Athens for walking lovers - extended

Arrive in Athens

Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Balance of the day is at leisure.

Athens - Walking Sightseeing Tour [duration approx. 3 hours]

This city tour will not only show you the most important landmarks and sights of the historical center of Athens but will also include a complete tour of the Acropolis where your guide will give you an in-depth guided tour of this world heritage site and its major breathtaking monuments all in one fascinating tour.

Your tour will commence in front of the Parliament building in Syntagma square with the changing of the Guards (Euzonoi).  From Syntagma square, the central historical district of the city and passing from the monument of the Unknown Soldier you will enjoy a pleasant walk through the National Gardens the neoclassical Zappeion conference center (The oldest in Europe) the temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the old Plaka district.

The tour continues with a visit to the Acropolis, where you will see the Propylea, The temple of Nike, the Parthenon, wonders of the Golden Age of Pericles.

From the Acropolis hill you will have a breathtaking view of the surroundings, including the Agora, the Observatory, the Democracy hill (Pnyx), the Philopappos Hill and Mars Hill.

You will also admire the theater of Dionyssos and the Odeion of Herodus Atticus where ancient Greek drama was first staged. The guided tour ends on the hill of the Acropolis.

Your afternoon is free to enjoy this vibrant city on your own pace. Wander in Plaka, the oldest district in Athens. It is also mentioned as "Gods' district”, with outstanding scenery. Scout the Monastiraki flea Market for everything from kitsch souvenirs to antique prints, second hand-vinyl and vintage army surplus.

For dinner, visit Lycavittos hill or one of the numerous roof top restaurants to enjoy the magnificent night view to the Acropolis.

National Gardens, Aristoteles Lyceum, Presidential Palace, Kallimarmaro [Olympic] Stadium,

This morning we will start our walk through the National Garden, open in the morning until sunset and considered an oasis in the center of Athens. The National Garden extends over 160 sq. m and there you can find 500 different species of plants, bushes, and trees from all over the world.  We will walk around its pathways, listen to the birds singing and sit on a bench to rest. On our way we will pass by a small zoo, Botanic Museum, a small traditional coffee house, children library, playground, some ancient monuments, and busts of famous personalities of modern Greece.

Our walk through the garden will take us to an archaeological site nestled in a wonderful park in Athens, Aristotle’s Lyceum (Peripatetic School)! It used to be one of the three oldest gymnasia in ancient Athens, the other two being Plato’s Academy and Kynosarges. Visit the 11,500 m2 area and walk amidst peaceful surroundings filled with fragrant plants such as rosemary, lavender, oregano, thyme, olive trees and pomegranate trees.

We will then walk down Herodes Attikou Street, where we will admire the Presidential Mansion [the former Royal Palace] and Maximou Mansion, the Prime Minister's official residence and office.

 At the end of Herodes Atticus Street (opposite Kallimarmaro Stadium) are the three most beautiful public sculptures in the city: Discovolus, a bronze statue by K. Dimitriadis (1927), marble Wood-Chopper (by D. Filippoti, 1872-1875), for which athlete B. Giannoulis posed, and G. Karaiskaki Statue, a bronze monumental statue (4.40 m height) by M. Tobros (1963-1966), where the equestrian Greek hero is represented.

Last stop of our walk this morning, will be the Kallimarmaro Stadium. This really impressive site, built from white marble in a shape of horseshoe, is located opposite of the National Garden. The first stadium, constructed in the same location, was made of wood (330 B.C.). The marble construction, the exact replica of which is today’s stadium, was built by Herodes Atticus. It was the place of sports games, which were organized during Panathenaea celebration. Today’s Stadium, which can seat 60.000 spectators, was built the period from 1869 to 1870 and hosted the first Olympic Games organized in modern history (1896). Around the stadium is the lush green Ardittou Hill, popular area for walking.

Afternoon free in Athens.

Departure

Arrangements terminate with breakfast at the hotel and check out.