An Afternoon in Athens is a guided 4-hour tour through the ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman sites of the historical center will make you feel the “vibe” and the diversity of this contemporary metropolis. As you walk from Plaka's rustic alleys to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, you will learn everything there is to know about its history from antiquity up until the 21st century.
The tour starts in front of the Acropolis Metro Station. From there you will be heading to Plaka, the oldest neighborhood of Athens. Built over the ruins of the ancient city, it is clustered around the slopes of the Acropolis. Its beauty is due to the fact that it incorporates labyrinthine streets and neoclassical buildings. It is a certainty you will be enchanted by the panoramic view of the city from the Anafiotika neighborhood, a portion of a Greek island tucked away at the foot of the Sacred Rock. As you continue your walk in the so-called “neighborhood of the Gods” you will discover significant landmarks of antiquity, such as the Roman Forum, Hadrian’s Library and Lysicrates’ monument. At this point you will have a short break to rest and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Next you will head towards Syntagma Square via the pedestrian Ermou street, the commercial center of the city. The square is dominated by the former Royal Palace, which since 1934 houses the Greek Parliament. Here you will feel the heart of Athens beating from both a historical and social point of view, as this is the epicenter of all of Greece's political activity. The absolute highlight here is the ceremonial changing of the Presidential Guard, the famous Evzonoi soldiers, in front of the Unknown Soldier’s Monument.
From there, you will take a walk through the lush National Gardens and talk with your guide about Greece's recent history as you approach the Zappeion conference center. Your route will take you in front of the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, the father of ancient Greek Gods, and the impressive Hadrian's Arch. This tour will finish up at a nearby wine bar, where you can enjoy a drink, before saying “until next time” to Athens.