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Best of Athens Private Half-Day Tour

280 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 280 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Athens, Greece
Book online or call us

from $50.92 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Changing of the Guards
Acropolis Museum
Erectheion
Dionyseion
Temple of Zeus
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 215 (204) days in advance.
5 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience the highlights of Athens, the cradle of Democracy, in a 5-hour private tour designed for travelers who want to explore the city’s essential landmarks in comfort and efficiency. Accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver, this journey combines ancient monuments, neoclassical architecture, and panoramic city views in a seamless experience.

Begin at the iconic Acropolis of Athens (1h 30m), followed by a drive past the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Continue to the Panathenaic Stadium (15 min), then the Hellenic Parliament at Syntagma Square (15 min) for the Changing of the Guard. Admire the Academy of Athens (10 min) and ascend Mount Lycabettus (15 min) for sweeping views. The tour concludes at the Acropolis Museum (1 hour), completing a full journey through Athens’ heritage.

Flexible tailor-made tours, certified English-speaking tour drivers, modern Mercedes fleet, licensed tourism vehicles, dedicated customer support, and licensed guides upon request.

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Skip the booth queues for tickets – optional advance booking available
  • WiFi on board
  • Snacks
  • Entrance Fees to the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum (50.00 Euros per adult)
  • Gratuities
See 5 moreSee 6 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Airport Pickup:Your driver will meet you upon your arrival at the Athens International Airport - “Eleftherios Venizelos”, at the customs exit, holding an H.P. Tours sign with your name on.Port pickup: Your driver will meet you at the Piraeus Port cruise ship terminal, holding an H.P. Tours sign with your name on.Notice that Piraeus port has three terminals, Terminal A, B and C. Depending on the terminal that your ship will dock at, your driver will be waiting for you at the corresponding exit. (e.g. If your ship docks at Terminal A, your driver will meet you at the Terminal A exit etc.)In case your ship docks at Terminal B or Terminal C and the corresponding exit gate is closed, you will need to take the shuttle bus to come to Terminal A (3 MIN RIDE), where your driver will be waiting for you.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Acropolis Of Athens

Greece’s most famous monument that houses the pride and crown jewel of Athens, the Parthenon.Dedicated to the city’s ancient patron, Athena – the Goddess of wisdom, the Parthenon is globally considered an enduring symbol of Democracy, Culture and Civilization.Housed on top and in the surroundings of the sacred rock are some of the most important sites of the capital’s ancient heritage, such as:Propylaea, the entrance to the rock.The Temple of Wingless Victory, which was devoted to Goddess Athena-Nike.Erechtheum, with the temple’s best-known feature being its south porch, whose roof, instead of being supported on columns, rested on the heads of six Korai statues – the famous Caryatides.The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a 5000-seat stone Roman theatre which was carved into the rock and is still used for music festivalsThe Theatre of Dionysus where the Athenians listened to the immortal works of Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides and Aristophanes.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Tempio Di Zeus Olimpio (pass by)

We continue our tour by passing by the Temple of Olympian Zeus – King of the Greek Pantheon.The now half-ruined temple, which is also known as Olympieion, was at its peak consisted of 104 columns of 17 meters (56 ft) high and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in diameter!
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Panathenaic Stadium

Following the visit to the temple, we will make a brief stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, a multi-purpose stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.Interesting fact! The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as the Kalimarmaro, is the only stadium in the world that was built entirely out of marble.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hellenic Parliament

Our next stop will be at the Greek parliament – a building which was originally built with the purpose of being the palace of Otto, the first King of Greece.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Housed outside of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the presidential guard.This light infantry unit, dressed in the traditional Evzone's uniform, conducts a famous changing of the guard ceremony.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Academy of Athens

We will then drive along Panepistimiou Street which connects Constitution (Syntagma) Square with Concord (Omonia) Square.During this short drive in the heart of the capital, you will come across three beautiful buildings: the Academy, the University and the National Library.Interesting fact! Constructed in the 19th century, these three mansions are commonly referred to as the “neo-classical trilogy” of Athens.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mount Lycabettus

Our driving session continues with a stop at Lycabettus Hill, one of the city’s highest viewpoints, which offers one of the best panoramic views of downtown Athens and its suburbs.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum opened in 2009 and is located under the south slope of the Acropolis. The museum contains mostly pediment sculptures, reliefs, and statues found on the sacred rock, which formed its decoration.Displaying over 4,000 exhibits, the Acropolis Museum is considered one of the best and most significant museums in the world.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: Cruise ship's name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Your English- speaking driver will explain about the ancient monuments that you are about to visit, the ancient history of Greece and interesting facts about historical and modern-day Greece but is not allowed by law to accompany you in the sites. If you wish to have a licensed tour guide to accompany you into the sites, we will help you arrange a licensed tour guide to be with you at an extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Best of Athens Private Half-Day Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-92329P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.98
280 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 280 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
276
4 stars
2
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 215 (204) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Best of Athens Private Half-Day Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Bottled water.
  • Skip the booth queues for tickets – optional advance booking available.
  • WiFi on board.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Professional Drivers (Not licensed to accompany you into the sites).
  • Athens Hotel/Piraeus Port pickup and drop-off included.
The following is NOT included:
  • Snacks.
  • Entrance Fees to the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum (50.00 Euros per adult).
  • Gratuities.
  • Airport pickup/drop-off on request (additional fee varies by vehicle type).
  • English-speaking licensed tour guide (Optional / 260 Euros payable in cash).Subject to availability.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Best of Athens Private Half-Day Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Best of Athens Private Half-Day Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • Skip the booth queues for tickets – optional advance booking available
  • WiFi on board
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional Drivers (Not licensed to accompany you into the sites)
  • Athens Hotel/Piraeus Port pickup and drop-off included
  • Snacks
  • Entrance Fees to the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum (50.00 Euros per adult)
  • Gratuities
  • Airport pickup/drop-off on request (additional fee varies by vehicle type)
  • English-speaking licensed tour guide (Optional / 260 Euros payable in cash).Subject to availability.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: Cruise ship's name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Your English- speaking driver will explain about the ancient monuments that you are about to visit, the ancient history of Greece and interesting facts about historical and modern-day Greece but is not allowed by law to accompany you in the sites. If you wish to have a licensed tour guide to accompany you into the sites, we will help you arrange a licensed tour guide to be with you at an extra cost.
  • Your tour is totally private. No unknown passengers will participate in your group.
  • Infant car seats or boosters are available upon request

Report Product Issue

Activity name