Athens tours and excursions

Athens tours

Walking tours

Athens is well suited to walking, as most sights are centrally located. The ‘Unification of Archaeological Sites' links the city's ancient sites by a 4km (2.5 miles) traffic-free promenade: Dionissiou Areopagitou leads from Acropoli metro station along the south side of the Acropolis to join Apostolou Pavlou which leads to Thissio metro station. From here Adrianou runs west to Monastiraki. Ermou also runs west to Keramikos. For private guided tours, contact the Association of Greek National Guides.

Tel: +30 210 322 0090
Website: http://www.tourist-guides.gr

Bus tours

Τhe Athens Sightseeing Bus begins and ends its 90-minute tour of the city's top sights from Syntagma Square (in front of the post office). En-route, attractions include the Acropolis Museum, the Acropolis hill, the Benaki Museum, the Cycladic Museum, the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Gardens and the National Archaeological Museum. You can hop on or off at any of the 15 stops, and the ticket is valid for 24 hours. Timetables vary slightly between the summer period (Apr-Oct) and the winter period (Nov-Mar).

Tel: +30 210 922 0604
Website: http://www.citysightseeing.gr

Athens excursions

Delphi (Delfí)

According to Greek mythology, Delphi stands at the point where two eagles were released to the east and west by the god Zeus, thus marking the centre of the world. Soaring high near Mount Parnassos, it was home to the sanctuary of Apollo and the seat of his oracle. Today, the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site is an impressive array of ruins, and the excellent Delphi Museum exhibits statues and offerings from the sanctuary of Delphi. Delphi lies 184 km (114 miles) from Athens and is served by a regular, three-hour bus journey from terminal B at Liossion 260 in Athens.

Tel: +30 22 6508 2313.
Website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/index_en.html

Temple of Poseidon (Sounio)

Built in 444BCE, the white marble Temple of Poseidon stands on the tip of Cape Sounion overlooking the Aegean Sea, and is a spectacular sight, particularly when there is a good sunset. The coastal road from Athens offers a dramatic route to the ruins - by car or bus. From the city centre, the regular local bus departs from Mavromateon bus station, in front of Pedion Areos park (Viktoria metro station).

Tel: +30 22 92039363.
Website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/index_en.html

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

Hilton Hotel

The refurbished Hilton Hotel is modern, smart and popular with business travellers. It has 517 rooms (guest rooms, accessible rooms, executive rooms and suites) all with wooden floors, minimalist furniture and balconies. A small supplement is payable for rooms with Acropolis views. The impressive facilities include four restaurants, three bars, an outdoor pool, a luxurious spa with an indoor pool, plus a business centre.

Electra Palace

In Plaka, the Electra Palace’s yellow neo-classical facade opens into a spacious marble lobby. The 122 rooms and suites all have wooden floors, Persian rugs, thick curtains and cotton duvets – the best ones offer a glimpse of the Acropolis. Up top, there’s a rooftop pool with wooden deck and sun beds, plus a small spa (pool, sauna, massage and gym) in the basement.

Hotel Hermes

Perfectly located between Syntagma and Plaka, Hermes is noted for its extremely friendly and helpful staff. The 45 rooms all have wooden floors and white marble bathrooms, and some but not all have balconies. A plentiful buffet breakfast is served daily and the lounge does all-day free tea and coffee. Wi-Fi throughout. Syntagma Metro station is a 2 minute walk away.

Hera Hotel

Smack at the foot of the Acropolis and around the corner from the New Acropolis Museum, this classic hotel with a neoclassical façade is perfectly located for sightseeing. The rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, and the rooftop garden and restaurant gives unparalleled Acropolis views.

New Hotel

Fun and a little offbeat, this hotel is the artistic creation of Brazilian designers Humberto and Fernando Campana. The 79 rooms and suites have recycled furniture, bamboo wood floors, and slick bathrooms stocked with Kiehl's products. The all-day bar-restaurant does an excellent breakfast and the New Sense spa offers health and beauty treatments.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

The Hotel Grande Bretagne is the city's oldest and most prestigious hotel, having opened in 1874 and hosted royalty, heads of state, film stars and rock gods. As you’d expect, the sophisticated rooms feature antiques and marble bathrooms, and suites include 24-hour butler service; there are 3 restaurants, one on the rooftop with an Acropolis view, plus a rooftop pool.

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