About this experience
I invite you to a leisurely walk through the historical center of Athens, where under the piercingly blue Attica sky, the passionate and reverent heart of Hellas has been beating for centuries. Walking among the ruins of ancient Greek temples and sanctuaries, through streets with a millennium-long history, against the backdrop of bright, colorful shop windows, inhaling appetizing, truly Greek aromas, you will spend a day as a local, an ancient and modern Athenian in one.
What to Expect
Athens through the ages
The tour will start at the foot of the sacred rock and continue on the streets of the ancient city, which today live a new life quite different from what was boiling here thousands of years ago. Moving from era to era, you will learn the history of the city through fascinating sketches about the everyday life of ancient Athenians. I will tell you what they believed in, what they studied, and how they entertained themselves. I will compare their customs and habits with modern Greece. So, on the program:
- Philopappos Hill - you will climb to the top of the highest hill in the vicinity of the Acropolis. Its more ancient name is the Muse Hill. Here you will learn the history of the Athenian Acropolis and enjoy a beautiful view of its magnificent architectural masterpieces: the light, almost weightless Temple of Athena Nike, the unusual and graceful Erechtheion, the unrivaled perfection of the Parthenon, and the impressive Odeon. And also admire the beautiful view of the city and the Saronic Gulf.
- Pnyx Hill - political center of ancient Athens, where the foundations of modern democracy were formed. I will tell you what passionate emotions boiled here during the meetings of the world's first body of public administration.
- Areopagus - the oldest court in the world. At this, according to Aristotle, "sacred place under the open sky," the highest judicial body of Athens was assembled. You will learn how the sessions were held, the names of the most famous defendants, and whether bribery existed in ancient times. You will also see the panorama of the ancient Agora - the center of the social, economic, and cultural life of Athenians. I will tell you how the days of an ordinary local resident and his family passed and compare them with the weekdays of Athenian "golden" youth.
- Plaka - you will peek into the unusual and picturesque corner of the capital, wander through narrow streets where only one person can pass, climb higher to look at the city from a new perspective, and move to the most beautiful and beloved by all locals district of "old Athens." Here coexist 19th-century architecture, neoclassical houses, and ancient Byzantine churches. Each street hides cozy little cafes and old taverns. You will remember this amazingly atmospheric place that holds many secrets and stories for a long time.
- Monastiraki - a bustling square in Athens with countless souvenir shops, cafes, street musicians. You will learn the history of this place and see the ruins of buildings from the Roman period, buildings from the Ottoman rule, and one of the ancient Orthodox churches. If you wish, you will have a cup of aromatic coffee with a view of the Parthenon and the square and observe the endless stream of people from above.
- Psirri District - finally, we will visit one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, so beloved by the locals. You will enjoy its lively, truly Greek atmosphere and the feeling of a gastronomic holiday that reigns here around the clock. You can get acquainted with local cuisine and desserts in one of the traditional taverns, or try delicious street food.
