Athens Full Day Private Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Athens, Greece
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the highlights of Athens in just one day on this private or small-group tour by private vehicle. Enjoy pickup from your hotel or a convenient meeting point and visit highlights such the Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Acropolis Museum (museum entrance extra), and Lycabettus Hill and explore the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. Includes lunch.
- Discover the best of Athens in one day on a private or small-group tour
- Travel comfortably in a private vehicle with knowledgeable driver
- Includes entrance fees to Acropolis, and Agora
- Relax with hotel pickup (private) or easy meeting point (small-group)
What's Included
- Private transportationProfessional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history [Not licensed to accompany you in any site]
- Entrance fee - Skip the line Tickets: Acropolis, Ancient Agora (Depending on your booking option)
- LunchLunch: Pitta Gyros, Greek salad, Baklava, Drink (Depending on your booking option)
- PRIVATE TOUR: Hotel / Cruise port pick up & drop-off
- SMALL GROUP: Meeting Point at ''Herodion Hotel'' [near Acropolis metro station]
- Worry- free Shore Excursion
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee - Museum Ticket [Options: Acropolis Museum OR National Archaeological Museum]€20.00 per person
- Licensed Tour guide upon request— depending on availability [Additional cost: 350€]
- Airport Pick Up and drop-off [Additional cost]
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Kick off with morning pickup from your Athens hotel (private tour option) or from the meeting point near the Acropolis metro station (small-group tour option) and head directly to the Acropolis. Enter with skip-the-line tickets and enjoy free time inside to take in the Parthenon and other highlights.
Next, move on to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Panathenaic Stadium before the scenic drive to the top of Mount Lycabettus to take in the view. After a stop to admire the ancient Agora, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Academy of Athens, take a break for an included lunch.
Your day ends with a choice of visiting the Acropolis Museum or Natural Archaeological Museum (tickets own expense) or enjoying free time to shop and sightsee in the historic Plaka neighborhood before drop-off at your morning meeting point.
Next, move on to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Panathenaic Stadium before the scenic drive to the top of Mount Lycabettus to take in the view. After a stop to admire the ancient Agora, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Academy of Athens, take a break for an included lunch.
Your day ends with a choice of visiting the Acropolis Museum or Natural Archaeological Museum (tickets own expense) or enjoying free time to shop and sightsee in the historic Plaka neighborhood before drop-off at your morning meeting point.
1
Acropolis
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Parthenon
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Propylaea
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Temple of Athena Nike
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
Erectheion
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Temple of Olympian Zeus (Pass By)
Panathenaic Stadium (Pass By)
6
Mount Lycabettus
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Ancient Agora of Athens
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
8
Temple of Aries
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
9
Museum of the Ancient Agora
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
10
Plateia Syntagmatos
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
11
Monument to the Unknown Soldier
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Academy of Athens (Pass By)
Academy of Athens (Pass By)
National Library of Greece (Pass By)
12
Koukaki
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Monastiraki (Pass By)
13
Acropolis Museum
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
14
National Archaeological Museum
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
15
Plaka
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside the archaeological sites and museum.
- Please contact us after your booking if you are using a wheelchair or if you are travelling with infants
- German/ Spanish Speaking Drivers upon request- depending on the availability
- If your group is more that 14 people you can make several bookings & let us know that you are all together after your booking
- Acropolis and Ancient Agora tickets (when included) are booked for a specific entry time. Delays may result in losing your tickets and new tickets will need to be purchased at your own expense, subject to availability.
- Please carefully check the Inclusions & Exclusions of your booking.
- For private tours, the driver will wait up to 30 minutes at the pickup point. After 30 minutes without contact, the booking will be considered a No-Show.
- For small-group tours, meet your driver outside Herodion Hotel. The maximum waiting time is 15 minutes. After that, the tour will depart and the booking will be considered a No-Show.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Frequently Asked Question (1)
Q:Will my driver accompany us inside the archaeological sites?
A:Your driver will have deep knowledge of history and mythology history, but they are not licensed to accompany you inside the archaeological sites & museum. We can reserve a licenced guide for you at an extra cost - depending on the availability
Apr 2022
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 3,357 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
James_B, Aug 2026
What a great day...even though it was 102 degrees...Nicholas was friendly, well i formed and flexible. We were there the last week of August...which I recommend because traffic was light and highlights were b ot as busy as normal.
Gregory_K, Aug 2026
Terry was an awesome guide and very informative and the history of Athens . He had a great sense of humor.
Kim_M, Aug 2026
Terry was our guide and driver in Athens. Having a guide with a car was a great way to see some of the major sites. He was both knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. I would definitely recommend seeing Athens this hassle free way.
Nicky_D, Aug 2026
This was a good way to see a lot of sites in one day, partly as it was so hot.
Only 4 of us on the tour and it was professionally run.
