Athens Tour Packages

About Athens Tourism: The birthplace of western civilization, Athens, is a city that should be on every traveler's bucket list. And for these travelers, if they’re looking for a hassle-free travel experience, Holidify tour packages are a great way to explore this fascinating destination.

A visit to Athens is like stepping back in time. This ancient city is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. These architectural marvels are a testament to the city's ancient history and have drawn people worldwide for centuries.

But Athens is more than just its ancient ruins. It's a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a food connoisseur, a party animal, or a beach lover, Athens will give you all.

Travelers who love history - good news! Because Athens is a dream come true for history lovers. A visit to the Acropolis is a must, but the city also has several museums and ancient sites worth exploring. 

Food enthusiasts aren't left behind, too, as this city is famous for its delicious cuisine, fresh ingredients, simple yet flavorful dishes, and love of olive oil. Some must-try dishes include moussaka, spanakopita, and souvlaki. And if you love wine, visiting one of the city's many wine bars is a must.

If you're looking for a party, Athens won't disappoint. The city has a lively nightlife, with several bars, clubs, and music venues. The trendy neighborhood of Gazi is a popular spot for partygoers, with its bars and clubs that stay open until the wee hours of the morning.

And if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Athens has some beautiful beaches just a short drive away. The Athenian Riviera stretches along the coast to the south of the city with some of the best beaches in Greece.

Places to visit in Athens

1. Acropolis of Athens: The Acropolis is one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece. Sitting atop a hill, it is home to the Parthenon and many other ancient structures, making it a must-see.

2. National Archaeological Museum: This museum boasts more than 11,000 artifacts, making it one of the world's most impressive archaeological collections.
Mount Lycabettus: With impeccable city views, Mount Lycabettus is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and relax.

3. Plaka: This charming neighborhood is the city's oldest, with winding streets and plenty of great restaurants and cafes.

4. Ancient Agora: An open-air marketplace dating back to the 6th century BC, tourists can explore the ruins of the former marketplace and the adjacent temples, including the Temple of the Hephaestus. In addition, a museum on-site showcases a collection of artifacts such as pottery, sculptures, and coins.

5. Syntagma Square: The main square of the city, this landmark is surrounded by prominent builds like the Parliament, Royal Palace, and the National Garden.

6. Monastiraki Flea Market: This is one of the city's most popular markets and a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.

7. Temple of Poseidon: Located on Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and take in panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean.

8. Lofos Strefi: A national park and a limestone hill, Lofos Strefi boasts fantastic scenery of the Acropolis and Athens, making it one of the city's best lookouts.

9. Philopappos Hill: Offering majestic city views and of the encompassing areas, this location is home to the Monument of Philopappos.

Things to do in Athens

1. Take a bite of Souvlaki: There’s a reason why both tourists and locals rave about this classic Greek street food - Souvlaki. The meat skewers of Souvlaki are grilled to perfection and served with pita bread, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. It's the perfect snack or meal on the go.

2. Stroll around in the National Garden: A peaceful oasis in the heart of Athens, the National Garden features a variety of trees, plants, and wildlife. This is a great place if you’re looking to escape the city’s rush. 

3. Watch the Changing of the Guard: The Changing of the Guard is a colorful ceremony outside the Greek Parliament building. The Evzones, dressed in traditional uniforms, perform a precise dance as they change shifts. It's truly a fascinating sight to behold.

4. Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus: This beautiful landmark is an ancient half-ruined temple dedicated to god Zeus. This massive structure once had 104 columns, out of which only 16 survived, and stands 17 meters high is a testament to the power and wealth of ancient Athens.

5. Chase sunsets at Lycabettus Hill: Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens, 277 meters high. It offers breathtaking city views and is a great place to watch the sunsets. When the sun slowly starts setting, you’ll get to witness various renowned landmarks such as Panathenaic Stadium, Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and many others all light up. 

6. Take a day trip to Cape Sounion: Cape Sounion is a beautiful promontory home to the Temple of Poseidon. Overlooking the sea, this temple sits on a cliff, making it a one-of-a-kind place to escape the city and enjoy a fantastic landscape.

Best time to visit Athens

Athens is a fascinating city that is enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, which fall between April to June and September to November. 

Spring is renowned for its abundance of flora and fauna, while autumn is a quieter and more relaxed time to explore the city's many historical and cultural attractions. 

Summer is ideal for a beach holiday. But the heat can be overwhelming, with temperatures reaching 35°C, especially in the peak months of July and August. Winter is the low season, with colder temperatures but occasional rainfall, fewer crowds, and lower prices. 

Regardless of when your visit is, you can enjoy an array of activities and attractions that make Athens one of the most exciting cities in Europe.

Ideal duration for Athens

If you’re short on time, two days is enough to explore the iconic Acropolis and its archaeological sites, stroll through the charming Plaka district and indulge in traditional Greek cuisine.

Now for those with three to four days to spare, you can visit the National Archaeological Museum, explore the National Gardens, and take a day trip to the seaside town of Glyfada.

A five to seven-day visit allows for day trips to the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, the ancient city of Corinth, and even the stunning island of Aegina.

A two-week stay or longer would be ideal for those who wish to know the city in and out. This will give you plenty of time to attend language classes, and cooking workshops, volunteer at local organizations, and take longer day trips to Delphi, Nafplio, or the Peloponnese.

How to reach Athens

By Plane: The Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport serves the city 20 kilometers east of the city center. 

By Train: You can reach Athens by train if you're already in Europe. The journey may take a little longer, but it's a great way to experience the countryside and travel differently. The train station in Athens is located in the city center, making it easy to access your hotel or other attractions.

By Car: Renting a car is another good option for exploring Greece alone. Athens is connected to the rest of Greece through a network of highways, making it easy to drive to other destinations. However, it's important to note that driving in Athens can be challenging due to traffic and narrow streets. It's best to plan your route ahead of time and be prepared for some adventurous driving.