tour

New Tour

Greek Islands Boat Tour by Wooden Ship from Athens

Cruise clear blue seas to the gorgeous Saronic Islands, with snorkeling, meals, and drinks included

Cooking Class with Expert Chef

Cooking Class with Expert Chef

Athens Cooking Class with Dinner and Rooftop View of the Acropolis

Create Authentic Greek Dishes with Local Ingredients in a Small Group

Private Full Day Tour of Athens

Private Full Day Tour of Athens

Explore the Acropolis with your guide, wander through Plaka, and drive to the city’s top sites!

New Tour

New Tour

Athens Street Food Tour in Psyrri

Delight in six traditional Greek dishes, paired with beverages, on this local secrets foodie tour

New Tour

New Tour

Athens Wines, Spirits, and Gourmet Bites Tour

Join a local expert for a three-hour introduction to Athens’ vibrant nightlife, drinks, and bites

New Tour

New Tour

Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half Day Tour from Athens

Cruise along a coastal road near the Aegean Sea and watch the sunset over the Temple of Poseidon

New Tour

New Tour

Classical Athens by E-Bike Shore Excursion

From the cruise terminal, cycle to Areopagus Hill, the Roman Forum, the Olympic Stadium, and more!

New Tour

New Tour

Classical Athens Bike Tour

E-bike with ease around Athens to see the highlights of the city!

Half-Day Sailing & Gastronomy Cruise From Athens

Half-Day Sailing & Gastronomy Cruise From Athens

Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine cooked onboard the Aiolis Alfa, expertly paired with local wine

New Tour

New Tour

Athens Wine Tasting Tour Under the Acropolis

Sample Greek wine varieties paired with traditional food alongside an expert guide

New Tour

New Tour

Athens by Night Walking Tour with Dinner

Admire the Parthenon, wander through the oldest neighborhood in Athens, and dine at a Greek taverna