Acropolis

The tour begins with a 90-minute visit to the Acropolis, known as the sacred rock. Visitors see the Parthenon dedicated to goddess Athena, the Propylea monumental entrance, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with its Caryatides statues, the Odeum of Herodus Atticus, the Theatre of Dionysus—the world’s first theatre—and the Areopagus or Mars Hill.

90 min

Temple of Olympian Zeus

This 30-minute stop shows the Temple of Olympian Zeus, built between 124 and 132 AD. Originally it had rows of columns on all sides and housed statues of Zeus and the emperor. Sixteen columns survive, thirteen intact on the east side, and one on the west side collapsed in 1852.

30 min

Panathenaic Stadium

Originally a natural hollow between the hills of Agra and Ardettos over the Ilissos river, it was converted into a stadium by Lykourgos in 330-329 BC for the Great Panathinaea athletic competitions. Between 140 and 144 AD, Herodes Atticus restored it to the form found in the 1870 excavation: a horseshoe-shaped structure with a track 204,07 meters long and 33,35 meters wide. The stadium is believed to have seated 50,000 people. Separating scales were built between tiers, and a portico with Doric columns was located at the base of the sphendone, with another portico on the facade. During Roman times, it was used as an arena, adding a semi-circular wall on the north side corresponding to the southern side's splendor.

30 min

Arch of Hadrian

The Arch of Hadrian, built in AD 131, is a triumphal arch on the ancient road connecting old Athens with the Roman city. It has inscriptions on each side distinguishing the old city of Theseus from the new city of Hadrian.

Mount Lycabettus

A 30-minute stop at Mount Lycabettus, Athens’ highest point at 277 meters, offers panoramic views of the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, Ancient Agora, and surrounding sea. The hilltop hosts the Greek Orthodox church of Agios Georgios.

30 min

Plateia Syntagmatos

Also called Constitution Square, this large plaza lies in front of the Greek parliament. It features white marble and statues, and serves as a hub for major streets like Ermou and Vassilissis Sofias Avenue.

15 min

Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Located in Syntagma Square, this war memorial honors Greek soldiers who died in war. Sculpted between 1930 and 1932 by Fokion Rok, it is guarded continuously by the Evzones, the Presidential Guards.

15 min

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

The tour passes by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the city’s public university.

Academy of Athens

The route continues past the Academy of Athens, Greece’s national academy and highest research institution, established in 1926 with a landmark main building.

National Library of Greece

The National Library of Greece is passed by during the drive.

Glyfada

The tour passes through Glyfada, an upscale seaside suburb of Athens.

Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni is another upscale coastal suburb of Athens on the route.

Varkiza

Varkiza, a coastal suburb of Athens, is passed during the drive.

Lagonisi

Lagonisi is an upscale seaside resort area on the way to Cape Sounion.

Temple of Poseidon

At Cape Sounion, the tour includes a 15-minute visit to the Temple of Poseidon, a Doric marble temple built on the remains of an older structure. The east pediment and a relief frieze depict scenes of Centaur battles and Theseus’ deeds, symbolizing Greek victories and democracy.

15 min