Athens & Eleusis Full Day Private tour

This Athens & Eleusis Full Day Private tour offers a comprehensive experience combining Athens’ most iconic sights with two lesser-visited UNESCO World Heritage sites—Eleusis and Daphni Monastery. Priced at $225.50 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and is ideal for those who want a deep dive into Greece’s history with the convenience of private transportation. The tour includes pickup and drop-off services, making it a practical choice for visitors arriving at Piraeus port or staying at their hotel or address in Athens.

What sets this tour apart is its balance of classic Athens landmarks and unique archaeological sites. A licensed guide can be arranged for an additional fee, but even without one, the professional driver provides insightful commentary, especially on the historical significance of each stop. The tour has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating from 14 reviews, emphasizing its reliability and quality. Keep in mind that entrance fees, totaling €50 per person, are not included, so budget accordingly for sites like the Acropolis, Daphni Monastery, and Eleusis.

Key Points

• Full-day private experience combining Athens highlights with Eleusis and Daphni Monastery
• Price of $225.50 per person with pickup and drop-off included
• Duration of approximately 8 hours suited for travelers seeking an in-depth sightseeing day
• Guided or self-guided options available; entrance fees not included (around €50 total)
• Highlights include the Acropolis, Parthenon, Panathenaic Stadium, and Mount Lycabettus
• UNESCO-listed sites like Daphni Monastery and Eleusis archaeological site offer quieter, profound experiences

The Tour Starts at the Acropolis and Its Ancient Monuments

The tour kicks off at the Acropolis, the crown jewel of Athens. Here, visitors can admire the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum, and the Parthenon—the emblem of classical Greece. The Propylaea serves as the grand entrance, crafted from Pentelic marble with an avant-garde design by architect Mnesicles. The Parthenon stands as a symbol of Athenian democracy and Western civilization.

Expect to spend around 1 hour 30 minutes exploring these sites. Entrance fees are not included in the tour price but are approximately €50 per person for access to the Acropolis and other monuments. The Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus are also on the itinerary, offering insight into the birthplace of Greek drama and ancient performances.

Visiting the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch

Next, the driver guides visitors by Hadrian’s Arch to the Temple of Zeus, the largest temple in antiquity, dedicated to the king of gods. This stop offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Greek religious architecture and its influence on Roman structures. The temple’s remains highlight the scale and ambition of ancient builders.

Panathenaic Stadium and Mount Lycabettus for City Views

The Panathenaic Stadium stands as a major highlight, known for hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Visitors can appreciate the white marble structure that hosted historical sports events. Although the admission is free, the stadium’s historical significance makes it a key photo opportunity.

Subsequently, the tour proceeds to Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in Athens. Here, travelers enjoy 15 minutes of free time to take in sweeping panoramic views of the city, the Acropolis, and the Aegean Sea beyond. No entrance fee applies, but the view provides a perfect backdrop for photos.

Exploring Syntagma Square and Changing of the Guard

The trip then moves to the heart of Athens at Syntagma Square, where the Hellenic Parliament is located within the Old Royal Palace. Visitors watch the changing of the guard in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, a ceremony that offers a glimpse of Greek political tradition. The square itself is a lively hub, surrounded by important landmarks like the National Library and the Academy Building.

Visiting the UNESCO-Listed Daphni Monastery

The Daphni Monastery is a standout site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on the location of an ancient temple dedicated to Daphnian Apollo, it features 11th-century mosaics that are both stunning and well-preserved. The monastery’s architecture and mosaics represent Byzantine art at its finest.

The visit lasts about 1 hour, and while admission is free, the mosaics are the main attraction, revealing intricate Byzantine craftsmanship that has survived for nearly a millennium.

Discovering the Archaeological Site and Museum of Eleusis

The Eleusis archaeological site offers a quieter, historically profound experience. The site includes the Great Propylaea, Sacred Well, Telesterion, and Demeter’s Temple, key components of the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries. Visitors can explore the site of the legendary Mysteries that once attracted initiates from across Greece.

The museum hosts important artifacts, including the huge statue of Kore, a female figure that once decorated the Propylaea. The site’s admission fee is not included in the tour price, but the experience offers a rare glimpse into ancient religious rites. The visit lasts about 1 hour.

Practical Logistics and Tour Flexibility

The private driver is knowledgeable about Greek history and provides commentary, though they are not licensed to guide inside the sites. For a more detailed narration, a licensed guide can be arranged for an additional €380. The pickup and drop-off services ensure convenience for Piraeus port, hotels, or private addresses in Athens.

The tour is designed for flexibility, with most travelers booking 26 days in advance. It is suitable for those who want a rundown of Athens’ main monuments plus less-visited sites like Eleusis and Daphni.

The Experience Provider and Customer Service

Operated by Olive Sea Travel, the tour earns high praise, with a perfect 5-star rating based on 14 reviews. One reviewer highlights the knowledgeable and friendly guide, emphasizing the driver’s expertise in Greek history and mythology. The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, adding flexibility for travelers.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This full-day private tour is perfect for visitors who value personalized attention and want to see both the must-see landmarks and more quiet, historic sites. It suits those interested in ancient Greece, Byzantine mosaics, and archaeological sites, with the convenience of door-to-door transport. The not-included entrance fees should be factored into the budget, especially for site access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the guide included in the tour?
A licensed guide can be hired for an additional €380, but the driver provides commentary throughout the day.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees totaling approximately €50 per person are not included and must be paid separately.

What sites are part of the tour?
The tour visits the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Mount Lycabettus, Syntagma Square, Daphni Monastery, and the Eleusis archaeological site and museum.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is around 8 hours, making it a full-day experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes private vehicle transportation with pickup and drop-off services.

Can the tour be customized?
Yes, flexibility is available, and a licensed guide can be added for more detailed site explanations.

What is the best way to book this tour?
Most bookings are made 26 days in advance, and the tour is suitable for most travelers with easy access to Athens.

Is COVID-19 safety considered?
Yes, the company complies with WHO health instructions regarding COVID-19 precautions.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is provided by Olive Sea Travel, known for high-quality private tours in Athens.

What is the overall customer satisfaction?
The tour has a perfect 5-star rating from all 14 reviews, highlighting its reliability, knowledgeable guides, and smooth logistics.