Athens Half-Day Tour with Acropolis
See the city’s most historic sites and explore the Acropolis with skip-the-line tickets!
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
See what people are saying
1 total reviews
Leave a reviewKimberly 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.