Athens Half-Day Guided Tour by Minivan with Acropolis and Tickets
See the city’s historic sites in a small group and explore Acropolis with skip-the-line tickets
Think you know the best way to explore Athens? Spoiler alert: it’s this tour. Why waste precious time trudging around on foot when you can effortlessly tick off the city’s highlights in just half a day? With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll dive into Athens’ fascinating history, see the Panathenaic Stadium, witness the changing of the guards, and stroll through the charming streets of Plaka. Plus, you’ll bypass the lines to enter the Acropolis—because we all know, waiting is for amateurs.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Comfortable minivan transportation
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Skip-the-line Acropolis tickets
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Viewing of changing of the guards
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Guided tour in Plaka and Monastiraki
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Athens’ icons in one morning
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at the New Hotel
Meet your guide outside New Hotel in central Athens and join your small group in the minibus. As everyone settles in, your guide outlines the plan and points out major landmarks on the drive. -
2
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium
Ride over to the Panathenaic Stadium, the only arena in the world built entirely of marble. Step out for photos while your guide explains how it hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. -
3
Watch the changing of the guards
Head to Syntagma Square to see the Parliament Building and Presidential Palace. From a good vantage point, you watch the Evzones, Greece’s elite ceremonial guards, perform the changing of the guards and learn how the ritual connects to modern Greek history. -
4
See the Athens Trilogy
Back in the minibus, follow the route past the Athens Trilogy: the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Your guide highlights the neoclassical façades and explains how these institutions helped shape modern Greek education and culture. -
5
Stroll through Plaka and Monastiraki
Then it is time to explore on foot through Plaka’s village-like streets and Monastiraki’s lively market squares. You pass tavernas, shops, and stalls while your guide shares tips on where to eat, shop, and people-watch later. -
6
Photo stop at the Ancient Agora
As you continue walking, pause near the Ancient Agora for a photo stop with the Temple of Hephaestus in view. Your guide describes how this former marketplace once served as the political and social center of classical Athens. -
7
Climb up to the Acropolis
Finally, use your skip-the-line Acropolis tickets to walk up the hill to Athens’ most famous ruins. Along the way, you see the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and Erechtheion while hearing the myths and history tied to each one. -
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Your tour finishes back at the New Hotel
After exploring the Acropolis, return to the minibus for a short ride back to the New Hotel. Your guide shares suggestions for where to eat, shop, or wander next, so you can keep exploring Athens for the rest of your trip.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: Unfortunately, due to the transportation and walking involved in the tour, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users. A private tour may be a better fit.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs rain or shine, so please dress accordingly if the forecast shows rain.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can begin the tour on time.
Your 4-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Comfortable Mercedes minibus transportation
Skip-the-line Acropolis tickets
Sightsee the top highlights of Athens
Explore the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki
Maximum group size of 15
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Water
Rain gear (if applicable)
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Customer Reviews
Our guide was informative & knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour! We would definitely recommend this tour, you'll learn so much!
We were met on time with Athena our guide. Boarded a new Mercedes Benz Shuttle. Excellent experience all around. At the end of the tour we were given the option of leaving as were closer to our hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat and a camera!
What to bring?
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat and a camera!
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.
