All-Day tour:Discover the most famous sites of Athens and Ancient Corinth

Discover Athens and Ancient Corinth on a Private Full-Day Tour

This all-day private tour offers an in-depth look at Greece’s most famous archaeological sites, with a focus on Athens’ historic landmarks and the ancient city of Corinth. Priced at $329.69 per person, the tour lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive experience without rushing. The tour departs from your accommodation with pickup included, and features private transportation in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle equipped with air-conditioning and WiFi, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

A key strength of this tour is its private format, giving your group personalized attention and flexibility. Visitors should note that admission tickets for sites like the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and Temple of Apollo are not included, so plan accordingly. This tour suits travelers who value a well-rounded sightseeing experience with knowledgeable drivers but do not necessarily require a licensed guide at each site.

Key Points

• Private, fully customized experience with door-to-door pickup and drop-off.
• Visits include famous Athens sites like the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium.
• Excursion to Ancient Corinth, including Acrocorinth and the Temple of Apollo.
• Comfortable transportation with WiFi, air-conditioning, and bottled water.
• Admission tickets for sites are not included, enabling flexible entry planning.
• Tour duration of roughly 10 to 11 hours, ideal for a full-day exploration.

Starting at the Acropolis: The Heart of Athens’ Ancient Heritage

The tour begins with a visit to the Acropolis of Athens, a rocky hill rising 156 meters above sea level. The Parthenon, dedicated to goddess Athena, is the centerpiece, built between 447 and 438 BC. Its decorative sculptures are widely considered some of the highest achievements in Greek art, and the architecture exemplifies the Doric order.

Alongside the Parthenon, you’ll see the Erechtheion, famous for its Karyatids, and the Propylaea, the grand entrance to the site. The Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus are also nearby, offering a glimpse into the ancient Greek theatrical tradition. Since admission tickets are not included, visitors should plan to purchase tickets separately for a more in-depth visit.

Exploring the Acropolis Museum: Artifacts and Views

Next, the Acropolis Museum provides a close-up look at artifacts excavated from the site. Built to house every relic from the Acropolis and surrounding slopes, it features over 4,250 objects spread across 14,000 square meters. The museum’s design allows visitors to view the ruins of Roman and Byzantine Athens beneath the glass floors, adding layers to the visit.

While tickets are not included, this stop offers valuable context for understanding the significance of the ancient monuments. The museum complements the outdoor site by showcasing Greek Bronze Age artifacts and sculptures, enriching the historical perspective of Athens’ classical period.

Panathenaic Stadium: The World’s Oldest Marble Arena

A short drive takes you to the Panathenaic Stadium, also called Kallimarmaro, the oldest stadium still in use today. Built entirely of white marble, it hosted the Olympic Games in 1896, as well as in 1906 and 2004. Its simple yet elegant design makes it a standout among sporting venues.

Spending about 10 minutes here, travelers can admire the stadium’s architecture and imagine the ancient and modern athletic competitions that have taken place within its walls. Since admission tickets are not included, visitors can choose to explore further or just appreciate the historic site from the outside.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus: A Monumental Landmark

Within walking distance from the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus looms as a half-complete temple dedicated to Zeus, chief of the Greek gods. Its columns, originally 40 monolithic Dorian pillars, showcase the grandeur of classical Greek architecture.

This site is notable not only for its size but also for its history of destruction and ongoing archaeological interest. Nearby landmarks include Hadrian’s Arch and the Zappeion, both within a short stroll, offering a layered view of Athens’ ancient and modern history.

Changing of the Guard at Tomba del Milite Ignoto

The tour includes a 10-minute stop at Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard in front of the Hellenic Parliament. The guard, known as Evzones, stands vigil over the Tombs of the Unknown Soldier. This ceremony occurs daily, providing a glimpse of traditional Greek ceremonial dress and military tradition.

This stop offers a photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Athens’ modern political heart, situated right above the National Garden and the Old Royal Palace.

The Historic Plaka District and Monastiraki

A key highlight is Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Its winding alleys, neoclassical houses, and flower-filled balconies create an inviting atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed walk through this district, taking in its romantic charm and local cafes serving ice-cold frappés.

Nearby, Monastiraki offers a vibrant market scene with ancient ruins, including Hadrian’s Library and the Stoa of Attalos, which hosts a museum of Athenian artifacts. Exploring this lively area highlights Athens’ mix of history and modern city life.

The Isthmus of Corinth and the Corinth Canal

Traveling southwest, the tour reaches the Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow 6-kilometer strip of land connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese. The Corinth Canal, opened in 1893, cuts through this isthmus, offering a striking view of maritime engineering.

This 10-minute stop provides insight into ancient strategic importance, as a wall once protected this zone since the 5th century BC. The canal remains a vital route and a popular photo spot for visitors.

Visiting Acrocorinth: The Fortress on the Rock

Perched 575 meters high, Acrocorinth is a massive monolithic rock with a fortress that served as a last defensive stronghold in ancient times. Its secure water supply and strategic position made it a key military site through history.

Visitors can explore the amphitheater, sanctuaries of Asclepius, Temple of Apollo, and early Christian basilicas. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to walk through layers of ancient military and religious history.

Practical Details and Logistics

This private tour is led by an English-speaking driver knowledgeable about Greek history, but it does not include a licensed guide for site interpretation. Assistance with ticket purchasing is provided, although all site entrance fees are paid separately.

The Mercedes-Benz vehicle ensures comfort and convenience, with air-conditioning, WiFi, bottled water, and child seats available. Pickup and drop-off are free and flexible, making this tour ideal for travelers who value personalized service.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing without the stress of self-planning. It offers the best of Athens’ archaeological sites combined with a visit to Corinth. Travelers who prefer private transportation and customized timing will find it especially appealing.

However, since admission tickets are not included, visitors should plan to purchase these separately for each site they wish to explore more thoroughly. The lack of a licensed guide at sites might be a consideration for those seeking detailed commentary, but the driver’s historical knowledge compensates to some extent.

This tour offers a thorough overview of ancient Greece’s most important landmarks with the convenience of private transportation. The inclusion of key sites such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Panathenaic Stadium, and Acrocorinth ensures a well-rounded experience. The flexible itinerary and luxury vehicle make it a practical choice for travelers eager to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Nevertheless, the exclusion of site tickets means that visitors should budget for entrance fees separately. The driver’s local knowledge enriches the experience, providing context and stories behind each monument, even if a licensed guide is not available on-site.

Are tickets to the archaeological sites included?
No, the admission tickets for sites like the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and Temple of Apollo are not included but assistance in purchasing tickets is provided.

How flexible is the pick-up time?
The tour offers flexible pick-up times to suit your schedule, with the possibility to customize your start time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the vehicle is equipped with child seats, making it appropriate for families.

Can I extend the tour duration?
Yes, hourly extensions are available at an additional fee, allowing you to customize your experience.

What makes this tour different from others in Athens?
The private format, luxury transportation, and focus on both famous sites and lesser-known landmarks like Acrocorinth set this experience apart.

Is a licensed guide available?
Guides are not licensed to accompany visitors inside sites, but driver’s local knowledge provides valuable insights.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and cash or cards for entry tickets and souvenirs. The vehicle provides bottled water and WiFi to stay connected.