Meet your local guide in Syntagma Square. Flanked by stately neoclassical buildings ─ the best known of which is the Grande Bretagne, a palace-turned-luxury hotel frequented by the rich and famous ─ it’s Athens’ busiest and arguably most important square.
Outside the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, see the eye-catching evzones (presidential guard) perform the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Snap photos of the guards in their traditional white skirts and striking red hats, and listen as your guide explains the tradition and importance behind the pomp and pageantry.
Next, catch the metro to the Acropolis of Athens, the UNESCO World Heritage listed citadel that towers over the Greek capital. During the ride, catch glimpses of the exposed ancient ruins that were discovered during the construction of the underground train system.
Walk around the ancient walls of the Acropolis with your guide, passing the Ancient Agora of Athens, the former civic center and marketplace of the ancient city. Stroll along ancient roads, admire modern architecture sitting alongside timeworn ruins, and hear about the age-old customs that still exist today.
Continue to Plaka, the city’s Old Town. Stroll along the bustling streets lined with boutiques and Byzantine churches, and shop for local produce like ouzo (local liquor), olive oil and leather goods with help from your guide.
Pass by iconic sights like Hadrian’s Arch and the ruined Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion) on route to the National Gardens, where you’ll see the white marble Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the very first Modern Olympic Games. Then, get a taste of modern Athens in Kolonaki, a chic neighborhood and upmarket shopping hub near Lykabettus Hill.
Your tour concludes by the Academy of Athens, leaving you free to continue your sightseeing independently should you wish.