A visit to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, promotes a philosophical turn of mind: The past illuminates the present, and the present -- with its pollution, traffic jams and noise -- could be seen as a dark glimpse into the future. Change is afoot, however. The city has committed vast resources -- US$2.8 billion -- to extending and improving the subway system, a project designed to reduce traffic and pollution.

Despite such urban challenges, Athens remains a city with much to offer: access to sandy beaches, idyllic islands and rugged hinterland; near-constant sunshine; and the wonders of its past. You'll never forget your first sight of the Parthenon atop the towering Acropolis -- and that's only the beginning.

Getting to know Athens begins with a visit to the Acropolis, the site is one of the first-known settlement in Greece (some 5,000 years ago) and the showcase for Greek architectural genius during the Golden Age of Pericles. The ruins of four sacred buildings from this era still stand on top of the hill. From the Acropolis, you need only walk a couple of miles in any direction to see most major archaeological sites and museums in Athens.

Note: Museums and archaeological sites are closed on the following public holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Day, Mar 25th, May 1st, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Sightseeing tour of Athens: An introduction to the city's most important sights including the House of Parliament, University Academy, House of Parliament, National Library, Hadrian's Arch and Panathenian Stadium. Followed by a guided tour of the famed Acropolis with the Parthenon, Erechtheum and the Acropolis Museum.

• Cape Sounion (Afternoon):
  A drive along the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. Visit the Temple of Poseidon located on a cliff overlooking the Aegean sea. At Cape Sounion you get a breathtaking view from the Doric columns of the 5th-century-BC temple. (Next to the Poseidon temple are the remains of a smaller temple dedicated to Athena Sounias.) A few yards away, the land drops 200 ft/60 m to the sea below.

 

Sound & Light and Folk Dances: (April-October) A spectacle on the Acropolis which brings the history of Athens to life. Followed by a folk dance performance at the open-air Dora Stratou theatre.

 

• Athens By Night Tour:
  Sound and Light performance at the Acropolis followed by dinner and a floor show at a typical Greek tavern in the Plaka area. (Note: November - March the Sound and Light performance will be replaced by a drive to Piraeus.)

Helicopter charters: - Tour of Athens: from $995 per person A panoramic and unforgettable helicopter view. Flying the lowest and slowest for optimal sightseeing. Some of the spectacular views of Athens include the Stadium, Acropolis with the Parthenon, Olympic Games Stadium, and the port of Piraeus make this tour most unique and exciting. With so much to see and experience, the Helicopter Tour of Athens is as unique as it is beautiful. Price per person (minimum 2 passengers). Includes pick-up service from your hotel! Available daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

 

Delphi: (full day with lunch) Drive through Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova to Delphi. In Delphi, visit the ancient sanctuary of Apollo and site of the Oracle at Delphi, Athenian Treasury, Castillian Spring and the Delphi Museum. Delphi, is about 80 mi/130 km northwest of Athens.

• Argolis - Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus: (full day with lunch)
  Drive through Daphni and Elefsis and cross the Corinth Canal. Visit ancient Corinth and Mycenae with the tombs of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra and Lion Gate. After lunch visit the ancient theatre at Epidaurus.

Saronic Island Cruise: (Full day with lunch)

A day of sailing, sun and pleasure awaits you. Sail for the island of Hydra, and laze away the morning by strolling, shopping or swimming. In the early afternoon sail for the island of Aegina, passing through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian coast from the island of Poros. Here you can either join the excursion to the Temple of Apohaia, or walk around the main town. A wonderful way to spend a day.Full day cruise visiting the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Buffet lunch served onboard. Daily.

Pick-up service from or near your hotel available.

 

Classical Tours (4-days): Four day/ three night motor coach tour visiting Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia & Delphi and the hanging monasteries of Meteora. Accommodation in First Class hotels, including daily breakfast and lunch or dinner.

 

Archaeological Tours (5-days): Five day/ four night motor coach tour visiting Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Sparta, Mystra, Olympia & Delphi. Accommodation in First Class hotels, including daily breakfast and lunch or dinner. Grand Tour of Greece (7-days): Nine day/eight night tour of Greece including Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Sparta, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Vergina, Thessaloniki, Kastoria. Accommodation in 4 star hotels, including daily breakfast and lunch or dinner.

 

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF ATHENS

Another logical starting point is elegant Syntagma Square. The Greek Parliament occupies the east side. In the forecourt stands the monument to the unknown soldier, which is guarded 24 hours a day by the Evzones ceremonial guards, or Tsoliades, as they are known locally. As you face the Parliament, turn right and walk down Amalias Avenue. A scant hundred yards away is the entrance to the National Garden, which, if you bear right on entering, leads into Zappeion Park. Walk along the back of Zappeion Hall and you will come to Herod Atticus Street. On the opposite side of Herod Atticus Street stands the Presidential Palace (formerly the Royal Palace). As you face the Palace, you should be able to see part of the Olympic Stadium on your right. Now, with Zappeion on your right, walk down Herod Atticus to Vassilissis Olga Avenue and bear right. Toward the end of Vassilissis Olga you'll see the entrance to the Temple of Olympian Zeus on the left side of the avenue. Exit the temple the same way you came in, turn left and walk toward Amalias Avenue. Continue to follow the sidewalk as it veers left at Amalias Avenue and you will find yourself at Hadrian's Arch. Facing the Arch, with your back to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, you'll see the Acropolis in the foreground. Walk across Amalias Avenue toward the Acropolis, using the series of pedestrian lights to your left. You'll want to take a last look back at the Arch before you enter Lysikratous Street, which is directly across Amalias from the Arch. At the end of Lysikratous Street you'll face the Monument of Lysikratous. Turn right on Selly Street, right again on Thespidos Street, then left on Adrianou Street; you are now in Plaka, the oldest quarter in Athens. Follow Adrianou Street until you reach a tree-lined park with an open-air restaurant. There, turn right on Kapnikareas Street and then left on Pandrosou Street, which will lead you to Monastiraki Square and the famous Monastiraki Flea Market. Instead of crossing to the entrance of the market, turn left on Ifaistou Street. Keep going past the front of the church at the end of this street and you'll see the entrance to the Ancient Agora on your left.