Athens includes the Old Town, central areas, suburbs, and the port of Piraeus. In the center there are two hills: the Acropolis hill with the Parthenon and ancient temples and the Lycabettus hill (Lycabettos)
During the sightseeing tour, you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the main and most interesting architectural monuments. In Athens, you can spend a month exploring in detail all the ancient monuments and ruins, the charming neoclassical buildings in the historical center and museums.
Acropolis of Athens
Probably the most famous landmark of Athens all over the world and a kind of calling card of the city is the Acropolis, built 2,500 years ago. No matter where you are in Athens, the Acropolis, perched on a hill, is visible from everywhere. Whether you are looking out the window of a hotel, sitting on the terrace of a street cafe, wandering around the city in search of souvenirs for family and friends, you raised your head, turned around, and now it looms on the horizon. It is on its flat top that the most famous ancient temple is located The Parthenon and some other religious buildings dating back to the 5th century BC
Parthenon
The Parthenon is a classic ancient Greek temple – a rectangular building framed by a colonnade. According to the standards of ancient Greek architecture, the number of columns on the side facade is 1 unit greater than twice the number of columns on the front side of the building (in relation to the Parthenon – 8 and 17). Ancient architects gave the massive temple elegance by developing an optical correction system.
Parthenon sculptures
The Doric frieze of the facade was decorated with bas-reliefs depicting scenes of martial arts: the battle of the Lapiths and centaurs on the east side, the Greeks and Amazons on the south, gods and giants on the north, and participants in the Trojan War on the west. The sculptural composition on the eastern pediment is dedicated to the myth of the birth of Athena.
On the southern slope of the Acropolis is an ancient stone theater known as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodion). It was built in 161 AD. Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in honor of his late wife Regilla.
One of the most colorful areas of Athens is Plaka. Its winding streets, lined with olive and tangerine trees, are bustling with life: Greeks sit at the tables of open-air cafes, talking with each other and drinking wine or coffee.
Excursion program bus with guide. 4-6 hours including sightseeing program, transfer and free time for lunch or shopping for souvenirs. Transport and guide are included in the price.