Magpie
4.9(3,087 reviews)

Athens Full-Day Private Tour

From€173.25
8 hours
Athens, Greece

About this activity

Experience Athens' rich history and vibrant culture on a full-day private tour, visiting iconic landmarks and hidden gems with a knowledgeable guide.

Highlights

  • Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon
  • Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • Discover the Ancient Agora
  • Wander through Plaka's charming streets
  • Enjoy panoramic city views from Lycabettus Hill

Full description

Dive into the heart of Athens with a personalized full-day private tour. Accompanied by a licensed English-speaking guide, you'll explore the ancient Acropolis, marvel at the Parthenon, and stand in awe beneath the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Stroll through the bustling Plaka district, where narrow streets are lined with traditional shops and eateries. Ascend Lycabettus Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into Athens' rich history and vibrant culture, tailored to your interests and pace.

Included / Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Transportation in a private vehicle
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Sightseeing in Athens starts with the hill of Acropolis which will make your day. On the historical hill, you will have the opportunity to see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of the Athena Nike, the monumental gateway (Propylaea), the Erechtheum and of course the famous Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
2

Parthenon, the main temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the eternal symbol of the Athenian democracy and the western civilization.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
3

The Propylaea is the monumental entrances to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Built by the architect Mnesicles with Pentelic marble, their design was avant-garde. To the south-west of the Propylaea, on a rampart protecting the main entrance to the Acropolis, is the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES
4

Temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike or Wingless Victory.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES
5

Temple of Poseidon and Athena, the strangest and most sacred place in ancient Athens.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES
6

Pass by: After the Acropolis, we will head towards the Temple of Zeus, the biggest temple in antiquity, devoted to the King of the Gods, by way of Hadrian's Arch.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Pass by: We will visit Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Then moving into the historical center of the city we will drive up the highest hill of Athens, Lycabettus Hill, where you’ll have the best panoramic view of the city, from the hill of Acropolis to the Aegean Sea.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

Ancient Greek Agora which is considered the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and free speech.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
10

In the ancient Greek Agora, you will visit the Temple of Hephaestus (the best-preserved temple in Greece standing largely as built) devoted to the God of blacksmiths and volcanoes.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
11

In this small but important museum you will see findings from Ancient Athenians' daily life and learn about their constitution.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
12

Next driving alongside the National Garden, we will see the changing of the guard (Euzones) in front of the old palace, which is today Parliament House, above the central square of Athens, Syntagma. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13

We will see the changing of the guard (Euzones) in front of the old palace, which is today Parliament House, above the central square of Athens.The Hellenic Parliament, in Greek known as Voulí ton Ellínon is the parliament of Greece, located in the Old Royal Palace, overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens. The Parliament is the supreme democratic institution that represents the citizens through an elected body of Members of Parliament.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14

Pass by: The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is the largest state institution of higher learning in Greece, and among the largest universities in Europe. The splendid Athens University was designed by the Danish architect Christian Hansen and completed in 1864.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15

Pass by: The Academy Building constitutes one of three parts in an “architectural trilogy”. It was founded with the Constitutional Decree of March 18th, 1926, as an Academy of Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16

Pass by: The National Library of Greece was built at the end of the 19th century, as the last of the Architectural Trilogy of Athens, a group of three neoclassical buildings which also includes the Academy and the University. The building was designed by Theophil Hansen.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
17

You will be feeling hungry by now, so our next stop is going to be a Greek tavern with the authentic Greek Pitta Gyros in the traditional neighbourhood of Koukaki. Enjoy your lunch and taste Gyros, the most popular Greek recipe, with a set menu, as described below: 1 Pitta Gyros (pork or chicken or veg, fried potatoes, tzatziki, tomato, onion) 1 Greek salad (tomato, cucumber, green pepper, olives & feta cheese, dressed with salt, Greek oregano, and olive oil) 1 piece of Baklava (layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey) 1 Drink (beer or glass of wine or soft drink) Please contact us in case of food allergies or dietary restrictions

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
18

Pass by: Historically old neighborhood of Athens.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
19

As you enter the museum grounds, look through the plexiglass floor to see the ruins of an ancient Athenian neighbourhood, which were artfully incorporated into the museum design after being uncovered during excavations. This dazzling modernist museum at the foot of the Acropolis’ southern slope showcases its surviving treasures still in Greek possession. While the collection covers the Archaic and Roman periods, the emphasis is on the Acropolis of the 5th century BCE, considered the apotheosis of Greece’s artistic achievement. Built in 2009, this museum was voted as the best mono-thematic museum for 2019. You can choose to visit either the new Acropolis Museum, or the National Archaeological Museum of Athens or spent time in the neighbourhood of Plaka.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
20

Instead of visiting the new Acropolis Museum, we give you the opportunity to visit the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, that houses some of the most important artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations around Greece from prehistory to late antiquity. It is considered one of the greatest museums in the world and contains the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity worldwide.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
21

If you don't want to enter the Acropolis or the National Archaeological Museum, you can walk at the traditional neighbourhood with the narrow and picturesque streets, that is known as the neighbourhood of the Gods.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • This is a private tour; the itinerary can be customized to your preferences.
  • Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and attire suitable for the weather.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated.
  • Be prepared for some walking on uneven terrain at archaeological sites.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside the archaeological sites and museum.
  • Please contact us after your booking if you are using a wheelchair or if you are travelling with infants
  • German/ Spanish Speaking Drivers upon request- depending on the availability
  • If your group is more that 14 people you can make several bookings & let us know that you are all together after your booking

Traveler reviews

4.9
3,087 reviews
5
2,931
4
92
3
30
2
18
1
16

Excellent trip

Su Stefanos was wonderful guide and we learned so much from him

CHopperTNMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great first day tour for visitors

Manolis was a great tour guide - personable, knowledgeable and flexible. He even gave recommendations of places to eat, drink and listen to music post tour. Would recommend this tour and Manolis for anyone coming to Athens for the first time! You won’t be disappointed.

leegB6858AMMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR

An Unforgettable 5-Star Introduction to Athens

We had an absolutely incredible experience on our private Athens tour. From start to finish, everything felt seamless, professional, and genuinely welcoming. Our driver was punctual, friendly, and made navigating the city feel completely stress-free. The vehicle was clean, comfortable, and perfect for exploring Athens comfortably, especially after traveling internationally. Our tour guide was truly outstanding — knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging the entire time. They brought the history of Athens to life in a way that made every stop memorable, from the ancient landmarks to the hidden local details we would’ve never discovered on our own. You could tell they genuinely cared about making the experience special and personalized rather than just rushing through a scripted tour. What stood out most was the hospitality and warmth from both the driver and guide. They made us feel welcomed in Greece from the moment we arrived and were happy to answer questions, offer recommendations, and tailor the experience to what interested us most. This ended up being one of the highlights of our trip, and we would absolutely recommend this private tour to anyone visiting Athens who wants a stress-free, informative, and unforgettable experience. Truly a 5-star experience all around.

Sandi_JMay 25, 2026VIATOR

Tolis was excellent. He...

Tolis was excellent. He was very flexible and knowledgeable! He was able to show us the most important parts of the city!

Lisa_SMay 25, 2026VIATOR

Best Day Trip to Athens!

George was our tour guide for the day and we started at 9 am and he dropped us at the airport at the end of the day. We saw so many thing, Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Athena, Changing of the Guard, the Museum, The Market, Shopping. Lunch was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed this adventure.

Roving826769May 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside the archaeological sites and museum. Please contact us after your booking if you are using a wheelchair or if you are travelling with infants German/ Spanish Speaking Drivers upon request- depending on the availability
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