Michael_D, Aug 2026
Can't beat the private tour. Guide was very knowledgeable and the van was excellent. The guide drops you off at the front entrance. We had a sick member and he was very flexible.
Linda_D, Aug 2026
Traveling with 8 people is not easy to coordinate excursions and interests. This tour was perfect for us. The itinerary was very inclusive of all attractions and culture that makes Athens unique. Having a delicious authentic Greek lunch was a nice touch too. Our tour guide and driver were very nice, helpful, and professional. They really wanted this to be a special experience for us. It was worth the extra money to have a licensed tour guide. It added so much more education and depth to what we were seeing. When the tour was over, I got so many thank you’s from my family for organizing this. If you don’t have many days in Athens for sight-seeing, this is the tour to take. It was definitely an excursion to remember!
Jennifer_C, Aug 2026
This small group tour is EXTREMELY overpriced! We spent over $930 for our family of 4 and we did not get our money’s worth at all. The good things were that we had priority tickets for the Acropolis/Parthenon and for Agora Hill so we didn’t have to wait in line to buy tickets, but the major bad thing was that we did not have a tour guide to take us around these ancient ruins and explain what we were seeing. Also, we had less than an hour to visit the Acropolis/Parthenon. It felt very rushed. Manos was our driver and he was very animated and fun and gave us a lot of information while he was driving us around, but he would just drop us off at the locations and tell us when to be back. Lunch was delicious and very filling; it was nice to take a break from all the walking. Manos did come out of the van to explain to us the changing of the guard and to tell us where we should stand. At the end of the tour, he told us we could go to the Acropolis Museum or explore Plaka. He did not provide the National Archaeological Museum as an option. When I asked about the National Archaeological Museum as an option, he said it was a longer drive there and it would take 3 hours to see everything. It was clear that Manos wanted to end the tour and be on his way. Our tour ended over an hour early which was frustrating because we could have spent more time at the Acropolis/Parthenon at the beginning of the day. I would recommend finding a different tour with an actual tour guide and one that is not so expensive. We left feeling ripped off!
Ron_K, Aug 2026
We had a day to experience Athens. This was the best way to do it. Alice was superb guide. Ares is excellent driver.
Victoria_B, Aug 2026
Athens Full Day Private Tour - Viator in coordination with Olive Sea Travel provided an awesome experience! Viator's professional driver, Terry, picked up our group of six on time in a comfortable air conditioned van from our hotel. We proceeded as a group, and picked up our licensed tour guide, Vasso, Olive Sea Travel. The skip the line tickets to the Acropolis and Ancient Agora was appreciated since it was a very hot day. We shared time together over a delicious traditional lunch: Greek Salad, Pitta Gyros, and Baklava. Visiting the Panathenaic Stadium and experiencing the Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the Hellenic Parliament was moving. Vasso had attended the university in Athens and studied many archaeological sites. Her commentary, explanation, and information was excellent. We could not have had a better guide! The Acropolis Museum was beautiful, informative, interesting, and a must see! Thank you Vasso for making ancient history fun. And Terry, appreciate your information on Athens, landmarks, and safe driving.
NICOLA_T, Aug 2026
We had a great day with Dimi .
He is a great guide with lots of knowledge and great personality we highly recommend him
kcpaulin, Aug 2026
Our guide was fantastic. This gave us the flexibility we wanted. It was a hot day and he had cold ice water and was so knowledgeable of the sites and area. Very lucky to have him!
mary_e, Aug 2026
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history and sites. I wish we had more time at the big sites like Acropolis and Agora. At end the of the tour per the description we could choose the museum or a guided walk through a nice neighborhood, but the tour guide offered the museum or for us to return early. A bit disappointed on this.
Jennifer_K, Aug 2026
We had one day in Athens after our cruise. We were able to see all the highlights of Athens in a day. Aris was our driver & was an EXPERT on the history & details about all of the sites! Worth the extra $!
Kory_K, Aug 2026
Manolis was the absolute best guide we could have asked for. He knew everything about Athens and gave us a wealth of history but in a way that was easy to follow and understand. The city is beautiful and rich, and we didn’t miss a thing.
Not only was our tour filled with the detailed history of Greece - from ancient times to modern day- but Manolis continually brought us back to modern day Greece and the local flavor and lifestyle.
These eight hours were filled with laughs, intellect, and immense interest - and they flew by. We would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Manolis to anyone interested in touring Greece!
Heena_P, Aug 2026
Our full-day private tour of Athens exceeded every expectation and was one of the absolute highlights of our time in Greece. While Athens itself is extraordinary, it was our driver, Aris, and our guide, Vasso, who transformed a sightseeing tour into an unforgettable experience.
