Anafiotika

Sightseeing Walking Tours

Discover the cradle of Western civilization on a guided visit to the Acropolis of Athens. Let your local guide captivate you with the most wondrous tales of Greek mythology as you explore this iconic site. Be inspired by ancient monuments coming to life, acquiring newfound context and meaning. First, you will discover the Hill of Pnyx and learn why it is the birthplace of the democratic governing system and the power of the majority. Gain insight into the significance of the historic monuments such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea. Admire the stunning architecture of the Parthenon Temple, understand the importance of the Erechtheion Temple, and listen to the vivid myths of ancient Athens. Dive into ancient Greek mythology and hear tales of love, revenge, infidelity, and passion. Learn about the origin of words like panic and pandemic, and names like Europe, Athens, or Daphne. Be amazed by their true significance, and the marvelous legends associated with them. From the Acropolis, admire the views of the city and see other landmarks worth exploring. Have your guide point out other historic points of interest including Mars Hill, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Zappeion Hall, the Temple of Zeus, and the Anafiotika neighborhood.

After meeting with your local guide outside Panepistimio Metro Station, begin your journey with the famous Trilogy of Athens, a work of the great architect, Theofilus Hansen. Admire stunning statues from famous 19th-century sculptors. While marveling at these miracles of architecture, take the opportunity to talk about two of the most famous philosophers of antiquity, Socrates and Plato. Discuss the god Apollo and goddess Athena, two gods totally different from one another but sharing many more commonalities than one may think. Afterwards, head to the Greek Parliament and the National Gardens to discover the live of Epicurus and his philosophical school, known as the Garden. Walk down the most commercial street in Athens, Ermou Street, named after the god and merchant, Hermes. Take a chance to admire an 11th-century temple known as Kapnikarea and hear about Aristotle and his Lyceum philosophical school. Take a pitstop to enjoy a greek coffee at a cozy cafe in the Thissio area, taking advantage of the location to chat about Pre-Socratic philosophers. Next to the Ancient Agora, discover the place where Stoic philosophy was born in the Poikile Stoa. The next stop will be the Plaka area and Anafiotika, on the foot of the Acropolis with Cinic philosophers close by. While admiring the famous Tower of Winds, learn everything there is about Aiolos, the keeper of the winds. The tour will conclude on the Areopagus Hill with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and some more myths about the Olympian gods.

London, Berlin, New York, or Paris normally come to mind when street art is mentioned. Athens, however, is often overlooked and yet is a city rich in graffiti art. Street art emerged in the Greek capital around 1998. The art form really took off, developing its distinctive style over the past 10 years, particularly as the country’s economic crisis unfolded. This 3-hour guided tour offers an alternative way to experience Athens and take a look at what’s happening at its core. A vested interest in art isn’t required to enjoy this activity. All you need is curiosity and receptiveness to the fantasy, colors, and meanings of the works you encounter, as you look at Athens in a fresh and unconventional way.

Your culinary journey of Athens will take you to carefully selected specialty food shops, where you’ll taste some of the finest olive oil, cheese, and honey available in the city, as well as local delicacies such as pastourma cured meat. On this 3.5-hour guided food tour you’ll stroll through traditional Athens neighborhoods and visit some wonderful pastry shops that serve tempting Greek sweets. You’ll be immersed in the fragrances and colors of local spices, the secret behind renowned Greek dishes, and aromas of Greek coffee as well. The irresistible smell of freshly baked delicacies will lead you into one of the oldest traditional bakeries in Athens. Continue through the bustling alleys of Varvakios, the picturesque fish, meat, and vegetable market. Last but not least, you’ll stop for a taste of the celebrated Greek souvlaki!

Meet your friendly guide at the Acropolis Metro Station, then set out on your sightseeing adventure. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting, and these unique masterpieces of architecture allow you to travel back in time to Ancient Greece. As you wander around the many buildings that make up the Acropolis, listen to your guide’s fascinating commentary about the famous mythological legends of Ancient Greece as well as the era's most significant religious beliefs, cults, and how the some of the city’s modern day events are still connected to this sacred precinct. After your tour of the Acropolis, walk downhill towards the traditional village of Anafiotika. Mimicking Cycladic architecture, with its stark white cubic houses, flat roofs and colorful shutters and doors, Anafiotika is a true hidden gem within the Greek metropolis. Learn about the fascinating history of this unique neighborhood, which was constructed in the 19th century when King Otto, sovereign of the newly established Greek monarchy, decided to revamp the capital. The village provides the opportunity to escape the crows of Athens whilst soaking up views of the city jungle below. Spend some time wandering through the picturesque streets, admiring the many bougainvillea-covered walls, and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

