Top 15 Unforgettable Athens Tours for Every Traveler

As the capital of modern Greece and the center of Ancient Greek society, Athens serves as one of the foundations of European civilization. The contemporary city is rich in ancient landmarks, exquisite cuisine, and dynamic culture, rendering it one of the most favored tourist destinations globally.

Guided tours are an exceptional method to immerse yourself in the multifaceted nature of Athens, enabling you to engage with both its historical essence and modern Greek culture. These experiences allow visitors to connect with Athens on a local level, while also bypassing queues at popular tourist sites.

Here are the 15 most recommended tours you can embark on in Athens.

1. Delphi Day Trip from Athens

Delphi holds sacred significance in Ancient Greek history, and this excursion offers a day trip from Athens to explore these historical grounds.

You will have the opportunity to visit the remnants of an ancient theater, along with the Temple of Apollo, the deity of Music. A stop in Arachova is included, where you can admire picturesque views of the Greek landscape.

At Delphi, you will gain entry to the archaeological site and museum, which houses numerous Ancient Greek artifacts. For an additional charge, a traditional Greek lunch can be included.

2. Hammam and Sparkling Wine Experience

Hammams, originating from Turkey, are traditional spas that have also gained popularity in Greece.

This experience is perfect for those seeking to relax during their stay in Athens. You will indulge in a steam bath, full body exfoliation, and traditional bathing rituals, accompanied by oriental tea and Turkish delight.

After your hammam session, enjoy two complimentary glasses of Greek sparkling wine—a delightful addition to your spa experience.

3. The Greek Street Food Discovery in Athens

Greek cuisine is diverse and abundant, filled with flavors and aromas intended to delight your palate. This tour takes you to the hidden gems of Greek gastronomy, beginning with a visit to a local market.

While at the market, you can acquire traditional spices and ingredients to recreate your favorite dishes at home.

You will also explore less-frequented tavernas, sampling Greek mezes, wine, and ouzo. Accommodations can be made for dietary restrictions if communicated to the guide beforehand.

4. Athens After Sunset 2-Hour Highlights Tour by E-Bike

The city transforms into a lively hub after dark, and this tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere throughout Athens.

You will be provided with an e-bike, facilitating quick travel between sites. Appreciate the stunning views from the Hill of Nymphs while navigating through the streets of Athens.

This tour is ideal for those concerned about the city’s hills, as it accommodates various fitness levels. Safety gear and bottled water will be supplied.

5. Athens, Piraeus and Beaches Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Hop-on hop-off buses offer an effective means to garner a general overview of a new city; this is the premier ticket option available in Athens.

Access four bus lines in Piraeus, Athens, Vouliagmeni, and Glyfada. The ticket also provides complimentary access to the Happy Train of Piraeus; during peak hours, ticket holders can avail themselves of free tours around the Acropolis.

An audio commentary is available in sixteen languages, and Wi-Fi is offered onboard to maintain connectivity between stops.

6. 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit

One of the most effective ways to explore a new cuisine is to engage in its preparation. This four-hour cooking class immerses you in Greek culinary traditions, beginning with a short visit to a local market to source fresh ingredients for the dishes.

Instruction will cover a variety of simpler recipes, ensuring that the experience caters to participants of all skill levels.

After your cooking session, sit down to savor your creations, complemented by local soft drinks and wine, alongside an aperitif. Recipes will be sent to guests after the experience, enabling you to impress friends back home with your newfound culinary skills.

7. Sunset at Cape Sounion: Small Group Road Trip from Athens

The southern coast of Attica, the region encompassing Athens, is rich with stunning scenery and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. This tour allows you to traverse the coastlines, enjoying the charming villages and spectacular views along the route.

A visit to the Temple of Poseidon is included, providing insights into Greek mythology. The tour culminates at Cape Sounion, where you can soak in panoramic views of the sunset across the sea.