Aris was a phenomenal driver, navigating the busy streets of Athens with ease while making us feel completely safe and comfortable throughout the day. What truly set him apart, however, was his kindness and authenticity. He shared personal stories about his life and Greece that allowed us to connect with him on a much deeper level. By the end of the tour, he felt more like a friend than a driver.
Vasso was equally incredible. Her passion for Greek history, mythology, and archaeology was evident from the moment we met her. She isn’t someone who simply recites facts—she is an exceptional storyteller who brought every site to life. Standing atop the Acropolis, listening to her explain the significance of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea, it felt as though ancient Athens had come alive around us. Her ability to weave together history, mythology, politics, and daily life made every stop fascinating.
The itinerary was perfectly paced and included so many iconic locations. From the breathtaking views atop Mount Lycabettus, to walking through the Ancient Agora—the birthplace of democracy and philosophy—to witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square, every stop added another layer to our understanding of Athens. We also appreciated driving past landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Academy, University, and National Library before exploring the charming streets of Plaka.
Lunch in the traditional neighborhood of Koukaki was another highlight. The authentic Greek food was delicious, and the restaurant did an excellent job accommodating our dietary needs, ensuring my vegetarian husband had wonderful options without compromising the experience.
If you’re considering a tour of Athens, don’t hesitate to book this one. The sites themselves are extraordinary, but having guides like Aris and Vasso—who are knowledgeable, engaging, courteous, and genuinely passionate about sharing their country—makes all the difference. They didn’t just show us Athens; they helped us understand why this city continues to shape the world thousands of years later.
This tour deserves every one of its five stars.
MaryBeth_R, Aug 2026
A wonderful tour that hits all of the must-see sights in Athens. Nathalia was our guide and she was extremely knowledgeable and shared the history of the various sights in an accessible way. We would have been completely overwhelmed and not really knowing what we were looking at without her insight.
Kip_R, Jul 2026
We had a great tour with Theodore who was a great guide. It was a very full day seeing lots of sites and the tour included excellent local food from restaurant in a non-touristy part of town.
Sally_S, Jul 2026
Fabulous way to see all of the highlights of Athens as well as be emersed in the history and culture. Our guide Dimitris was so sweet and answered every question. The lunch provided was in a quaint spot and was incredibly delicious. Dimitris was able to customize our afternoon to our interests. Loved every minute.
Gayle_M, Jul 2026
Our guide Fabio was fantastic!! His knowledge of Athens and Greek history and mythology was very deep and we learned so much. He showed us the important sites but also took us to some out of the way places with fabulous views. He customized to our pace. At one point we wanted to stop for a drink and he took us to this awesome little place with great Greek beers and then pointed out some cool shops for us to peruse. It was truly a great experience and I highly recommend!!
Sandra_L, Jul 2026
This was a great tour we saw so many different things. It was awesome. I would highly recommend this tour.
Michael_S, Jul 2026
Great comprehensive trip if you have limited time in Athens but want to see what you have only read about and studied. Nikolas was great. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the area and ancient times and mythology. Traveled in a comfortable Mercedes van.
Ashley_B, Jul 2026
Great tour! Both our driver George and guide Stefanos were very knowledgeable. We got to the Acropolis fairly early, and we were able to see everything we wanted to see.
Ellen_D, Jul 2026
We had a wonderful time with Manos who shared great stories and insights. We felt like VIPs as he led us through all the sights in cool and comfortable surroundings
Rachel_C, Jul 2026
Dimitri was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable and accommodating. Highly recommend this tour and this guide.
Christina_L, Jul 2026
Such a great adventure ! Loved that we got to customize our experience! Stefano was absolutely amazing! If you can request him do it, you won’t regret it!
Jane_W, Jul 2026
Our guide Theodore was great! He explained to us Greek mythology and history throughout the day.
Seeing the Acropolis was the true highlight of the day for us!
A great lunch was included in the cost!
Theodore was reliable on pick up after free time and gave us options on where to go and what to do.
We really enjoyed our day! Thank you!
Michael_H, Jul 2026
There was plenty of time given at each point of interest to not feel rushed and the lunch stop we made was very delicious.
Salvatore_K, Jul 2026
Manos was amazing. Went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and worked so hard to make it a complete stress free and enjoyable experience. We did not have to worry about where to go, how to get there, getting water etc. Would definitely do it again and ask for Manos again!!
Louis_R, Jul 2026
Driver was Nicholas and he was extremely knowledgeable on all aspects and locations in Athens. Did not need a guide while walking. Lunch was excellent. After lunch, Nicholas showed us other parts of Athens not usually included on a historical tour.
Natalia_P, Jul 2026
Great way to explore Athens especially in the summer heat. We were lucky to get an amazing driver who gave us a lot of insights into not only ancient but modern history of the city as well. Recommend staring the tour earlier, best way to beat the crowds at the Acropolis.
From $178.55
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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