Experience a 3-hour Athenian Tasting Tour while reminiscing about old Athens in the lovely half- light of the shimmering sky. Starting from the historic district beneath the great Acropolis, you will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city's oldest neighbourhoods, Plaka and Anafiotika. Small cafes, and family-run bakeries line the streets, where you may enjoy some of Greece's most popular culinary delights. The famous creamy Greek yoghurt will be your first tasting, followed by a variety of natural olive oils, cheeses, and cured meats. You will also have the option to sample a strong brew of Greek coffee or, if you prefer, a cold drink of handmade lemonade during this delectable tasting tour. Before your guide introduces you to a Greek variety of small appetisers washed down with a shot of Raki (also known as Tsipouro), try a tasty Koulouri (bagel) and Bougatsa (sweet/savoury pastry), both freshly baked and typically eaten as a breakfast snack. After a stop for some delicious dessert, you'll finish off this enjoyable evening at one of the best rooftop pubs in the area. Relax while taking in spectacular views of the Acropolis and sipping a shot of one of Greece's traditional alcoholic beverages.

Get off the usual tourist trail on a 3-hour walking tour that goes beyond the historic sights of Athens. Meet your guide at Syntagma Square, and wander down streets that reveal a rich history with every step. Walk the more hidden routes towards the Parliament building, and learn its history as you look at the guard in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. See the ancient ruins of the National Garden, and continue to the Zappeion Exhibition Hall and Zappeion Garden. Go to the Panathenaic Stadium (also known as the Kallimarmaron) to see the home of the first modern Olympic Games, held in 1896. Continue past the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arc, and the Theater of Dionysos, Herodus Atticus Odeon, and Areios Pagos on the southern slopes of the Acropolis. Follow ancient streets through the Plaka area to Anafiotika, a hidden island inside the city of Athens. Stop for refreshments, and sample a traditional Greek sweet, before going to the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and Monastiraki Square, a popular meeting point with a long history.

Begin the audio tour in the picturesque district of Plaka known for its narrow streets, winding staircases, and neoclassical houses. Then, wander through the streets of Anafiotika, a small neighborhood hidden at the foot of the Acropolis with its white houses and cobbled paths. Learn more about the history of these areas as you explore their charming streets. Afterward, head towards Areopagus Hill, a mythical place with a fascinating history. From here, enjoy a superb view of both the Agora and the Acropolis. As you reach the Acropolis, learn more about the architecture and mythological legends of this ancient landmark. The tour ends at the Acropolis Museum, an impressive building that blends naturally into the surrounding landscape.

Starting from the lively Koukaki area, where Trekking Hellas Athens base is located, we will first walk up the Hill of the Muses and the Hill of the Nymphs with fantastic views towards the Acropolis. Then our walk takes us on the Hill of Pnyx, where we check out the meeting place of the Assembly in Classical Athens — the quintessence of Athenian Democracy. We will also see the National Observatory dating from the 19th century.Our exploration then takes us to the Hills of Areopagus and the Odeon of Herod Atticus. We then get lost in the maze of the Anafiotika district, before we find our way toward the Acropolis Museum area.Next stops are the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and we then explore the National Gardens. We make our way through this historical park, and we will also see the Presidential Mansion. Finally, we start walking towards Lycabettus Hill , which surely offers stunning views of Athens! We pass by the bustling Kolonaki area on our way down before we end our walk in Evangelismos Metro Station. Distance of the walk ~ 7,4 km / 4,6 mi, including uphill parts

This guided tour gets off to a sweet start with a sampling of some Greek yogurt with fruit syrup – a perfect introduction to the Athenians' culinary habits. Next, enter the Acropolis from the south slope to explore the Dionysus Sanctuary, the Asklepieion, and the Dionysus Theater, all located at the foot of the majestic rock. Keep exploring while your experienced guide tells the stories of all the significant monuments surrounding the Acropolis. Take panoramic photos of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the National Observatory of Athens, and the city’s scenic hills: Filoppapos, Mars, and Pnyx. Enjoy scenic views of the city from the summit of the sacred hill. Then, one by one, visit and learn about the famous buildings of the Acropolis: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Nike Temple. Visit Mars Hill or “Areopagus” as it is called in Greek and learn about the historical, mythological, and religious importance of the location. Next venture into the Neighborhood of the Gods – the nickname given to the Plaka and Anafiotika areas. Explore the hidden corners and stroll between the whitewashed cubic houses decorated in the Cycladic style with brightly painted shutters. Learn the secrets of historic buildings and photograph old chapels and monuments such as the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, and the Tower of the Winds. The tour ends in the lively Monastiraki Square, located in the heart of Athens, where the guide will point out Hadrian’s Library, the Tzistarakis Mosque, and the flea market. Here, try some local delicacies and savor the tastes of Greek cuisine.