Athens Full Day Private Tour with pick up

Discover the best of Athens in a personalized way with the Athens Full Day Private Tour with pick-up, offered by Great Greece Tours. Priced at $163.92 per person and lasting approximately 6 to 7 hours, this tour provides a relaxed, intimate experience of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It departs from your hotel or cruise ship, with hotel, cruise, Airbnb pickup, and drop-off included, making it a seamless way to explore Athens without the hassle of navigating alone.

What sets this tour apart is the private driver-guide, allowing for a flexible and personalized visit. You’ll avoid large crowds, enjoy comfortable transportation with air conditioning and bottled water, and benefit from English-speaking guidance. With an impressive rating of 5.0 based on 22 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for those seeking a well-organized, informative day in Athens, especially for travelers who prefer a tailored experience rather than a big-group sightseeing bus.

Key Points

• Private, guided experience with a dedicated driver-guide ensures personalized attention
• Approximately 6 to 7 hours of exploration with flexible stops and narration
• Includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, cruise, or Airbnb, plus WiFi and bottled water on board
• Visit major landmarks like the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Mount Lycabettus
• Admission fees are extra, so plan to pre-book tickets for sites like the Acropolis
• Perfect for travelers seeking comfort, flexibility, and expert insights

Custom Private Transportation with a Personal Guide

This tour begins with hotel, cruise, or Airbnb pickup, ensuring a smooth start without the need to navigate public transport or worry about timing. A private driver-guide leads the way, providing expert commentary on Athens’s history and architecture during the journey. The vehicle is air-conditioned and offers WiFi, making the experience both comfortable and connected.

Traveling in a small group or private setting allows for flexible timing at each stop, with the opportunity to dive deeper into specific sites or take photos without the rush of larger tours. The personalized approach has earned high praise, with reviews highlighting the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guide, Konstantinos, and the tailored experience he provides.

Exploring Athens’ Most Famous Landmarks

The Acropolis and Temple of Athena-Nike

The tour starts at the Acropolis, where you’ll see the Temple of Athena-Nike, dating back to the 5th century B.C.. This 2,500-year-old monument served as a place of prayer for Athenians before battles and remains an essential part of Athens’s ancient skyline. Admission fees are not included, so booking tickets in advance is recommended.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus

Next, the Temple of Olympian Zeus stands as a testament to ancient Greek architecture. Built by the Roman King Hadrian in the 2nd century A.D., it features 104 towering columns that reach 13 meters high. This site marks the birthplace of Olympic Games’ ceremonies and was once used for athlete purification baths.

The Panathenaic Stadium and Mount Lycabettus

The Panathenaic Stadium hosts the first Olympic Games in 335 B.C. and can seat 65,000 spectators. It’s also the finish line of the marathon, making it a highlight for sports enthusiasts. The short 15-minute stop is free of charge.

From there, the tour reaches Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in Athens at 250 meters, offering the best panoramic views of the city. Visitors can snap photos of Athens sprawling below and enjoy the scenic overlook. This stop is also free.

The Changing of the Guard and the Temple of Hephaistos

Witness the hourly changing of the Evzones, the armed guard who watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and symbolize Greece’s democratic heritage. The ceremony takes about 20 minutes and is a striking display of tradition.

The Temple of Hephaistos dates to the 6th century B.C. and honors the Greek god of weapons. Known for its remarkably preserved structure, it offers insight into Ancient Greek religious practices.

Visiting the Roman Agora and Other Historical Sites

The Roman Agora with Tower of the Winds

The Roman Agora, built in the 2nd century A.D., was a bustling marketplace featuring marble structures from Thassos. Inside, visitors can see the Tower of the Winds, an ancient “computer” used for timekeeping and weather predictions, designed by Archimedes.

The Ancient Agora and Aristotle’s Lyceum

The Ancient Agora, dating back to the 5th century B.C., was Athens’s marketplace and civic center. Here, Greeks bought slaves, animals, and weapons, and worshipped the Temple of Hephaestus. The Lyceum, recently discovered, is associated with Aristotle, offering a glimpse into Athens’s philosophical past.

The Historic Plaka Neighborhood

A brief drive through Plaka, the “city of marble”, lets visitors take photos of the ancient streets and traditional architecture. This neighborhood has been a part of Athens since the 7th century B.C. and remains a lively area for photos and sightseeing.

Insights on the Tour’s Pacing and Flexibility

The itinerary is well-structured but flexible enough for the guide to tailor the experience based on your interests. The duration at each site is designed to balance sightseeing with comfort, avoiding the fatigue often caused by larger group tours. The short stops at key landmarks ensure a rundown without feeling rushed.

Travelers appreciate the small group or private setting, which fosters more relaxed exploration. The driver-guide provides a narrative that brings each site to life, making history feel immediate and engaging.

Practical Details and Additional Costs

This private tour includes bottled water, WiFi, and air-conditioned transport. The admission fees for sites like the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora are not included in the price of $163.92, and it’s recommended to pre-order tickets to avoid lines.

Lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to choose local tavernas or cafes at your own pace. For airport pickups, an additional fee of $50 per booking applies.

The Ideal Traveler for This Athens Tour

This full-day private experience suits visitors who want a personalized, in-depth exploration of Athens’s most famous landmarks, guided by an expert driver-guide. It’s perfect for those who prefer to skip crowds, enjoy comfort, and receive customized narration throughout the day. The high ratings and glowing reviews underscore the tour’s quality and the enthusiasm of guides like Konstantinos.

While admission fees are extra, the value of the private experience and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off make this a compelling choice for culture lovers and history buffs who want to maximize their time in Athens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers private transportation, a driver-guide, bottled water, WiFi on board, and pickup/drop-off services. Entry fees for archaeological sites are not included and cost around $30 per person.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, giving ample time to visit multiple landmarks at a comfortable pace.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the tour is private, allowing the driver-guide to tailor stops based on your interests and timing preferences.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at archaeological sites, some of which may have uneven surfaces. It is best suited for travelers who are physically able to manage these conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and extra cash for entrance fees or optional extras. Pre-book tickets to save time at busy sites.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, entrance fees, approximately $30 per person, are extra. Airport transfers cost an additional $50 per booking.

What language do guides speak?
The driver-guide speaks English fluently and provides engaging storytelling during the tour.

Is lunch included?
No, you are responsible for your own lunch, allowing flexibility to dine where and when you prefer.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, with full refunds. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

How do I confirm my booking?
Booking confirmation is received immediately upon reservation, and the tour provider Great Greece Tours manages all arrangements.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, this is a private tour for your group only, ideal for those seeking an exclusive experience.