Athens Sightseeing & Lycabettus Views
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port
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$150
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Acropolis, Athens
The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the 5th century BC, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike.
A minivan transfer brings you to central Athens. You will pass highlights such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Traffic permitting, a photo stop is included.
View the Parliament and the most significant buildings dating back to the neo-Classica period -- the University, the National Academy and the Library from the comfort of your vehicle. From a special viewpoint, you will admire the famous Acropolis and its Parthenon from below.
Continue to the most impressive viewpoint in Athens -- Lycabettus Hill. The highest point in the city, it offers a prime opportunity to marvel at the entire city, the seaside and the Acropolis from above. A funicular ride brings you to the top, where you are treated to a coffee and an amazing vista.
After some wind-down time, you'll hop back into the funicular, descend to the bottom of the hill and head back to the port of Piraeus.