Markets, Ruins and Ancient Athens with a Local Private Walking Tour
ID: GYG3985-O-745289
Category:
Sight Seeing
, Historical visits
Country: Greece
Duration:
03:00 hours
Description
Explore the ancient streets of Athens led by an expert guide. See Agora where merchants bargained in Greek and Roman times, wander past the 17th and 18th century houses of Thission and finish at the mighty Acropolis. Led by an expert guide.
Start your Athens tour by meeting your local guide at Ktozia Square, then head to the Mayor of Athens’ neo-classical building on Athina Street, one of the busiest in Athens. Starting at 9:00 AM when the city’s shops and markets are bustling with Athenians, you’ll see the shop owners get ready for a day of business, just as they have done for the past 2,000 years. You will experience the spirit of Greek life with the same commerce of food that existed thousands of years before, and your local guide will be explaining these practices to you along the way.
On this Athens market tour you’ll dive into the Athenian way of life as your guide leads you through the markets. Here you will find every Mediterranean fruit, vegetable, meat, cheese, and more on offer. Experiencing local produce is one of the best things to do in Athens, and you’ll be able to pick out all the local favorites with the guide to show you the way.
Filled with all these warm colors, tastes, and smells, the next stop is Monastiraki Square. The name of the square derives from the Greek word for monastery, and in the center of the square sits the Pantanassa Monastery. The square is also home to the Adrian Library, an archaic temple constructed in the Corinthian-style, and not far away is the 18th century Tzistarakis Mosque, now a ceramics museum. This Athens tour will point out all these landmarks to you and give you all the information you need to know about them in this cultural hub of the city.
Next, explore the square’s flea market, mingle with merchants, and see ancient monuments as you uncover even more Athens history. Then, you’ll head off to Ifaistou or Pandrossos to discover shops selling all kinds of specialties such as leather sandals, handmade icons, Greek music instruments, and antiques. This is the perfect place to pick up a memento of your Athens travel experience, and the perfect way to get in touch with Athens market culture.
Your tour will take you past ancient Agora next, where merchants traded enthusiastically during Greek and Roman times. You’ll see the lively central neighborhood of Thission, and pass houses from the 17th and 18th centuries along the way, as you make your way to one of Athens’ oldest areas, Plaka. There, you will enjoy a freshly brewed coffee as you chat about all things ancient Greek.
Your Athens tour ends at the entrance of the Acropolis, where you are free to continue on your own personal exploration, or your local guide can give you advice on the best way to get back to your hotel. Don’t forget to ask for tips on what else to see and do during your stay.
Highlights
- Dive deep into the history of the ancient city of Athens, with a local to guide you
- Explore the city’s many markets and legendary traditions within
- Step back in time and get insider knowledge on the city’s famous landmarks
- Discover Athens’ more recent history and architecture
- Wander around the famous neighborhood of Plaka and sip coffee at a local favorite joint
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please note that this tour does not go inside the Acropolis
• This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed. Please select ‘child’ when booking
• Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform the supplier at the time of booking if you will be bringing a child under the age of 6
• There are few dress restrictions in Europe. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required, so knees and shoulders should be covered
• Maximum group size is 12
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You are required to bring and wear a mask
All participants over 12 years old must present one of the following: proof of full vaccination, proof of first vaccination administered at least 22 days ago, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 6 months, or a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts
All participants who are over 18 years old must present proof of full vaccination. Participants aged 6-17 must present either proof of full vaccination, proof of Covid-19 infection in the past 9 months, or a negative PCR or lateral flow Covid-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before the activity starts
Kotzia Square, in Athina Avenue between the metro stations of Omonia and Monastiraki, in front of the Mayor Building. Your guide will meet you at the fountain in this square.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