Pick-up and drop-off services from central Athens hotels are included, ensuring a laid-back experience during this small group excursion.

8. From Athens: Full Day Tour to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra

An excursion to Greece is unparalleled without a visit to some of its beautiful islands; this tour highlights the gems of the Saronic Gulf.

At Hydra, experience the island’s local charm, characterized by the absence of vehicles, before proceeding to the beautiful beaches of Poros.

The journey continues to Aegina Island, where you will visit the Temple of Aphaia and various Byzantine monasteries. A buffet featuring typical Greek dishes awaits you on board, accompanied by live music for entertainment throughout the voyage.

9. Get to Know Athens: Private Tour with a Local

Athens is a vast and dynamic city, and engaging a local guide can significantly enrich your experience. With this tour, a private local guide will lead you through the sights that resonate most with your interests.

Whether your focus is on history, culture, or culinary delights, you can tailor your itinerary with the guide’s expertise.

The duration of the tour can range between two to four hours, depending on your preferences. Transportation via taxi or public transit can be arranged to maximize your exploration.

10. Athens Mythology Highlights Tour

The historical prominence of Athens is undeniable; numerous mythological landmarks punctuate the city. This tour will guide you through the most renowned Ancient Greek monuments, all while facilitating a fast-track entry.

Your local guide will provide insights into the Greek mythology associated with each monument, elucidating its impact on contemporary life within the city.

Included in the tour are visits to the Acropolis and several temples. Additionally, a complimentary city map will be provided for use during the remainder of your stay in Athens.

11. The Greek Wine Tasting Beginners’ Class

Greece boasts a distinctive wine culture, with five regions producing an array of flavors and characteristics.

This class allows participants to sample wines from each region, including retsina, a local variety characterized by its resinous flavor. Local snacks are provided for pairing with the wines, ensuring an authentic Greek experience.

This class is tailored for novices, enabling attendees to gain knowledge on wine tasting and the role of wine in Greek culture.

12. 2-Hour Alternative Off The Beaten Track with a Local

Athens is a highly frequented city, making it challenging to escape the throngs of tourists.

This tour focuses on showcasing a more authentic perspective of contemporary life in Athens, steering clear of typical tourist attractions.

Targeting areas like Monastiraki, Psiri, and Exarcheia, known for their vibrant youth culture and genuine cuisine, this tour delves into lesser-known historical symbols of the city and the influence of the economic crisis on local youth and subcultures.

A local snack is provided, along with ample opportunities for street art photography.

13. Athens Modern Olympics Segway Tour

As the birthplace of the Olympics, Greece has a rich sporting heritage that dates back to ancient times.

Athens hosted the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896. This tour will take you to the Panathinaiko Stadium, which also served as a venue during the 2004 Olympic Games. This stadium, uniquely constructed entirely from marble, is an essential landmark for sports enthusiasts.

You will also be introduced to other significant historical and cultural landmarks nearby. Your guide will instruct you on how to operate a segway, facilitating easy navigation through the hilly terrain of the city.

14. Athens Private Shopping Tour

Immerse yourself in the local shopping experience through this customizable tour of Athens’ boutiques, craft stores, and souvenir shops.

This 3.5-hour excursion involves enlisting the help of a local to navigate the diverse retail landscape, tailoring the itinerary to your shopping preferences while discovering unique corners of Athens along the way.

The tour is available in English or French, and a shopping map will be provided to assist you in further exploration at your leisure.

15. Greek Folk Dancing Lesson with Dinner & Live Music

Engaging in a culture is often best experienced through participation, and this class provides an introduction to Greek folk dancing.

In a private 1.5-hour session with your group, you will learn some of Greece’s most famous dances. Following the lesson, demonstrate your new skills with live traditional music and enjoy a dinner featuring typical Greek dishes.

Wine will be offered to enhance your confidence, and some attendees will have the opportunity to don authentic Greek dance attire. Photographic mementos will be provided for guests to remember their experience.