The best of Athens: Private History, Culture and Food Tour

Athens , Greece

The best of Athens: Private History, Culture and Food Tour

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About this experience

Explore Makrygianni, Plaka, Anafiotika, and Philoppapos Hill for ancient sites and charming architecture.
Discover the Acropolis with an expert archaeologist guide.
Delight in fresh pastries at a family bakery and a taste of Greek sweet bread.
Energize with a Freddo espresso or frappé, iconic Greek iced coffees.
Browse the sprawling open-air market for unique finds.
Local Impact: this tour supports locally-run businesses, such as a sandal-maker, which helps preserve traditional crafts for the next generation.
Toast to Athens' beauty at a rooftop bar with Acropolis vistas.
Taste, see, and immerse yourself in the essence of Athens!

Available options

The best of Athens: Private History, Culture and Food Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Get personalized tips for the area's best bars and eateries.

Enjoy traditional Greek Freddo Espresso or Frappé Coffee.

Indulge in local Koulouri or Tsoureki, Greek pie and gyro.

PRIVATE TOUR Exclusive: enjoy the comfort of pick-up and drop-off at your stay or Piraeus port.

Experience the city with our passionate, English-speaking local guide.

Detailed itinerary

Stroll around Koukaki, one of Athens’s hippest and liveliest neighborhoods. Stop at Taki’s Bakery, which has been satiating neighbors since 1962, for a koulouri sesame ring or tsoureki, sweet Greek bread.

Stop 2

Learn all about ancient Greek Mythology while visiting the Acropolis. Listen to myths and tales that formed Greek Mythology.The city that invented cities has survived for 5,000 years and remains a world-class destination for travelers.

Stop 3

Explore the new, modern and impressive Acropolis Museum with your awarded guide. Learn amazing details about all the masterpieces on display and grasp the opportunity to walk among the excavations underneath the glass floors!

Stop 4

Follow the trail with the marble monument of Philopappos, completed in 119 A.D., and the monument of Pnyx, where ancient Athenians like Pericles and Themistocles spoke. There’s a great view of the Acropolis. More great views await as you stroll Anafiotika, with its cobblestone alleys and the white-washed homes nearly stacked on top of one another.

Stop 5

Wander around the historic neighborhood of Plaka and stop for a delicious variety of local pites, or Greek homemade savory pies. Continue to the country’s largest open-air market for treasures, some billed as “antiques” but probably not.

What's not included

Entrance fees: Tickets varies from 28 euros to 14 euros depending on age. 5y/o under are free.

We buy the tickets for you in advance, in order to avoid lining up. You pay in cash your guide.

Additional food and drinks.

Tips/gratuities for your guide.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.

Alcoholic beverages are allowed to participants age 18 or older because of the national alcohol restrictions. Participants under the age 18 are provided non-alcoholic beverages.

Entrance fees: Please make sure you have cash (euros) as well as hold a valid ID or Passport for verification of age and nationality to purchase the tickets. We buy the tickets for you in advance, in order to avoid lining up. We offer complimentary skip-the-line service: You pay in cash your guide upon meeting him. Adults 25+: 28 euros Citizens from non-EU countries between 6-24: 14 euros European citizens 65+: 14 euros European citizens under 25 years of age are entitled to free entrance to all sites visited during the tour All children 5 years of age and under are entitled to free entrance to all sites visited during the tour

Food Allergies: Unless you suffer from multiple, combined food allergies, or unless you are a vegan, we will figure it out. Vegetarians are welcome on all tours.

Important notes

Guests’ pickup is offered. Pick up time adjustable upon your request. We will meet you at your hotel lobby, Airbnb or Piraeus Port. Our guide will be holding a sign with your name. Call +306980679166 if you have any trouble locating your guide.

HOW DID WE DO? Let us know what you loved (or what we can do better) by leaving a review after your tour. As a local small business, it will mean the world to us. Thank you.

About Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture, often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving modern scene.

Top Attractions

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is the most iconic landmark in Athens, featuring ancient ruins and temples, including the Parthenon.

Historical 2-3 hours €20 (combined ticket for multiple sites)

Ancient Agora of Athens

The heart of ancient Athens, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

Historical 1-2 hours €8 (included in the combined ticket)

Plaka

A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Acropolis Museum

A modern museum showcasing artifacts from the Acropolis and its surroundings.

Museum 1-2 hours €10

Temple of Olympian Zeus

An ancient temple dedicated to Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour €6 (included in the combined ticket)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moussaka

A baked dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Souvlaki

Grilled meat skewers, often served with pita bread and tzatziki.

Snack Can be made with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options

Tzatziki

A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Rock climbing Scuba diving Beach visits Spa treatments Café hopping Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Athens is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Athens Central Railway Station

By bus

KTEL Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with clear signage in English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plaka Monastiraki Psiri Koukaki Kolonaki

Day trips

Cape Sounion

65 km from Athens • Half day to full day

A scenic coastal area featuring the Temple of Poseidon with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Delphi

180 km from Athens • Full day

An ancient archaeological site and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.

Meteora

350 km from Athens • Overnight

A unique landscape featuring rock formations and medieval monasteries perched atop cliffs.

Festivals

Athens Festival • May to October Athens Epidaurus Festival • June to August Athens International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Use the metro for easy and efficient travel around the city
Explore local neighborhoods for an authentic Greek experience
Try local street food for a quick and delicious meal
Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals